A Day Among the Ducks

Hyde and Green, NYC's Central, DC's Mall, and StL's Forest Park have nothing on Regent Park in North London. Of the city parks in which dallied in these the years of my youth, I must say that only San Francisco's Golden Gate or Philadelphia's Fairmount can even hold a candle to the magnificence that is Regent's Park.

On this gorgeous May bank holiday, after a long day's journey into night and back again at the gates of the dawn, after a 5 hour nap until high noon, I took it upon myself to seize the day and enjoy the splendid low humidity 65 degree weather and tackle the whole of my favourite park. Of course, I brought a bit of work along--and it did get done! (well... some of it). It was off to Baker Street tube stop, past ol' Sherlock and the good Madame and on to the gates of Regent's.

On this dazzling afternoon, people of all races, ages, sizes, colours, occupations, and economic backgrounds were strolling through the grounds, basking in the sun, paddling amongst the ducks on the pond, biking the curving paths, or merely people watching from the benches. Happy children ran everywhere, couples strolled arm in arm, and footballs and frisbees were seen in plenty. There was a heady buzz of energy, excitement, and relaxation filling the park.

Regent's is the perfect mix of shade and sun, tree and shrub, soft verdant grass and bright blooming flower. Whereas NYC's Central Park has a dark and gloomy over-forested feel and StL's Forest Park practically lacks any real woodlands, Regent's finds the perfect balance--the pinnacle of English horticulture. Hyde and Green are dominated by grassy expanses, but Regent's experiments with many types of park settings. Within Regent's bounds lie English and Italian gardens, delicate fountains, the London Zoo, Queen Mary's gardens, a lovely quite canal (one of the most romantic spots I've seen in this city), and a boating pond. On the edge of Camden Town in the north of the city, it offers a plethora of diversions and a million and one delicate visions of beauty. And excellent recharging experience! Pictures are sure to follow at some point soon.