Okoyama Gardens!

     So I'm way behind on my blogging but that's ok - things have been really hectic and there's just no time to catch up and do what needs to get done! 
     Okoyama Gardens were incredible! First we went to the Okayama Castle - a large black castle with real gold trim.  The inside was not so good though - it was gutted a while ago and they filled it with display cases and an elevator.  But 2 minutes away were the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen.
     The gardens were just acres of sprawling, lush green grasses, hills, and small buildings.  There was a koi pond where we fed the fish.  The koi fish are actually really big and make a disgusting sucking noise when they are feeding which kinda ruined the mood :)  There were also turtles vying for our food who really fought to claim their share.  They came right up to us and even ate from our hands.  A couple times we got nipped but you could barely notice.  The turtles are aggressive little things, too!  One turtle was getting ready for his helping when his friend came rolling up.  The first turtle wasn't having any of that and just SHOVED his hand in the other turtle's face and PUSHED!  Hilarious!!! I never knew they could do that :)
     The gardens, as I've said, are beyond beautiful.  It wasn't very busy at the time and so it was nice and serene and so peaceful.  I noticed some business men still with their briefcases and suit jackets strolling around the park.  I thought that was such a good idea to go there and relax after a hard day's work.  I wish those gardens were close to me!
     There was this long hut structure with a very shallow stream running through it and benches on either side.  We were able to take off our shoes and just dip our feet in and enjoy the cool stream.  It was just what we needed after walking in the blistering and humid heat.
     That had to be the highlight of my first week.  I loved how deep green and peaceful it all was.  And sitting by the fish having a popsicle wasn't too shabby either :)