Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Summer has finally arrived and yes the temperature has made it to 30 degrees.
Epsom Races.

It wasn't the nicest of days for one of the most prestigous race days on the social calendar. Lucky for us we had bought tickets into the Lonsdale enclosure which didn't have a dress code. Ponchos out and strappy shoes not recommended.

Our section was on the finish line and across from the Queens enclosure. After she arrived we didn't see her again until the main race.
It was cold and wet.
Our enclosure in the centre of the track
Must protect the food
Glastonbury or Races?
Champagne for the big race
Looking at the weather before the big race
Much stricter dress code in the Queens enclosure
The divot dudes make a return
Wimbledon

We read all the different ways to get tickets and had decided to go and join 'The Queue' early (about 6am) on the second day when Steve saw an advert for the sale of unwanted Debenture tickets. They are released 2 days ahead at midday so both of us had a computer and watched the BBC news count down to 12:00. Woo hoo, we get to sleep in and sit on centre court! For the record we tried to get 2 more tickets for friends of ours but they had sold out in 90sec.
We got there at 10:30, so we had some time before the matches started at midday and even then play was only on the outside courts. This gave us a chance to bag a seat for Sam Stosur's match. The crowd was 90% aussie. When we left after the first set (which Stosur won), there was a crowd surge for our 2 seats.
Centre court
Roddick serving - please note that Claire took this photo!!!!
Venus Williams after a fairly easy match
Murray warming up
Murray celebrating
Relaxing on 'Henman Hill' or 'Murray Mound' during Venus's match So close yet so far. We found Federer on the practice courts, and then tried for an autograph but had to surrender the fence to the children.
Umpires swap out. The old man was challenged by Murray on numerous occasions but experience showed through in the end.
The change of balls routine is one the kids have practiced!!
We have about 10 days left in London before we embark on the trip home. Stay tuned...

Friday, May 08, 2009

LONDON

Here is another selection of photos from in and around London.

We went to Last Night of the Proms. The main event is held inside Royal Albert Hall, but they also hold a separate concert in Hyde Park. They also televise the official finale.
Sunrise from our apartment.
Walking through Hyde Park one night.
Claire's work Christmas party.
Chinese New Year in our street.
Valentine's Day daffodil plant. Days 1, 5 and 10
Visit to the HMS Belfast.
Dover Castle.
Underground war tunnel at Dover Castle
Cliff walk in Dover.
Thames Path - Richmond to Kingston
Kingston Bridge
London Loop - Kingston to Teddington. Leg of Mutton Pond.
Heron Pond
Deer in Bushy Park.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas 2008


On Christmas morning we first headed over to the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park for the Peter Pan Cup. This event is a handicapped race over one lap of the Lido (pool). The only rules seem to be that you are a member of the club and have participated in the winter season up to Christmas. There are no wetsuits!


The crowd on the side was rugged up in coats, scarves and hats and many people were sipping on warm drinks they had brought along. The entrants appeared on the pontoon in a variety of swimsuits, with our favourite being the stripy all-in-one.

Even the pets were decked out in christmas spirit

The first ones out on the pontoon


About half the competitors

This guy was off scratch so spent the longest time in the water.

It was 6 degrees out of the water, the reactions of the swimmers confirmed it was colder in the water

The winner

A cute statue we saw on the walk home


For lunch we went to a friends place where they went all out with a Turkey and all the trimmings. There were veges planned but we ran out of time and bowls. Our thanks to Deon, the meat was fabulous!
So we saw Santa at the Harrods Christmas Parade a few weeks earlier but it felt right putting it here


The REAL Christmas Tree.

The plan for cooking. It's amazing what can fit in one little oven!


One little Bar Fridge just can't cope with 10 for lunch so the roof was used for drinks and dessert. Very effective.


Master chef Deon

We hope that everyone had a great day and is looking forward to 2009 as much as we are.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!