Sunday, June 16, 2013

Catching Up

After the Trooping of the Colour yesterday, we returned home via St. James's Park. 

There is a large water feature...


...which dominates the center of the park.

I was pleased to see some of famous pelicans that reside at St James's Park.
Pelicans were first introduced into St James's Park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador.  In March 2013, an additional three Great White pelicans - a gift from the City of Prague - were introduced into the park. 

I saw several different birds in the park.  Smews, White Herons, Moorhens, Pochards, Coots (ugliest feet on the planet!), Crested Ducks, Red-crested Pochards, Canada Geese, Mute Swan babies, Mute Swans, Coot babies, Greyling Geese, and the Pelicans!

St. James's Park is also home to the laziest squirrel on the planet!

Today's jaunt included Hyde Park underground station with its pretty subway tiles..

Park Crescent - a study in eye-pleasing geometry.

Several of you will be glad to see that the Sunday dogs were out and about.

This is the Memorial Garden of Rest.

It's on the site of St Marylebone built 1400, rebuilt 1741, and demolished in 1949.

We were in the area to check out the Marylebone Fayre.

Food, food, and more food, crafts, music, and discounts offered from the shops lining the streets.  We popped in to Emma Bridgewater and found that we could not walk away empty handed.

Our walk continued past Claridge's Hotel where a small crowd gathered to see if Bruce Springsteen might show his face.  He didn't while we were there.

We then walked around Grosvenor Square.  This was once one of the most upscale places to live in London.  Now one end of the square is blighted by the horror that is our American Embassy.  How they ever got planning approval for it, even in a post 9-11 world, I will never understand. 

Fortunately I had lots of lovely window boxes and floral displays to sooth my distemper.

We ended our walk at Marlborough Head Pub just in time for a late Sunday lunch.

I had ham, eggs, and chips.  Yummy!

10 comments:

Ann at Beadlework. said...

The parks in London are great when you want to "escape" the feeling of being in a city. You saw a great mix of birds on your walk. The typical English looking bulldog made me smile.

Margaret said...

Fantastic once again! So interesting about the pelicans -- wow! That lazy squirrel is funny! Hey, no fair saying you went into Emma Bridgewater and not showing what you bought. I love her pottery! I want to start a collection.....

Barb said...

I found the pelicans fascinating. I would never have expected to see them in London! Looks like another great day. I love seeing the window boxes.

Mouse said...

wonderful tour .. loved that squirrel that was me Saturday morning ..lol
sooo what did you buy at emma bridgewaters shop then ... and the food looks yummy ....
watched some of the trooping especially the fly past on the tv.... not often I watch ...
can't wait to see where else you get to :) love mouse xxxxx

Annette-California said...

What a beautiful walking tour you took us on today:) Cute Squirrel - looks like hes in no hurry. Thank you for sharing another fabulous day with you and your mom. love Annette

cucki said...

Wow so beautiful..thank you for sharing x

Vickie said...

What fabulous parks! Beth, the White Heron looks just like our Great Blue Herons to me. I am confused?
I see you spotted a pretty, red poodle. ;)

Giovanna said...

The squirrels in St James are way too spoilt, and pretty rude too :-) Nice pics of the different places.

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

I loved seeing the pelican, the laziest squirrel on earth, and those gorgeous green subway tiles! Plus the dogs--I've always got a soft spot for dogs and cats :)

Chris said...

Beautiful. I am loving your trip.