15th January 2009 (Haigh's, Himeji Garden, Glover Playground)

We woke up this morning and tried not to look at the mess in the dining room, instead we packed a picnic and headed off for a nice day trip. I could not resist taking a photo of the Big Scotsman to add to our collection of big things.

We headed up to the Haigh chocolate factory to join the tour. None of us have ever done it before and I have often wondered what it would be like for our interstate and overseas visitors, little to say I do not think it was worth the petrol to get there. The group on the tour was too big so the kids couldn't see anything the lady was talking about, but they did like seeing the cocoa bean and taste testing the chocolate's. Tony and I also enjoyed the free coffee, it was better than most bought coffee's we have had.

The Adelaide Himeji Garden was next on the to do list today, once again it was a first for all of us and when we pulled up in the car, our hopes of a nice place were deminished. From the car park it just looked like a small garden, a small dead garden at that. But as you walk in the gatehouse it changes instantly.

The Gatehouse, modelled on a temple as it's a place of contemplation.
The water bowl (Chozubachi) and me purifying myself in it.

The Okunoin Lantern - "For the friendship of the two cities".
The Lake (S'ensui)

Lantern (Misakidoro)

Pine Tree (Matsu) symbolises immortality.
Deer Scarer (Shishi-odoshi).

Sea of Sand (Kare-senzui)
After the Adelaide Himeji Garden we moved on to Glover Playground, we have always driven past this and thought it looked great, so today we decided to stop and have our picnic here. The kids loved it, although Sarah made herself feel very sick on some of the rides.
Then home for lego, Bratz and a nice pre bedtime swim.