Evening in the park

I've been trying to be better about exercising & have been pretty good about using the equipment & pool at our new apartment building. When John is away, like now, it is easier because it's a good way to occupy my evenings.

Today was a beautiful day, it actually was in the 60's this morning, but I'm sure was up in the 70's or low 80's this afternoon. It's been great the past week, I can actually walk around outside without being soaked with sweat.

I know all you folks in the north who are suffering with too much snow & subfreezing temperatures are not feeling very sorry for me right now...

It was such a pleasant evening that I decided instead of using the treadmill inside, I'd go to the park that is near our apartment. It's only about a 15 minute walk to the park & it's the largest park in Bangkok, so ridiculous that this is the first time I've been to it.

I found out that Lumpini Park is the place to go in the evening if you want to exercise. This place was hopping. There is a 3km road (no cars) that circles the park & it was full of runners & walkers. I joined in as a walker. Walking the perimiter allowed me see all that was going on in this venue. There were tennis courts, a bilding with ping pong tables, volleyball, basketball, a pool. An area with weight equipment that was under some big banyon trees with lights, like an outdoor gym (a bit strange looking). Another area for stretching that had some special stations set up. There was a group of 10 people doing yoga on the grass. There were families playing badmitten. And of course a group of older people doing Thai Chi.

But the most fun thing were the aerobic hip hop sessions that were going on. I could hear the music from a distance & was not sure what it was. Then I rounded a corner & saw maybe 200 people all doing a routine together that included lots of clapping & shouting. I tried to join in, but they went to fast for me to catch on, so I continued my walking. Then I came across a 2nd group, probably 150 in this group, also doing an aerobic hip hop routine in a different part of the park. There were a total of 4 different huge groups, all rocking & bopping to the music & getting their exercise. The groups had all sorts of people - equal numbers of men & women, mostly young, but in one group I noticed an older woman right up front who didn't miss a step (I imagined that would be the Thai version of my mother). I finally couldn't resist & joined in with one of the groups in time for cool down & stretching, so it wasn't that hard to follow.

I don't know if this is typical of city living, group activities in the park, or if it is unique to Asia, but it sure is a fun experience. There were very few Westerners, so I guess this is how the fitness conscious locals get their exercise. You can be sure I'll be going back again for exercise & I'll bring my camera one of these times.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, there was one non-human sighting. Near the canal that runs around the park there was a big monitor lizard (at least I think that is what it was) that had to be about 3 feet long. he was just standing there & sticking his tongue out, not very close to where the people were. I was mad I didn't have my camera, but hopefully he'll be back when I do.

So that was my fun evening! You don't have to worry about me being bored, I always find something to do.
Thanks Karin for the encouragement! Hope you enjoyed my wanderings.