We rode rented bicycles to the 843 acre park in the middle of Manhattan and soon discovered the Broadway league playing softball, surrounded by teeny designer dogs. They were from teams called the Jersey Boys and Mary Poppins, but I have a feeling most of them bat for both teams.
It was the campest situation I've ever seen and so much fun to watch. And it made a nice relaxing activity to follow up our harrowing cycle through the insane New York City traffic.
I had read that Central Park is what makes Manhattan livable for New Yorkers and after spending a sunny afternoon there, I could see why. Something quite magical happens when you enter the park.New York is so densely populated with skyscrapers but stepping into Central Park makes all the noise and stress of the city disappear. All those loud business people screaming into cell phones were gone in a flash, as were the angry SUV drivers and their annoying tooting horns.
I noticed myself instantly calm down as soon as I was surrounded by wide open green spaces and nature's little wonders.
Central Park was first developed in the late 19th Century and it has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963.
It has lakes and ponds (complete with nearby beret-wearing artists pondering their beauty), a zoo, cycleways, a wildlife sanctuary, restaurants, ice rinks in winter and a conservation garden. And there's also the moving tribute to John Lennon, Strawberry Fields, a vital visit for any Beatles fan.When in New York, there's nothing more enjoyable than cycling, walking or going in a horse carriage around Central Park. It is surely one of the prettiest, most peaceful parks in the world.
Next stop: Running into some irritating American Idol fans on Broadway.
Check out more photos from my trip in my Flickr album.
Find out about New York.
Read more of Kelly's blogs.
