“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” – Einstein
Hiya!!! Thank you sooo much for being here! Roll up your sleeves and let’s go!
(If you haven’t read the previous post, you might want to check that before this one)
Barshaw Park is our next – and last – stop in visiting Ralston.
Some people say that Scotland can have all four seasons on the same day. And although that wouldn’t be exactly true because summer only briefly appears during actual summer, it is true that the weather can be a “bit” unpredictable. You might check the weather forecast on your phone and be assured that the sun is shining, and yet you look through the window and it’s raining heavily or even snowing!!!
All that being said – and probably as a direct consequence of that – I’ve never been anywhere in the world where people are so focused on the importance of spending time outdoors and taking fresh air. Probably – coming from a country with much more predictable weather – we had always taken that for granted. It was a process for us, but a huge part of our current well-being and of the lifestyle we enjoy here has to do with that.
There are many lovely green areas near our house – including our own garden!!! However, having the Park just a few blocks away is a huge pro!
For the sake of our imaginary visit to the Park, I will take you through the route I take at least three times per week when I go for a walk.
I usually access the Park through the entrance that’s furthest away from my house. To my right, there are two cycling tracks. The first one is for younger kids. It has wee “roads” and some traffic signs. The second one is meant to be used by older kids with more confident cycling skills. To my left, there are two big play areas – again one aimed at younger kids and the other for older ones. There’s also a basketball court close to a big green area with some equipment for exercising.
As a family, we enjoy all those areas, but remember that it’s just you and me today, so let’s keep walking!
While we feel the fresh air on our faces, we walk just a little bit more and we’re right next to the pond. Oh yes! There’s a big pond with lots of ducks and swans. Have you ever seen ducks and swans fly? I have! It’s pretty exciting!
I haven’t mentioned that there’s a café in the Park too. There’s a part for takeaway where they sell ice-cream, sweeties, hot dogs, etc. And there’s a sitting-in area where you can get a good Scottish breakfast, an afternoon tea, or some other wee meals.
We’re not stopping there today, we’re heading now to the Walled Peace Garden. Before we get there, we can see the beautiful green hill. Let’s be brave, let’s walk to the top and admire the view from there. It’s simply breathtaking. Behind the hill, there used to be two donkeys – “Paisley” and “Buddie” – but they were taken to another Park to live with more animals. We still have two boas, but don’t fear, they aren’t real. The boas are made of painted rocks. Guille and Feli have contributed to that. Some of them are very creative!
I’m glad we got to the Walled Garden. Let’s choose a nice spot and sit on a bench. Park benches have been donated by families in honour of someone who has passed away. It’s a way of remembering them. No dogs – except for guide dogs – are allowed in the Walled Garden. Volunteers work hard so that the trees, plants and flowers look beautiful. And they certainly do.
Sit down, take some fresh air and close your eyes. I’ll leave you here, but before that … Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? Where do you choose to go?
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Thanks a million for being here! It does mean a lot! Until next week, make sure your bilingual brain stays active! See you soon! 🙂
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