THE HUMBLE ADMINISTRATOR'S GARDEN

DAY FOUR IN CHINA - SUZHOU.

Geoff flies to Bangkok leaving us to fend for ourselves. Money, money money! Yes, China is a cash society so we must find a Bank with an ATM. Surprise, surprise! Oodles of Banks and oodles of ATM's.

Frances shows no fear of these Daleks so, using our Travel Money card, extracts 2000 RMB (Chinese notes) from the mouth of a Dalek. 

We now venture into Suzhou traffic to hail a cab. Eventually a taxi evades various forms of traffic and screeches to a halt beside us. Stroller is shoved into the boot while bodies are bundled into the confines of a VW. The driver is shown a card, written in Chinese, indicating our destination. He swerves into the stream of oncoming rushing traffic whilst I attempt to click-clack a seat belt. Those behind me search fruitlessly for seat belts. The journey is an eye-opener in the appropriate ways to surge beside, pass in front and behind cars, trucks, motorbikes, buses, pedestrians and bicycles. We arrive at the destination, pay the cab fare and collect our belongings.

After payment of the entry fee we wander anti-clockwise along paths of The Humble Administrator's Garden. The Darling Harbour Chinese Garden in Sydney has similar features. This is Suzhou's largest garden established in the sixteenth century by Wang Xianchen a retired magistrate. This garden is divided into three parts - east, central and west. 

The commencement of Spring sees buds about to burst especially on the white candles of magnolias and the fiery red camellia buds. Leaves are bursting from many deciduous trees and shrubs while gardeners prepare areas for various bedding flowers. We are impressed by the layout and the tranquillity of the garden.

The map and information at the entrance to the Garden.

The entrance vista to this beautiful garden.

The new shrubs and flowers ready to be displayed for springtime.

Reflections mirrored along the waterway.

Impatiens add colour to the pavilion veranda.

Corridors, paths and bridges link the various areas.

Spring has now arrived as Cherry blossom bursts to life.

The Hall of Distant Fragrance  named after perfume from the lotus pond.

The family neatly framed in the Moon Gate.

Keeping the waterways in pristine fettle.

Inside the Hall of Distant Fragrance.

Willows sprouting the first green leaves for spring.

A pavilion through an open window.

The rolling corridor linking parts of the garden. 

The Chinese garden display of PENJING, the forerunner of Bonsai.

Pruning by the Penjing horticulturist who adds a wobble to this art form.

This Penjing horticulturist is very conscious of OH&S. 

Rock sculpture is an important element in traditional Chinese Gardens.

Buildings happen to be a necessary element in the Chinese garden
providing a place for contemplation as well as a specific viewpoint.

The Bamboo walk towards the exit.

The white candles of the magnolia about to burst into "flame".

Cherry blossom converges with rock art.

Cherry blossom awaiting the arrival of bees.

The exit urges us to return in 3 weeks time.