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Sunday, February 06, 2011

Bloedel Conservatory walkabout

The following photos are taken at Queen Elizabeth Park where the Bloedel Conservatory resides and houses a variety of exotic flowers and plants, various tropical birds and ponds filled with Koi.

I was on one of my many walkabouts - this time with Katharina. She's visiting from Germany and this was her first time in the park.  We were both busy taking in the beauty around us with the help of our cameras.

Enjoy - and may these pictures inspire you to go on a walkabout in your own city and play tourist for a day!


First off, here's a photo of the Conservatory from the outside...  



         
Here it is from the "back side"...

Let's head inside...
It's warm and the air is thick, very tropical; on a cold Winter's day it's great to be inside!
A colourful inhabitant catches our eye!

Orchids are one of my favourite plants. I have recently figured them out!
Don't let them sit in water - submerge them in a tepid water bath, hold them there for a moment and as they come out of the "bath" let the water run out from the bottom of their container.


Seeing them like this is amazing.

From the picture above, I zoomed in on these gorgeous flowers growing out of the tree's trunk.

Here are some more flower shots...





I really liked the water-wheel in this shot.
This sweet little gal could speak and whistle - very clever!
She hammed it up for the camera too - so she deserves her 15 minutes!

Say goodbye! Yes, she really does wave!
The visit wouldn't be complete without a little dry climate Cacti!

Outside we go...into the large Quarry Gardens.
It's a misty, damp day but the beauty still shines through.

A sentinal of trees watches over us...eerie but very cool!

Through the small Quarry Gardens our journey continues...

Looking up, from the small Quarry, we see our final destination.
Seasons in the Park Restaurant - where Katharina and I sat enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and cheesecake! It's my most favourite restaurant in Vancouver!


Note - the first two photos of the Conservatory are archival photos I took one sunny day last year!
Here's a little 411 for those of you that made it this far. If you look closely at the second photo, behind the Conservatory to the right, are the mountains known here as The Lions. They are the mountains you see in my Blog Header.

Here is a photo of the view from just in front of the Conservatory taken in Nov. 2010.
If you want to really see this photo as it should be seen, right click and open it in a new window.
This is my desktop photo and on rainy days I just have to look at this photo and I'm good to go!
If you are a Vancouverite and haven't been up to QE Park lately, lace up your shoes and do a walkabout; then, stop off at Seasons and enjoy their newly renovated "lounge" where the fireplace invites and the view mesmorizes!

If you're not from Vancouver and are thinking of taking a trip here, be it personal or business, this park is really a 'start' and 'finish' point of any trip. I take my out-of-town guests here and it leaves a lasting impression - even on an overcast and misty day! And...as a local, I never tire of it!

Happy walkabouts,
Jenny

15 comments:

  1. what a beautiful place

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  2. Becca - thanks for dropping by.

    I share your sentiment, I do live in a beautiful place.

    I'm forever getting out and playing tourist in my own backyard.

    I hope you have a great city too and take the time to enjoy it! (that goes for everyone!)

    Cheers, Jenny

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  3. great pics and i was wondering how you could be in vancover and not have snow!

    archival footage! awesome!

    glad you had a great time..

    some day i want to see vancover...

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  4. Bruce - thanks for dropping by!

    Up here in Vancouver we often have very mild
    Winters. They can be quite wet at times but for the most part the climate here is such that you can get away without having to invest in serious cold-weather clothing! (other than what you need for Winter sports)

    If you ever check Seattle's weather ours is pretty much the same as what they get!

    Let me know if Vancouver ever gets on your "must visit" list, I'd be happy to make sure you get the "insiders" guide to the city!

    I'll be posting more of my walk-abouts in the near future.

    Jenny

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  5. Oh wow I am in photo heaven right now. You really take some beautiful pictures.

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  6. What beautiful photos Moo! I love the pics of the parrots! ^^ Fully awesome! Maybe the next time you go I'll get to come along for the adventure? ;)

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  7. Oilfield - I'm glad you like the photos.

    Photo heaven - that's good - I think that's what Vancouver offers, a little slice of heaven!

    Jenny

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  8. Miss CP - you sweetie pie! Thanks for commenting!
    You know how much you rock my world - I love being your Mom!
    You always have an open invitation to join me on my famous walk-abouts!

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  9. Aw! Thanks Moo! I love being your daughter too!! HUGS!

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  10. Those are amazing pictures! Would love to see that someday.

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  11. Barb - you're sweet for dropping by - thanks!

    Every time I do a walk-about I can't get over how truly lucky I am to live here!

    Try to make it a destination and let me know if you do.

    Jenny

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  12. Beautiful pictures--renews my desire to do some traveling in the upcoming summer months!

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  13. Hello! I'm so glad you will posting more of you walk-about pictures. You live in beautiful city, the same one I grew up in. I read your post on Kerrisdale and now I'm feeling a wee bit homesick. Thanks again for visiting and commenting on my blog.

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  14. Donna - doing the local walk-about is a great way to have mini vacations and getting ready for some real travelling this Summer!

    Carole - thanks for Following. I'm sorry that my posts are making you a wee bit homesick - do you have a favourite place that you'd like me to profile to cheer you up? I love going on walk-abouts!

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  15. Really, you'd go on a walk-about for me! 4th Ave would be my choice or oh, oh, Southlands at the foot of Blenheim St.! Thanks!

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.