Three Weeks * Four Cities = Twelve Parks

There is nothing quite like travel to reveal the real you. How do you behave when you’re tired? When are you lost? When you cannot read the menu? When you have nothing but free time?

It turns out, my default is to regulate under the shade of a tree, preferably in a park. In the three weeks I was away, I found myself in twelve parks and green spaces. I enjoyed the distinct spirit of each.

I. PARIS

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont | Despite its *gallowed past, this park was full of life with runners, lovers, children, and picnickers alike. Located in the 19th arrondissement, this land was on the outskirts of the city until the late 19th century. As the city grew, the need for green spaces did, too. The checkered history of the land is currently enhanced with flower patches, a manmade lake, and a stunning face of limestone.

Jardin du Luxembourg | A classic tale of residential palace turned public space. The Medici Fountain had a gravitational pull (pool) that reflected the sky and symmetry of the building beautifully, demanding visitors’ full attention. Just off the main plaza were side gardens and playgrounds that seemed to be most in use by locals. My favorite part was the perimeter of the park — dotted with elementary and middle schools that looked like universities.

II. LONDON

Brook Green | A sweet little neighborhood green near my Airbnb in Shepherd’s Bush. I rolled my suitcase through here with a smile on my face while watching tennis players catch a post-work match.

Shepherd’s Bush Green | Carnival time! This neighborhood green patch was occupied by a Ferris wheel and games for family fun. I walked past this on my way to the AESME workshop and any time I used the tube.

Queen Elizabeth Park | I actually hated this place. My tears of exhaustion and frustration streamed as I rode a broken city bike around the perimeter of a football stadium. This history here is that it was built for the 2012 Olympic games. It felt a little overdone and underused. The surrounding marshes and canals gave it a redeemable quality.

Victoria Park | Huge neighborhood park filled with many friend groups hanging and hosting their own field days. So cute! Admittedly, I spent most of the time at the People’s Park Tavern on the northern edge, where tables were dotted with bday hats and streamers.

London Fields | Parked it at this park. I learned the general rules of cricket while enjoying the sounds of the nearby pub and scones brought by a friend of a friend.

Hampstead Heath | I have three words for you: Kenwood Ladies’ Pond. The sacred waters had a primordial pulse. I told my friend Jennie that I felt like I was in the womb, umbilical cord to the earth itself feeding us! An absolute treat to go for a ‘wild swim’ with an old friend. If I had more time, I would have loved to explore through the thickets and the trees. When I die, bury me in Hampstead Heath.

Hyde Park | I should have a lot to say about this world-renowned park. Gorgeous as ever, but so massive that I only used it to get some steps in. After a visit to the V&A Cartier exhibit, I needed to get up to the Piccadilly line and ambled through to peek at the Italian Gardens at the edge of Kensington Gardens. When I return, I’d love to rent a bike and go end to end!

Primrose Hill | Situated north of Regent’s Park, you can see the netting for the Zoo’s bird preserve. This natural high point overlooks the sprawling city. One of my favorite aspects of this park was the tree-lined street below. As the sun went down and the city lights came on, the fluorescent lighted double-decker buses passed on the obscured tree-lined street, reminding you that you’re in the middle of London. The population was largely young adults, which was so cute to see. Additionally, visiting Primrose Hill on my last night in London was a full circle moment. The first night I arrived, I spoke to two men at a neighborhood pub near my Airbnb. London residents for a million years, they bemoaned the inevitable changes the city has undergone since the halcyon days of the 80s and 90s. In all of that, they recommended “a sunrise or sunset at Primrose Hill”. Stored in the safety of my 1.5pint brain, I mentioned this to friends, Jennie and Matt, and they magically made a soulful farewell picnic happen.

III. AUSTIN

Zilker Park | At the edge of the park is the magical Barton Springs. I was lucky to get here two of the three days I was in Austin. Once for a morning dip, better than any cup of coffee & the other for Sunday rest, exactly as God intended a Sunday to be spent: marveling at the clouds, roasting in the sun.

IV. SAN ANTONIO

Roosevelt Park | A ghost park! It is way too hot for most of the day to enjoy parks in the summer heat. There is a sweet pavilion perfect for hosting parties and a public swimming pool.