city places, open spaces

We live in a country that is still developing an appreciation for wide open public spaces in the midst of big city living.  Sure, there are parks.  But not many (so the ones we do have are crowded) and even in the parks there is little freedom to roam and explore... we are expected to stick to the paths, not step onto the grassy areas, and keep away from the waterfront areas. 

A visit to a crowded park with no play areas where we aren't allowed to step on the grass = not much fun.  [Especially when you factor in the cell phone picture taking frenzy that it sure to follow our every move.]

One reason I love Bangkok (and Hong Kong) -  each city seems to have masterminded the city places, open spaces concept.  {bonus: not one single random stranger has taken our picture since we landed last week.... nice break from our normal reality.} 

Our Bangkok hotel fronts a beautiful set of green space, pond in the middle, lots of grass, two separate (wonderful) playgrounds, plenty of paths, stepping stones, turtles to watch, pigeons to chase ..... all this in the midst of a sea full of high rises and next to the skytrain line.  It's nicer than any park in the multi-million person city that we live in, and it is literally steps from the hotel entrance. 

So we go every day!

Picnic dinner at the park?  Check. 

Popsicle-snacking at the playground?  Check. 

Going to miss these hot afternoons at the park when we leave on Tuesday morning? Check.