February 6, 2023
After experiencing the overwhelming press of ex-pats and tourists yesterday, I got up early to get a start just before sunrise, see the center city in a more natural state, and then hike up to the Botanical garden above the city.
I started climbing the 2 km to the entrance to the botanical garden. I found the little footpath leading into the garden. It was lined by dessert plants, cactus, grasses and other succulents. I advanced to where the garden would have a path along a beautiful reservoir, but somehow had gotten on the other side of a fence and coudn’t get in. Birds started to come out in profusion and I identified a few. I was amazed at how they can find water ins such a dry landscape, but there is a reservoir nearby, so maybe they go there for water.
Circling back to the beginning of the garden, I started to back down into the city, admiring details of the buildings, both on the wealthy ex-pat houses and on the common folk’s homes.
Finally it was getting close to noon, when I would meet with a well known photographer, Walter Hodges. He had been a commercial photographer for decades and is now expanding into story telling among locals. He had some great tips for my work and another photographer to follow.
After lunch I rested and also went to buy a bus ticket as I could not get through the internet to buy a ticket.
