Good Evening everyone!

After having a good day with my friends, it is good to reminiscence other lovely memories in a form of throwback. I have been wanting to post this but, I was busy with some other things that I forgot about my idea of sharing one of my travel guide. I hope you enjoy reading it.

A Trip to the Charming British Countryside

25 July 2013

By Haekal Amron

Journey to United Kingdom last year was a very meaningful day for me. It was the first time I took a long aeroplane flight to other foreign country. My family is very careful in budget for the family to survive in the urban area of Kuala Lumpur.

 Therefore, this kind of opportunity is something that I must appreciate till the end of the world. It took me 16 hours of long sleep to prepare my journey to a new world. The first thing that came to my mind when we reached Manchester is my expectation towards the environment. We are going to see sights that were only available on television before.

The highway looks similar to Malaysia, however the surrounding of greenish trees, and unique stones is a new sight for me. From a hazy surrounding in Malaysia due to the haze flew from Indonesia to a clear air environment made this journey the perfect gateway.

The taxi driver was talking with a weird English accent that I only learn in class of Phonetics and Phonology. He came from Huddersfield and his accent was highly influenced by a mixture of Scottish and Huddersfield accent as his parents were native Scotland speaker. A trip to Huddersfield took 30 minutes via taxi from Manchester. Huddersfield is a large market town in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, halfway between Leeds and Manchester.

It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city. The facilities around the town most are accessible only by cars. There are few bus stops around. Shopping Centres, Markets, University and restaurant are very near to the place we live in. The only problem is to get there; there is only one option, via taxi from Manchester airport. Which might cost you some penny, but it is worth every penny.

My suggestion would be, take a taxi or ask around for tour guide at the counters near the entrance of the airport. If you arrived at London International Airport, It would be easy to get to Huddersfield via bus from London Coach Station. Therefore it is advised for travellers to travel at least with three people to reduce the amount you need to pay for the taxi. Plus, the more the merrier!

My mother’s friend, Mrs Rose mother was married to a Malaysian and lived in Malaysia. This time, her mother cannot accompany her to visit Huddersfield because she is not feeling well. Mrs. Rose asked us to take a trip and have a look around while she took some time to visit her relatives in Huddersfield. Fortunately, mobility and hospitality have been taken care of by her and she is willing to be our tour guide.

We took a walk around the neighbourhood of Quarry Lane to grasp some fresh air. The road sign and the surrounding are well preserved since her childhood said Mrs Rose.

The nature’s touch captured on the green field with two tamed horses.

Mrs Rose lives in Lower Hall Road and often visits here whenever she took a vacation from his work in Malaysia. Since summer season is coming up, beautiful mixture of colourful flowers grew with care. They love to grow trees and flowers because it is a natural remedy.

Signs are up for cautious measure to be taken when walking around. The neighbourhood are very friendly, whenever we passed by the houses, they smiled. Warm welcome and a sense of security is the main attraction of this neighbourhood in Huddersfield.

Windmills are everywhere in this town because they used to depend on farming and harvesting for living.

The flowers are dancing to the song of summer

Yellowish field surrounded with hard bricks of stones. It was said to be dated back during the 1700 says the folks around.

This castle looks similar to a haunted castle somewhere in Warwick. Rumours said that there was previously a Castle Hill Pub near the tower. But it had to be removed because the presence of castle’s keeper ghost was disturbing customers in the pub.

THE VICTORIA JUBILEE TOWER ON CASTLE HILL

 It’s a breathtaking view for anybody at first sight because of two factors. First, the weather is cold and windy. You will be mesmerized by the wind blown scenery as this castle is located at the centre of Huddersfield and at the same time at the highest peak of the town. It was built to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign and was completed in 1899.

My brother and I are catching up with the finest scenery from Castle Hill via tripod.  You can almost see a quarter of the town’s view if you took it from the backside of Victoria’s Tower.

A VISIT TO HOLMFIRTH TOWN

Centred upon the confluence of the Holme and Ribble rivers, Holmfirth is 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Huddersfield and 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Glossop. It mostly consists of stone-built cottages nestled in the Pennine hills. The Peak District National Park around Holme Moss is 4 miles (6.4 km) to the south of the town. We hang around before visiting the Holme Moss Transmitter. Castle Hill can be seen from Holmfirth as it is not far from it.

As you can see they consist of old buildings made of hard stones and bricks. It is a well preserved town with classy surroundings. There are not many tourists outside Europe around this area; it is kind of secluded from the tourist’s hotspots. If you love to take pictures upon old bookshops, cafes and even a witchcraft shop, Holmfirth is definitely the place you are looking for!

Lavender purple flower spotted in the midst of the town! They grew colourful flowers on the sidewalk.

We are lucky to find The Art Market which comprises of various artists from woodcarving, handmade crafts, drawing, statues and art students selling their respective items. It is basically a gallery rented by the organizers for the contemporary artists to promote their crafts and drawings. Unfortunately, no taking pictures allowed inside. It cost me 2 pounds to enter.

Just behind the art market building, an interesting old-looking small house is selling handmade chocolates. They came from various countries of English continents.

 The kind-hearted owner of the shop came to me personally to offer a free tasting session. He even offered the ones that were made using Halal products. He asked me if it is okay for us, to eat any kinds of chocolate. They show respect towards the customers because they do realize that travellers came from many parts of the world have certain things to be considered when it comes to food.

HOLME MOSS

Holme Moss took 30 minutes drive from Holmfirth. There are many cyclists and also tourists came here to take a look at the view and jogging around this mountainous highway which also serve as spectacular lookout point for the National Park.

It feels like the sky is very near to our heart.

On top of the summit, Traditional Ice Cream melts in your mouth and blends with the cold breeze. It will not melt easily because its just too cold even though the sun shines brightly! Just look at her hair, the breeze was too strong that her hair blows as if she had a hair blower and she needs to hold her cardigan tight to ensure it will not fly away. The owner of this stall has been doing this ice cream business for 50 years, and it still taste the same as proved by Mrs Rose. Behind the stall is the famous Holme Moss Transmitter.

In conclusion, the countryside of United Kingdom is a very good place to visit especially for those who seek adventure and those who seek for nature’s calamity. Also for those who wants to run away from the busts of crowded metropolitan. Highly recommended for romantic elements enthusiasts!