When I was a kid, I only dreamed to see futuristic architectures (the fancier the better). Such a dream has changed overtime…Now that I’m an adult, I wish to keep everything in balance. Living in Hong Kong, I often see high-rise buildings. They are mostly built very close to each other giving me a sense of oppression. I realise what I need is to have a balance in order to keep me alive. When I’m tired of seeing buildings, I will go out and connect with the nature.
Before traveling to Porto, I already planned to visit Crystal Palace (Jardins do Palacio de Cristal). I knew it is a place where it has the power to refresh my mind. The Crystal Palace was initially built in 1860, but the edifice of it was replaced with a huge domed pavilion in 1956 to serve as an arena hosting sport events, concert, etc.ย Although the domed pavilion seems to attract most of the attentions from tourists, its adjoining gardens are equally attractive.
I felt rejuvenated when I saw the luscious green garden right in front of the domed pavilion. It awakened the happy child inside me and I couldn’t stop smiling at the beautiful scene here. The garden was well situated to create layer effects complementing the domed pavilion. It was not only enjoyable for the eyes, but also gorgeous enough to make you amazed. The beauty of it seemed to steal my heart away, but I knew I better started moving from here in order to discover more.
The more I walked, the more interesting my journey had become. I found a “secret garden” with a small lake reminded me of the Chinese garden I used to go with my parents. When I was reminiscing about my childhood, I heard someone whisper in my ears suddenly. I thought I could leave the whispering behind, but it was haunting enough for me to keep wondering who it was.
After a few minutes of walk, I finally found who they were. They were volunteers who had been working here for years and the nicest people I’ve ever met in Porto. They never stopped smiling when talking to me.Their soft-spoken voice reminded me of bird singing. Their friendliness simply warmed my heart. They even showed me the way to explore Crystal Palace.
I never thought I could find a secret paradise like this without their help. I believe the aura it had could only be maintained through silence. Distance myself from it by peeking through bushes was one of the best ways to respect its purity. The secret garden had slowly become a unique piece of jade when the color of sunbeam started changing. The shine it had completely broke through a peephole and I could no longer stay behind the bushes. I knew I had to walk through the “paradise” searched for something fantastic.
Glad I took the courage to do so… Otherwise, I would have missed the chance to enjoy this breathtaking view. Standing on the veranda overlooking Douro River while watching all the small boats passed by was truly amazing. I wish to camp here watching stars shine bright in the dark and starlight sparkleย in the reflection of the river.
I thought nothing could steal the shine from the breathtaking view of Douro River, but it wasn’t the fact in reality. All the attention was immediately captured by peacock ever since he started walking. Although his bright-colored feathers were designed to attract more peahens, I was greatly fascinated by his irresistible charm just like any other peahens.
He was not only charming, but also a gentleman. He showed where he usually hung out with other peahens. He sure knew one of the best ways to keep his queens happy was to show them blooming flowers. If I were one of his peahens, I would be drowning in his love.
After spending some time with me, he had to leave for preparing a candle light dinner. Although I started missing him already, I wasn’t disappointed to explore this place alone.
Exploring the place alone was indeed delightful. I took my time to enjoy the serenity here. Let the sun gently shine on my face while listening to the rippling sound of Duro River. Each drop of the water had slowly purified my soul to make me realise the importance of living in the present.
“True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Very amazing pictures of a beautiful place! Thanks so much for sharing this with us! Wow
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Thank you very much for your compliment! โค Glad you enjoyed the photos as much as I do! ๐ Blessings to you ๐
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it was amazing seeing those pictures
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Aww it’s so sweet of you โค
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Khloe, just beautifully written. Thoroughly enjoyed reading and the photos. ๐ ๐ โค
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I’m so happy to hear from you Milanka!!! ๐ How you been?
Thank you so much for your kind words! (blushing now) ๐ Your kind words instantly put a big smile on my face ๐ Glad you liked it!
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Khloe, I have been very well and settling back into life back home. Had a lovely time in Hong Kong and Macau. Our friends from Macau and coming to visit next week. It’s my turn to host them here in Melbourne. I am working hard at posting a few new recipes. Planning to have the posts ready soon. Glad to hear and see that you had a wonderful time in Porto. Lovely photos thank you for sharing such a beautifully written story. ๐ โค
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Aww you are too sweet to say that!<3 Thanks again!!! ๐ It's good to hear you had a lovely time in HK and Macau. That's exciting to have your friends visiting you next week!!! You must be thinking what to cook for them. No matter what you cook, it will always taste delicious I'm sure ๐ I can't wait for you to post new recipes!!! ๐ ๐ ๐
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The pictures and place looks sweet. ๐
Thank you so much for sharing.
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Thanks a lot for the sweet compliment! โค It's my pleasure to share with you all ๐ You are probably feeling tempted to go to this sweet place now lol ๐
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Loved those peacocks! I had the rare sight of seeing one in full bloom few days back – it is mesmerizing! Also, the photograph of the statue – that man and women. Looks like they flirting and sharing an amusing secret ๐
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The peacock was very beautiful in real life โค I can totally see why you love him ๐ Lucky you got a chance to see one in full bloom!!! The statue – they both were women actually, They always shared shared amusing secrets while working there (I guess that's the way they enjoyed their lives while working) ๐
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Lovely images Khloe ๐
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Aww thank you so much for your kind words! ๐
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Very nice.
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Aww thank you so much! ๐
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Beautiful photos of Oporto!
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Thank you for your sweet compliment! ๐
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Gorgeous post! The romanticism is so real, almost surreal. Makes a beautiful wedding location…so romantic and peaceful…tranquil ๐ loved this post and thanks for sharing ๐
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What a sweet compliment! I couldn’t thank you enough for that โค I totally agree with you. That place was indeed romantic and peaceful!!! Should I make it my wedding location? lol ๐ You're welcome ๐ I just love to share with you all โค Sweet dreams โค
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๐
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What a magical garden! Thanks so much for taking me on this enchanted walk through a secret jade paradise! You really do look serene in the photo ๐ And I’m very happy you found peace and contentment here ๐
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You’re most welcome Sci ๐ My pleasure to share the virtual trip with you all ๐ In fact, I’m trying to convince you all to visit Porto some time in the future ๐ Aww thanks! I just pretend to look serene to match my story here lol ๐ (just kidding). Come join me for peace and contentment and I’m sure I will be happy for you too ๐ ๐ ๐
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Thank you ๐ And I think you could not be anything But serene in such a lovely setting ๐
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You’re welcome ๐ Looks like I got a “serene” tag with me in that setting ๐
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What a beautiful place Khloe!! ๐
Incredible pictures! I love gardens! I rather go to a garden than to a museum ๐
Porto looks incredible!
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Thank you very much for your kind words dear! โค I can totally why you rather go to a garden than to museum ๐ You should plan a trip to Porto ๐
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A beautiful post, Khloe. Your photos are fabulous and I loved reading the commentary of your walk through those wonderful gardens. You seem to have made a real friend in that gentlemanly peacock! lol. Another lovely photo of you, too. Thank you for sharing this with us. ๐
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You’re most welcome Millie ๐ I simply love sharing with you guys. It means a lot when you told me how much you loved my photos and reading the commentary of your walk through the gardens. hahaha yes, he became a good friend of mine now (he does whatsapp me from time to time to stay in touch lol ๐ ). Thank you so so much for your sweet compliment!!! โค
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What a gorgeous location!
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Indeed it is โค ๐
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Hi Khloe! Another beautiful piece! I think you should be a writer for a travel magazine! I love the way you combine the beautiful shots with your own personal thoughts. It is almost like reading a short story, that is real!
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OMG! How sweet you are to say that! โค I wish I could be a writer for a travel magazine ๐ Honestly, I spent quite a lot on writing this blog post. When I saw those pictures, I instantly felt like writing a story so I did. Glad you liked the way I combine those photos with my personal thoughts as mush as I do! Exactly, I was trying to write a short story ๐ ๐ ๐ Heaps of thanks to you Phil for giving me all these sweet compliments! ๐
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That was beautiful, thank you for that enchanted journey. โค ๐
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Thank you so much for your kind words Maverick! ๐ Hope the enchanted journey wasn’t too tempting to make you feel like visiting now! ๐ You’re welcome ๐
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Such vivid photographs! They’re beautiful! ๐ And the peacock, haha. Definitely seems to be the gentleman. Lucky you! ๐
Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome ๐ My pleasure to share this beautiful experience with you guys ๐ Thank you for your appreciation! Glad you found them beautiful! haha I was indeed lucky enough to meet this gentleman ๐ ๐ ๐
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That was a beautiful story
A journey from beginning to end
With words to walk with you
It felt like I was there with you
Thank you Khole
Such a calming effect
To end my day
As always Sheldon
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Thank you so much Sheldon for your kind words! ๐ Glad it created a calming effect to end your my day! I couldn’t be happier to hear that ๐ Whenever you need something calming, you can always come back here to relax ๐ Have a great day! โค
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It such a gorgeous location Khloe !!!!!!!!!!!!! And what delightful sights !! The gentleman tried so hard but…… ๐
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It is indeed a beautiful location ๐ Maybe you should start planning to visit there after you moved to Germany for studying ๐ haha the gentleman do tried very hard ๐
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May be if I have my pockets full ๐
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Let’s fill in up ๐ ๐ ๐
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Ha ha ha ๐ ๐
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Great writing and story telling โ and to hear you were charmed by the history of the place, its secrets and then the perfect finale the peacock strutting around the grounds. It sounded almost like a fairy tale with your description and photos, and it ended as such as well with the Princess looking up into the sky as the sunโs rays tangled up around you. Wonderful postโฆand I think you still must be dreaming of Porto ๐
Cheers to pleasant weather and thoughts in Hong Kong!
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Glad you liked my writing and photos here! I was scratching my head and didn’t know what to write at first, but then looked at the photos again and it somehow inspired me to write this story. haha just hope such a fairy tale exists! (I think it would be super cool ๐ ) hahaha “with the Princess looking up into the sky as the sun’s rays tangle up” – your description sounded way fancier than I actually looked in the photo. I’m sure the peacock and you are good friends…You guys know exactly what to do to make people happy ๐ Bingo! I’m still dreaming day and night lol ๐ Thanks thanks thanks a lot for your sweet compliment!!! ๐
The weather in Hong Kong isn’t that pleasant today. It has been raining all day, but it’s ok. I know the sun will be coming soon ๐
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It is strange, but that is how I write as well. Never knowing what I am going to say – but then the photos start telling their story. The description of you I thought was perfect, and like I just said above it was the photo telling me the story ๐ ๐ Wish you better weather, but rain is not too bad as it may cool things off for you. Cheers ~
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I guess it is the magic of photos…You can never expect what to say, but the photos itself will have their own story to tell. hahaha well, you are right! It’s my honor to be “the Princess looking up into sky”. ๐ Yes, the sun is shining again today and the rain did cool things off for me. I like this kind of weather…neither too hot nor too cold (just perfect). Cheers ๐
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Yes, every photo will have its story ๐ Happy to hear the weather is just right for you, enjoy the weekend!
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Wish the same to you!๐
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Wonderful pictures!! Thanks so much for sharing ๐
http://reasyume.wordpress.com/
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Thank you so much for visiting and your kind words are appreciated! ๐
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Thank you for visiting
And all your kind words
Have a great weekend
As always Sheldon
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You’re most welcome Sheldon๐ You deserve it!!! ๐ Wish the same to you! Enjoy your delicious spaghetti!๐
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Wow! Beautiful pictures!
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Thank you very much for your kind words!!!๐
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