Hey Lucy,
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow. We are averaging 30,000 steps a day, so bring your walking shoes! Wishing you a smooth and enjoyable flight.
Above are photos from one of the parks we have explored: Hyde Park. The green spaces are amazing, and the weather has been spectacular. Highs in the low 70s, with scattered showers and a nice mix of sunshine, just as advertised! Chilly at night, so be prepared to wear jackets and sweaters in August.
We are in Chelsea, ten minutes by foot from Sally and Taylor. The city of London is divided into boroughs.
“Greater London is a ceremonial county of England that makes up the majority of the London region. This region forms the administrative boundaries of London. It is organized into 33 local government districts—the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, which is located within the region but is separate from the county.”
We have been popping down south to Wimbledon, Richmond, and Surrey to look at rental homes. Have also enjoyed time in Piccadilly Circus and Notting Hill. Too many iconic sightings to capture, but a few highlights are below. The public transport systems are super easy to navigate, including rides on our first double-decker buses. Only one Uber ride in a week, otherwise train, bus, or foot.
Made a friend when we first arrived at the village of Wimbledon. Baylor tennis standout Matios Soto. He lost his singles, and doubles matches in the ITA National Indoor Championships versus none other than the Tar Heels! Confirmation here. We will take the tour of The All England Lawn Tennis Club next week with you.
Wimbledon makes me think of our Great Uncle Bob Colwell, the second president of the USTA, then called the United States National Lawn Tennis Association. As a boy, I saw Seattle-based Uncle Bob and Aunt Margaret every summer in Virginia Beach in July, and they were always heading to Wimbledon. ‘Little boy Page’ never imagined living in Wimbledon!
Above was our first trip to Richmond upon Thames by train. Popped off the ‘District’ line strolled through the village for lunch, and then Petersham Meadows trails, eventually ending at Petersham Nurseries. To say that England has gardens is like saying Texas has cattle.
From our Underground station (Earl’s Court) to Wimbledon or Richmond is a 20-30 minute ride, and virtually all of it is above ground. Trains leave every 5-8 minutes.
Below is The Sporting Page, the first pub we visited, and right beside Park Walk, the street Kyle’s company, Park Walk LLC, was named after. Like gardens, there are many pubs. People tend to think of the local pub the way we think of our family room. Just pop in and relax for a while. The beer seems plenty cold to me, but I am told I have not yet ordered a ‘warm’ beer.
The city is clean and easygoing. Not the hustle-bustle feel of New York City, but more like a casual walk around Town Lake in Austin. No horns honking and few sirens blaring. The streets are all tree-lined, and the architecture is stunning and old. In Chelsea and surrounding towns, buildings are approximately five stories, so not a big skyline feel. The trees are taller than the buildings, and (as noted) parks, green spaces, and gardens are everywhere. Mom and I have been working out in a little park next to our Airbnb most mornings, opting to be outside rather than in a local gym. We did a church service this morning at St Mary The Boltons. Our first time back in an actual church since Covid. Felt good.
On Wednesday evening, I spontaneously ventured five minutes down from Sal and T’s place to catch the friendly between Chelsea and Tottenham at iconic Stamford Bridge Stadium. Wore my new Chelsea jersey (a gift from my Autodesk colleagues) and my UNC Soccer hat, fully expecting to land a ticket. Just a little friendly, right? Tickets were nowhere to be found, so I will be going back another time for my first match. The Premier League opener is next Saturday!
The hike below was called the Beverly Brook Walk. We started in Barnes and walked the trail in reverse to Wimbledon, going through Richmond Park and Wimbledon Commons. An abundance of wildlife, flowers, and meadows. There is a nine-hole ‘muni’ in Wimbledon Commons known at the London Scottish Golf Club. You must wear a red shirt or jacket to play the course. Be sure to read the history section. The gentleman in the photo was from Detroit and had purchased his shirt for 24 pounds in the pro shop.
Noticed the date on the spring water when we finished our hike. I suppose that is why we call this the old country! Piccadilly Circus was a fun excursion. I imagine you will love the shopping. And lastly, very bottom, are photos from yesterday’s walk to Notting Hill, where we strolled amongst the bright colored homes and through the huge street fair, eventually ending up at the best margarita maker in London, or so says Sally, before walking home via Holland Park.
That’s a wrap for week one. All-in-all a great start to our new adventure.
