That Bloke In The Big Smoke

DID YOU KNOW? -- 55% of the London Underground network is actually above the ground!

The UK is/was under imminent attack this weekend, but you'd've found it difficult to believe the same on the ground. I traveled around the city by bus, train and even underground, but there wasn't any noticeable increase in security, or decrease in passenger volumes. If anything, the tube journey from Kings Cross to London Bridge on Saturday morning/afternoon, was busier than usual. Life goes on.

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The ATM celebrated its 40th anniversary on June 27th. What's really cool is that the world's first ATM was installed at a Barclays Bank branch in Enfield Town. And who banks at Barclays Bank in Enfield Town? Me and my family! As it happens, the first ATM my dad ever used (in 1980) was the same one installed by John Shepherd-Barron in 1967. (Well, not exactly the same ATM, but the updated version in the same location). I have also opened my first British bank account at the same Barclays branch and what's more, its historical ATM is the only one I've used since arriving here. Each time I use it, I feel like I'm a part of (its) history. (See pic below)

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Thanks to living in the UK now, I've been able to watch Wimbledon LIVE, online, and for free! And it's not just one match, but three separate live streams. There's even a separate stream for watching specific-day summary capsules. How cool is that? Apparently, the Beeb relays all its sporting broadcasts for free online, but it's a pity they don't have a monopoly on British sports anymore. That said, Channel 4 has a free online service as well but I don't think they show sporting stuff. Either way, with a new registration at UK Nova and the existing free services, I can delay getting a Tele and paying those damn license fees.

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Last weekend, I went out with some friends to Central London. We ate dinner at this American Steak House called Bodean's. I recommend it for anybody who loves meat and American sports. They show all major NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA games LIVE. It's just off Soho. Later that night we went to a nightclub off Oxford Street called Mo*vida. It's not your typical nightclub as entrance is either members-only or £20 ($40). Luckily for me, one of my friends saved the life of the owner's son last New Year's (no joke) and got a year's worth of free membership. The membership normally costs £500 ($1000). My friend can take one guest for free and it happened to be me that night! Anyways, usually when you pay such a high cover, you expect the drinks to be somewhat reasonable. Not Mo*vida. Heineken's are £5 ($10) each and a shot of tequila is £8.50 ($17). It's expensive but classy and very popular with celebrities. On the night we went, I saw Michelle Yeoh and Jesse Metcalfe. Stupid as I was, I spurned an opportunity to hit the VIP room just as we were waiting in line to get into it. What was I thinking? Prince William could've been there. He's known to hit it up from time-to-time!

And finally, as I had promised some weeks ago: the first installment of pictures I've taken from around the world. The theme for this post is Dubai which my family and I visited at the end of last year! In the next installment, look forward to some Shanghai!

Till then, Cheerio!

( Pictures! )

Last month, BBC 2 aired a six part series called Dubai Dreams. I downloaded them earlier this week and since sharing is caring, I'm currently in the process of uploading them onto Send Space.

It's one thing to visit and observe one of the fastest growing cities in the world but something else to see it all, and more on TV.

Social issues aside, Dubai is an inspiration to those who don't dare to dream, but dare to make dreams come true. I'm sad I could only spend two days there but in that time, thanks to the wonderful evening of karaoke with dubaiwalla, chu_hi, antivert, and istara, it's a weekend I won't forget too easily.

In the Muslim faith, one of the five pillars includes a non-negotiable journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. To me at least, Dubai is one of the pillars of a faith built on capitalism in its finest hour mixed with a heavy dose of outrageous imagination. If you don't visit Dubai in this lifetime, may Almighty have mercy on your soul. :)

Not convinced? Perhaps you should check out what the fuss is about, amateurish photography notwithstanding...

( The 22nd century begins here )