It's A Fun Sunny Day

It's beginning to feel like spring now! Hoping for it to continue the next months. But knowing London's weather, I doubt.

Days before, we were already planning on park strolling since the sun will be up and shining as per weather forecast. Kew Gardens intrigued us and many were saying that it's indeed a very nice place. We booked our tickets the night before and printed it out. We weren't really sure if we can purchase the tickets upon entering at the garden so we opted to buy it online to be sure. It was 14.50 per person. We then searched for the route that we are to use on the day so as not to waste time going there. Thankfully all the tube lines and buses are working that day eventhough it's a Sunday. Woke up early, prepped ourselves, had breakfast and we're off to a fun day.

Rhea, Yric, Mark and I arrived at the Kew Gardens Victoria Gate at around 11 o'clock. There were already a lot of people in the queue, mostly older people and families. We then noticed that we can in fact buy the tickets at the booth. By the way, the garden is quite far from the Kew Garden Station. We passed by many beautiful houses and shops before reaching the garden.  Entering the garden, we were all awed. It was a very sunny but windy day. There were still not much of flowers blooming in sight but then it was a great scenery.

Entrance to Kew Gardens

Frist stop -- cafe. The four of us decided to fill our tummy first before venturing into our stroll. Ordered some cakes, sandwiches and coffee to warm the tummy. Then we're off the our walk. We're determined to cover the whole park for the day, but noticing the photo sessions we had at the beginning of the walk, we brushed off the idea of conquering the entire park. The guide map that was given to us upon entering was indeed an enormous help. We were able to visit (i think) all the main attractions that the park offers. It is a huge park and I suppose no one can wander around it in a day.

Cherry Blossoms in full bloom

We saw the Temple of Arethusa just outside the cafe. Took pictures around the lake infront where alot of ducks were having their afternoon swim. Went up the Temple of Aeolus then down the Davies Alphine House where a beautifully made trellis walkway awaits the visitors and the Rock Garden that is intricately maintained.

Alpine Davies House

Rock Garden on the left, Secluded Garden on the right

Around half past 12 at the Princess of Wales Conservatory, we were joined by LJ who was all famished so we again decided to head on to a restaurant for a quick lunch. We passed by the Secluded Garden where shabby wood patterns stood around a shape (not sure what it's called). Then we're off to the Orangery Restaurant, which we thought would be an orange building but instead a white one. The meal was sumptuous but the four of us, except LJ were not that hungry to be excited about the food.

Not wasting any time at the restaurant, we headed off to the Kew Palace & Royal Kitchens where there's not much to see. The only thing that caught our attention was that the palace is the one that's color orange. Funny. Anyways, we head down to the Queens Garden just at the back of the palace, which I thought was worth admiring. The bushes that was made into a maze with the statues at the back  and the orange-colored palace was picturesque.

Kew Palace

Queen's Garden

Huge tree we saw while strolling towards the Treetop Walkway

Off to the next destination -- Rhizotron & Xstrata Treetop Walkway. We passed by many families in the area since the Climbers and Creepers (a kid's playground) is located at that place. It was a long walk from the Queen's Garden to the Treetop Walkway but we were persistent on reaching that area. Seeing the walkway from afar, Mark was already a bit nervous and was ready to back out but I insisted that he come with us. We did manage to climb the treetop using the stairs (there is also a lift that can be used). Arriving at the top, I was exhausted and Mark was becoming more and more anxious. He ended up staying at the beginning of the walkway while Rhea, Yric, Lj and I took the walkway experience. It was an exciting adventure. We realized that when you are just standing steadily you would feel it shake but when you are moving it's just like walking on a flat platform. Upon reaching the beginning of the walkway, I saw Mark holding the rails tightly. It was a funny sight but then I hugged him for I know that he was really nervous. (Sorry baby if I urged you to go through that. But know that you've been a very brave man joining me up the treetop. I love you!)

Treetop Walkway

Relieved to set his foot on the ground again, Mark was ready to go to our next journey. I teased him when he was looking for the map but then cannot find it. I told him that it was left up the treetop and he needs to get it. He just said that we can manage to go through the park without it then. Funny.

Pagoda

Tired and hungry (again), we continued our journey and passed by the Temperate House. We were not that much eager to go inside so we decided to pass it off and continue to the Pagoda. It was beginning to feel chilly and the sun's almost down but we're determined to finish the walk. We reached the Pagoda where we set up our mini picnic blanket, had some chips and rested for awhile. Around half past 4 in the afternoon, we all decided that it's time to go home. We first headed to Nando's for our last meal of the day and then off to our sleeping place.

Overall, it was a very nice and exciting day. It would be nicer if it weren't that chilly but then the weather was tolerable. We all enjoyed the nature-walk and was well-fed the entire day. Hoping for the next sunny day-out soon!