Since kids, I find myself sticking around the neighborhood so much more. I’ve lately pined for the days of exploring Beijing but was grateful to have both of my in-laws in tow to help with the kids when we went on an adventure to Ritan Park this Saturday. Since we live in the Lido area, Ritan Park isn’t exactly nearby. That being said, it’s free and it’s got a lake and a big children’s play area. We also had a birthday party to attend nearby. Top that off with Saturday being a gorgeous late fall day, and we had the perfect recipe for a park adventure outside of the usual stomping grounds.
The little lake just to the right of the park’s south entrance captured the kids’ attention right away. There were inflated cylinders of plastic in which bigger kids were spinning and running on the water’s surface, much to my daughter’s complete confusion. “Mommy, are they swimming and running at the same time?” she asked.
What captured my attention was the traditional pagoda next to the elegant crane statue set against the garish spinning plastic tubes – how juxtaposed everything in China always is. Modern against traditional. Elegant against tacky.
We followed up our lake adventure with a RMB 20 ride in an electric car that made my daughter stand up with glee (while driving it). For only three minutes, it was a pricey joy ride, but capturing her enthusiasm on camera was worth every fen.
Photos: Courtesy of Ember Swift
