Photo Essay: Discovering Richmond, London’s Southwestern Suburb

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

 

Liebling and I used the spectacular weather this past weekend to do some exploring in our current place of residence, Richmond, which is nestled on the Thames River. People always talk about Paris being fabulous in the springtime, but I’d counter that London is just as fabulous… in the fall.

 Our tour entailed an 8 kilometer walk along the town’s periphery, along a main street then veering off into Richmond’s largest green space, Richmond Park. We spent most of our walk in the park, exploring.

After living in Hong Kong for two years, where wide open spaces are non-existent, it was strange to be privy to such a vast expanse of unoccupied land.  In Canada, I grew up used to such things, but the lack of tall buildings and urban sprawl was still jarring to the senses.

Out of nowhere appeared two bucks.  I couldn’t believe it: where had they come from?  As far as the eye could see, the park was uninhabited by animals.  But for the few humans jogging and/or walking their dogs, we were alone.  I approached the deer with caution and they calmly grazed, unfazed by me taking their picture.

I was fascinated by the thick trunk of this tree. The split makes me wonder if it was once two trees that eventually grew into one?  Or perhaps it’s the other way around.  When I was in elementary school, we had trees much like this one that we used to attempt to climb.  How simple life was back then!

I loved this placid pond, but was puzzled by the green substance that is on the edge of the water.  Is it algae? Various species of birds swam in, around, and through what appeared to be silt, as I searched for an answer.

Hopeless, I moved on, about to quit the pond, when I spotted this mallard duck hanging out in the grass.  I hoped he would get up and waddle, but no such luck.

I then spotted the creature above, loping about on long, slilted legs.  I’ve never seen one in real life before, but I think this is a sea heron.  

Despite being a sun baby, I think that my favourite season may just be autumn.  I love the fresh air and crunchy leaves underfoot.

  Upon exiting the park and getting back onto a main street, we passed by the Richmond Hill Hotel, one of the most expensive and well appointed hotels in the city. These two pictures capture the left and right sides of the hotel.  I love the contrast between the old brick and the updated stucco of the adjoining sides. It seems like a lovely place to stay.

 Liebling suggested we walk along the quay of the Thames River and I obliged. But not before snapping a few pictures of the changing colours of the leaves and the view atop Richmond Hill.

 We got down to the quay and were nearly bowled over by a gaggle of Canadian geese! These guys may be Canadian, but they sure didn’t uphold Canadians’ reputation of being niceThese geese were downright aggresive, taking over the whole quay and badgering people for food. 

Exhausted and hungry, we left the boardwalk and walked though these buildings to get to Richmond’s high street- its main shopping throughfare.

Who knew I could behold such wilderness and pleasantries in what is literally my own backyard?  Maybe Richmond isn’t such a bad place after all… it’s just far from Central London.



Do you like going on afternoon “discovery” walks?  Where? And which season is your favourite?

Psst! Don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook if you haven’t already! Your support is much appreciated!

SHARING IS CARING

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

17 Comments

  • Beautiful! I think if I went to London I would fall head over heels in love.

    I love taking walks…especially in the morning on a weekend when the sun is just starting to rise and it's a bit cool outside.

  • Beautiful images, oh how I need to get to London soon!

  • I do love the transitional seasons but autumn is my absolute favorite. I've gotten into the habit of taking more walks because I started photography assignments. Your photos look absolutely lovely!!

  • Your neighborhood is really nice. Seems like you have a great place to look forward in living.
    I just did some exploring of my own in my new city. I found a great vegan cafe, walked around a bit and soaked in the ambiance. So far, loving it. I prefer to explore in the summer because I love anything summer but this time of year is also nice because the changing colored trees make everything pretty.

  • I love going for walks especially through unknown neighborhoods because you see things in way more detail because of your slower pace.

    New York City, Brooklyn and Queens are great places to take walks.

    Fall is absolutely my favorite season. It's the time of harvest, apple picking and homemade apple cider donut eating!!!

  • @Hannah: I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would like London, so it's a complete surprise that I'm starting to fall in love with it! And I agree that sunrise walks are lovely- if only I could get out of bed to enjoy them more.. 😉

    @Tamra: Yes, definitely, especially before the weather gets cloudy and grey. 🙂

    @caribbelle: Nice! There's something about the changing colours of the leaves!

    @Rhona: Seeing autumn here is making me long for autumn in Canada. I love all the fallen leaves and going to the pumpkin patch in the country…

    @Natural Hair: Yes to apple cider!! I need to get back to New York and explore those neighbourhoods- when I went this past summer it was super hot and I was staying in Harlem. However, I was still pretty close to Central Park which was nice!

  • I can't figure out which season is my favorite. We don't get many seasons in San Diego, I guess that's why.

    I remember what I loved about England were those lush meadows, and beautiful buildings. London has some of my favorite architecture 🙂

  • I love autumn because I love layering (re: wardrobe choices). Then again, I love summer: minimalism!

    I've been to Richmond Hill. Oh wait, that's a burb of the T-dot. Never mind. Great picks!

  • People always refer to Richmond as London,but technically it's in Surrey -Just outside of London.It's so far out,just check the postcode.But whatevs , it's a lovely neck of the woods. 🙂 Glad you're enjoying London.

    Ren. x

  • This is a really great concept!  I don’t hike, but I do horseback ride and being able to keep small amounts of antibiotic cream, for times when me or even the horses get torn up by thorns on a trail ride will be invaluable!
    cartier gioielli uomo http://www.clovejs.com/

  • Great items from you, man. I have take note your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve bought right here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way by which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you continue to care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to learn far more from you. That is actually a great website.|

Comments are closed.