Visit to a park

As long as the eyes could see, there was no human being in sight. Noise of dogs barking and a signboard saying “Beware of dogs” made me feel a bit nervous about entering this park. Lawns were well manicured and surroundings suggested that this was not as desolate a place as it looked at first sight. Just then I saw a couple walking towards the entrance and thought that probably there are more people on the other side of this long lane and I should go in and visit this marvelous looking but eerily quiet Park.
I read the rules of visiting the park very carefully, in a foreign country, especially on a first visit, one is – in many ways – like an infant trying to figure out the ways of world! And a bit conscious not to be on the wrong side of rules. For example, it is always better to check if taking photos is allowed or prohibited – before the impulse of taking a new selfie for DP in FB takes over the mind! After reading the rules and ensuring that I was in no way going to overstep on any of them in any way, I entered the park.
Trees standing guard on either sides of the lane gave it a unique sort of beauty which only natural surroundings can offer. Hills afar and trees nearby, two of most constant and steady of nature’s creations reminded me of all that is still constant in this seemingly dynamic life. The quiet environment of the garden soon turned from intimidating to soothing one, as walked on. After a long walk, of about 15-20 minutes, a playground appeared.  Sight of swings, slides, kids playing ball brought with it a sense of joy and helped me relate to this park instantly, somewhat similar to the ways a sportsman relates to a new ground after realizing its parallels with one that he is used to play at.
When a US citizen visiting Gandhi Ashram became my friend there, he once told me that here if people look at other people for a few seconds; they might take it as hostile behavior. Driven by this advice I deliberately did not stop by and watch kids play there instead I walked on taking satisfaction in similarities that kids have across countries!
On the way, I saw a couple coming with three huge dogs between two of them. Scared as I am of dogs, I climbed up till the top of the slope of sideline in order to make way for all 5 of them! “I am very scared of dogs” I said defensively. “They are fine” said the man, “At least, that’s what everyone says until they bite!” added his wife and all of us shared a good laugh! J
There was a drainage carrying wastewater of the park, and something was written on its inside, it caught my eye as I walked by – on a closer look – I realized what was written there! And it made me smile.



Written message: "For good times - call xxxxxxxx"

For good time, call – and the number next to it was blackened! It reminded me of such writings seen at various public places in India, some things cut across countries and cultures – I thought to myself. Though not entirely civilized, this instilled in me a sense of confidence perhaps because of the striking similarities that we all share as human beings despite huge differences in our backgrounds!

There are a lots of other small things about this park that will stay in my memory for long time, A signboard mentioning total cost of the park was amazing, I believe it helps people realize the worth of what they, at times, take for granted!

 

As a kid in school, I used to write essay on my visit to a park- perhaps they want kids to get used to the way of worlds through their interaction of these public institutions. While visiting a foreign country, especially first time, one is just like an infant, trying to learn the ways of the world. Learning how to cross the road, how to board a train or bus, how to behave in public, how not to behave in public etc J and such visits – though immaterial in larger scheme of things go a long way in establishing one’s bond to a new place.