on London time: Kew Gardens

It's hard to believe-- when looking out the window today at the cold, gloom and rain-- that just two days ago I was basking in the sun while strolling through the beautiful Kew Gardens. I even had lunch outside... with my sunglasses on! Argh and ugh. At least I have my memories. And pictures. Hundreds of pictures.

I've wanted to visit Kew Gardens ever since my first trip to London. While a trip never quite made the itinerary before, we live seriously close now and I knew that I'd eventually get there. I've been biding my time, waiting for the right day to go as the admission

price is a tad expensive I didn't want to waste a trip by just meandering without a purpose. Finally, that purpose came around: the spring orchid show. I had read glowing reviews so, I just HAD to see them for myself. And, it was unbelievably impressive. Literally, thousands of orchids were staged in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. It was like a Georgia O'Keefe explosion.

I have to admit, I'm a bit obsessed with greenhouses and conservatories; when I was a child (and perhaps still now) I found their warm, dewy environments magical. So maybe, I got swept up in the moment. Maybe I, along with numerous groups of cotton-top pensioners and uniformed school children, clicked my shutter one too many times, used the macro-setting more than I should have. BUT, I couldn't stop! It was intoxicating.

You're probably tired of hearing me say this about places I visit, but I would return to Kew over and over. I know I have one trip planned in May with H & E (don't worry, I only saw a fraction- and definitely not the parts we want to experience together!) By then, the main attraction will be the park itself, not just the indoor parts. And the flora and fauna will be at full tilt. I may just have to bring my camera along.

DISCLAIMER : This will get gratuitous. My apologies.