Usually the moment someone says the words- "Let's go to the park", I loose interest and immediately start walking the other way. According to me, a park is where kids go, it's where I would take my dog for a walk, it's where I would have gone as a kid for picnic with my friends. But now in the second half of my 20's(trying to hide my age desperately), I would no ways want to be seen anywhere even close to a park. But that one majorly boring day in the middle of the week, I was so desperate to venture out, that I decided to do the dreaded. I decided to go to a PARK.
In my defense, just a day before I had heard my Spanish professor go on and on about the beauty of a park in Guayaquil called Parque Historico, which was located in the midst of one of the best areas in town called Samborondon. And so, when my restless mind got fidgety the next day, I decided to go and visit the much talked about Parque Historico.
Located on Av Rio Esmeraldas, the park is open all days(except Mon when the zoo is closed) from 9 am-5 pm. I reached the entry of the park right after lunch time,and considering it was the middle of the week, my timing could not have been better. The park was almost empty and I had the place to myself.
As I was entering, I was given instructions by the guard- not to touch the birds, not to throw food for the animals and not to litter. Unlike some countries which like to make money at every possible opportunity, I admired that Ecuador was different. The entry to this popular tourist spot in was absolutely free of cost.
Once I started walking inside on the path way, I noticed the lush greenery surrounding me. Even though it was in the middle of the day; at a time when the sun is the strongest, I couldn't feel the heat. In fact on the contrary there was a slight chill in the air, thanks to the dense trees in the park. 
As I went deeper, I started hearing this loud, screechy noise of a bird. No actually of lots of birds. As I approached closer to the sound, I was amazed to see huge, colorful, vibrant and majorly energetic parrots all around me. What a sight it truly was..
While I enjoyed admiring this beauties, the extremely loud noise of these naughty birds made me move on ahead. A little further down, I came across a wooden bridge and was told by a passerby that I might be able to spot few crocodiles. And I sure did. I only got a glance before it vanished, but something was better than nothing.Continuing further, I saw ducks and swans flapping around in the water body. I realized that they seemed to be challenging few flamingo's for a 'who is the fastest swimmer' competition. 3 pink flamingo's and 2 black ones were least bothered by the others and were lost in their own world. This was the first time I had come across a black Flamingo and tried my best to get good pics of the bird. My efforts went in vain though.
The next 15 minutes I spent clicking few pictures of relaxing deer's and sleeping sloths.
Soon, I arrived into a clearing and right in front of me was this huge, daunting building with a toy train parked in front. This building was the Casa(home) Julian Coronel, who was an established doctor of Guayaquil from the 18th century. There were two floors to this building, with the top floor as his residence and the ground floor for his medical practice. The view from the top floor was breath taking.
After the museum I headed back to the path of the park, and moved on further till I reached a huge garden with swings and slides for kids to play in. Next to it, were few shops selling cold drinks, ice creams and other snacks.
But what caught my eye, was the sparkling white building of a church. I walked toward the church as if it had magnetic powers and found myself staring at the architecture for the next 10 minutes.
Now, I realized why this park was so famous amongst locals and the tourists. Not only was the space that it occupied huge, but each corner of the park had a different hidden treasure for one to discover. There were beautiful birds, lush green trees, different animals and reptiles, gorgeous flowers in the garden, a museum and a church. What more could a person ask for when searching for some peace and quiet.
I spent close to 2 hours in a place which initially I had dreaded coming to, and had ended up loving it from the bottom of my heart. I have found the place where I can find my true self, if and when I feel lost. I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Parque Historico, to any and everyone who happens to Guayaquil. You will not regret it for sure.
This is where I picture myself
Sitting & thinking my deepest thoughts,
Discovering my biggest fears,
Learning from my gravest mistakes and
Accepting what life has in store for me.
Hope to be back soon in this beautiful place.
But what caught my eye, was the sparkling white building of a church. I walked toward the church as if it had magnetic powers and found myself staring at the architecture for the next 10 minutes.
Now, I realized why this park was so famous amongst locals and the tourists. Not only was the space that it occupied huge, but each corner of the park had a different hidden treasure for one to discover. There were beautiful birds, lush green trees, different animals and reptiles, gorgeous flowers in the garden, a museum and a church. What more could a person ask for when searching for some peace and quiet.
I spent close to 2 hours in a place which initially I had dreaded coming to, and had ended up loving it from the bottom of my heart. I have found the place where I can find my true self, if and when I feel lost. I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Parque Historico, to any and everyone who happens to Guayaquil. You will not regret it for sure.
Sitting & thinking my deepest thoughts,
Discovering my biggest fears,
Learning from my gravest mistakes and
Accepting what life has in store for me.
Hope to be back soon in this beautiful place.
Till then,
Chao!
Adiós!
Hasta Luego!
Chao!
Adiós!
Hasta Luego!
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