Parklife: Al Barsha Park, Dubai

A discovery! Parklife in Dubai!! Al Barsha Park, how pretty you are; how green is your grass; how stout are your palm trees, and how merry are your ducks. Well us townfolk ran about in nature with reckless abandon too what with blue skies and cool breezes, verdant lawns tickling our toes and shady spots to park our bottoms beneath…

Barsha Park Dubai: f/16; 1/160sec; ISO-500

While the ladies read books, took phone calls or cut up apples and oranges for refreshments, the lads got busy with an impromptu game of gridiron…

Barsha Park Dubai Gridiron Game: f/4.8; 1/6400sec; ISO-2800

As the game progressed, us ladies took to cycling and walking around the 162 hectares of green area, dotted with swaying palms and a variety of trees and flowers surrounding a huge pond that is attracting birlife as well as exercise enthusiasts as much as lazy weekenders wanting a break from the stainless steel and concrete of Dubai.

Al Barsha Park Dubai Gridiron Game: f/5.6; 1/6400sec; ISO-2000

Those who wish to exert themselves are spoit for choice: tennis court, volley ball, a soft-base jogging track, basketball court, football field, gym equipment, walking track…even bicycles for hire.

Barsha Park Dubai Gridiron Game Timeout: f/5; 1/6400sec; ISO-3600

For us it was orange quarters during half-time and peanut butter sandwiches for tea. Al Barsha Park, we are coming back again!

Al Barsha Park Dubai: Football Lineup: f/9; 1/80sec; ISO-2500