A Walk in the Park

Yesterday morning dawned bright and glorious, and we decided to take advantage of the unseasonably sunny and warm weather to head in and spend a day in Hyde Park. We packed a few things for us to picnic on, but once we arrived in London Bridge, the allure of the Borough Market was unavoidable, so we wandered through, picking up some bread, cheese, hummus, olives stuffed with garlic, and a brownie. Michelle then informed me that I had to bring something home from the Borough Market every Friday (the Market is about a five minute walk from my office, and yet somehow I manage not to make it there too frequently).

Afterwards, it was on to Hyde Park, where we stopped and picnicked by the Serpentine. After a good lunch, we rented a paddle boat (interestingly, here they are apparently called "pedal" boats) and went out on the Serpentine. We also had the option of going in a row boat, but we decided that would probably be a little much with kids. After exploring the area between the two bridges, we stopped off in the middle and had some more of our bread - which was also shared with some of the geese and ducks who live there, and we soon acquired a little following. Even when we started to paddle off, they were chasing after the boat.

Once we returned the boat, we rested on the grass for a while, before going to the Princess Diana Memorial. The Memorial is actually a circular water-feature, where you can take off your shoes, put your feet in the water, and rest for a bit. We've been there before, and of course, like any water thing, the kids really seem to enjoy it, although I do wonder exactly how it's supposed to be a reminder of Princess Diana.

After everyone's feet dried off, we put our shoes back on, and I led everyone a winding route through some of the posher areas of London to Harrod's for ice cream. And then it was home for the evening.

After working with Picasa for a bit, Mich found a way this morning to create slideshows, so I'm trying it out. Enjoy!