Sara Across the Pond

Camden and Parliament Hill

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:32:48 -0400

After the zoo, we had lunch in Camden and headed towards Hampstead Heath in search of Parliament Hill. This hill is supposed to have a fantastic view of London. This hill is not easy to find.

We wandered around this giant park trying to identify where we were on our tiny, useless map. We saw the Gentlemen’s Swimming Pond and the Model Boating Pond, lots of dogs and runners, and finally a crowd of people standing on top of a hill. Usually a crowd is a good sign.

The entire park was beautiful, though, and it was a nice peaceful way to spend the afternoon. Parliament Hill was worth it.

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Mon, 20 May 2013 07:29:25 -0400

Hampstead Heath & Camden

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:29:02 -0400

Hampstead Heath & Camden

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Mon, 20 May 2013 07:24:59 -0400

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Mon, 20 May 2013 07:21:06 -0400

A British introduction to giraffes.

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:08:13 -0400

A British introduction to giraffes.

The London Zoo

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:05:00 -0400

So we went to the zoo. On a Sunday. There was face painting and a bouncy house.

Overall it was a lovely experience. There weren’t any animals we hadn’t seen before (still no pandas…) but it was fun! They’re promoting the new ‘Tiger Territory’ so there is lots of tiger hype. Unfortunately, too much hype. We saw one tiger sleeping and the very tip of the ear for another one. The lions were pretty chill — lots of sleeping. I suppose they are just big cats and cats mostly just sleep.

We watched the giraffes get their lunch and we saw some alpacas who were recently shaved. One of them (pictured below) did the ‘dinosaur’ like Bandit does.

The penguins were ultra cute and very personable. One little Rockhopper was standing right next to the glass and seemed to be asking for food. The otters were piled on top of each other in the sun.

The birds were creepy and while walking to see the flamingos we ran into some unnecessarily large pelicans. One of them kept trying to fly away while the others settled in for a nap. Big birds just aren’t okay.

A very thorough cleaning.

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:03:07 -0400

A very thorough cleaning.

Escape artist

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:01:43 -0400

Escape artist

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Mon, 20 May 2013 06:58:11 -0400

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Mon, 20 May 2013 06:57:11 -0400

London Zoo

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:55:21 -0400

London Zoo

Harrod's

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:52:07 -0400

Marie and Dave got here on Saturday - yay!

I wrote a long blog entry Saturday night about our day, but apparently it never published.

After an adventurous trip home from Heathrow, we got lunch and walked to Kensington. We strolled around Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park while Dave complained about how tired he was.

We ended up at Harrod’s and thought it would be fun to go in and look around. Their window displays are incredible and the current theme is The Great Gatsby. Harrod’s, in general, is way too fancy for me. I felt uncomfortable walking around the Jimmy Choo, Prada, Stella McCartney, and Burberry displays. The food area, though, is amazing and less intimidating.

We wandered through the tea and coffee room, the chocolate and confectionery room. The meat, seafood, and cheese room had an interesting smell but the presentation of everything was lovely.

It’s also noteworthy that Dave enjoyed a Strongbow Cider during lunch.

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Sat, 18 May 2013 16:08:19 -0400

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Sat, 18 May 2013 16:07:11 -0400

Oh Becks. I think you’ll do we’ll in retirement.

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:24:49 -0400

Oh Becks. I think you’ll do we’ll in retirement.

I’m jumping on the Great Gatsby bandwagon but in a unique...

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:04:39 -0400

I’m jumping on the Great Gatsby bandwagon but in a unique way. Ballet!

Costumes were brilliant and the music was perfect. My ticket was discounted because of an obstructed view. The only “obstructed view” I noticed was the huge head in front of me.

Otherwise it was lovely and part of me thinks it’s not too late to be a dancer. I might have to stop eating carbs, but it would be worth it, right?

Miss Sadie!

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:47:00 -0400

Miss Sadie!

bravelittletoaster27: Four weeks until the SF Half Marathon! I don’t think my legs are ready for...

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:50:13 -0400

bravelittletoaster27:

Four weeks until the SF Half Marathon! I don’t think my legs are ready for the hills!

Barcelona

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:39 -0400

I spent the holiday weekend in Barcelona enjoying wine and sun. As usual, I tried to fit in as much as possible in a two day period, but I found a way to work a day of beach time in.

I loved visiting Gaudi’s buildings and I regret not having the chance to visit Park Guell. I love his sense of color and eccentric design. His architecture is so identifiable — it made being a tourist easy!

I wanted to visit the Picasso museum but didn’t get a chance. I chose beach day over museum day.

I had a few travel mishaps, but I’m getting better at reading city maps and asking for help. I can’t even recall what it’s like to use my iPhone as a phone. Barcelona seemed to have very few Wifi spots, so I relied on my guide book and signs around me. London feels like a second home and I’m always relieved to come back to English speaking people and an underground route that I know by heart now.