Over two years ago, Karen, Christina and I began our St. Louis adventures. On our first trip we visited the Missouri Botanical Gardens and then devoured an Italian supper at Favazza's on the Hill. We had such a good time that we decided to continue our mini-trips and blog about them. Since that first adventure, we have climbed towers, walked with elephants, fought tornadoes and even entertained ghosts. We enjoyed food infused with flavors from Italy, France, Nicaragua and Germany (among others). We had friends and family join us and we have enjoyed ever minute.
In 2011, Christina and I both moved from St. Louis. Christina across the country and I to rural Missouri. Over the past year Karen and I were able to get together to have adventures, but now Karen is moving...across the country!! In anticipation of her move and to celebrate our time in St. Louis; Karen, Susie and I went back to where we began....Missouri Botanical Gardens to enjoy their current exhibit.
First, I must say that I love the Botanical Gardens, it is by far one of my most favorite places to visit in St. Louis. Any day is a good day at the gardens. But when they have special exhibits...it transforms the gardens into a fantastical place. It is truly wonderful. The newest exhibit, which runs until August 19, is amazing. It celebrates the history and culture of China through 26 creative lanterns.
And I do mean creative, the majority of the lanterns are made of molded wire and silk. But there are three that are just out of this world; porcelain, water bottles and glass vials are pulled together to create awe-inspiring works of art. If you can see this exhibit you must! If you cannot, enjoy our photos and believe me when I say it was Magical!
 |
| Karen, Susie and Mary |
 |
| Heavenly Temple: This lantern is based on the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China. |
 |
| Porcelain Dragon: This was one of my favorite exhibits...there are two identical dragons made out of over 40,000 pieces of porcelain! I would love to see how they put this one together! |
 |
| Porcelain Dragon: Again the dragons were amazing! So unique and beautiful. |
 |
| Sail Boat: One of the best lanterns at the festival, this boat is made out of 4,600 plastic water bottles. Proof that recycling can be fun and beautiful. |
 |
| Qilin: A rare mythical creature that can walk on water. These are made out glass bottles filled with colored water. |
 |
| Cherry Blossom: Symbol of feminine power, beauty, and love. |
 |
| Panda's Paradise |
 |
| Jiang Tai Gong Fishing: A military expert that fished without hooks. |
 |
| Butterfly Lovers: A "Romeo and Juliet" tale...the star-crossed lovers die for their love and become butterflies. |
 |
| Karen and the year of the...? |
 |
| Mary and the year of the...? |
 |
| Susie and the year of the...? |
 |
| Karen and Susie at the Panda's Paradise |
 |
| Mary and Karen hiding in the trees |
 |
| Shadow Man and Susie |
 |
| Mary on the Moonlit Pathway |
 |
| Karen and her new bestie... |
 |
| Nine-Dragon Mural: Nine is the number of the Emperor in China. |
 |
| How did they do that? |
Check out the links to discover more information about the festival, the history behind the lanterns and our STL adventures. (Most of the caption information was retrieved from the Lantern Festival guide)
Looks awesome. Good luck to everyone on the new future adventures!
ReplyDelete