Gardens and Orchids.

 22nd April

Another very hot day ahead, at 7 am the temperatures were up in the low 30s. Humidity was high, as soon as we walked outside the air conditioned hotel beads of sweat could be felt dripping from the hairline. And today we were off to the Botanical Gardens and Orchids garden.

Our ticket from the bus yesterday allowed further travel until 10.30 am so we hopped on at the stop outside the hotel. Of course, we had to go to those parts of the tour already seen, we didn't bother with the headset today. Took about 30 minutes to reach the gardens, vast they were so where to start?

The wetlands were the obvious choice. Many a dragon fly, bird, fish and insects to be seen here. I was in my element. 

And even a terrapin

Not sure how far we walked around the gardens, the heat was really getting to us and even drinking loads of water didn't help. Then an unexpected surprise in the way of a café. Not mentioned at all on the finger posts or shown on the map, we made a beeline for the shade and welcomed drink. Ian tried the iced cappuccino, I had tea followed by vanilla ice cream. Cooled us both down nicely.

As is my usual self I took loads of photos, here are just a few.

After an exhausting hour of walking the paths, almost wilting in the heat but worth it to see the plants, we found the National Orchid Garden. A cost was involved of $3 each, bargain for what was inside.

We had no idea of the amount of Orchids there are in this World, from the teeny tiny to the huge, the whole experience was mind blowing. Several glass houses holding the exotic to those that lived high up in the cooler mountains were present. The mist house was our favourite. Here we were shrouded in the cold mists, most welcome from the heat outside.

The VIP garden showed all the Orchids named after royalty, famous people and celebrities. Found our late Queen's Orchid as well as Diana's, William and Kate's and would you believe, Margaret Thatcher!

 I took loads of photos, made them into a collage, as to the names of them all, well I would be here all day itemising every one.

Several hours later we returned to the entrance of the gardens to find a taxi to take us back. The set up at this remote place was brilliant for that. A manned service area was found and the taxis were organised from that. Within 5 minutes one had arrived and we were on our way back. With the afternoon still in its infancy we donned our cossies and headed for the pool. I took my waterproof camera and took these shots.

And a selfie

 It was a lovely way to end the day, tomorrow we go in search of the Merlion.

And wildlife today