Richmond Park

              

First glimpse of sunlight in a while.

 We went to Richmond Park accompanied by some other international students we've made friends with. Maja (from Norway), Sarah and Kiley (who I think are both from California) walked with us through the park for an afternoon. It was the first sunny day in a long time and people seemed to be in a better mood. It's amazing what a little sunshine can do!

This is one of the entrances to the park.

In Richmond Park, there are lots of grassy fields, herds of deer, football fields, equestrians, rivers, birds, and gorgeous scenery. There are a few roads that run through it and drivers have to be careful of animals and people that are trying to take pictures. Apparently it's a hot spot for kite flying- even traction flying.

The park was made in the 1600s as a game reserve for a local Lord. Not a lot has changed here since then, besides some roads and paths; however, I imagine the scenery surrounding the park has changed a lot over the last 400 years. I can't imagine that the man who chartered this place could understand its worth in modern London. Its very important that people have access to nature and wide expanses of natural space- something which is a rarity here.

The herds of game have continued to live there and multiply. They do have a hunting season, but I'd imagine that these deer aren't very hard to hunt. We could basically get within fifteen feet of anything very easily. 

                                  

                                        

                                    

                                                

                                     

            

This dog did not choose the right playmate.

                  

                      

My handsome man in the sunset :)