Two weekends ago on a sunny and warm Portland Sunday i spent a delightful day in the Portland Chinese Garden with my blogging friend Diana. Diana is one of our blogging friends who hosted Relyn and my trip to San Francisco last July. She is a completely generous person and it made me happy to be able to host her visit even if in a small way. She was in Oregon for a sports event with her son and made arrangements to stay overnight in Portland so we could see one another. I am so glad she did! We had so much fun. I hadn't been out with my camera in ages and i saw each vignette of beauty in a fresh way.
This is one of my favorite shots of Diana. She was actually quite adorable as a model, willing to pose with a tilt to her hip and a smoochy kiss for the audience but i still loved this rather mysterious photo best.
The garden was stunning. The architecture, the carefully laid out paths, the spring flowering trees and camellias. The garden is located smack dab in the middle of downtown Portland but once you step within it's walls it is a haven of quiet beauty that transports the willing heart to an entirely different and magical place on earth.
If you have the opportunity to visit the garden be sure to include a meal in Old Chinatown. We wandered around looking at all the inviting spots, finally settling for the Vegetarian House located near the Chinatown gates and we were happy with ever single bite! From the fresh greens and crab rangoon appetizers to the fried banana with red bean paste at the end. Wow! It was a magnificent meal. Thank you Diana for such a lovely day.
love, robin
I want to crawl right into this post and experience this amazing spot! Those doors and that last wide shot -- WOW!
And I love the photo you chose of Diana -- you can tell she's hard at work and I love that kind of image -- it tells one a lot about a person! I'm so glad you had a fabulous day -- isn't that the best?
Posted by: Jeanie | April 26, 2010 at 08:51 AM
what a lucky girl to be visiting with our robin. just thinking the other day that you were the first photography/writing blog i ever visited. and here i am still. xo
Posted by: margie | April 26, 2010 at 05:20 AM
What a beautiful place. Hard to believe it's located right in the middle of the city. Gorgeous images!!!
Posted by: Marcie | April 25, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Oh. I am excited and jealous both. Lucky Diana. Lucky you!!
Posted by: Relyn | April 24, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Eek! You know how shy I am about having photos of me published. These photos of the garden turned out great. I haven't had time to process mine yet.
Thank you for teaching me how to use this big-girl camera -- I have a long way to go. Thank you for giving my your entire afternoon to meet me; it was a fun and relaxing time. I'm glad that I escaped the San Francisco rain to come to Portland's sunshine. How often will I have a chance to say that?
Can't wait to see you and Relyn this summer!
Posted by: dutchbaby | April 24, 2010 at 06:58 AM
What fun you must have had, what beautiful surroundings. I love tagging along on your adventures and peeking through your lens. :)
Posted by: Debi | April 23, 2010 at 07:27 PM
I love the pond photo with the orange Koi. You're such a nice friend.
Posted by: Hubby | April 23, 2010 at 06:44 PM
what gorgeous imagery! I know you gals had a blast.
Posted by: peggy | April 23, 2010 at 06:17 PM
It's beautiful. And it reminds me that they are on my list to visit. One of these days ..
Posted by: elizabeth | April 22, 2010 at 10:46 PM
I love to visit the Oregon Chinese Gardens, we have such a treasure there. Florence
Posted by: Florence Muma | April 22, 2010 at 10:39 PM
Gorgeous photos of the Chinese Gardens. I walked through there with my camera this past Monday. It is so peaceful. Even for a short visit it clears my mind and brings me JOY. I would have loved to meet Diana.
Posted by: Marilyn | April 22, 2010 at 02:23 PM
I absolutely LOVE this my tweety friend! I hope to visit there some day in the future with my children. All my love.
Posted by: Yoli | April 22, 2010 at 12:27 PM