Hawaii Day 33: Today was actually supposed to be a beach day, but we decided to go to a botanical garden instead, which is at least as relaxing.<\/p>\n
There are 4-5 botanical gardens on Kauai, three of which are National Tropical Botanical Gardens. We chose the Allerton Garden, a garden planned and established by a Hawaiian queen, as well as an architect and artist. The gardens here are financed today through donations and entrance fees.<\/p>\n
In Allerton Garden, one could choose between the standard tour in the morning, with heat and no refreshments, or the premium tour in the afternoon, with a delicious dinner on the Allerton estate. We naturally booked the latter tour.<\/p>\n
Our guide made the tour both fun and interesting. Our expectations were exceeded once again, as there were not only colorful flowers to see, but also a lot of information about plants used in medicine.<\/p>\n
So we learned a few interesting facts about breadfruit, bella donna, and noni.<\/p>\n
A delicious buffet was served at the Allertons' guesthouse, and we were allowed to view some of the family's collection of curiosities.<\/p>\n
The great library was unfortunately destroyed by the tsunami from Japan.<\/p>\n
All in all, it was a very cozy day and evening, which is definitely preferable to a day at the beach (quote Dennis).<\/p>\n