Artist's Playground

This weekend, I spent some time exploring north London, as well as Hyde Park. With in the park, here are over 350 acres of green space, a concert venue, bird sanctuary, and much more! On Saturday, I went in search of an art store to buy a sketch book. Armed with my pencils and some good walking shoes, I made my visit to this favorite site of locals and tourists. Take a look at what I found!


This statue is at one of the entrances to the park. You find all kinds of surprises tucked within the tree clumps of Hyde Park.


This view is of the Serpentine. You can walk all the way around it (which I did). Unfortunately, this is a HUGE gathering spot for crowds. Cafes and stands line the banks, attempting to part you with your money haha. Still, I was excited to see such a beautiful scene.



Welcome to the Serpentine Bridge. You can walk from one bank to another via this bridge. It is a great spot to watch paddle boats.


I reallllyyy wanted to have someone to paddle boat with! :-(


Can anyone tell me what this plant is? It reminds me of a purple pine tree haha. Beautiful flower smells were all around you in Hyde Park. For a time, you almost forget you are in the busiest city in England!


The Princess Diana Memorial lies in the heart of Hyde Park. One interesting thing about British culture is that they do not think as highly of Princess Di as we do. She is viewed as the "one who disrupted the royal house." Still, her memorial is very peaceful. It is basically a big circle with water flowing through it. You can sit along the side, dip your feet in, and reflect.


The memorial wasn't necessarily disappointing to me, but I was just surprised that Princess Diana's life wasn't as big of a deal here as it is at home.



Here is a buddy that I made while watching the paddle boats haha. He came right up to me and just sat there! So cute!



Remember the Serpentine Bridge? This is me about to go under it. I don't know too much about the bridge itself, but I think it's really pretty.



There were so many opportunities for me to stop and sketch. One of my favorite stops was this waterfall. It reminded me of the waterfall in Coffee Creek.




I have seen loads of pigeons and tons of squirrels, but never both at the same time haha. A couple siting on the bench were feeding these little guys.


Time is sure going fast here! I am beyond excited to see my parents, and to show them everything I have been doing in London. After today, I have only six more days of work!
Keep checking the blog. Though I am leaving in two weeks, I have SO many things planned.
In the next two weeks, I will be visiting Groombridge, Turnbridge Wells, Hartfield, and I will be attending a ball!!!!

I'll write again soon!

xoxox