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New Zealand North Island – Hamilton Gardens
Invoking the floral colours of an intricate Indian rug, the Indian Char Bagh Garden at Hamilton Gardens definitely has the feel of India. A bagh is an enclosed 4-part garden, and was the original Paradise Garden. This form of garden spread throughout the Muslim world between the 8th and 18th centuries, from Asia to North Africa to Spain. Paradise Gardens became a distinctive art form in the 16th & 17th centuries under Mughal rulers and then Hindu aristocracy. This type of garden was regarded as an icon for the universe itself. You can feel the breezes, hear water gurgling and smell the perfumes of flowers forming a real living carpet. Many weddings take place in this location.
The garden that has been developed here at Hamilton Gardens is the Riverside Garden, with a plan very similar to the Taj Mahal on a very much smaller scale.
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New Zealand: Cambridge – Maori Neighborhood Gathering
Just like all over the world, people of similar backgrounds form social circles to keep their heritage intact. In Cambridge, NZ, we were invited to this Maori gathering to make our own poi balls. The balls are attached to long strings and swung rhythmically, one in each hand. Today, the women dancers perform the Maori poi. Men used it for strength and coordination and they were also used as a weapon during a battle. It is really hard to spin those balls. 
New Zealand: Hamilton Gardens – Traditional Maori Garden in New Zealand
In the Te Parapara Garden in Hamilton Gardens, NZ, traditional (to Maori) rare kuumara (sweet potato) varieties are planted on puke (mounds) in the summer and then harvested. 
US: Seattle – Walkway by the Water
You can get a nice view, cool breezes on this walkway behind the Pike’s Place Market in Seattle. Note the ferris wheel in the distance. Do you think the people walking are noticing anything other than their phones?
US: Seattle – Old and New Architecture in Seattle
We love the contrasts of architectural styles as we walk through cities. This one’s in Seattle, WA.
US: Seattle – Chief Seattle Fountain
Even way back in 1909, the city of Seattle made sure to honor Chief Seattle, its namesake, with this fountain.
US: Seattle – Remembering Chief Seattle
Poster reminding us who lived here first. “Chief Seattle Now the Streets are our Home”
US: Seattle, WA – Architecture in Seattle,WA
Seattle’s history of architecture styles can sometimes be glimpsed all at once.
Canada: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario – Group of Seven Food
At the Heritage Discovery Center we were treated to a meal described in the journals of Group of Seven painters who created their art here about a hundred years ago. The first course for us had been an entire meal for them – about ten pounds of onions. Though it doesn’t sound tantalizing, it was scrumptious, as they caramelized the onions and served them with homemade bread and butter.
Canada: Toronto, Ontario – Flatiron Building
Toronto has its own version of New York City’s Flatiron building.
