Sadly and involuntarily, I'm getting used to the 2-day weekend trips, even across the Atlantic. When the immigration officer at Heathrow Airport heard my answer that I went to London for pleasure, but would stay there for only two days, he cast me a look of disbelief. He might have suspected the real purpose of my journey was something unlawful.

Those 2 days turned out to be quite productive, with the blessing from the sky. The only slight disappointment was that a few friends who live there were out of town. On the first day, I spent some quality time with my cousin, who showed me a few scenic areas in Surrey. The second day, I took an eye-opening stroll along the south bank of River Thames. When the weather is nice, it's a lively place full of activities, like a variety show.

In the middle of the photo shooting I had to return to my hotel to meet two good old friends for high tea, and after that I returned to the river side. The intermission actually contributed some points to my score, for if I had stayed on the bank but left before dark, I wouldn't have witnessed the charm of the Tower Bridge at night.

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