The Humble Administrator's Garden

Isn't that a great name? I have no idea where the name for this garden came from, but according to the guidebooks, this garden is one of top 4 gardens in China. Actually, Suzhou is quite known for its gardens and boasts 2 of the top 4 gardens in all of China! Becca loves to tell people, "We went to one of top gardens in China." At each attraction, she asks, "What number is this on the list?" Saturday has become our day to explore. Today we went to the Humble Administrator's Garden. This is such a beautiful garden, and we did not even see it in its prime (which is Springtime). We had fun exploring the winding paths, peering into the ponds and looking for fish, and climbing rocks. The garden had many rocks with steps that would have hidden caves and passageways beneath them. It was an adventure finding where the various rock steps would lead. Exploring the "secret rooms" within the rocks was the highlight of the day. The garden is quite big and we spent several hours there. Towards the end of our time at the garden it rained, and you know that it is hot when you are thankful for the rain and DON'T seek shelter! Though the kids wanted to keep exploring on the rocks as it rained harder, but Andy I vetoed them. The day was a little indicator of the summer to come because it was downright steamy (think Louisiana summers)! :-)

This rock path led down to the pagoda and then through a rock tunnel - what a fun garden!

Tori loved the fish. She kept say, "Oh these are funny fishes! They have silly mouths."

Peeking out from a rock-room

After the garden, we went to Walking Street which is actually a 6 block area of downtown that is closed off to cars and has lots of shopping. We ate lunch at Pizza Hut (the kids' choice - Andy and I were voting for Chinese), and then walked around and did a little shopping. We bought several things at the silk market. After buying a dress for Tori and several tops for Becca, Tori wanted to wear her dress immediately. So, we stripped her down and put on the dress right in the store -- much to the amusement of the shopowner! We had a fun but tiring day. We didn't get home from our expedition until 5:30! 

Main area of Walking Street

Tori showing off her new dress. After she put her dress on, she wanted to be carried and then promptly fell asleep! She slept in my then Andy's arms for almost an hour!

What a long day! Josh fell asleep in the taxi back.