A green escape in a grim lockdown

During the third lockdown, I grew weary of my small single dorm room and craved for adventures. When Britain began to emerge from its COVID-19 restrictions slowly and allowed us to meet other people outdoors, I visited Battersea Park with friends. I felt invigorated. To me, the cherry blossoms signalled Spring and represented the hope that we may finally be reaching the beginning of the end. 

I saw in the blooms extending their delicate petals outside of the fence a parallel of young people yearning for freedom and a way out of lockdown. The expansive green outdoor space provided a respite from the COVID restrictions and reminded me how much I missed the days when we could freely hike in the countryside, dive in the ocean, and devour dishes that were not prepared in our own kitchens. Now that dining al fresco has returned, I am cautiously optimistic that we will have more opportunities to explore the natural scenery London has to offer.