FROM THE OTHER SIDE

It’s getting hot in here…

New York in summer, it’s freaking hot.  Yes I was warned about the oppressive heat, but being from Australia, I figured, that’s cool - that’s how we roll.  Although in Australia, we have the most amazing beaches ever, so it’s a bit different.  Just saying.

Anyway, being a sun lover I hatched a cunning plan to get out and enjoy the weather today.   This week, the outdoor swimming pools in NYC opened, and I was going to get me some of that action.   I’ve been keenly awaiting Lasker Pool opening in Central Park so it was a no brainer, time to get involved.

Of course Lasker pool is right at the top of the park, so it would take me an hour to walk there from home.  Next!  I figured it would be a much nicer experience to rent a pushy and peddle my way up there.  So that’s what I did.  Packed my towel, some tunes, sunblock, a sun recliner chair thing, books and magazines and off I went.

Here’s what I needed to know but didn’t.   Things that are banned inside Lasker pool:

- phones

- ipods

- headphones

- bike seats (long story)

- own sun chairs

Basically, you have to turn up there and lock any valuables you have on your person in a locker.  And you have to bring your own lock (which I didn’t).  

After spending $35 on renting a bike to fulfill my mission and having ridden there in the stinking heat I really could not face going without a swim.  I ended up getting into my bikini and carrying in some reading material, and hiding my iphone in my swimming cap.  

Thankfully, this strategy worked.  The pool was jammed and packed with screamy kids for the most part.  But once I dove in and then reclined on a pool provided sun chair  after (can’t expect this in general there are like 10 for the 1000 people) it was so worth it.   

Look it’s not going to become my thing to do every weekend (actually have found a hotel close by where I can pay $60 for a day by the pool - that’s my next stop).  But, now that I’m aware of the rules I have to follow, I think I’ll go back.  And next time it will be far less stressful because I wont take a chair and I’ll have a lock and all that.