It is that time of the year. It’s Spring. It’s when in India we celebrate our regional new year this month, the month of Vaisakha according to Hindu calendar. With different names in different parts of the country. The passion and spirit though remains the same. The celebrations really start from the previous month, Chaitra with the advent of spring. With Holi, the festival of colours. Check it out, it’s Holi hai. The first spring flowers are usually daffodils, dandelions, lilies, tulips, iris and lilacs. And then much more, as the season progresses.

Spring is about happiness, green, flowers, nature, sunshine, blue sky, long days, the water bodies, the fountains and lots of pleasure. What could be more pleasurable than a visit to a park or two. We were in London and after Lord’s, it was another great opportunity to experience nature in it’s green. Spring at it’s best.

We came out early from our apartment in Gants Hill, Ilford. Then took a bus for a few stops to reach ‘The Saravana Bhavan’ South Indian restaurant for our breakfast of Dosas, Vadas and filter coffee. Four of us, the family. Including our sister-in-law and brother-in-law with whom we had put up. Then the underground and after a couple of changes we were at Bakers Street Station in Marylebone. A short walk and we would soon be in ‘The Regent’s Park’.

We are now inside the Regent’s Park. The Regent’s Park combines large open spaces with tree-lined pathways, formal gardens and four children’s playgrounds. It has excellent sports facilities and contains central London’s largest outdoor sports area. It also has an Open Air Theatre where musicals and shows are held frequently. And you also have the London Zoo.

We will walk through the elegant flowerbeds in the Avenue Gardens, see varieties of roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens, walk and enjoy vast unspoilt nature. The park also provides a warm welcome for wildlife. It has a large wetland area and is home to around 100 species of wild bird and a breeding population of hedgehogs. The Regent’s Park is named after Prince Regent, sometimes known as the playboy prince, who later became King George IV (1762-1830). The Regent’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 395 acres.

Come let’s go in and check it out.

That was just a glimpse. There is much more. It was a wonderful sunny day and it was a Sunday, the fun day. The families were probably eagerly waiting for it after a few rainy spells the previous days. Everyone was out. The ones inside the pram, the toddlers, the little ones who were great friends but each had their own choice when it came to the ice creams. Each trying to make sure that the color of theirs was different from the previously ordered. It was complete fun. There were the aged, very aged on wheelchairs, the middle aged, the younger ones across different age bands. Then there were some others like me who all thought they belonged to the younger generation. Let’s go dig deeper.

We hired a rowing boat for a spin and joined the ducks on the boating lake.The boat ride was real fun with the four of us and one couple and we had a great time together enjoying the ride and getting to know each other. We then took a stroll up Primrose Hill for some excellent views of the London skyline.

The London Skyline from Primrose Hill

It was truly a carnival and a feeling of complete relaxation. The walk had taken it’s toll. It was early evening now and we felt really hungry. So it was time to head off towards Broad Walk Cafe. Time for some Fish & Chips, some Pizza and some cool cool sips.

It’s now time to move back and head to a new destination. But before that it is time to wish you well. Good Friday is round the corner and for all my Christian friends in India, all my American reader friends and all other reader friends across the globe, may your prayers bring you peace and solace as we remember Jesus Christ. Spring is about happiness and so is Autumn if you happen to be in London around that time. It’s happiness of a different kind then. Check out London in Autumn to plan out your perfect holiday.

Wish you all a very Happy Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. May your innovative baskets, chocolates and gifts bring a lot of happiness to the young and old alike. With love from the two of us from Greenwich Flower Park located just behind The Royal Observatory (home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian) within the Greenwich Park, one of the Royal Parks of London spread over 74 hectares. More about this park some other day.

For now, let’s say it with flowers.