Kew Gardens

This weekend I spent working. :( But I did get to do the Pitch Up at work on Saturday where people bring their ideas to try to become partners. Lots of fun seeing all the new ideas, but a very long weekend.

But last weekend I managed to get out and go to Kew Gardens. The weather was hit and miss but Kew is huge and very pretty. It used to be the country home of King Charles, so posh too.

The greenhouse.

Lake

I got there as it opened and went to the Palm House as it is right by the entrance. It was so hot inside I had to wait for my camera and glasses to de-steam. 

Palm house.

And I got onto the balcony around the centre before anyone else, so it was just me.

Balcony

There is also an aquarium underneath.

Shrimp

Demo seeing his reflection

I also found the lily pond greenhouse. It was even hotter inside. My camera lens took about 10 mins to acclimatise so I baked. It was worth it but afterwards I had to lay on the grass for 10 mins to cool off.

Lilly pond greenhouse.

New favourite flower photo

After cooling off, I found some kitchen gardens and a hidden path and garden. All to myself!

Bee!

There is a rock garden and waterfall.

Cacti

I also found some pretty colourful cacti and played with some photos. Mainly because this area was quiet and air conditioned. And they had some lotus flowers. (I only knew what they were because I bumped into 2 guys I saw in the lily pond greenhouse and they seemed to know every flower.)

Lotus.

200yr + old Japanese tree

There is an installation on at the moment called the Hive, designed to bring the message of bee conservation to the gardens. It's weird but fun to look around. I think it is supposed to be the same structure as a hive.

The Hive

Inside the Hive

They also had some towers where apparently you held a wooden stick in your teeth and put the other end in the tower. It then vibrated to represent a bee signal. I didn't get to try as there were queues I couldn't be bothered to stand in. But people made for some interesting photos doing so.

Baby duck

There's more.

There is a house, the summer home of King Charles (not sure which one) and Queen Charlotte. It is free to get in so I wondered through. It's ok but not very informative.

Fountain

The house.

Drawing room

Bridge over the lake

They also have a Henry Moore sculpture. I remember studying his sculptures in high school so it was interesting to see one. I think I drew this one at some point.

Henry Moore sculpture.

I really wanted to climb ups the tree top path. A lot os stairs. The path goes literally around the tree tops. Of course I choose a windy day. A very windy day. And yes, it sways. A lot. I was quite happy to be back down afterwards.

Going up.

Tree top path

The other side.

Everyone else ran away.

The Japanese garden was small but the doors impressive. They don't do anywhere but do look good.

Japanese doors

Unfortunately the pagoda (which I can see from my office) is closed for refurbishment. Though my legs appreciated it as climbing the 10 stories of stairs may have been a bit much at this point.

After this point, I was exhausted and got the train back around to the other side and the exit and sat down for a bit. But I am now a member of the gardens so can go back and see the rest.

Classic Cars on the Green

I have internet!!!! I am slowly getting my apartment sorter out and liveable. I still don't have a bed or sofa but that's for down the line.

A few weekends ago, Hampton had a Classic Car show on the village green. Apparently they have these village events often. (I am looking forward to the film on the green and Christmas.) Hampton is a lovely little place, an English equivalent of small town USA. They were even playing Elvis and swing music

The cars were a mixture. Some I am not sure I would label as classic but the atmosphere was good. Mostly I think it was just for fun. And an excuse to sit in the sun.

The show

Classic

Stretch Caddy

:)

 There were also a lot of charities bringing cars, including Help for Heros.

Jeep

 Though some ... well my car is more likely to be classed a classic. It is 19 yrs old after all.

A classic?

Classic paint job?

?

And some were just fun!

Hippy! 

British ambulance. :)

I want this one!

Electric car-cross-bike

And some of the bikes were interesting. Most seemed to be making very sure they would be seen in the dark. Or could be the origin of UFO stories.

Though I was most impressed with the cake displays. :)

 I think I am going to like Hampton. (Though the commute to Richmond, not so much!)

Settling in.

The last few weeks have been spent settling in. I started the new job a couple of days after moving down here and I absolutely love it! The people are great, the place is so cool and I have been stuck into project start away. Love it!

And Richmond is interesting. They have streets artists out. When it is dry, which granted hasn't been often so far.

Sand dog

And I have already found out the train issues. The downpour last week caused numerous issues and also seems to have taken out my freeview antennae. Got to love the English summer!

At least my apartment is starting to look and feel more like home. I got an Ikea delivery today (8am :( ) so spent the day making furniture and unpacking some more boxes.

Looking like home.

I am probably now set for the immediate future. Though I do still need to buy a bed frame and proper sofa. But that for next pay check! :) I should get full internet in a few weeks so posts will be better then.
Pictures of Hampton to follow. It is an awesome little village with a proper village green and a small butchers which is so popular people queue to get in. And a wine and cheese!
Oh and one of my neighbours has a month of french bull dog puppy. Who needless to say it adorable. :) Life is good.