Problem
Where to sit, walk, stroll, run and boat in London in the hot weather?
Answer
When is a park or a common not a common? Out in the villages of the counties around London, such as Bucks, Beds and Berks, you will find village greens and often cricket or other entertainment. (Over in France the old men gather to play boules which is another game entirely.)
Chess
In places such as Hampstead I have seen people sit playing chess outside cafes. France has more of a cafe culture, with huge cafes where it is OK to sit for unlimited time with the unwritten rule that you order a cup of coffee or something to eat every hour.
Singapore
In Singapore city centre cafes have a large turnover of Tourists. The cheaper cafes get upset if groups of schoolchildren occupy all the tables after school for three hours and half the people order one drink or even nothing. The management will put up signs: No homework.
But out at the suburbs I have seen a table with chess to entertain the elderly. Cheaper than employing carers. Probably keeps the mind active and helps stave off Alzheimers.
Back in London, some stately home have giant chess pieces. Or take your own to the park.
Clapham
Clapham Common is a park which goes on for miles. It has a fisherman's pond.
Battersea Park
But people who live in Clapham take a walk of fifteen minutes north towards London to Battersea Park. which has two free gardens, an oriental garden and a tropical garden as well as boating.
Green Park and Regents Park
Right in the centre of London Green Park is next to Green Park tube station. Another popular park is Regents Park, famous for the zoo and outdoor theatre.
Whether you are on business of a tourist or moving to a new area, take out a map, or use Google maps to find your nearest park. Some parks have fountains, children's sandpits, zoos, petting pets, swimming areas, theatres, fountains, statues (Peter Pan,) or concerts (Kenwood).
Angela Lansbury, author, travel writer and photographer, speaker. Please share links to posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment