The Ellis Family: Fukushu Chinese Gardens

The last week in September we took the opportunity to check out the Fukushu Gardens. As most of you know, I recently got a job! Which means we won't have as much "play time" during the week. So, when Mike had a random day off during the week we headed towards Naha in search of something to do. The gardens are right in the middle of the busy city, surrounded by a stone wall. It really is amazing to be following the directions down the busy narrow road, park, walk across the street, and cross through the gates into this wonderful, tranquil place. There are three different areas of the gardens that represent light, seclusion, and beauty (don't ask me which areas represent which, that is just what my guide book tells me). There were tons of plants, flowers, neat little buildings, displays, hideaways, a waterfall, and a few ponds filled with koi and turtles. And the best part? It was free! Take a look.
Olivia loves feeding the fish and watching them all swim around and fight over the food:

I love this picture:

And this one too. All throughout the gardens you get a great sampling of Chinese-inspired architecture:

Here's the waterfall...And Daddy and Olivia are standing behind it. See them?

There they are!

The three of us! Thanks to the self-timer on my camera :)

Having fun running wild and free:

It looks as if she is having a peaceful thought here, but I'm sure she is just scheming something up:

I love this. Looking out one pagoda towards another:

My handy dandy guide book also tells me the trees, plants and flowers represent the different seasons of the year...

Warning: If you lie down to take a picture of the beautiful ceiling of the gazebo, you will be attacked unexpectedly by Miss Olivia. She uses any opportunity she can to jump on people's bellies and pretend you are a horse...