Enough of this communing with nature. Don't get me wrong, I have loved all of this greenery. I've loved seeing the mountains (well except for you, Mt Rainier, if you actually exist). Along with mountains, many times there are waterfalls. I do love me the waterfalls. But... It's time to head to the big city.
Tacoma Washington started out as a suburb of Seattle but has quickly grown to be a city in its own right. Probably it's biggest claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Dale Chihuly, a world-class glass artist. He brought much innovation to the world of glass and as a consequence many many glass artists settled in the area. If glass is your thing, Tacoma is the place to be. The Museum of Glass is a wonderful place to start your glass exploration. There is a hot shop where as you can watch glass being blown and the docent explains what you are seeing. Now that you have a small understanding of the work and artistry that goes into each individual piece of art glass, you are ready to go and see the exhibits.
Strange Fruit
Chris Day
The Salmon School
Joseph Gregory Rossano
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| Chihuly of course |
The Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a 500 foot pedestrian walkway across a freeway. Supposedly, at sunset, it is supposed to be a very romantic place with the sun shining thru the glass.
Bonsai is a Japanese art form that involves growing and shaping miniature trees in containers to create realistic representations of nature. The art form is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of wuxing, which involves cultivating miniature replicas to access magical properties. I was really not expecting to be so totally enamored of bonsai when I visited the Pacific Bonsai Museum. The patience and dedication that is required to do bonsai is totally not in my wheelhouse. Maybe that is why I found this visit to be so special. Each tree had a plaque stating the 'Date of Origin' (when seed was planted or maybe found) and 'In Training Since' which I guess is when somebody decided to start it's bonsai adventure.
Hinoki Cypress
Date of Origin 1975
In Training Since 1983
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| Chinese Elm Date of Origin 1980 In Training Since 1993 |
Chinese Juniper on Sierra Juniper
Date of Origin 990 (really? that is what the sign said)
In Training Since 1970
I stayed at the Puyallup Elks Lodge.
This was a sign on the ballpark fence.
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