The traveler’s life encounters many contrasts…busy days with leisurely
ones; soft beds versus rigid concrete-like pallets; traffic in the city with no
cars in sight for miles in mountain areas.
Today, we went from delicate, gentle surroundings at the Lan
Su Chinese Gardens in Portland...
....to the sharp, rocky mountain outcroppings
with snow and ice at Mount Hood.
Our dining experiences also had a 180 degree difference. For lunch, we ate at the Garden’s teahouse
with handcrafted tea, steamed buns, and baked tofu in dipping sauce...very much
the Far Eastern menu eaten carefully with chop sticks. Dinner was hearty American West fare that
would supply us with enough calories for a 10 mile hike uphill. With a cold glass of local draft ale, I
enjoyed the spicy 3-bean chili over a huge baked potato while Dennis managed to
subdue a full turkey leg dinner.
Our tour guide at the Chinese Garden talked about observing the yin and
yang in many ways –- up/down, in/out, smooth/rough, dark/light, straight/curved
--- but mostly to consider that neither one is better or more right than the
other. Just follow the Tao...and flow
with where you are at that moment.
Very wise thoughts...can't wait to you get home and inspire me!
ReplyDeleteGood topics for our walks.
DeleteFor all the times we visited Portland, we still haven't dropped in on the Chinese gardens. Thanks for this reminder. Hope the rest of the trip is just as exciting.
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese Gardens are definitely a place I would visit again...just to see how it transitions with each of the seasons. Very worthwhile.
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