Park Perspectives

Today we took a stroll through Regent's Park.  It is like no park I have ever seen before.  According to the Royal Parks website Regent's Park covers 197 hectares (487 acres) of land!  This is not even the largest park in London (Richmond Park is the largest at 2,360 acres).  There are several gardens, sports fields, walking trails, and open fields to explore. I have seen the people here take advantage of the green spaces to the fullest.  In Florida we have spectacular weather, for the most part, but I haven't seen parks used as much as I have here, in London.  Every green space available I see people sitting and reading, relaxing, having lunch, exercising, or holding a class outdoors.  Even in the church yard there are people enjoying the day.  There was also the wide diversity of ages a ethnicity of people enjoying the park that really pleasantly surprised me.  Maybe it's because I live is a much smaller city, but I am amazed at the upkeep and high usage of the parks.  I think that if I felt as comfortable in my area parks as I did here I would use them much more.  I did not get accosted by homeless people like I usually do at the park back home, the scenery was breathtaking, and I never felt uneasy walking through the park.  It's amazing how different the experiences can be in a city that appreciates the beauty of nature and the outdoors.  I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Regent's park and I hope to experience it again during my stay.  I will leave you with some of the awesome scenery at the park.