In the last two months, I've been to London twice. I know. Ridiculous. It's like I'm addicted to the UK. I like to think my British heritage (albeit small) has something to do with it :).
Trip 1 was to visit Lysanne, who lived in London (*jealous face*) for 6 months or so. When she went to Canada last year, I visited, so when she moved to London, I naturally had to visit her there as well :). Trip 2 was because.... I had so much fun in London, I just wanted to go again. Haha.
That city never ceases to amaze and entertain me. And even though I go at least once a year, I always try to see something new whenever I'm there.
Trip 1 was to visit Lysanne, who lived in London (*jealous face*) for 6 months or so. When she went to Canada last year, I visited, so when she moved to London, I naturally had to visit her there as well :). Trip 2 was because.... I had so much fun in London, I just wanted to go again. Haha.
That city never ceases to amaze and entertain me. And even though I go at least once a year, I always try to see something new whenever I'm there.
So this time round, I went to the Royal Botanic (Kew) Gardens in Richmond with Lies. I've always wanted to go and this seemed like a good opportunity (i.e. to balance out allllll the shopping we did). At ±£16 it's not really a cheap outing, but in this essentially huge park there's plenty of stuff to see/do. They have these cool Victorian greenhouses filled with exotic plants, a small aquarium (seahorses!), a pagoda, and even a treetop walk (although the one we did in Canada was much more awesome heheh). I really enjoyed Kew, but to be honest one thing that totally ruined the experience were the airplanes flying over every 3 minutes. Since Heathrow is very close, the aircrafts were flying pretty low. The sound really, really bothered me. Such a shame!
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Trip 2 I had a little more time to spend in London. Kew Gardens was on top of my list of 'things to do', and the Swaminarayan 'Neasden' Temple was next on the list. Both are quite far from London's city center, so that's why I've never been. So much to see, so little time! But this time we went. I remember reading about this Hindu temple years ago, and it intrigued me. How could such a building even exist in London?
The temple was beautiful. Absolutely stunning. I'm SO glad we went. Totally worth the trip. Seriously, I felt like I was in India, not London.
It was even more beautiful on the inside (unfortunately you're not allowed to take photos :() The ornaments are so detailed and gorgeous, and I can only imagine how much this baby must've cost. The main dome is richly decorated, and MAN.. it's just beautiful. I'm at a loss for words. Even if you're not Hindu or religious in any way, this still is a very spiritual place. I mean, the cool marble against your bare feet (you're not allowed to wear shoes, I was wearing Saltwaters so no socks), the silence.. I totally felt connected, ya know? ;)
If you're ever in London, near Wembley Stadium, do visit the temple. The temple is free of charge, but for 2 pounds there's this very educative exhibition on Hinduism. Who knew the Netherlands has one of the largest Hindu following in the world?
The temple was beautiful. Absolutely stunning. I'm SO glad we went. Totally worth the trip. Seriously, I felt like I was in India, not London.
It was even more beautiful on the inside (unfortunately you're not allowed to take photos :() The ornaments are so detailed and gorgeous, and I can only imagine how much this baby must've cost. The main dome is richly decorated, and MAN.. it's just beautiful. I'm at a loss for words. Even if you're not Hindu or religious in any way, this still is a very spiritual place. I mean, the cool marble against your bare feet (you're not allowed to wear shoes, I was wearing Saltwaters so no socks), the silence.. I totally felt connected, ya know? ;)
If you're ever in London, near Wembley Stadium, do visit the temple. The temple is free of charge, but for 2 pounds there's this very educative exhibition on Hinduism. Who knew the Netherlands has one of the largest Hindu following in the world?
Ohh London, I love you.
I have so much more photos to share, but let's save them for another time :)
I have so much more photos to share, but let's save them for another time :)