Pictures from this past week

Again, I'm going to post some photos (in no particular order) of the things that I've done this past week. Lots of museums. Lots of sunshine. Lots of grad school orientation events.

The British Library puts Strozier Library (aka my second home) to shame. Pure utter shame. By the way, it is completely awkward taking photos of people studying. It's like they are completely vulnerable. 

On Tuesday, I went to the National Portrait Gallery to see the temporary exhibition of Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon. There were many never-before-seen photos on display, including personal photos from family and friends, which I thought was great. However, if I'm going to be critical (and, I always am when it comes to museum exhibitions), I think the exhibition should have included more photos and information about Hepburn's role as a UNICEF ambassador. Truly, I think that was one of her most amazing accomplishments in life. Anyway, I snuck a few photos when the guards weren't watching. 

Trafalgar Square. Amazing, as always. 

Last but not least, is the central courtyard of the Somerset House. Blue skies and sunshine during orientation should be a good omen, right?

"Local Adventures" - City of Westminster Vol. II

After our walk around Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park, we headed towards Horse Guards Parade. From there, we walked down Whitehall and passed 10 Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, Palace of Westminster, and the London Eye.

If you want to see my previous post of the City of Westminster, go HERE! 

"Local Adventures" - City of Westminster Vol. I

It took my flatmates and I three months to finally find a day to visit all of the touristy places we've been meaning to see. You know, places like Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, etc. All of which are located in the City of Westminster. Just a fifteen minute walk from our flat! We kept telling ourselves that there wasn't any rush to see something just around the corner. We've been waiting for a nice day that wasn't raining, snowing, or constantly blowing cold wind. So we took the opportunity to explore the City of Westminster in full detail on the first sunny day that came by.

We started off at Trafalgar Square, where the National Gallery and the Crypt Cafe in St. Martin in the Fields is located. From here, it is easy to walk either down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace and St. James' Park, or down Whitehall where you can pass the Horse Guards, 10 Downing Street, Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey.

 ^^The National Gallery^^

 ^^Four giant bronze lion statues surround Nelson's Column in the center of the square.^^

 ^^Nelson's Column^^

^^From Trafalgar Square looking down Whitehall. See something familiar in the distance?^^

 ^^Looking down the Mall^^

^^We arrived at Buckingham Palace before the Changing of the Guard ceremony started, so we were able to see some of the preparations by the Welsh Guard, Horse Guard, and Scots Guards.^^

 ^^Queen Victoria Monument^^

^^St. James's Park, another Royal Park here in London^^

"Local Adventures" - Kensington Gardens Vol. II

Just a few more of photos from my visit to Kensington Gardens a while back. You can read my previous post about this place here.

 ^^The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is located within Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park. This circular fountain has a continuous flow of water that makes different sounds as it passes through each part of the cycle.^^

 ^^Tea time!^^

 ^^Prince Albert Memorial^^

^^Statue of Queen Victoria in front of her childhood home, Kensington Palace.^^

"Local Adventures" - Kensington Gardens Vol. I

Let me just tell you, I am completely in love with all of the parks nestled in the city of London. The British are well known for their gardens, and I can see why. On my visit to Kensington Gardens, I was just blown away by how beautiful these urban gardens are.

Kensington Gardens is one of the eight Royal Parks in London. These parks are beautifully preserved, and include many architectural landmarks dotted throughout the landscape. So many people come to these parks for all types of recreational activities. There is so much to see and explore within these gardens. I'm making another mental note to visit all of the Royal Parks before I leave. In the meantime, you can see pictures about Kensington Gardens from last week.

^^It was incredibly windy. So, please excuse the wild and crazy hair in this photo.^^

"Local Adventures" - Notting Hill Vol II

Remember when I said that I wanted to come back to Notting Hill during the day? Well, I did. But only for an hour, unfortunately. This part of London is so beautiful. I would just absolutely love to live in Notting Hill. Everything seems so perfect here in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.