Hyde Park

Sunday lunchtime at Speakers' Corner and the crazies are already set up. A Goth looking woman is shouting out passages from the Bible that depict hell and damnation. A working class socialist is giving his idealistic view while being baited by public school boys. A woman in a Little House on The Prairie dress is spouting racism. A small grey bearded man is drinking strong lager and heckling everyone. 

Further into the early afternoon warmth of Hyde Park lads play football. Over on the steps opposite the Albert Hall a band who all seem to be playing clarinets play a rendition of 'When The Saints go Marching In'. An American couple ask for their picture to be taken by the pond in Kensington gardens. By the fountains the stall sells delicious chocolate ice cream. Over at the Serpentine the roller skaters are out in force. Kids ride scooters down the pathways. Behind iron railings a squirrel eats pizza.

Back at Speakers' Corner the Goth woman is still shouting about damnation. A Christian is arguing with a Muslim. A man dressed all in white with big afro hair is chain smoking and explaining how the west is stupid and falls so easily for America's lies. He argues that Bin Laden is dead and if they'd wanted to catch him they could have done easily, but he's better currency if people thinks he's out on the loose. Everywhere people are shouting.

Two lads and a girl are wearing signs offering free hugs. I like this approach. It's simple and positive and there's nothing to argue about. The guy in white may have fair points to make but the kids stood behind him with the hate in their eyes are putting me off. We collect our free hugs and get on our way.