Travelog for: HOP

Today was such a beautiful day to take a walk.  We ended up visiting the New York Botanical Gardens



There are many areas in the garden...we first walked through the children's garden that had animals made of pumpkins...here is a catapillar/pumpkin


There was a pond as well


The Bronx River flows through the gardens...here are some shots






Here I am at the rose garden




We came across a greenhouse but it wasn't open so I decided to take a picture with the statue that was there


Here are some planters at the rock garden area


Another little stream area


small waterfall


Now we were off to the conservatory




Inside they had a special exhibit called "Monet's Garden" and it was inspired by scenes that Monet painted




Large lily pads


lovely fountain


Well I had a wonderful time seeing all the lovely plants and flowers and enjoyed the great weather we were having.
Until next time!

I arrived in Miami safe and sound! Many fellow TVs were there to receive me. My host immediately showed me around her cool room! I look forward to visiting the beach again and seeing all the art in Miami 

This Sunday we went to Krome Ave, the last paved road before the Everglades. It is a farmland area just 5 minutes away from my host's suburban comforts. It has a great view, which make a great drive on sunny days. It also has a great small organic shop where my host likes to try new fruits. We also visited a nearby goat farm which was pretty smelly. My host's grandaunt posed with me. 

This weekend we went to Miami Beach: the center of the world as far as Miami is concerned. I enjoyed people watching and basking in the sun. I even had a little chat with the lifeguard about swimming but I didn't dare go into the water because the waves were still mighty strong from Sandy. I loved the palm trees and the constant sun! We walked along the front of South Beach to see the iconic Art Deco hotels like The Cavalier and The Carlyle. I did get thirsty from so much walking in the heat so I had my pick of exotic fruits (but there were no pineapples). On our way back we spotted a black Lamborghini and my host said it was Miami Beach without luxury cars. I had a lot of fun! 

HOP arrived safely in Iola, Kansas, USA!

We spent some time in the waiting room at Legend's Drive Dental today, while the host family all had their check ups!

After a long day, dinner at CeCe's Pizza was delicious!

Today was the first snow of winter! There wasn't much snow, but it sure was cold and gray!

Host mom made a super cute outfit for her youngest daughter, who loves bright, sunshiny colors!

Today we enjoyed a potluck at the SDA church!

We went Christmas caroling with friends from church, then enjoyed a super hot bonfire afterward! Everyone was trying to roast marshmallows but it was so hot that it was hard to get close enough to get them cooked! Perfect for a cold winter's night!

We enjoyed watching the host family celebrate Christmas! Merry Christmas to all!

The host family had an invasion of blob plushies, so we got to visit with them! (The oldest daughter had made them for presents- aren't they cute?!).

Host mom has been having fun with fleece... she made her littlest daughter this pretty coat!

HOP made some tiny little friends today!