Yesterday my mother and I went to the botanical garden and
the zoo area. I had never visited the area before so it was a first for both of
us. It was a cool morning with overcast skies. We were fortunate in that it
only sprinkled a little when we first arrived.
When we entered into the garden we found that there were a
lot of people cleaning up from the strong winds that took place the night
before from a passing typhoon. There was a tree that had broken in half from
the storm.
There was a nice sized rose garden. The roses were
beautiful, and the red roses had such an intense color of red. There were some
purples along with yellow, white and pink. The roses were not as fragrant as
the roses that are in the Portland Rose Garden.
I do not know if this was due to the time of year, or if the roses here
just are not as fragrant.
We went into the green house area. I thought it was going to
be a small greenhouse, but I was surprised to see how large it was inside.
There were many different rooms inside the greenhouse. There was a tropical
area, a cactus area, a begonia area, an orchid area and a butterfly area.
Once we walked around the greenhouse we headed towards the
zoo. We did see a nice walk that was for an autumn stroll, but since it has
been so hot here the leaves have not changed. We decided to skip the walk. I
have no doubt that if the leaves had been changing that it would have been
breathtaking.
We went to the zoo since we were in the area. I am not a fan
of zoos for many reasons, but I thought I would give it a try. Once my mom and
I entered and saw the animals in such small cages we had to leave quickly. I
understand that some of the animals that are in zoos could not survive if they
were in the wild, but it just seems so sad to have them in such small spaces.
We knew once we saw the hippo in its tiny area that we were done. We found the
exit and left the zoo.
We began walking back towards the subway area. Since we had
never been there we were not sure which directions to head in, but luckily we
were on the right track. We saw a woman waiting for a bus so we asked
directions, and luckily she spoke some English.
Once we arrived back in Tenjin we walked around the
underground shops and found the large food area in Daimaru. It was huge!!!
Today we went to the Japanese Garden that is located in the
Ohorio-Koen Park. Mark joined us today. It was the first time he has really
been out at all during our October break.
The Japanese Garden is so peaceful and beautiful. The leaves
of the Japanese maple trees were just beginning to change at the very tops of
the trees. I really think that this weekend they might be in full autumn
colors. I would like it if my mom and I could take a short trip there. The
garden would be breathtaking with the autumn colors.
We then went to the Hard Rock Café for lunch. I have never
eaten at the Hard Rock in Fukuoka. I have to say that the food was delicious!!!
I now know that I will be frequenting the restaurant for some good eats. We looked in the gift shop because we were
hoping to find a sweatshirt or t-shirt for my sister. I can’t say if we found
anything because I do not want to spoil any surprise.
Mark and I took my mother to see the Hilton Hotel that is
located here. It is a very large and grand hotel. From there Mark went back
home, and my mother and I headed to the Fukuoka Tower.
Upon arriving at the area in front of the tower we saw that
they were setting up for a huge event. We found out that this weekend there
would be a special event. We will go by there on Saturday or Sunday to see what
all is going on there.
We rode up to the top of the Fukuoka Tower and looked
around. While we were up in the tower we saw a bride in her wedding dress. We
have come to the conclusion that it was either a photo shoot for the wedding
reception areas or that it was someone’s wedding photos. Either way, the dress
was gorgeous. I have one shot that I zoomed in on that had the bride and groom
making a heart with their arms. I am glad my camera has a good zoom.
We left and walked through an area on a campus and then a
park. We came across large chairs, lamps and flowerpots.
Then we made it to the subway and went back to the
apartment. Now it is time to relax. I am not sure what is in store for us
tomorrow, but I will update you all then
Enjoy the photos. Most are of flowers and the gardens.
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| Outside the Yahoo Dome (well, they changed the name but to me it is still the aYahoo Dome.) |
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| Panoramic view of the begonia room. |
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| Begonia |
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| Begonias |
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| Begonias |
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| Star blossom |
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| Heart photo - look at the arms |
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| Ducks in the park. |
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| Fall colors |
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| hibiscus |
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| shimmery |
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| Looking towards the greenhouse. |
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| Huge cactus (or cacti to be correct) |
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| Mother in the greenhouse. |
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| Japanese garden |
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| Japanese garden |
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| Japanese garden |
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| Japanese garden |
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| Japanese garden |
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| My mother and I in the garden. |
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| Panoramic view |
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| Beautiful girl having a photo session |
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| Koi fish |
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| The locks in the love sanctuary inside the Fukuoka Tower. |
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| My mother inside the greenhouse. |
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| My mom shaking hands with Phil Collins. |
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| A new butterfly drying its wings. |
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| Strange flower |
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| Orchid |
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| orchids |
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| Back on the kimono. |
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| Posing with my Arizona Sun for a contest.(I will explain more if I win.) |
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| Pretty flowers on a vine. |
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| Purple rose |
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| Purple roses |
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| More purple |
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| Purples |
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| Salvia |
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| Red burst of color. |
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| My mother in her LARGE chair. |
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| Salvia |
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| Waterfall |
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| Photo shoot on the beach |
