Mini-Mini-Break II: South Kensington (Part Trois)

Just west of South Kensington tube station, Holland Park's south entrance lies parallel to the same side of Hyde Park's. Highly recommended and far better than expected, this was a little gem in my day, despite the fact that things were not yet in bloom. Spring is certainly on the horizon here. And so, we enter...

The magnificent homes flanking both sides of the park were just too remarkable to pass by without photographing. LOVED it here.








Pretty amazing that this house has been around since 1605, non? That was before (LONG before) Canada became her very own country. Gosh, time has a whole new meaning over here. THIS is why I came (as if anyone questioned).






My heart caught in my throat when I saw cherry blossoms. Memories of last year flooded into my mind and a fondness for all things Asian made my little heart overflow. I miss you all so much.






This is the Dutch Gardens. Lovely. Not quite as lovely as what was to come. Twas a very good day, friends.



LOVE the solitary shot. There is something so surreal about an elderly person walking solo that draws me to take his or her picture. Take heed though...this man reappears later ;)

Within Holland Park, there are various parks and attractions. This walking man was just one of them, as was the family that marched along the plank later in the day. Grandpa kept saying, "left, right, left right, HUT!" when he marched past his grandkids. Squealing with delight, the children would stop, salute him curtly, abruptly turn, and giggle their way to opposite ends of the walkway. It was a delight.



Alas, here I was. I had arrived at what some describe as the most tranquil place in all of London. Must say I completely agree. Here was a map that helped me navigate my way around and find this needle in a haystack (if you could call Holland a haystack. I assure you, you could not). Here is what the government has to say about Kyoto. Here is what I saw...

Here is what I was not expecting:



Hilarity ensued when I found these six broads totally ignoring the strutting male. Good god, did we have a good laugh.






Oh, you were wondering who "we" was, right? As it turned out, I followed this man (he's ascending the stairs on the middle right side of the picture) all the way to a bench (don't all good things contain benches?) where I plopped down beside him (after walking 6 km, thanks), and chatted for a bit. Mostly about mating season

Spring has officially sprung here in the fair city.

One last glance before I left Kyoto Gardens for more more more.

Peonies. Swoon. Some in full bloom (though I did have to step far into the bush to see this one, I'll admit. Oh what a lady will do for a springtime swoon).

Remarkably, this was a YHA Hostel inside Holland Park. Though it proved to be lovely, I am quite glad I settled on the place I did. Pics of the hostel where I stayed to follow.

At long last, after several hours in this divine space, I found the pathway out of Holland Park.

Back to Kensington High Street for some more misadventures adventures.

And more to come tomorrow.
I've got to get some rest ;)