Portland Japanese Garden

Once a week, I help out with childcare at church and inevitably transport all their little germs home with me. Despite washing my hands excessively and treating my clothes like I’ve walked through a hazardous pathogens lab, those sneaky little germs persist and my immune system has taken quite awhile to get with the program. This past week, my body finally won the battle but my victory dance was cut short by the fact that I’ve managed to pass along the cold to Andrew. I’m such a generous wife.

As a result, our weekend was pretty low-key. Instead of a hiking adventure, we headed up to Portland to check out the Portland Japanese Garden. If you’re a Bank of America cardholder, then you can get free admission at certain museums/institutions on the first weekend of every month. (The program is called Museums on Us if you want to see what’s near you.) I’ve been wanting to visit Portland Japanese Garden for quite awhile and when I saw it on the list, I jumped at the chance to check it out for free.

We arrived a bit late in the day but still with plenty of time to stroll around and soak up the peaceful, serene atmosphere. Even though you couldn’t walk five feet without tripping over a photographer or their tripod, the gardens create such a calming environment that you barely notice. In the spirit of peace and quiet, I’ll let the photos do the talking.

 

 

 

Afterward, we walked around Washington Park, venturing into the International Rose Test Garden and then strolling through the surrounding neighborhood. We stumbled across this almost hidden grassy path lined with giant camellias and walking down it, you would never know you were in Portland.

Surrounded by blossoms with blue sky overhead and green grass underfoot …. could you ask for anything more? Oh Spring, I love you.