I really really would love to travel this weekend. But I can't because I have so much work to do for my assignments plus, on top of that, my thesis oral presentation is going to take place next Friday. So then, the model student that I am, I'm going to stay put in my apartment and finish what I need to finish.. Haha I'm actually laughing at my own joke. We'll see how long I can stay true to my own words..

Sorry for the first world problem rant, rest assured, this post is not all about negativity. Instead, I'm going to talk about this particular park called Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in my neighborhood here in the 19e arrondissement, or the 19th district, of Paris. Yes, it's not the most stylish district and it's not exactly the prettiest. But I've come to terms with it and besides it's actually quite magical in summer, especially by the canal. It's probably why it took me so long to finally explore this park that's just a stone's throw away from my apartment. You know the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence right? So I'd usually just get out of the 19th and go to Jardin des Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg when I'm in the mood for some greens and plants.

While a lot of people go to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont to jog, I went there for similar reasons. Well, okay, not exactly.. But I went there to power walk in the hopeless hope to burn some calories after a burger lunch I just had with my friend. Oh by the way, we had the burger at this cool American restaurant called Danny Hills that is really close to the park. You can find more information about the restaurant here. I have been craving for American burgers!!! Anything from NYC's Shake Shack, California's In-N-Out, Umami burger, 25 Degrees' burger at Roosevelt Hotel in LA, you get the point...

Full and satisfied, my friend and I realized how close to the park Danny Hills is. We decided to stroll around Buttes-Chaumont although we had some work to do but, hey, a little walk to find inspirations never hurts right? 

After we made it to the other side of the unbelievably shaky bridge (and we did just finish our delicious burgers!), we climbed a little bit to the top. And the view was just magnifique!

I don't know whether it was the euphoria I got from the burger or the view from the top of the park or the tranquility in the park itself or combination of all this, but I felt really relaxed and happy after spending some time there. Although I have to admit I haven't been the proudest 19th resident, as far as Buttes-Chaumont is concerned, the grass is finally greener on this side of the fence.

Find more information about the park's opening hours etc here.