Hyde and Seek.

After the loveliness of the church courtyard  I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the flowers in the garden. We took these after Jacob decided to take a walk through Hyde Park. Needless to say, we never made it to the museum... Despite the miserable weather, Hyde park was very much alive with people enjoying the gardens for Easter. There wasnt as many colours here, but it was somehow still equally as impressive with the charm of the Kensington Palace Gardens. Jacob convinced me to hire out some Boris bikes so we could cover more ground. I'm not one for bikes, and was as reluctant as I was wobbly to begin with, but I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy the magic of Hyde Park. It's so huge that you can honestly just get lost in there, wandering around amongst the prettiness of the blustery gardens and stumbling upon things like art exhibits, paddle boats, duck ponds and food carts that fill the air with the sweet smell of caramelised peanuts. I even made friends with a squirrel. It was freezing, but it was a great day. You know what they say.. cold hands, warm heart.

The Church (Good Friday)

The Easter long weekend. We had no idea what we wanted to do, purely beacuase there are so many things that we have had planned for so long, however none of which ever prevailed due to the temperement of the weather in this country! Jacob thought it might be a good day to visit the Natural History Museum, something that had been on the list for a while now. It seemed the perfect place to shelter from the bitter wind that was around today, which managed to find its way through even the smallest nooks and crannies of the 5 layers I can't leave home without wearing. The tubes are forever down for maintenence on weekends, so a bus was really the only option. These photos were taken in the garden of a church that I have always admired, but usually just passed by on my way to somewhere else. We ended up getting off the bus a stop too late and were dropped aright outside. What got my attention were the beautiful blooms that had sprung up in the quaint courtyard of the church. Usually the scape was a blur of green and grey, only allowing the eye to appreciate the actecture of the Church itself. But with spring on the way, flowers were finally begining to poke their sleepy heads up through the chill of the earth and greet the bustling london crowds with firey oranges, sunny yolk yellows and the deepest shades of violet you will ever lay your peepers on. I was craning my head as far through the wrought iron fence as I could and pestering Jacob to grab the camera out so I could take a shot when he dragged me round the corner and into the garden. The sun was forgiving just long enough for us to get some of these shots. I cant explain the atmostphere of that little garden. Jacob said some of the graves were as old as 1790. Being Easter Friday, there was a service being held inside the church with the echo's of the choir ringing out over the grounds. It was beauty in its simplest form.

Seawolf

I've been feeling a little homesick lately, so I was absolutely delighted when I received a package from home! I was even more so delighted to find these little gems inside. Seawolf designs is a Perth based Australian label who make incredible and unique pieces of jewellery. You can see more of Sarah's creations here and shop the current collection 'Cities of Gold' here. Everyone show this little business some love, they certainly deserve it.

To market, to market

After having such an amazing time in Amsterdam, we returned home to an empty fridge and were quite literally skint (Apparently, British slang for broke). All along our high street there are little stalls selling flowers and fresh fruit and veggies.  I got all of the above for only £5 (why have I not done this sooner?). I think I know where I'll be getting my groceries from now on. 

Amsterdam.

Jacob and I were suprised with tickets to this trip as a work bonus. I couldn't have been more excited to skip over to another country for the weekend- living in London leaves the rest of Europe right on your door step which is such an exciting prospect for me! Of course, during the wee hours of the morning at the airport whilst waiting for our flight, my immune system decided to fail. I managed the hour long flight and had just stepped of the plane when the vomiting started. And just didn't stop. Poor Jacob had to half carry my feverish self to a taxi, me squatting every few meters with a fresh wave of nausea splattering into the sick bag I pinched from the plane.  I spent the first two days either in bed heaving, or in the bath shaking, but thankfully woke up on the third morning with an appetite, and lots of time to make up for! Amsterdam was lovely! The chilly canals and channels of water weaving through the streets were so picturesque, and there were flower markets and back alleys full of pre-loved clothes that went for days! Not just that- but the city was so alive. It was full of young travellers, much like ourselves rushing about, keen to soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible. It was short but sweet, Amsterdam, but I will definitely be back.