Is it possible for the soul of a ditzy blonde to live inside a short, nerdy, Asian lady? According to the show “Drop Dead Diva”, this could be a thing. Why am I asking you this? Last Sunday, while I was extremely thirsty after already having run 30 minutes on one of Central Park’s running trails, I ran around half of the Jacquelyn Kennedy Onnasis reservoir looking for a water fountain, based solely on MAYBE having seen one of the ladies of Sex and the City drinking from one after running on this trail. 😂 Why keep running in order to find a water fountain when I was already extremely thirsty? Why did I not just go find a cart selling hotdogs and drinks? Maybe I wanted to do it Hunger Games style. Maybe the ditzy blonde in me can tell you.
Jacquelyn Kennedy Onnasis Reservoir
Jacquelyn Kennedy Onnasis Reservoir
Sometimes, poorly planned activities end up being a blessing in disguise. In this case, I discovered that cherry blossom trees are scattered throughout Central Park, particularly around the reservoir. Some were even empty of people, surprising considering it was the afternoon. There’s no need to stress yourself out and deal with the insane crowds flocking to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a single photo with these beloved things. Just go for a quick walk in Central Park. Immediately. Before they all fall out. Or AS they’re falling out. GO! Film yourself a nice little anime-inspired video and pretend you’re in Tokyo.
In addition, my SATC reference was justified when I finally found a water fountain! Hooray! If you are planning on running here and would like to know, here’s where I found it. It was a bit off the path on the southwest edge.
It was empty and being completely ignored when I walked up to it. 10 seconds into drinking there was a line of 6 people (some with their pets) behind me waiting to get a drink. The person behind me kept sighing, seemingly annoyed I was taking too long. Apparently everyone had been waiting for a guinea pig.
Unluckily for them, they didn’t wait long enough to find out if it was safe. I died. I am now a ghost, dear resident. This whole thing is a warning not to drink from the water fountains of NYC.
Just kidding the tap water here is one of the cleanest in the country. Only a minor bacterial infection! 😜
After my water fountain adventure I decided I had earned the right to walk leisurely around the park and enjoy the rest of the afternoon without huffing and puffing.
The Great Lawn
Shakespeare Garden
Shakespeare Garden
There was a pair of string musicians playing at Belvedere Castle. So despite having to deal with the usual crowd there, I had a wonderful time just hanging out and catching my breath.
View from Central Park’s Belvedere Castle
View of the Delacorte Theater (home to Shakespeare in the Park) from Central Park’s Belvedere Castle
View from Central Park’s Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle
I had been trying to decide between going there for a run or finding a nice shady spot to read my book in that morning. In the end, I decided to do both. I strapped on a backpack with my book in it and went running. I never did this before, and was absolutely terrified (yep, I’m not that athletic, but I try). I ended up feeling a little badass, TBH. You know, during those moments when I didn’t feel like dying. It was all worth it when I found a lovely little nook to read in to cap off this jaunt in Central Park.
The view from my reading spot
The loveliness of New York in the spring isn’t restricted to the parks though. Just take a random walk and you’ll probably hit a few flower-laden blocks.
Park Avenue
MacDonald Park, Forest Hills, Queens
Note: If you’re wondering why my photos have been a bit lacking in quality, I’ve decided to stop using my DSLR for my semi-weekly updates. I used my iPhone for these last two posts, and will likely keep using either that or my mirrorless Olympus until I catch up on processing. I just don’t have the time and refuse to give up my other hobbies, like running and reading. 😬