From Grits to Chopsticks

On Sunday afternoons, we often enjoy quiet walks around our local zoo.  A week ago was our first time back in 2012, and we noticed that the entrance is decorated to celebrate the year of the dragon:

The zoo is actually a large park which also includes amusement rides, food vendors, and countless cherry trees which are now in full bloom:

It turns out, that during cherry blossom season, the zoo is NOT the best place for a quiet walk:

For a fee, you can climb up on a platform into the flowers and have your photo taken in traditional clothing.  Or you can get your compliant grandfather to do it:

You can also get your picture taken with a Chinese model:

Or you can save the money and take your own photo anywhere on the grounds:

After a long day of looking at flowers, it’s nice to lie down on a blanket with your (toy) assault rifle:

Or find a peaceful spot to play majiang with friends:

When you get hungry, there’s a lot of good food for everyone, including “fish sticks” for the baby:

or a drink of fresh coconut milk:

We played it safe (sort of) and just had a few sticks of barbeque:

And wherever you find flowers, there will be butterflies:

Yes, there’s nothing like a quiet day at the zoo (and this was nothing like it)!