Regents Park

Now that the weather is nice I have been out and about in  Regents Park a lot. 

I really like it because:

• Its got a lot of diversity with grasslands, wetlands, wooded areas, and sports fields. With in each there is even more diversity in pretty flowers and interesting trees. At he center there is a 'secret garden' with a palm tree section!!
• There are a lot of animals especially birds (a lot of bird watchers can be found here). Again, a lot of diversity, and many of them tend to be freakishly people friendly. Oh, there is also a zoo- where you can steal sneak peeks at the emus and lambs when walking along the dirt path behind it. 
• Lot of grassy areas for picnics and playing sports- even 12 tennis courts.
• Lots of Americans - there were eight villas built within the parks grounds. Some of which now house an American University and the US Ambassadors house, where Obama stayed the other week. 

Not sure how this park stays so nice- guess it's because all royal parks are locked up at dusk and reopened at 5am. Here are some pix of Easter inspired flower beds....

Sticks

Went past James Smith & Sons today, an old Victorian shop selling umbrellas and sticks since 1840. Famed for its quality and repair services its products are crafted in the basement of the store, and sourced from small family firms around the UK. Beside the sticks, the interior hasn't changed for over 140 yrs so it is a sight to see. Today they sell men and womens umbrellas, specialty umbrellas (the red one picturesd- cool, but people look like dopes walking around with them), canes, walking sticks, seat sticks (for hunting?), umbrella seat sticks 

(for the unfortunate?) , and folding seats. Of which my favorite is the 'Tripod Crook Handle Seat' a combination between a cane and a folding seat (pictured). 

Definitely worth a visit, but you can also check it out online.

Topshop Kids

Thought this was a good week to put up these photos as Topshop opened it's doors in NYC this week. Saturday is the day when Oxford Circus, in particular the Topshop there (biggest in the UK) is really crazy. It's when all the manic teens come to stock up on key fashion items they've bee aching for all week. Wearing last weeks finds-- they huddle together around the back of the store- away from Oxford and Regents streets- to seek refuge, exchange style tips, and recover from the giant holes in their wallets....