Category Archives: London Life

The Royal Hospital

Posted on February 3, 2011 | Leave a comment
Royal Hospital

Royal Hospital

On our way to Battersea Park, we walked around the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.   The Royal Hospital (completed in 1692) is a retirement home for soldiers no longer fit for service, known as Chelsea Pensioners.  Over 300 Pensioners currently live here and are easily recognized in their distinctive uniforms of brilliant red coats and black hats (“The Men in Scarlet”).  Visitors are welcome to tour the Hospital as well as the small museum.

The grounds of the Royal Hospital play host to the famous Chelsea Flower Show each year.  The obelisk, which honors those who lost their lives in the Battle of Chillianwala (1849),  forms the centerpiece.

Battle of Chillianwala Monument

Battle of Chillianwala Monument

Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4SR

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Battersea Park

Posted on February 1, 2011 | 6 comments
Chelsea Bridge

Chelsea Bridge to Battersea Park

Over the weekend we visited Battersea Park.  This park, opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria, is located on the south bank of the River Thames (across from Chelsea) in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Battersea Park
This 200 acre space includes several flower gardens, a small children’s zoo, sports facilities and ample space to run around or just relax.  There are a number of sculptures throughout the park, including Henry Moore’s Three Standing Figures which overlooks the lake.  The park is also home to the London Peace Pagoda which was completed in 1985 by Buddhist monks, nuns and followers as a symbol for world peace.  Battersea Park is one of the many beautiful green spaces enjoyed throughout London.

Three Standing Figures

Three Standing Figures by Henry Moore

Peace Pagoda

London Peace Pagoda

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Borough Market

Posted on January 26, 2011 | Leave a comment
Borough Market

Borough Market

This past Saturday, K and I went to the Borough Market—London’s most famous food market.

The Borough Market offers a massive selection of artisanal products, gourmet foods, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, and so much more.  Not only is it a retail space, it’s also a great place to enhance your culinary knowledge from vendors willing to share their tips and tricks.

With all  there is to see and taste, we managed to weave our way through the maze of food stalls and the Saturday afternoon crowds to find the perfect choice for lunch…The Brindisa Chorizo Sandwich (Brindisa Chorizo served on a ciabatta roll with roasted Piquillo peppers and arugula).  Yum.

The selection of produce and food is amazing but do get there early on a Saturday if you want the space to move around and shop.

Borough Market
8 Southwark Street, London, SE1

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Photography Exhibition of NYC

Posted on January 24, 2011 | 1 comment

Over the weekend, K and I visited The Wapping Project-Bankside to view the photography exhibition New York Sleeps by Christopher Thomas.  This absorbing black-and-white series of familiar landmarks in “the city that never sleeps” are eerily deserted.  The absence of human life creates a softer, almost soundless, city—very much different from the one we know.   A wonderfully artistic collection of photographs.

The Wapping Project—Bankside
65a Hopton Street, London SE1 9LR

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