My Niche in the Park

If you've heard of London then you may be familiar with Hyde Park. You may have an idea about the scope of this recreational area. You're most likely thinking "I've seen parks before" or "I've been to Central Park! Nothing can top that!" because you're from New York and have no clue about anywhere farther than North Jersey. Next time you decide to go outside and get some exercise please feel free to pamper yourself. Buy a plane ticket to London, grab a room at Astor Hyde Park, and partake on a journey through one of the city's largest gardens.

The park is located in the borough of Kensington. Find Queen's Gate road and follow it north. Once you've reached a rustic gate with ornate metal detailing stop, take a breather, and get ready to explore. At roughly three hundred and fifty acres, Hyde Park is literally no walk in the park. Once you pass through the weathered front gate you will certainly feel a slight breeze. Travel in about a hundred feet and to your east is the biggest "Sorry" ever constructed by England. The enormous golden statue is a bit of a slap in the face to all the regions of the world, and I do mean "all," that England had conquered in the past millennium. What better than to erect a statue made of gold "taken" from these commonwealths. As you regain focus, and your eyes stop burning from the glare cast off the statues brilliant ringed fingers, resume your barrings and head north once again. Pass through the barrier garden ahead of you.

As you cross over the strip of garden you'll find yourself entering a rather IMMENSE portion of field spotted with trees. This is Hyde Park. This is what will take you days to explore. And believe me, bring an O2 tank cause it is breathtaking. Head Northwest for about fifty yards and you'll come across a crossroads. The roads should intersect at multiple points leaving a triangular patch of grass and low hanging trees in the center. This area has large trees enclosing a center "grotto." This grotto is base camp one. My favorite spot in a reasonable walking distance for the casual venture into the park. Here is a good place to check your map and set up your next destination. To your south is Kensington Road, west is Bayswater, northeast is the Serpentine, and farther northeast is Speaker's Corner. Fair well my fellow travelers!