Day 4...

So, I have decided that I really love the old buildings that we're in for this program. Who makes these intense wrought iron railings anymore? 

I'm guessing whoever is in charge of painting them fully appreciates that they no longer exist. I've discovered that you can tell what buildings are expensive by how well their ironwork is painted. In case you're wondering:

Hotels = Great paint job

University buildings = not so much

There's a really cute little park right across the street from where we hold class. Well- technically there's a cute little park right across from durn near everywhere in this city. Its rather nice!
Anyway- I got to class early and decided to sit for a bit and hope something photogenic decided to walk by. 

And lo and behold- something did!

In the form of a hilarious dog and his owner. They were walking around the tree lined pathway and at each tree- the dog would run up the side of the tree. Every once in a while, the owner would have to tap the top of the tree and the dog would run up as high as his owner's hand. 
It was amazing! The dog was running like 6ft into the air!

Ok, some of it was jumping too. But as the owner walked by he grinned at me and shrugged "if we don't come here- he does it at home." hehe. I can almost see that little dog running up the walls of a small flat.
I just had to toss that in- look! Not picking up your dog messes could cost between $160-$2,000!!! Talk about a place that pooper-scoopers much be really popular!

So now I'm really interested in the open, public spaces of this city, and there are a lot, with each one being very different. There's one just off Regent's square thats an old cemetery. 
There were people relaxing and kids playing all around these very old tombstones. It was the most intriguing thing to me. I know the british are phlegmatic, but playing around tombstones? Isn't that pushing it?
And yet- space is truely at a premium here (people pay over 220 pounds A WEEK for some flats- the more than $440/week!) so why wouldn't you utilize such a peaceful area? I have to admit that I really like some cemeteries back home, they have great trees, quiet and usually really pretty.

I also stopped by Russel Square park which is really different. They have flower gardens, an arbor, a coffee shop, and a fountain for kids to play in. I didn't want to freak out the parents so I actually just shot the tree I was under- the branches were cool and wavy :-)
Across the street is an awesome hotel. Look at that architecture! And the hotel is actually huge.
See? There's even more on either side of the frame too. I should see if it's really expensive. Maybe I could stay there after scotland... Hmmm
Well- its nearly midnight again and I am planning to get up early and hit the tourist traps in the morning (yay!)  so I'll head to bed and hopefully some more traditional London shots will be up tomorrow!