Anniversary of sorts

Friday was our five year anniversary of living in the UK.

When we moved over here we genuinely thought we would be here for one or two years tops but as time has gone on we have become more and more settled, enjoying the travel opportunities of living close to continental Europe and the close friendships we have over here.

I had thought of doing a retrospective blog looking back over some of the highlights and low lights of our five years here but I'll spare you that. Instead here is a video from a favourite band of ours, the song is appropriately titled '5 Years Time'...

To celebrate our 5 year anniversary of living in the UK we had a massive feed of nachos with a glass of red wine each. Jackie had two sips of hers and I got the rest. Afterwards we went for a walk around Wandsworth.

On Saturday we had our second NCT antenatal class which was good, the people in the group are all really nice, we went to the pub with some of them afterwards and hopefully will catch up with them all again before too long.

So anyway, today (Sunday) Jackie got up really early because she couldn't sleep, this meant I could sleep. After a sleep in and a jog we decided to head out to do one of our favourite things, explore a suburb of London that we hadn't been to.

First of all we caught the bus to Brixton, we went to Brixton village (see blog regarding our first visit here) which has now got even more shops. We had a really nice lunch at an Italian restaurant, we just had a deli platter for two and breads so it was quite cheap but was filling. We love Brixton Village and think we'll head back more often to try all the different food options, a few photos from Brixton...

It's where the ultimate jerks hang out

In Brixton Village

We had lunch along this avenue, great atmosphere and delicious food

From here we walked towards Brockwell Park. Brockwell Park was our intended destination but the suburb just before the park, Herne Hill, turned out to be a bit of a gem.

Blackbird Bakery, Herne Hill

Pullens cafe next to Herne Hill rail

Jackie used to go through Herne Hill every day on the train to her old job but had never needed to get out there. Next to the train station is a pedestrianised area with a nice looking cafe, pub, deli, bakery. We continued exploring and at another deli picked up two pan au raison and a drink which we took to the park.

In Jackie's words, "Brockwell Park has everything" including:

• Miniature railway, 
• Cafe
• Hills (not so common in London)
• Tennis courts
• Volleyball court (not so often you see one of these around, it was being used too)
• Swimming pool (they call them lidos over here)
• BMX track (first time I've seen one of those in the UK)
• Community garden including bee hive

Brockwell Park Miniature Railway

Autumn has arrived, some leaves on the ground

The gardens

The 'Kitchen Garden'

I call this one, "Butterfly and Daisies"  

SQUIRREL

No idea what these were, there were some very oddly shaped vegetables

Jackie in the gardens

BMX track in the distance

 After exploring the park we went to the bus stop to get a bus home. While waiting a young lad lost control of his bike right in front of us, crashing into the ground. On asking if he was ok he said he wasn't looking where is was going, that'll do it everytime but I figured he didn't need me being a smart arse. He got himself up and tried to cycle off only to find his front tire was punctured so he had to walk. He was dressed quite well and I could see his bag had picnic goodies, I hope he wasn't on his way to a date. At least he'd have a good story to tell her I suppose. It was only after he'd left I thought I should have taken a photo of him, but that probably wouldn't have been too nice.

So anyway we caught the bus to Clapham Common and walked the rest of the way home. 

Another part of London conquered, we loved Herne Hill and could imagine living there although it's not ideal for my work, or Jackie's so a non starter really.