Last weekend when the sun decided to make a very welcome, but brief appearance - a group of us set off for De Waal Park on in Gardens. I have driven past this park many times before but never actually spent any time in it, although now that a friend of mine lives right across the road from the park, I anticipate we will be spending more time in the shade, inspecting the wide array of people and animals which frequent this green little oasis and hidden gem in the heart of the City.

Fully equipped with our blanket, snacks and cooler box with its built in radio (one of the best inventions to date we have decided) we chose a shady spot in the park in which to lounge in and watch all the other people who had the same idea.

Families, dogs, children and couples were sharing the park with us on that day – feeling decidedly European lying sprawled on the grass at the first sign of the sun.

We’ll be making more use of De Waal Park in the summer, especially as the beaches start getting busy when the holidays begin. This park is the perfect spot to sneak away to for a few hours – through the ornate wrought iron gates into the lush hidden gem, it is like walking into a fairy tale - emerging a few hours later refreshed and ready to join the rest of society again.