Today is Sunday and we decided it was to be a day of rest. We were slow to get going. We made a picnic lunch of chicken salad sandwiches. Our destination is nearby Hyde Park and Kensington Park.
The day is cool but it is lovely weather. We have a set walk in mind but discover we veer off to other paths. We see a sign indicating the way to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and we move in that direction. We arrive at a weird monument and hope it is not the Diana monument. We keep going and eventually find our destination. The fountain is beautiful! It is in a circular shape and has incredible variations in water movement. The children are gleefully wading in the water. It truly is a beautiful memorial to Diana’s memory.
We try to find our way back to the original route but almost immediately discover the Serpentine Pavilion. It is a whimsical multicolored plastic pavilion that is a cafe in the middle of the park. It is described in the London Financial Times as “a little pavilion with almost psychedelic tunnels and shimmering rainbow refractions evoking oil in a puddle or a soap bubble.” (http://www.serpentinegalleries.org/exhibitions-events/serpentine-pavilion-2015)
We had delicious champagne as we watched little children run around and through the pavilion loving and enjoying the colors and pathways. We had our picnic in the shade of a lovely tree in the park. We people-watched but especially enjoyed the dogs having a romp in the park. It was especially funny to watch the dogs go after the squirrels. One owner got tired of calling for the dog (who was entranced by the squirrels) and just walked away. Finally the dog took notice that he was alone and quickly ran off to find its owner.
After lunch we visited Kensington Palace. Princess Diana and her sons made this place her home for a time. We just peeked our heads in (did not take the tour) but we enjoyed the gardens. On our way back we found a nice wine shop just around the corner from home with a welcoming man on duty. We bought some wine and enjoyed a chat before heading home.
We relaxed, read, had toasted English cheddar cheese sandwiches and pastries from the corner bakery. We actually stayed up until 11:00pm!