Don's Travels: Last day in London or I've been Kindled

I have just finished breakfasts and already starting to write today's Blog. Strange, but after walking down to breakfast and back to my room, 660 steps, I found my key car would not work. Back to reception to get a new one then back to my room, another 660 steps. I am now in my room writing to you after walking more than kilometre. Good for my health you might say, but more importantly what happened to my key card--it was Kindled. As I approached my room, the first time, I took out my key card with my right hand then moved it to my left holding both the card and my Kindle together. Kindles can be dangerous and have no consideration for an old chaps legs.

Amba Hotel. My room is this end and lifts are one block away at the other end.

Looking back to Marble Arch through which I entered Hyde Park

One of two army groups doing their morning PT.

I am back from a walk in Hyde Park--another 4 km added to my exercise. When I entered the park through the Marble Arch it was 3 degrees and when I returned it had warmed up to 4 degrees. My new hat worked wonders for my head but did nothing for my ears. The things I have to do to bring you this Blog.

Passing through the Marble Arch and negotiating two extremely busy roads you are in Hyde Park. Not only the park but right at Speakers Corner, although not much speaking was happening--must be a warm weather sport.

The park is a large open grassy space with many trees and pathways running in all directions.In the distance I saw the first group of soldiers having their morning PT. I actually heard them before I saw them. I assume, it was their sergeant who was shouting 'gentle' instructions. Later I saw a second group following orders of run, drop, press ups, and then run again. I am certainly glad I am a civilian!

The bed of daffodils, the horsr track and the Serpentine.

Continuing on I came to the Serpentine, the lake in the centre of the park. I crossed through a bed of daffodils, across a dirt horse track and a roadway to stand on the edge of the Serpentine. Using my telephoto I recorded the first signs of spring in this park.

The first daffodil of spring!

Walking around to the end of the lake I found Serpentine Tea Rooms and took the opportunity to move into the warm--sat down and had a coffee and rather nice pastry. From my table I looked up the lake and watched the people and horses walking past. Not that there were very many. I think it might have been something to do with the temperature. Although in the time it took to drink my coffee I did see three policemen, one walking and two horse back.

It is interesting to note that here in London you see the police everywhere. Not just the occasional one but two at time and on every second block as you walk down the road.

Walking back I passed through an area that looked very much like farmer's ploughed fields. A large area known as the Parade Ground was being re-turfed with rolls a turf the size of our circular hay bales. A sign informed me that after a series of successful events this area was being returned to its original state (large treeless grass area) for future events. The funding coming from the event organisers themselves.