Balboa Park and The San Diego Zoo

I am not a big fan of zoo's........ but the San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the open air, cageless exhibits  that re-create natural animal habitats

Because of San Diego's mild Mediterranean climate  there are over 1 million plants located here on 1,900 acres of park land

The horticulturists, arborists and gardeners employed here have become experts in creating natural habitats for the exotic animals located within the park

Zen Gardens with its winding paths for meditation

There are Asian, African and Australian rainforests built here

Over 30 species are represented here from the Arctic...... looks like they are enjoying their 130,000 gallon  pool!

The park also acts as a rescue center for rare and endangered plants

There are a variety of bamboo species to keep the pandas healthy

The zoo opened in 1915

The gardens is often a resource for scientists who come to the grounds to do research 

People do care.........over 250,000 memberships will attest to this 

Japanese artwork located within the Ceremonial Gate

Well certainly not this guy haha......but there has been some escapees over the years, an orangutan because of his many escapes was nicknamed "The Hairy Houdini"

Many universities and other botanical gardens use the knowledge from the experienced staff here

Art from the Japanese Friendship Garden that originated as a teahouse in 1915 

Over 650 species and subspecies to be found 

Part of the entrance into Balboa Park 

Inside the botanical gardens

Over 3,700 animals located within the zoo

Koi Pond

The Public Gardens of Halifax Nova Scotia

#Public_Gardens_Halifax
These are a Victorian Era Public Gardens & were founded by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836. The wrought iron front gates ( from Scotland ) that greets you with the coat of arms of Halifax
 E Mari Merces , which means wealth from the sea.
KeyTip; Free one hour horticultural & historical tours from June-October (10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm & 3:00pm)

Many statues and plaques throughout the park are to commemorate historic military figures and operations during the Victorian Era and early Twentieth Century

The Bandstand is used for free public concerts usually on Sunday afternoons

Home to over 140 species of trees

Over 16 acres of parkland created in 1867

Except for repairs / cleanup after Hurricane Juan ( 2003 ) much of the Gardens have not changed much since 1911

Richard Power & Henry Busch were the architects of this wonderful place

Soldiers Memorial Fountain erected in 1903

In 1887 the statue of Ceres was added ( Roman Goddess of agriculture & fertility)

Waited for almost one hour for our most important  Friend of Nature

Carpet Beds are a Victorian Garden Tradition

Next time in the Gardens look for the model replica ( since 1994) of the Titanic on Griffins Pond launched every spring
 

Saint Petersburg

Smolny Convent built for Elizabeth ( the daughter of Peter the Great )  after she was disallowed succession to the throne and decided to become a nun

Saint Petersburg is the most westernized city of Russia that was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. It sits on the Gulf of Finland with a population of over 5 million 

The city (previously known as Leningrad) survived a blockade by the German Army for over 2 years during WW2. which resulted in the death of over one million  of its civilians. Also during the siege thousands of buildings were destroyed and Palaces were looted and ruined as the invading army retreated 

Saint Petersburg was built on the marshlands of the Neva River Delta and now has 800 bridges that crosses its canal systems

The most recognizable structure here.....The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.  Why is it called this; it was the site where Emperor Alexander 11 was fatally wounded 

Taking a night cruise on the Kryukov Canal that was built in 1717

Exploring all the different forms of culture to be found here

Griboyedov Canal built in 1739 that was originally called Catherine Canal after the empress

The rivers and canals still play a huge role in the city's transportation  and certainly the best way to view (as a tourist) the royal palaces, gardens and cathedrals 

The area is also called.......The Venice of the North

The Neoclassical architecture style moved onto various Romanticist forms

A UNESCO Site with over 8,000 architectural monuments in the city

Recently local authorities have been transferring the ownership of state-owned  buildings to private citizens.....who then bring the structures back to their previous glory