It is nice to be in an English speaking country: after so long

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We can understand everyone! - AND they drive on the left hand side of the road. Eurostar all good and we are snugged up in a little studio near Simon and Sophie's place. Nick arrived last night bearing Belgium chocolates and played for ages with the two little girls, Clara and Fleur. Today was a freezing day in London so we had to go and buy new coats!

Visited Chiswick house and the surrounding gardens where there was an amazing display for the Magical Lantern Festival and a conservatory housing the oldest camellia collection outside of China. All in full flower and some with 50 cm thick trunks. The cost for a seedling of one rare species in there was 5 pounds 5 shillings, equivalent to a maid servants wages for six months! Both Chiswick house and the conservatory fell into disrepair after the war and have been restored by the Historical a Society of England. Originally designed and constructed by Lord Burlington in the 1700s, chiswick house was a showcase for London society and had an unprecedented art collection obtained in trips to Italy. The gardens were also filled with wild animals, lions, elephants, giraffes and kangaroos to name a few.

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Photos

Puzzle time
Following in the jigsaw tradition

Front of Chiswick House
We broke from tradition and took the trip into the interior: amazing history and wonderful art work collection. Sadly no photos allowed.

Garden statues
Part of a collection from Italy bought by Lord Burlingham

Pho use designed by Lord Burlingham
Asked on Italian architectural ideas in 1700s

Port: entrance to gardens
One of several

Fairyland lanterns
All these are lit up at night and are apparently amazing to see

Garden vista: lake with bridge
The lanterns were integrated into,the garden areas in a delightful way

Peacock lantern
Spot the personalities behind the peacock!

Conservatory
Was nearly destroyed in the war but thankfully restored by the historical society

Comments

[Deb M]

Hi
Looking very relaxed - the lifestyle must be agreeing with you. Love to one and all, xxx Deb

[Michanna]

Relaxed
Yes it is great to catch up with nick as well