EUROPE 2014 - Part 4 (Paris)

Day 12
Checked-out of the hotel and departed from Geneva Cornavin by TGV at 0924hrs and reached Paris Gare de Lyon at 1249hrs. Then from Gare de Lyon took the RER D to Gare du Nord. It's only 9 minutes and 2 stops. Checked-in at Midnight Paris Hotel, 200 meters from Gare du Nord.

Had lunch at Parisian Cafe just beside the Midnight Paris Hotel. The Cafe was operated by Bangladeshis, one of whom had worked in Malaysia before coming to Paris. Price is reasonable - a plate of Chicken Briyani cost €5,00.

Day 13
The next day itinerary was a visit to La Vallee Outlet Shopping Village. Took the RER B to Chatelet-Les-Halles (1 station) then took RER A to Val d'Europe (13 stations). You can go to La Vallee directly or through Val d'Europe Shopping Center.

Val d'Europe Station

Val d'Europe Shopping Center from a distance

 Going through Val d'Europe to La Vallee Outlet.

Apple Store

Val d'Europe Shopping Center from a distance

Path towards La Vallee Outlet

Entrance to La Vallee Outlet

Day 14
The following day took the Big Bus Paris Hop-on-Hop-off Tour and visit those iconic and interesting places. Its Christmas today.

Gare du Nord Metro Station

Lovers lock

Musee de Louvre. Closed on Christmas

Musee d' Orsay

Printemps

Day15
The next day I visited the Porte de Clignancourt Flea Market. Took the M4 Metro from Gare du Nord to Porte de Clignancourt (5 stations).

Day 16
Checked-out of the hotel at 0800hrs and took the RER B to CDG (10 stations).

Departed CDG-KUL by MH21 at 1200hrs and landed safely at KLIA at 0700hrs the next day. Thus my Europe 2014 ends.

EUROPE 2014- Part 3 (Geneva)

Day 10

Checked-out of Rose Court Hotel and took the London Underground to London Heathrow  to board British Airways BA0730 to Geneva at 1140hrs.

Waiting for flight BA0730 to GVA

On arrival at Geneva Airport, we can claim a free Uniresco ticket (80 minutes use) for public transport to City Center. The ticket machine for free tickets is located at the baggage reclaim hall. Need to provide a valid plane ticket in case of being controlled by the ticket inspection. The non-stop train journey is about 7 minutes. 

The free ticket machine

Checked-in at the Excelsior Hotel, Geneva just about 200 meters from Geneva Cornavin. Hotel is in front of Manor, a department store. This was my second stay at this hotel. I chose this hotel because of its location, clean and comfortable room as well as friendly staff. Breakfast was included in the room rate.

Some of Geneva's landmark.

The Famous Geneva Fountain

As a Muslim, it's not difficult to find a halal restaurant in Geneva. I had my dinner at El-Mektoub Restaurant.

Day 11

The next day took the Geneva City Tour by Key Excursions. Some pictures of the tour.

Inside the coach in front of Key Excursions

The United Nations.

Today had lunch and dinner at Bombay Restaurant. The food was delicious but very expensive. As a matter of fact, Geneva is one of the expensive cities I have visited.

A night out in Geneva. 

Stalls selling Christmas merchandise

Day 12
Checked-out of the hotel and departed from Geneva Cornavin by TGV at 0924hrs and reached Paris Gare de Lyon at 1249hrs.

EUROPE 2014 - Part 2 (London)

Day 6
Departed KEF 0830hrs onboard FI540 and landed at LHR 1130hrs. Bought Oyster Card for use in London. Proceeded to Marble Arch by London Underground.

Marble Arch Underground Station, Oxford Street

Checked-in at the Rose Court Hotel (GBP114/night with breakfast) which is very near to Marble Arch Underground and the famous Oxford Street and Hyde Park. It's a 3-star hotel and the interior is quite dated but the location is very near to Oxford Street and Marble Arch Underground. Had stayed at the Quebec Court Apartments and Cumberland Hotel during my previous visits which are nearby the Rose Court.



Rose Court Hotel



Had my lunch and dinner at Halal Restaurant, Edgware Road. No problem regarding halal restaurant because there are many especially along Edgware Road.

Day 7
The next morning visited the Liverpool Street market. From Marble Arch, Underground Station took the Central Line (Epping). After 8 stops got down at Liverpool Street Underground.

Then headed to Bonda Cafe, a Malaysian restaurant situated at Sussex Gardens, Paddington for lunch. From Liverpool Street Underground take the Central Line (West Ruislip). Get down at Lancaster Gate Underground after 9 stops and walk about 200 meters to Bonda Café.

Bonda Café

Day 8
The following day went to Bicester Village by Chic Outlet Coach - Shopping Express. Booking was made online. The fare was GBP28. The pick-up point was in front of the Cumberland Hotel.

Day 9
Day 4 in London was spent touring London's iconic places most of us visited. Previously when I was in London I did not visit Portobello Road Market. This time I did.

Christmas is around the corner

Portobello Road Market

Day 10
The next day checked-out of Rose Court Hotel and took the London Underground to London Heathrow to board British Airways BA0730 to Geneva at 1140hrs.

Waiting for flight BA0730 to GVA