Saturday, 9 April 2011

Do the Pretty Park Rock! Hyde Park: The Plantae "Kingdom" of Disney World (Amusement "Park")

Hello mates!
   I think I just died and went to heaven! Hyde Park is undoubtedly my new favorite place in London. Today was the most perfect day with the most refreshing weather. Because it was a Saturday afternoon, the park was overflowing with people from all walks of life: little British girls who were more fashion forward than me, adorable old couples with their cream walking sandals, trendy Arabian toddlers, exhausted business women, Asian tourists, teens with roller blades and jean shorts, middle aged running men (scantily clad with SHORT shorts)...the list goes on!
   The lake is particularly beautiful. Blue paddle boats smoothly tread the cerulean water. The boats made me think of my London experience as a whole. Work with me as I attempt to make a better analogy--this time around (the lottery/UK healthcare system one was a failure!). So when one sees the blue boat, he or she instantly wants to paddle in one because of the gorgeous view and the overall fun factor. However, when that individual actually paddles in one, he or she learns it takes a lot of effort to "motor" the boat. At face value, studying abroad seems like one endless party. But in fact, it takes a lot of work. I am not on vacation, but rather living a normal life in an unfamiliar setting. I must study assiduously, budget my money wisely, overcome culture shock and homesickness, and carefully design my schedule to experience as much as possible. I hope that analogy was more apt!
    I will definitely make my last post before heading back to the "The States" a type of insider's guide to London, through my eyes. I already know that I will include Lido, The Orangery, and the Serpentine Bar as part of London's treasure coves. Dotted along the lake, Lido and the Serpentine Bar are so charming. Since coffee was the cheapest thing on the menu and I had yet to have a good 'ole cup of Joe in London, I decided that some caffeine would be my best option. The coffee was amazing! I must admit I secretly wanted a Bloody Mary...especially because I was in the land of Mary Tudor, the sadistic queen who heartlessly burned hundreds of Protestants. Also, I needed my daily dosage of vegetables! What better way to fulfill both needs than a gutsy drink! Serpentine Bar is such a gem; I can't tell you how much character this coffee shop/market/restaurant/pig roast hut has! Lastly, The Orangery is the old Greenhouse that was part of Kensington Palace. My dreams came true as I sipped on hot orange Rooibos tea and savored the warm orange scented scone with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry wine!
   Now, I hope to visit Portobello Market and then hit the gym. It is so funny that I intended to warm up in Hyde Park by jogging and ended up leisurely strolling for two hours. At one point, I got a little lost in the vast area that is Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens....but the Albert Memorial was like Bethlehem's north star for me! It's tall, embellished gold statue directed me to Royal Albert Hall...which then led me to Imperial College and home! I have already visited Camden Market...which is so unlike anything I've seen and is probably my second favorite spot in London. Last night was so much fun; I caught up with my first cousin on my Dad's side, Ashley! We had a blast sharing stories and joking around...Until next time!
Cheers! Arlene
   

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