Sunday in Suan Luang

There are so few green spaces in the city that those that are available are invariably crowded. We drove to Suan Luang (Royal Park in English) otherwise known as Rama IX Park early this morning. It was crowded even at that early hour. We drove through the gauntlet of vendors at the entrance, parked the car, and got out. 

The park has many ponds and lakes. Pathways meander around them. We decided to eat breakfast in a restaurant by a lake.

There were swan-boats for rent outside the restaurant. We sat on the patio and ordered breakfast. It was cool and overcast though the sun shone fitfully. In one of the brief periods of sunshine, the party at the table behind us got up abruptly. "The sun!" one of them said. "Let's go inside!" Andy shrugged: "Vampires."

Green leaf filigree
 A pewter-gray silver sky~
Close your eyes. Inhale

Dining alfresco. This couple sat on the lawn in front of the lake and ate their breakfast. Unlike the sun-fearing diners, they were dressed for the sun in long sleeved jackets. It really wasn't cold at all.

Our waiter was distracted. He brought me bacon instead of ham, coffee instead of tea, and then he short-changed Andy who was so disgusted he wouldn't leave a tip.

Swan-boat glides quietly
Across the silvery lake:
Rest, spirit, renew

Empty vessels these
Light receptacles of green: 
Giant water lilies 

Lily pads like stepping stones across the pond. I wonder if a single leaf could support the weight of a small animal, or an infant?

 Dangerous lanterns. Gourds climbing up and over the arbor.
You really don't want to get hit on the head with one of these ten pound babies!

Suan Luang is popular in the early morning and late afternoon because it is cooler than at mid-day. Like New York City's Central Park, this park is an area for tranquility and exercise. And perhaps, renewal.