Friday – July 6, 2012
Sign in Old Town
Today was our first full day in Portland, Oregon. Before our trip, we had researched popular attractions and made a list of the places which we wanted to see in each location. Two of the sights on our list were the Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. Our hotel was two blocks away from Chinatown, so after a good free breakfast we walked to the Chinese Garden.
Gate at the Entrance to Chinatown
Entrance to Lan Su Chinese Garden
Looking Out From the Hall of Brocade Clouds
The Mood Locking Pavilion
Scholar’s Study
The Ancient Game of “Go”
We decided to have tea in the Tea House. An older man sat by the door playing an erhu – which is a two-stringed instrument which originated in China more than 1000 years ago. We sat down at a tall table and looked at the wide choices of teas.
The Tower of Cosmic Reflections – Tea House
We ordered two different kinds of teas: oolong and white tea. The young woman demonstrated how to “wake up the tea leaves” and then steep it for two/three minutes and then pour and drink. We had a lot of fun tasting different teas!
White Tea Sampler
Chinese Musician
We walked around the Chinese Garden, took lots of photos, drank tea, and enjoyed the very beautiful garden.
After a while, we left the Lan Su Garden and walked to the Max station. We took the Light Rail to a bus stop and took a bus to Washington Park where the Portland Japanese Garden was located. The garden is 5.5 acres with huge old growth trees and different styles of gardens.
Entrance to the Portland Japanese Garden
Educational Building
Japanese Lantern
Zen Garden
Tranquillity and Harmony
The Old Town District