A Stroll Through My Neighbourhood

A few weeks ago, I promised to share pictures of the neighborhood in London where I currently live, but after considerable procrastination, I failed to live up to my word. This thought occurred to me as I was returning home last Saturday night and, with my cell phone in hand, I decided to rectify this situation.

I currently live in a quiet residential neighborhood that borders Hyde Park, interspersed with homes, hotels and a few pubs. There are a handful of shops at walking distance, and a few Greek, Italian, Indian, Chinese, English, French and Lebanese restaurants nearby. More importantly, it has great transport links being close to four tube (subway) stations, including Paddington, as well as a plethora of bus stops.

Most of the homes date back to the 19th century, although a few date back even further to the 17th century. Based on the historical research I did in the library, the reigning architectural style is classical English baroque with French touches, which I find aesthetically appealing.

In terms of amenities, the proximity to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens provides a scenic running track for exercise aficionados. It also provides a romantic setting for those lucky enough to be in a relationship, and who would like to go for a stroll or a picnic on a weekend. I refrained from taking any pictures of the park only because I intend to do so during the late spring, early summer when its verdant vitality is fully restored. Digressions aside, the neighborhood is also close to one shopping mall, three movie theaters and the Royal Albert Hall where concerts, operas, ballets and shows take place on a daily basis. All in all, it’s a central, but peaceful, quiet place to live amidst the iridescent insanity of big city life, where life seems to take place at the speed of light. So now I can officially consider this promise as having been fulfilled. Only a couple hundred more to go…