The Story of the Hidden Gem

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away called Portland, there were three roommates: DJ, Sasha, and Bri. One fine day in early October, the sky was blue, the sun was out, and realizing that this might be the last warm day, the three roommates set out to make the most of it. A carpe diem feeling was in the air, and they embarked on an adventure to visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden. 

DJ, Bri, and Sasha strolled along the waterfront, soaking in the sunshine, trying to get as much Vitamin D in as possible before the wave of dreary, sunless, rainy, foggy weather set in for the winter. 

Being from California, both DJ and Sasha were worried about the upcoming lack of sunshine and the effect it may have on their spirits. 

They arrived at the garden, and Sasha was in heaven...

A beautiful, majestic landscape opened up before them, filled with elements of feng shui, which instilled a sense of peace and quiet within - a pleasing change from the hustle and bustle of Portland.

The words on the six intricately carved panels in the center of the garden rang true within the girls:
"Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic; truly in the midst of a city there can be a mountain and a forest."

 The beautiful part of the garden was that it was a full five-sense experience. The fresh scent of the lush greenery, the calming song of the gently cascading waterfall in the distance, the harmonious arrangement of the paths, the herby taste of some green tea, and even the tactile cool from the perfectly placed stones that comprised the ground - all of these aspects brought about a peaceful serenity deep within.

The beautifully patterned walkways particularly entranced Sasha, who experienced them fully by walking barefoot on them. (It was awesome!!!)

Every direction the girls would turn, they would encounter a stunning landscape, one that had the potential to become a painting.
To fully experience this natural beauty, the girls were provided a pamphlet, which contained a "window" for them to peer through and imagine the scene before their eyes as masterpiece paintings.

Sasha, DJ, and Bri thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden, as it revitalized their spirits and made them happy to know that this wonderful place exists not too far from where they live, so they can come back any time.

Sasha will probably get a membership to save money...

Their adventure was lovely.

THE END.




...But really, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is a gem that I feel not many people know exists in Portland. If you ever visit, be sure to stop by this hidden sanctuary right in the heart of the city.

Thanks for reading :)