May 12, 2017
Tuesday was our sweet Veronica's birthday! Veronica is one of our lovely GANS (Young Adults) and a friend since the beginning of our mission. We have watched her blossom as she has attended the University here, grown in her testimony, and become more self-confident.
We were blessed to spend part of the afternoon with Veronica at Villa Giulia also known as Villa Flor, these are some simple but nice gardens next to the Palermo Botanical Gardens. The park was completed in 1778 and was Palermo's first public park. Our day was perfect with a light breeze, mild temperatures, and a blue sky.
 |
| Our path was lined with red and white roses |
The center of the garden was four pavilions or exedra, designed by Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda Their purpose was for musical performances but don't appear to still be in use.
 |
| The exedra |
 |
| Can you envision a beautiful musical performance here? |
The four exedra surround a dodecahedron fountain. Atlas is holding up a twelve faced marble clock, each face is a sundial. This was created by mathematician Lorenzo Federici.
 |
| In the center the sundial surrounded by these mischievous children |
Off the center of the villa are several paths leading to different ends. One was to the cafe were we enjoyed gelato and cake. On the way there we passed this small mound covered with cacti.
 |
| My handsome husband |
Another to a pond with ducks and turtles.
 |
| Turtles for Lorien |
We traversed the outer paths viewing flowering trees and a peek into the Botanical Gardens.
 |
| You might notice the couple being romantic at the end of the path |
 |
| Our beautiful birthday girl |
Continuing along the outer paths we came to several statues. One being the symbol of Palermo, The Genius of Palermo, he was the ancient god and spiritual protector of the city. There are seven statues honoring him throughout Palermo, we will now be on the lookout for the other six.
 |
| Veronica's favorite statue |
 |
| Look at that detail carved in marble |
My favorite path was the one that took us pass a garden of lavender. They were beautiful and smelled wonderful. I took a few sprigs home with me.
 |
| Every spot had beauty |
 |
| A sweet flower among the lavender |
Our final path took us to this pot of daisy and this enormous tree. The daisies reminded me of California and Utah and the tree from Hawaii.
 |
| I had an Esther Reed daisy plant from my mom's that I left in California |
 |
| Do you remember Jurassic Park, the dinosaur eggs were hid in a tree like this one |
It was such a joyful day but the best part was being with our sweet Veronica.
 |
| Oops we got a little sap on our clothes |
No comments:
Post a Comment