Appreciating Small Things

There are all kinds of little things that make a travel experience more enjoyable, like having an easy way to get coffee throughout the day, or having parking spaces wide enough so you can get out of the car without getting your feet run over. I've been appreciating some of those this trip. Yesterday we went to a local park - and what a park. It knocked the socks off any parks I've seen in the UK, which I've previously considered the land of great parks. Here's why: lots of benches and tables to eat in the shade. Large children's play areas - several of them. Two huge pools - one with slides for kids, one without for those who prefer a more sedate swim. Basketball courts, tennis courts and other courts. And more. I didn't manage to see it all. In fairness, America is so vast that it has the room to do this kind of park. In the UK, I think many parks have been there for so long that they show their origins as places where adults rode and walked. They are more sedate places, and are wonderful locations to sit, think and enjoy nature. But this American park, at least, shows the value of being able to create something new and put everything you need within easy reach. I'm not saying one is better than the other. When I was a single girl, I loved nothing better than to take my book and a snack and sit in a London park, but the park I visited yesterday worked much better for us as a whole family.