Kew Gardens

 

A Proper Good Morning to You

To say that Central London is bustling is to make a laughable understatement. Closely packed buildings, crowded sidewalks, traffic punctuated by honking. It's worth it to come, but it's also worth it to go a bit out of town for some quiet and open space filled with beautiful plant life.

Kew used to be a royal estate beloved of George III and his wife Queen Charlotte, who built a cottage "palace" there among other things. Now it is a world renowned botanical garden and research center and a justly popular tourist destination. Getting there is kind of a pain but worth it. I had to top off my Oyster Card and then set out on a long tube ride.

I took the Piccadilly Line to South Kensington where I transferred to the District Line. Fortunately I found seats on both--and on the return, too, which was great because I had a lot of walking in store.

I alighted at Kew Station and walked down to the Victoria Gate. To my surprise I arrived a few minutes before the Gardens opened and the line to get in was short. I got a discount for being old and set out deliberately walking away from the popular attractions like the Palm House.

One can easily spend the whole day here. There is plenty to see and many places to stop for a meal, snack or drink. I was there midweek, but when I left in the afternoon the park was filling up and there was a significant line to get in. Also when I passed the Treetop Walk on my way back, I heard a lot of shrieking. I would not have gone had that noise been going on when I arrived.

All I wanted was to soak my soul in green and walk under the trees. It was quiet except that Kew and Richmond are under the Heathrow approach for landing planes. I inhaled the sweet, cool, plant scented air. Ahhh.

So I don't have a lot to say. I just walked mostly randomly following paths and enjoying some peace and nature. I did go to the treetop walk, and I'm glad I went early. I pretty much had it to myself. So I walked and walked, and walked some more until my elderly feet began to protest.

Before I left I investigated the shop, which is very classy and Very Expensive. I was curious about the Honey Vodka, but I walked out without buying anything.

By that time it had turned very warm, and I had that long tube ride home. But here I am eating a chicken and avocado sandwich after a proper apero of some Greek olives. I should have butter for desert as I watch the Tour de France Individual Time Trial.

Cheerio