A drizzle of parks

The Empress and I, as well as so many of our people, were deeply moved by the immediate response of people in the United Kingdom, in the aftermath of the tragic disaster that struck Japan on March 11th last year. ... We are, therefore, so glad ... to convey directly to you, our heartfelt gratitude for your crucial role in initiating and carrying out those precious acts of charity.

Megan is leading us on a park walk today. It’s not supposed to be raining, but instead precipitation varies between fine drizzle and light rain.

Hyde Park first, the north side, across the bridge at the Serpentine/Long Pond and into Kensington Gardens. We walk round the sunken garden, slide down the Wiggly Walk, and land in the tea rooms for hot beverage and carbohydrate. Claire avails herself of the hand dryer to dry out her jacket.

In Kensington we try a charity shop. This is a different class of establishment to those I am used to - jumpers starting at £30! We get Megan a pair of almost-new Converse for the bargain price of £18, though.

We continue on to Holland Park, Megan still sporting her soaking, perforated Vans. The east side of the park has a team constructing a covered stage, but the Kyoto Gardens are calm and beautiful. Beautifully laid out, they are relatively busy even on this damp lunchtime.

We wander through the park, emerging to find the tube station and head back to the flat. Lunch from Abokado, Claire collects her bag and gets the 3:30 from Kings Cross. I get a hair cut on Goodge Street, and return to the flat. Will excitement never cease?

Tim and I sink a couple of pints at the Star and Garter, then it’s off to Paddington for a train to Bristol. At the Marriott I check into my “Executive” room - the joys, I suppose, of being a keynote speaker. It’s not dissimilar to a normal room - just with more of everything.