City escape.

Last week was a long week. Ridiculously long. Work was incredibly hectic, the daily commute took twice as long, and the thought of coming home and making dinner or exercising seemed like an insurmountable task to both of us. I sound like a whiner...and I am, I guess...but it was just one of those weeks, you know?  We needed a break.

I love London and everything that it has to offer, but once in a while, it is good to get out of the big city and head to greener, quieter pastures. At the end of the District line (well, one of the ends) is the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is only a couple of tube transfers away, but it feels like a lot father than that once you're there. It still has a city feel, with a fair spread of restaurants, shopping, and local watering holes...just kind of like London with the volume turned down. Our little Schulte trio went for the 2,500 acre park.

Richmond Park was originally enclosed  in 1637 by King Charles I and was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2000. It is an absolutely beautiful area that we only saw a fraction of. We walked to the center of it, where there are a couple of small lakes, and back out again. That took us three hours....

Ready...go!

We listened and went this way.

Not today, dude. Tube riders would not appreciate wet dog.

So mature.

Free roaming!

Can you spot the creep?

We got back into Richmond and made our way across the top of the hill just as the sun made it's first appearance of the day. 

We grabbed a pint and caught the tail end of a cricket match.

After the walk and the train ride back to London, our stomachs were screaming at us. So, as usual, we made way too much food...and then ate all of it. Dinner consisted of tomato gazpacho with chili prawns, salmon with lemony summer vegetables, and a no-bake blueberry and lemon cheesecake. 

That's right...no-bake. Easiest summer dessert of all time. 

I really can't wait to go back to Richmond for another escape from the big city. 

Company!

Last weekend, Tracy and her boyfriend Joey packed their bags and hopped across the pond to pay the London Schultes a visit! Tracy has been my best friend since birth...before birth, really. Our parents were in Lamaze classes together so we like to pretend that we have been high-fiving each other since the womb. Is that weird? Oh well, we love it. Having a friend like her for all of these years has been like having a sister. Someone who is always there, always listens, and always encourages ridiculous behavior. My partner in crime.

They came in on a Friday afternoon and were at the flat waiting for me to get home from work...like the best delivery of all time. We hugged, jumped up and down like three-year-olds a few times, and the weekend began! Mike and I have been reserving all of our tourist outings for times like these, when friends and family come to visit. So we were seeing everything for the first time as well. That may not have made us the best tour guides, but I think fun was had by all.

Typical face when T and I are around each other. Michael is used to it, obviously. Joey, are you there yet?

Awwwwwwwwe.

Tower Bridge.

One of the oldest pubs in London...with a pretty fantastic name.

Check out that tube entrance focus.

Look kids, Big Ben....Parliament.

Westminster Abbey. Gorgeous.

Pride - London - Trafalgar Square

Purchasing the Paddington Bear from the sweetest man on Portobello Road.

It was tough to say goodbye, but we had an amazing time together. A best friend visit is the best way to officially break in a new city.

See you soon, boo boo!