Daddy's day cont...

Our next stop was Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park. A Speaker's Corner is a place where public speaking, discussion and debate are publicly allowed. The original and most noted is this one in Hyde Park in London. A person stands on a milk crate and starts talking as a crowd gathers around. This is where the term "He's on his soapbox" or "Get off your soapbox" originated. (Mom & Dad- this is where I was at the end of our conversation when I got distracted listening to this man yell about the Bible.) 

The police tend to be tolerant and only intervene when there is a complaint or they hear profanity. 

We decided to continue our Sunday afternoon stroll down Lover's Walk. This is the statue that sits at the end of the path. Hmmmm?

Grace's view of Hyde Park. (yes, I laid on the ground to take this picture)

Marble Arch

Historically, only members of the royal family, King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery were allowed to pass through the arch in ceremonial procession. 

"In memory of the 5 million volunteers from the Indian Sub-Continent Africa and the Caribbean who fought with Britain in the two World Wars." 

Buckingham Palace

Home of the Queen. Constructed in 1850 by Edward Blore. 

It has 775 rooms, including the Throne Room, the Music Room, the Marble Hall, the Picture Gallery, the Yellow Drawing Room, the Chinese Luncheon Room and the Ballroom. It also has it's own postcode: SW1A 1AA

Buckingham Palace is waaaaaay off in the distance. 

London's official central point is on a roundabout just south of Trafalgar Square. (the little statue between the really tall one and the red bus).

Manchester is 295 kilometers, Rome is 1,799, Sydney is 16,898 and the moon is about 386,00 from this spot! 

We stopped for a couple quick pictures outside England's Prime Minster's house. This guard never "loses face." Not even a smile or smirk. 

Downing Street was built in the 1680s by Sir George Downing.

Time to be tourists and try our best to get others to take a family picture for us...

Most people call the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster "Big Ben." but in fact Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the clock. The clock has been ticking since 1859. Doesn't it remind you of the Peter Pan movie? 

We sat down to enjoy the view of Westminster Abbey before heading home after a looong day enjoying the beautiful weather and family weekend together in London. 

"tick, tock, on the clock but the party don't stop...oh, oh, oh"

Happy 1st Daddy's Day to my amazing Dad! Thank you for everything you do for me. Mommy and I appreciate you more than you know. Love, Grace xoxo