friendship

On our last day in Sydney (which happened to be my birthday), we all went our separate ways and did our own things. For me, that meant a quick trip out to Bondi with a fellow WWOOFer, and then back to Darling Harbor to meet up with another friend at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. And wow, was that ever beautiful. Nestled in between high-rises, a pocket of green tranquility right in the city. We spent our time wandering around the curving pathways and pausing in all the pavilions, catching up and trading tips on gardening, great reading, and self-enlightenment (really). It was so wonderful that after Sue had to go, I went around again by myself, really soaking up all I could. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday, and a gorgeous last day in Australia.

wide brown land

The National Arboretum. My favorite spot in Canberra. I was lucky enough to visit around twilight, and seeing the newly laid plans, young forests, and grand visions for the future in the golden light was spectacular. Overwhelmingly peaceful, still, and beautiful.

cockington green

Maeve, me and Pasca with some large creatures greeting us at the entrance

On our second morning waking up in Canberra, Papa, Pasca, Maeve and I headed to Cockington Green, a formal gardenscape populated with miniature recreations of British village life and remarkable buildings from all around the world. It was strange and beautiful and hilarious. There was even a dizzying labyrinth, which the girls and I tried to navigate with our gaze, but ultimately proved to be too much. We rode the steam train around, played a quick game of hop-o bump-o (thanks John!), and admired the flowers (and hardworking bees). A great way to while away the morning.

Wouldn't be English without cricket! 

Love pastoral scenes, even in fake miniature

Freddy and Jason, an odd find

Gorgeous banks of begonias

Dahlias and bees, what's not to love?

The mesmerizing labyrinth

There were also a few dinosaurs tucked away in the hedges...

The paths were lined with all sorts of plants, including tons of peppers. I picked a few for our dinner of tortilla soup that night

Hop-o bump-o! Good times