Hyde Park

Sunday, I decided to end my very busy week with a trip to Hyde Park. Hyde Park was the former deer-hunting grounds of Henry VIII. Known as London's 'green lung', my favorite part of the park was a miniature lake known as the Serpentine. At the lake you can row, sail model boats, swim, or sit by the shore and catch some rays. In the northeast corner of the park, known as Speaker's Corner, you can hear everything from protesters calling for the overthrow of the monarchy to legalization of marijuana. Any point of view goes here. Also on my visit here I was able to visit Princess Diana's Memorial Fountain and see the landmark Marble Arch (a gate originally designed as the entrance to Buckingham Palace).

I took my time strolling through London's largest park, taking the opportunity to sit by the lake and read, while enjoying the rare sunshine that had crept into the forecast. My favorite part about London are these places that seem to drowned out the noise from the city and let you catch your breathe from the speed and craziness of city living.