Luneta stroll: Trip back to history
- History, Luneta -
By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net
WITH malls installed in almost every key city and town, flashing the spirit of consumerism — spending a lazy weekend afternoon at Rizal Park (also called Luneta Park) was a refreshing experience.
My afternoon stroll last Saturday brought vividly to life personal archives of Sunday family picnics and class field trips for history. The visit breathed life to the sepia prints of my childhood photos and reminded me of my former classmates whom I studied “Kasaysayan” with.
The park offers locals and foreigners a refuge. The green expanse of Rizal Park is a relief from the toxic environment of the city — 24/7 air mixed with carbon monoxide and other pollutants, noisy, traffic streets and the like. The free benches, open spaces and shade entice visits from families and lovers, tai-chi practitioners, chess players, photographers and bikers. Away from the mall shops that lure us to buy more than what is needed, the park brings simplicity on spending quality time with those dear to us. To top this all, a stroll at the park is a good way to learn and teach history. The last I think is an important take-away when visiting the park.
