MUNICH: It’s one of my daily treats: a walk in the park, sometimes ten minutes and some days up to an hour. The best way to get structure in your thought, ideas going and get amused by the things that once mattered when sitting at your desk. Wherever you are, find first your little green spot and try to say hello at least once a day. IRMA selects her most favorite ones:
Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris
After a visit to the Musée du Luxembourg, grab one of the iconic 1923-designed, sage-green metal chairs and find your favorite place in the park. A newspaper or just a good pair of shades is all your need.
Central Park, New York
Do it like Dustin Hofmann in the “Marathon Man” and go on the Reservoir running track. It’s especially pretty in autumn when the leaves are shining golden and the whole city seems to be illuminated far away. In the morning I love to pop by the only Pain Quotidian where you meet all the dog keepers getting their coffees. There is nothing more amusing than watching them say good morning to each others’ dogs.
Park Güell, Barcelona
Probably the most colorful garden in Europe created by Gaudi. Go early in the morning to enjoy the architecture, before it turns into a crowded Disneyland.
Englischer Garten, Munich
Walk to the Eisbachwelle where the surfers are still hitting the waves even when it’s cold outside. Take the tram and get out at the Chinesischer Turm for a Glühwein or Weißbier and just walk through the northern part of the largest public garden in Europe, which is more deserted and wild.
Regent Park, London
Turn into the Inner Circle and enjoy the scent of over 12.000 roses at the Queen Mary’s Garden. Even in autumn you still have colourful blossoms as the climate is always on the botanical side in England.
Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-Tokyo
You enter the park coming from the Park Hyatt, where you maybe just had breakfast, and within minutes you are in a jungle. The sound of the city is totally overlaid by the sound of birds and animals. Exit in Harayuku and enjoy the urban jungle again.