Kingston-Upon-Thames

I've added links to some of the places I refer to so if you'd like to check them out, just click on the name. I hope this adds to the story a bit more!

Kelly and Kyle took us on an outing to Kingston-Upon-Thames yesterday. It is a single bus ride from here in Sutton, but it took us much longer than it should have because, for some inexplicable reason, there was loads of traffic! But Frans and I completed a crossword in the Evening Standard that I have left in my handbag from the day before. We were pretty proud of ourselves for completing the "quick" crossword - it took us at least an hour, but we got every last word.

Kingston is a lovely place, and is well known for its shopping experience. Although we don't have money for shopping at this stage in our adventure, it was the perfect winter outing on a budget because all the shops and shopping centers are heated. We started off in TK Maxx which is a store that I would never have imagined existed! It stocks name-brand products at knockoff prices, everything from clothes to outdoor furniture. We wandered around for a bit and ogled all the beautiful wares while Kelly got bought some things she needed. Later on that afternoon, we wandered around the Bentall Center and took a look at a bunch of shops that we don't have in Sout Africa. Although we didn't buy anything, it was fun to pretend!

We also visited a little pub/restaurant called The Bishop overlooking the river. It is styled so beautifully and could be a chic restaurant, cozy pub or cute coffee shop - all with the added benefit of overlooking the river. I have to mention at this point that I am falling in love with The Thames. My train in the morning crosses a bridge over the river between Clapham Junction and Victoria Station where I change onto the tube, and I love gazing out of the window at the water. The sun is up at this point in the journey now, but it's still low in the sky and glances of the buildings making everything sparkle. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

Here's a picture of Frans and I on the River Walk at Kingston and a picture of Frans and Kyle in The Bishop.

I said in my previous post that Frans and I were awaiting a referencing process to be approved for an apartment that we want to rent. Well, it has been successful and we are moving to Acton on the 24th of March - less than 3 weeks time! We will be living close to Acton Town station which will only be a short tube ride to my school and about 40 minutes to the center of town where Frans will most likely be working. It is a lovely little 1 bedroom flat with a bonus of having a private garden! How spoilt are we?! It is also close to Gunnersbury Park where there is a Parkrun every Saturday.