Yay, close focus.
Random Observation/Comment #160: True aimless walking can be discovered deep within a park. Parks are usually much more beautiful during the summer, but the lack of people during the clear skies made it a plausible date location. The few flowers that I did see got my (camera’s) undivided attention. It was peaceful walking around while listening to a deep British voice telling you about the Discworld. I considered practicing German or brushing up on some Japanese, but I wasn’t in the mood for languages. I had a better time forming the in-depth descriptions in my mind. The characters are so well-developed and consistent that I couldn’t help but predict their next actions.
Separately, walking parks and roaming museums would be boring as full-day activities. Even as an avid museum-goer, there’s only so much history you can absorb before your brain melts. Likewise, walking around parks is very relaxing, but could become unbearable without company (there are only so many conversations I can have with myself). However, doing half-days of each was a great strategy for balancing the nature and knowledge lovers.
I’ll devote this entry to the two major parks I visited, but my day trips consisted of:
1) British Museum + Regents Park,
2) Science Museum + History Museum + Hyde Park
These parks and museums are in close vicinity so this would save money on buying tube tickets. Because of my love of walking, I just spent the whole day walking to and from Regents Park to Hyde Park (which would be the equivalent of the distance between Central Park and Union Square). I would not suggest doing this without someone to talk to or some relaxing music.
The parks both had grass, trees, open fields, and randomly scattered statues, but they were unique in their own way. Regents Park had fewer statues and a much nicer walking path surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes. All of the paths have park benches on either side and the end usually leads to a large fountain. As you walk farther northwest, the park looks less scenic and transforms to a large sports field. You can fit about 6 football fields in a grid formation, so you can imagine the number of teenagers that take advantage of this space. Further north is the Regents Zoo, which I didn’t visit, but it looked –well, like a zoo, from my research. Seeing the museums in the morning and saving the parks in the afternoon allows the chance of watching the sun set and sky pass through the most beautiful blends of orange and red. The large field in Regents Park really shows an unreal 360 view without buildings or trees.
Hyde Park has many more statues; most notably the Royal Albert golden monument across from the Royal Albert Hall. I bet there’s a very interesting story about how it was built or what it represents, but to me, it just looked massive. The gold statue in the middle is probably 3 meters tall, so the whole thing is at least 5 stories. The statue overlooks the Royal Albert Hall, which is an impressively large dome. With different trimmings, it could be a nice concert hall or coliseum. Although the walk was not quite as dramatic as Regent’s Park, it was still a nice park with a few lakes and rivers along the sides. The wildlife was mediocre, but I wasn’t really expecting an episode of animal planet in the middle of a large city. It was a much needed change in atmosphere, and I would definitely suggest incorporating these nature walks into itineraries.
If I had to choose between the two parks, I would probably prefer Regents Park. I know many would disagree, but I just had a better vibe about the different sections. I think I will have a better idea of this comparison when I actually see some flowers when I return in the summer.
~See Lemons Walk the Parks
It's hard to miss. It needs a scale.
sunset by the underground near regents park
