Here’s a throwback post to my trip in London in 2016. On one of our days in England, we visited Bath in a 1-day tour package.
Bath, about 97 miles (156 km) west of London or 90 miles west of Windsor Castle, is known for and named after its Roman-built baths. Bath is the largest city in the county of Somerset, England.
Bath Abbey
We stopped outside the Bath Abbey and admired this 7th century, medieval Gothic architecture.
The Abbey is a Grade I listed building,particularly noted for its fan vaulting. The west front includes sculptures of angels climbing to heaven on two stone ladders, representing Jacob’s Ladder. The Abbey is built of Bath stone, which gives the exterior its yellow colour.
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are well-preserved thermae in the city of Bath, Somerset, England. The Roman Baths are preserved in four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and a museum which holds artefacts from Aquae Sulis. However, all buildings at street level date from the 19th century.
It is interesting to note that the modern ground level is 4 metres above Roman level.Great BathView of the abbey just above the Great BathWater flowBooking.comBooking.com
Here’s a throwback post to my trip in London in 2016. On one of the days, we toured Windsor Castle under a tour package.
Before her passing, Queen Elizabeth was the owner of Windsor Castle, as can be seen in a brochure later below. Now her son, Charles III is the owner of Windsor Castle.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Windsor Castle is a royal residence of the British royal family at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Queen Elizabeth used to spend most of her private weekends at the Castle, which is also used for ceremonial and State occasions.
For tourists, the entrance is on Castle Hill road, where there’s an admission gate to pass through.
We walked up Castle Hill road towards Edward III Tower and entry into the castle precincts. After passing the castle walls, we were at the Middle Ward.
King Charles II statue
We walked down towards the Lower Ward where the St George’s Chapel is. Photography and filming are permitted inside the St George’s Chapel.
Set within the Castle precincts, St George’s Chapel is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings and finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. 10 monarchs, are buried here, including Henry VIII and Charles I.
Lower Ward
After that, we made our way back up to the Middle Ward via the path along the North Terrace. We walked through the Norman Gateway to the State Apartments.
You could see the Round Tower (the Keep) up close.
We entered the State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
The magnificent State Apartments are frequently used by members of the Royal Family for formal events. Follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens as you view the magnificent State Apartments decorated with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the most magical residence in that it is a perfect replica in miniature of an aristocratic home. Designed for Queen Mary in 1923 by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Photography and filming are not permitted inside the State Apartments.
After a walkthrough tour in the State Apartments, we were out at the Quadrangle.
After that, we walked back down to the Lower Ward and exited the castle precincts at Henry VIII Gateway.
St George’s ChapelSt George’s ChapelExitExitmultimedia guidebrochureBooking.comBooking.com
Waffle, a dessert that looks like a badminton or tennis racquet, or a round net. It is a pastry that is BEST eaten with jam, syrup, butter, or ice cream.
Growing up, the closest I got to enjoying a waffle was at A&W Restaurants. Till today, A&W waffles do bring back memories.
As the years went by, the art of crafting waffles developed. Waffle World took waffles one step further. I tried their savoury and sweet waffles. More ingredients and flavours were added to the waffles menu. Their Salted Egg Yolk Waffle was uniquely named. Much like the Chocotop, the salted egg yolk was hardened on the ice cream. It’s an interesting, yet weird mash of salty salted egg yolk and sweet ice cream. However, there was still room for improvement in my world of waffles. I held on to the believe that there are better waffles out there.
Fast forward to today, waffles are hipster! Ate waffles at Antipodean Cafe at Atria Shopping Mall. Ate their Blueberry Ice Cream Waffle and Butterscotch and Ice Cream Waffle. Even though they were as simple as before, but these Antipodean waffles were softer and sweeter. Honey overflowed from the waffles!
Then I was introduced to the waffles at Fluffed Cafe & Dessert Bar in Taman Paramount. Deconstructed their Tiramisu Peanut Butter Waffles. Artsy designs, good use of composition, and the mixture of flavours blended very well together. The peanut butter ice cream went really well with the charcoal waffle. I’m Fluffed!
However, I was fluffed from the inside out by Inside Scoop in Damansara Jaya. Their nutella waffle blew me away! Nutella is heaven! Nutella and waffle mixed together is another universe in itself. The nutella waffle was topped with chocolate mint and vanilla flavoured ice creams.
A special mention to my #foodyfanstravel adventure in UK. The UK waffles were a class of their own. This particular waffle was from the site of the first coffee house in England. This site is none other than The Grand Cafe, befitting of its name.
I can’t believe another 365+ days have so quickly passed… We’re now in the final minutes of 2016! Before venturing into 2017, let’s do a year in review for 2016. I’ve visited many new cafes and restaurants, and revisited many of those “new” cafes and restaurants. I’ve cafe hopped from cafe to cafe, and dined at various restaurants.
These are the places I’ve eaten and drank in 2016.
Fluffed Cafe and DessertFluffed Cafe and Dessert
Moim Modern Korean Cuisine
Dae Jang Gum
Antipodean CafeAntipodean CafeAntipodean Cafe
Streat Thai
Breakfast ThievesBreakfast Thieves
Inside Scoop
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
Sid’s Pub
Was very blessed to have the opportunity to travel to London and Oxford in the United Kingdom this year September. Miles away from home for a short period of time. Different culture. Different food. Wholesome experience. The slideshow below is a summary and snapshot of the foods I ate in the UK. Happy sliding!
All in all, it was a fruitful and foodie year. You’ve just tasted the variety of cafes and restaurants I went to in January 2016 to December 2016, from top to bottom here. Visit my Facebook: FoodyFans and Instagram: foodyfans for more foodie pictures! I look forward to MORE and EXCITING cafes and restaurants to hop, visit, taste, drink, and eat. May 2017 be A MORE fruitful and foodie year for FoodyFans!
