PETALING JAYA: At a time when most would be deep in their slumber at 2am, London-based medical student Ian Soh (pic) was instead getting ready for the day ahead.
It was, however, no ordinary Friday morning for the 21-year-old Malaysian. His plan was to pay a personal tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
What ensued was an unimaginable experience, as Soh endured a 14-hour journey by foot from Wandsworth to Westminster Hall to bid farewell to the Queen.
“Prior to this, my friend and I figured that doing so in the wee hours of Friday would be best, as we could avoid the weekend crowds and those heading to work that day.
“Upon reaching Waterloo Bridge at roughly 3am, we quickly learnt that our plans for a quick visit would soon become a long one,” he told The Star via email.
Detailing the experience, Soh said countless people were already in the queue by then, adding that the line went all the way to Tower Bridge.
“We had to trail all the way back in order to join the line.
“It was both psychologically and physically challenging as well, given how the chilly winds from River Thames filled the air,” said the Johor boy who is studying at St George’s University of London.
Some of the people, he said, were only dressed in a shirt but the cold conditions did not deter them from continuing to stand in line.
“There was also no special treatment for either the young or old. It was a sheer test of resilience for all,” he added.
At 4am, Soh said exhaustion began kicking in, given how they had to continuously stand in the queue.
“An hour later, we finally crossed the London Bridge, before getting caught in a two-hour standstill opposite St Paul’s Cathedral and finally crossing the Waterloo Bridge at about 9.45am.”
He said the standstill at St Paul’s was “a beast of its own” as there were times of shuffling and times of absolutely no progress.
“Amidst the cold and tiredness, however, the rising sun brought comfort to all,” he said.
Following this, Soh arrived at the vicinity of Westminster Hall close to 1pm, before getting lost in another maze there, saying that this added four hours to his journey.
“Here, we were brought onto a lawn which had hundreds of metal frames directing you in a winding maze.
“It was a real test of patience, as you may think you have reached the lawn but instead brought you somewhere else,” he said.
Upon stepping foot in Westminster Hall, Soh said he pulled himself together with whatever energy he had, given that it was the moment he had been waiting for throughout the day.
“I never figured having such an overwhelming emotion once in that hall. There were so many people there, and when you look at the catafalque and everything around, you just had a great sense of awe for the Queen’s achievements over the years.”
As for his journey home later, Soh said it was another challenge.
The tube stations were packed.
Many roads were also closed in preparation for the Queen’s funeral today.
“We had to use alternative routes as there were people all over the streets which made even walking difficult,” he said.
Soh said the entire journey was an effort from start to finish, adding, however, that it was incredible to see how Queen Elizabeth II’s death led to such emotions for days on end.
