green in the midst of concrete

This park is only a few streets over from my house.  I think I'll be spending a lot of time there.  The park is open from dawn until dusk, and there is a little tuck (snack) shop and cafe inside the park boundaries.  I've already sampled the lattes.  

The park, as you go up to the highest point, gives a nice view of the area, as well as the Wembley Arch.  The arch is part of Wembley Stadium and, at 316 meters (1037 feet) wide, it is the longest single roof structure in the world.  Its also a really pretty site when it is lit up at night.  

My favorite part of the park is the dogs.  I miss my puppies, and although dogs are supposed to be on a lead at the park, but many owners disregard that rule, and I don't mind a bit!  Its great to have a dog come running over to you, tail wagging, happy to be running free.  

(I don't really walk like that, by the way!) 

Spring is on its way....

to London-town.  Today was a windy, overcast day for the most part, one of the first in the month that I've been here.  However, as I was walking home to grab some dinner , the wind was blowing clouds away, enough to see the sun and the beautiful blue of the sky.  On my way, I started to see all of the wonderful brightness of Spring!  The parks are green, and now we are starting to see the brilliant colours everywhere.  I love the yellow of daffodils, the white and pink of blossoms on the trees, and so many other plants that I do not know...(horticulturalist I am not).   I came across a quote the other day that I rather like...Bern Williams (I really have now idea who he is) said, "The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created spring."  I like the sound of that :)  

Meandering along the Seine

The Seine runs through Paris, and there are 37 bridges across it just within the limits of the city.  While we didn't cross all 37, it was a lovely day to walk along the Seine to our various destinations.  

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is a Roman Catholic basilica in Montmartre, which is the highest point in Paris.  The church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.  It is surprising new, considering the history and age of Paris, because building for it began in 1875.  This was actually the first stop on our day tour of Paris.  It offers a fantastic view of the city and the streets around Montmartre are beautiful as well.  

Notre Dame

For about a year, I had been dreaming of spending my birthday in Paris.  Yesterday was my birthday, and I spent it in Paris!  From London, it takes about two hours by train to get to Paris, which makes a day trip possible.  Its a long day, but completely worth it.  I definitely intend to take a longer vacation in Paris, but for now, this was a day I'll never forget.  Thanks to my friend Valerie, who graciously accompanied me and put up with my repeated squeal of "I'm in Paris!", I did seven things that I dreamt of doing...

1. visit Notre Dame
2. explore the Louvre
3. see Arc de Triumphe
4. climb the Tour Eiffel 
5. eat crepes and drink coffee in an outdoor cafe in Paris
6. walk the Champs Elysees
7. see the lights of Paris at night

In the end, we did all of the above and more.  By the time we got back to London at midnight, our bodies were tired, particularly our feet!  As one might expect, a multitude of photographs were taken during the course of the day.  Too numerous to post here.  I'll put more up at a later date, but to start, here are a few of my favourites from Notre Dame.  

London-town from the 11th floor

the view from my friend Habiba's flat

ST. PAULS

Quintissential London

Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey....beautiful buildings, aren't they?  

the London Eye

Today was my day off, so I spent it in central london, taking in some of the well known places, like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Tate Modern, and of course, the Eye of London.  I've long wanted to go on this, and today was a beautiful day.  The sun was shining, but the wind was cold and strong.  It was a fantastic day, and here are some pictures!  I'll add more later, but these are all I have time for now....

Me with London in the background! 

Big Ben from the Eye!  

Inside our little pod :)

Portobello Market

Well, I'm now living not too far from Portobello Market.  On Friday, some friends and I walked down through the market.  We were there as it was closing down for the day, so it wasn't too busy, but there was absolutely everything imaginable for sale.  It was a nice introduction to London markets.  I could easily spend hours walking through, looking at everything....of course, the obvious draws for me were jewelry, scarves, books and art....no surprises there!  

On  walking: I felt like an old woman getting out of bed the other day!  I knew I would be walking EVERYWHERE, but I seriously have been walking  at least three hours a day to reach my various destinations.  That gets broken up with some bus rides, but at the end of the day, I don't really need a gym here.  I'm so glad I brought practical shoes rather than my beautiful high heels :)