One sunny afternoon in west London, part 2

While it was still sunny, I wanted to make my way to Gunnersbury Park, about 20 mins walk from home. You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnersbury_Park.

On the way things were again looking typically English. The novelty of that is almost wearing off for me.













I came to this:

which sounded better than it looked.



However, Gunnersbury Park was beautiful. You walk off the North Circ into this huge, quiet sanctuary with neverending paths and so many corners to discover. The first part I came to was the creatively named Round Pond (they have one of these in Hyde Park as well) with its 18th century temple. You can just see the Canadian geese (introduced but I think they're more handsome than the native ones).


The park has tennis courts, 36 playing fields, playgrounds, more lakes, even an overgrown bowling green. (It wasn't very photogenic so you'll need to imagine.) After Queensland all that green grass is quite an experience.






This is a ruined boat house (originally a kiln).


The park also still has 2 of the old mansions (from before it was a public park), which sort of remind me of BBC Pride and Prejudice sets, and which might remind Dad of The Lavender Hill Mob, because that's where they shot it!



And ruins of the original Gunnerbury House, which was demolished when the land was divided up. It looks like I've been taking my photos leaning sideways...will have to work on that.

Hello!

Hi family members

I have set up this blog to show you some photos of where I'm living and maybe some of my travels. I would also really like to see your photos and hear what is happening with you all, so maybe if you have some spare time you could set up another blog linked to this one.

Love
Lauren

One sunny afternoon in west London, part 1

Last Sunday I decided to wander around my London suburb, as I hear the sun won't be shining for long.

On the way I saw some of the classic English architecture (over behind the constant traffic jam on the North Circular which is one of London's busiest roads):




And not so classic...I think this must be the modern-day equivalent of boarding up a house to keep out squatters. (You can get a closer look by clicking on the photo.)


I also came across Sid James' old house. It's right near my place -- unfortunately the BBC doesn't screen Carry On re-runs anywhere near as much as the ABC.