When I was at school, I had an English teacher who was adamant that people-watching is the best way to boost creativity. She told us that whenever she felt uninspired, she’d grab a notebook and pen, and head out to a busy café or park bench and make up stories about the people who pass her by.
At the time, the whole classroom (myself included) looked at her like she was some crazy stalker-lady, but recently I’ve realised that she actually had a very good point.
Sometimes I’ll look up at the clock and realise that I’ve literally spent my whole day inside and then wonder why I’m feeling so blergh (I’m not the only one who sometimes feels like this, right?).
Lately, to battle a particularly bad case of the blergh’s, I’ve been leaving my phone and laptop on my desk and getting outside, to take a much-needed breather. It’s something that is even more enjoyable now that the weather is so wonderfully warm.
Here are some places I’ve been frequenting over the past couple of weeks to stop, sit, and watch.
Civic Fountain
Civic Fountain, especially when it’s lunchtime, is one of the best places to watch the citizens of Canberra doing their thing. The Uni students settle in groups on the lawn while the public servants pack out the surrounding cafés, and the mothers’ groups let their children play cops and robbers around the fountain. It’s a fun and friendly atmosphere
Lennox Gardens
I’ve been to many a summer picnic at Lennox Gardens and it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful our city really is. The glittering lake, the white blossoms and the jumping kangaroos all add up to equal one of the prettiest locations in Canberra. On the weekends you can guarantee that there will be a game of Frisbee or informal cricket to join in on, and every once in a while you might even spot a wedding party!
The Carillon
Sunday mornings by the Carillon is a complete buzz of activity, with many Canberrans taking the opportunity to get an early morning in workout with a bridge-to-bridge walk/run/cycle. There are plenty of park benches to chill on and enjoy the picturesque views of the lake, making it one of the best spots in Canberra
Old Parliament House Gardens
I really believe that the Old Parliament House Gardens being open to the public is payment for putting up with DC-plated cars and politicians descending on our little city during sitting weeks. When you thought the gardens couldn’t get any more beautiful, they have been have been enhanced with the additions of rose arbours, cobbled pathways, seating pavilions and pergolas.
So if you’ve been feeling a little dull lately, I highly recommend visiting these places, you never know where inspiration might strike.
