It almost seems a pre-requisite of the human condition that at regular intervals we look back with nostalgic rose tints at the joys of yesteryear and how much better things were.

With the advent of the internet, and the spread of resources such as YouTube it is easier than ever to truly relive those past moments, and when corporations such as Cadbury's get in on the act by rediscovering the Wispa chocolate bar you know that nostalgia is something to be celebrated and embraced.

But chocolate bars apart it's not often we get to truly experience those things from our childhood that gave us so much pleasure. Old television shows are viewed with more mature eyes and experience, themed parties become more of parody than regression, and there are some things that doing as an adult would likely land you with a criminal record.

But a few weeks ago I was driving out of Aberdeen, where I grew up, with a bike on the roof, towards an out-of-town mountain bike trail. Taking a winding route through the city I suddenly spotted a park I used to be taken to as a child, which had as its centrepiece a mock-up of a real road - markings, signs, the works. The compulsion to take another look proved irresistible.

So we rolled into the car park in front of a very tired looking, boarded-up, pavilion. Daubed with grafitti and suggesting less than a full effort at maintenance. But I was still excited, I was actually getting to live a bit of my childhood.

But as anyone who indulges in these occasional whims knows, there is always disappointment justa round the corner.