When I was a lower secondary school pupil, I saw the Peter Pan Statue on a cover of some magazine.
Since that time, I had hoped that I could someday see the Peter Pan Statue. Therefore, when I visited London for the first time, I went to Kensington Gardens with my friends, although I stayed in London for only two nights. However, Kensignton Gardens is very very large. Moreover, the Peter Pan Statue is very very small. We walked aroud looking for him for a while, but we couldn't find him. We had more places which we wanted to visit, so I felt sorry for my friends. I gave up looking for him.
However, on my second trip ro England, I finally found Peter Pan. He stands on the waterside of the Long Water near Marlborough Gate.

"I have finally found you!" I said to him.
After that, whenever I visit London, I go to Kensington Gardens to say, "I'm here again!"
As far as I can remember, when I met Peter Pan for the first time, I entered from Black Lion Gate near Queensway Station. From there, I walked to the Peter Pan Statue, then to Kensington Palace with my friend.
Soon after we entered the Gate, we met an old woman who was feeding some squirrels. "Look at this squirrel!". "He's cute, isn't he?" we were excited. She approached us to say "Do you want to feed him?" She gave us some food.
There are many squirrels in Kensington Gardens. When you visit, I think that you'll meet some of them.

Left is the old woman who gave us some food for the squirrels. "Thank you for your kindness."

At the entrance of each gate, you'll find a map of Kensington Park. The map shows you where you are and which direction you should go. It is very useful for travellers.
Of course, you can enjoy walking without a special purpose. Especially, walking in the morning is very comfortable, isn't it?

Course 1−−Malborough Gate--Kensington Palace

※Click the photos you like to see an enlarged image.

　I entered from Marlborough Gate and said to Peter Pan, "Hello!" After that, I walked by Round Pond to Kensington Palace(Lower middle & right).
There is Round Pond(lower left), a big pond, and the Long Water(upper left 1,2) in Kensington Gardens. Some waterfowl are gathering there.

Course 2−−near the border to Hyde Park(probably, Temple Gate)--Albert Memorial--Queen's Gate〜Palace Gate

A road(Upper left) runs at the border between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. It's always quite busy with many cars.
There are a lot of trees in the gardens.Upper middle : Among these trees, I found a strange tree which was leaning.
Lower middel : On the Queen's Gate, I found a statue of a pair of deer, mother and child.

(2002.6.19)

Scenery from the Parks-- Hyde Park	Scenery from the Parks-- Regent's Park	Scenery from the Parks-- Battersea Park
Scenery from the Parks-- Holland Park	Scenery from the Parks-- Green Park	Scenery from the Parks-- St. James Park

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Trip to England

I really love London!