My Grandpa

RIP..I love you.

My grandpa is a normal guy in his 90 who had dementia for years. He called everyone including myself 'mama' because he knew we were taking care of him. He passed away on Feb 5, 2010 (on my mom BD). He's a farmer and a sub-district headman all his life till he fell ill. He's a humble man and very generous.

Most of the time he wouldn't remember anything. Sometimes when he did, he would tell people that I'm doing a PhD in England and he's waiting for me. I am glad he's proud of me; the only thing I regret is that I couldn't finish it in time. This degree means so much to him and to so many other people (more than to me). Sometimes I took it for granted.

He had lived a good life. I'll miss him a lot.

London Countdown information, preparation and tips

This information was based on the 2009/2010 countdown

If you want to be at the front row in front of the London Eye, you should arrive the venue at 5-6 pm. The best location to see it is just exactly the opposite of the giant wheel. Get off the Westminster tube station and walk along the predefined path into the river bank. If you want to stay on the bridge, do research the official plan because the bridge might be closed on Westminster side) (it was closed in 2009/2010). You might have to get off the Waterloo station in order to stay on the bridge.

The difference between being at the front and at the side of Wheel is that you will see fireworks from different angles. Some fireworks were 3D. They were fired towards audiences but I didn't see the 3D effect because I was at the front. Seeing from the BBC video, the side view gave a pretty impressive effect, e.g. when the fireworks were fired towards us.

At the river bank on the opposite of the London Eye, it was fully occupied by 9 PM and I think the area was closed down after that. (based on 2008/2009 information, the area was closed at 9 PM).

In 2009/2010 London countdown, there were 200000 people at the venue.

Prepare food and wear a lot of clothes. Do not drink too much water before or during the waiting because there is no or not enough facility.

In 2009/2010 countdown, there were free transportation all night. The Westminster station was closed, you just have to walk a bit further to St.James' park station. After the countdown, wait around the area for at least half an hour. You will find your journey home quite pleasant.

I reach my accommodation by 1 AM. Pretty awesome night and the fireworks were so spectacular and extravaganza. It's worth every minute.

Good luck.