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Second Wedding Monthaversary
Thanks to February having an appropriate number of days, today was both a month after our wedding and a Saturday, but most importantly it was sunny. A PhD friend was in London for his Birthday so we decided to have a day out in the capital and take in the sights of Kew Gardens. After some debate over train prices (£65 for the two of us - nearly decided to rent a car) we did catch a train with our bikes to Clapham Junction. From there we cycled to Kew Gardens, about 7 miles away, following my iPhone's map. The cycling was just awesome, quick and gloriously warm, but mostly just so much faster than all the idiots in their cars stuck in traffic jams. Fools!
We spent the entire day in Kew (due to the quite high entrance ticket price), and even had a little snooze on the lawn after the warmth of the tropical house. As the sun went down it got a little chilly so we stopped at the cafe for a coffee and lovely apple-cinnamon muffin, then took a late afternoon stroll round the winter garden. The timing was perfect as we chanced upon a weeping cherry plum being under lit by golden sunlight glancing off the pond - a stunning sight. As Kew closed we mounted our trusty steeds bound for Covent Garden but as we passed through Hammersmith we chanced upon a Vietnamese restaurant - Saigon Saigon and took the opportunity. The food was AMAZING and the price exceedingly good (two mains, a starter to share and tea for under £30 including 12.5% tip). If you're in Hammersmith go there! We then hooked up with the birthday part for half a drink in the Porterhouse Pub before catching the train back to Soton.
A truly stunning day - makes living totally worth it.
Our packed lunch spot outside the tropical house
In the roof of the tropics
The blossom under which we had a nap
Daffodils were still looking beautiful
The trees without leaves are quite wonderful
Su in the treetop walkway
An arms-length portrait
Outside the temperate house
Some of the magnolia had burst forth while others were just about to
A dandelion curiosity in the gift shop
The stunning cherry plum blossom
As the sun went down the light just got better
Backlit blossom glowed with renewed vigour
And the daffodils were tremendous
We both soaked in the sunset, lingering over the glasshouse
Our chance sighting of the Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Saigon
Vietnamese noodles - our new favourite cuisine
The largest moon for 20 years over the london eye
[19-03-2011]
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