We didn't stop for tea on this visit. Instead, we walked and sat, soaking in the atmosphere of the Garden. Instead of writing more, I'll let the images provide the commentary. Notice the arcs of the buildings, which is very different from the straight edges we're accustomed to in the Western architecture.
Water and Form in the Light
Lotus
Bonsai in a Courtyard
Bridging
Even on Saturday with many other visitors, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a place of tranquility, a place where you can stay for hours and be in a world that is quite different than your normal daily life.
After the garden, the four of us visited the Portland Saturday Market, which is, in the true sense of the word, a market. Founded in 1974 and now with over 400 members, it is the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States. From crafts and art to musical instruments and food stands, about the only thing missing is a grocery store. Add live entertainment and the Portland Saturday Market is a hoppping place on Saturdays and Sundays.
Among the artisans, homemade is the defining element, and many of the crafts are very high quality. Sandra was quite impressed with one of the jewelry designers. The kalimbas, an African thumb piano, made by Silver Moon Creations caught my eye and ear. The nice weather was an added treat, though in the afternoon sunshine, the temperatures started to remind me of Nashville minus some humidity. In fact, Portland recorded its first 90 degree day of the summer on the Saturday, so I guess we brought the heat to the city.
If you want to find out more, you can visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden website and look for upcoming events. You can also visit the Portland Saturday Market website and browse through the list of vendors--be forewarned, it's long!
Mid-afternoon and there stiil was more for us to do.
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