Windy Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a waterfront city about 84 miles (135 km) South West of London. A friend said, it would be a good day trip destination and less than 24 hours after that we made our way there. Well, we sort of did not have much planned for the weekend anyway.

That's also generally how take up our travel plans. Back in Malaysia, our parents know that most of the times, the earliest they'll know that we were going back (Balik Kampung) would be when we were on our way - somewhere along the PLUS Highway. Anyhow, I digressed.....back to Portsmouth.

There are numerous sea-fronting attractions for visitors there ranging from historic forts and fortresses to arcade style parks complete with rollercoasters. However, when were there, the only thing that is unforgetable is the wind.....it was relentlessly blowing and we heard some shows/activities had to be cancelled because of it.










There are also ferry services to the Isle of Wight. It's the type that carries passengers and cars. Unfortunately, with a day trip we did not have enough time to take the ferry there. Insya-Allah, maybe next time.

An attraction of Portsmouth is the Gumwharf Quay shopping area which hosts a congregation of well-known branded outlets. We made a quick stop there and it is a really nice. The parking for a start is great as it's designed to help you find an empty spot visually from afar without having to drive around looking for one.

Based on our quick look, the prices there are good in comparison to normal high street outlets.








One of the interesting features there is a tall tower that on first sight looked like the Burj al-Arab in Dubai...to us at least. Managed to get a few photos of it and my favourite is the one from a dock (which is actually behind the wet market there - and smelled of fish too, quite badly; but to be able to get the photograph from that angle was worth the stink).










Before making our return trip home, we decided to look for the Central Mosque there but unfortunately it was closed. A lesson for us, if going to a mosque apart from Regent's Park Mosque, make sure it's during prayer times.