Chinese Gardens

My dad's cousin Len (the 83 year old yoga instructor) has been having some difficulties with her neighbors over a 40+ year old laurel hedge (they cut it down without notifying her, damaging her fence in the process, and although it was on their side of the fence, it was on her property). As her back yard and garden have been a private oasis for her for more than thirty years, she is understandably upset. Negotiations are moving exceedingly slowly so one day last month, when the neighbors were out working on the stumps, Len was feeling particularly frustrated. I drove to Portland and we decided to go to the Chinese Gardens downtown.

I had been to the Japanese Gardens up in the west hills, but had never even heard of the Chinese Gardens. They are located in Chinatown and are pretty nondescript from the outside, but are pretty spectacular inside. They have packed a lot into one city block and somehow managed to give it a sense of openness and serenity that was just what we both needed.

Len said she prefers it to the Japanese gardens because she does not have to walk as much. She is very athletic and strong but has very worn out knees.

I loved the detail on the tiles here.

When we parked the car on the back side of the gate, the whole place seemed like another downtown structure, but once we entered, I was carried away. It wasn't until we reached this vantage point that I remembered that we were, indeed, downtown among the regular bustle of city life.

Everywhere things were starting to bloom. It was a perfect time to see so many blossoms and new growth.

We went back to Len's house and had a wonderful dinner and conversation. A great day for me to spend as a regular adult (rather than a mom-unit) and hopefully distract Len from her dispute for a short time.