In Search of Open Spaces (Val)

To date, our journey has brought us to big cities, beautiful coast lines, mountains, and small villages. Although we both appreciate the history, culture, and architecture in the big cities, we find ourselves mostly attracted to open spaces and high places just like we do at home.

In Bangkok (population 14.5 million) our favorite place was Lampini Park - a large green oasis in the heart of the city with lakes, jogging paths, etc. much like Central Park in NYC.

View across the lake in Lampini Park in Bangkok

Some fun exercise equipment in the park

Another view of Bangkok from Lampini Park

In Kuala Lumpur (population 7.2 million) our favorite place was KLCC - again, a large green oasis in the heart of the city with incredible views of the KL skyline and Petronas Towers (now the third highest buildings in the world)

An unusual tree in KLCC park

KLCC park was a hub of activity for joggers and others seeking a bit of solace from city life

Enjoying our visit to Kuala Lumpur

A view of Petronas Towers (3rd tallest buildings in the world as of the time of this blog)

In Singapore (population 5.2 million) our favorite place was the Botanical Gardens which were among the most beautiful we have ever seen although we also appreciated the views from high places.

View of Singapore from the top of Swiss Hotel, Stamford

A quiet place in the Botanical Gardens in Singapore

Brenda looking lovely in the Orchid Gardens in Singapore

So many beautiful Orchids

One of our favorite spots in the botanical gardens in Singapore.  We learned that Singapore sets just 70 miles away from the Equator which explains the tropical beauty (and the sweltering heat)

Night time view of Singapore and Sky Park from the top of the Singapore Flyer (claimed to be worlds largest ferris wheel)

Again in Athens (population 3.1 million) we have found our favorite places to be the open spaces around the city. Although we have certainly appreciated the history and atmosphere around the Acropolis and the Plaka, our favorite places have been Filopappos Hill and Lykavittos Hill which are a couple of the highest places in the city with breathtaking views of Piraeus Bay, the Acropolis, and the enormous city.

Just this morning I went for my morning run in Lykavittos Park and ran to the top of the hill (equivalent to about 1/3 of the Manitou Incline) and, for a few minutes, enjoyed being the only person at the summit overlooking the Parthenon on the Acropolis and watching the city below come to life.

Lykavittos Hill is the mountain in the background behind the Acropolis.  Our Athens host lived at the base of Lykavittos so we were able to enjoy climbing to the top of the hill where we had awesome views of the city.

So there you have it, we are country folks in the big city! We have done pretty good navigating public transit systems and keeping our bearings as we walk around these strange cities but we continually find ourselves seeking peace and tranquility and, most definitely, high places.

The view from the top of Lykavittos Hill

Looking from Philopappos Park open space towards the Acropolis.  Athens has preserved many open spaces around the city for all to enjoy.

We found ourselves in places like this more than the city below

Yet another view from Lykavittos in Athens