Gabi On The Go: A family day

This sunny Sunday was a perfect day to go to the most famous park in London: Hyde Park.

Right at the entrance someone was giving a free speech at the Speaker's Corner.

He was talking about one of Europe's hot topics: immigration and although I totally disagree with him, it was a civilized way to have a debate.

It's an excellent democratic exercise, especially when we see so much intolerance nowadays.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speakers%27_Corner

A Speakers' Corner is an area where open-air public speaking, debate and discussion are allowed. The original and most noted is in the northeast corner of Hyde Park in London, UK. Speakers here may talk on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful, although this right is not restricted to Speakers' Corner only. Contrary to popular belief, there is no immunity from the law, nor are any subjects proscribed, but in practice the police tend to be tolerant and therefore intervene only when they receive a complaint. On some occasions in the past, they have intervened on grounds of profanity.

Right away we met up with Mike's cool and funny cousin Tommy, his lovely wife Kristina and their adorable baby James. This sweet Canadian family has been in London for three years, and it was great to hear their perspectives about living in England.

The girls LOVED hanging out with Tommy and his family.

And we were happy to see them too.

I know this is a lame image, but I could not resist... the two swans in love. :)

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyde_Park,_London

Hyde Park is a Grade I-registered major park in Central London. It is the largest of four Royal Parks that form a chain from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace. The park is divided by the Serpentine and the Long Water.

The park was established by Henry VIII in 1536 when he took the land from Westminster Abbey and used it as a hunting ground. It opened to the public in 1637 and quickly became popular, particularly for May Day parades. Major improvements occurred in the early 18th century under the direction of Queen Caroline. Several duels took place in Hyde Park during this time, often involving members of the nobility. The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held in the park, for which the Crystal Palace, designed by Joseph Paxton, was erected.

It's all about the children when you are travelling with two young kids, so we spent a lot of time at Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

The girls had a blast.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana,_Princess_of_Wales_Memorial_Fountain

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is a memorial in London dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash in 1997. It was designed to express Diana's spirit and love of children.

The fountain is located in the southwest corner of Hyde Park, just south of the Serpentine lake and east of the Serpentine Gallery. Its cornerstone was laid in September 2003 and it was officially opened on 6 July 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II. Also present were Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer, her ex-husband Prince Charles, and her sons William and Harry.

The fountain was designed by Kathryn Gustafson, an American landscape artist, and cost £3.6 million. Gustafson said she had wanted the fountain, which was built to the south of the Serpentine, to be accessible and to reflect Diana's "inclusive" personality. Gustafson said: "Above all I hope that it provides a fitting memorial for the princess and does credit to the amazing person that she was."

The only picture that the cousins are hanging out and all of the three are looking at the camera.

Even though the water is freezing, hundreds of children were running up and down the stream with some obstacles. Definitely a fun summer spot and a nice way to relive Diana's incredible story.

Relaxing and warming up in the sun.

This reminds me of the time I used to come often to Hyde Park on weekends, when I lived here.

Even when James was asleep Tommy and Kristina used their break to play with our girls at a nearby pub, where we had lunch. Very sweet.

When in London do like the Londoners.

I chose (badly) the traditional Fish and Chips.

A little further, we were tricked into trying the best ice cream in England, at Harrods.

Actually, this huge department store was already on our list of things to visit... So, checked.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrods

Harrods is a luxury department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London. It is owned by the state of Qatar. The Harrods brand also applies to other enterprises undertaken by the Harrods group of companies including Harrods Bank, Harrods Estates, Harrods Aviation and Air Harrods, and to Harrods Buenos Aires, sold by Harrods in 1922 and closed as of 2011.

The store occupies a 5-acre (20,000 m²) site and has 330 departments covering one million square feet (90,000 m²) of retail space.

The Harrods motto is Omnia Omnibus Ubique, which is Latin for "all things for all people, everywhere". Several of its departments, including the seasonal Christmas department and the food halls, are well known.

Straight to the ice cream parlour.

Sofia took this picture while we were on line to be served.

Two scoops for each big girl.

I don't remember taking our girls to a toy store... ever.

Needless to say that they went crazy in this huge children's department, but my favourite part was the story telling at the children's book store. They absolutely loved the English accent.