A Touch of Morocco

 

Outside the Moroccan Pavilion at EPCOT.  It was a very rainy day.  

Bay Lake, Florida

Tropical Retreat

 

Hollinsed House is a villa in the heart of Key West.  It works as a bed and breakfast retreat with four guest rooms.  It's surrounded by a lush, tropical garden. 

Key West Florida

A Tiny Bit of China

 

The China Pavilion at EPCOT, a theme park operated by Walt Disney World.

Bay Lake Florida

EPCOT

 

Spaceship Earth is an amusement ride at EPCOT.

Bay Lake Florida

A Disney Style Castle

 

The castle at Walt Disney World. 

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Imagination

 

The Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT.  A center that explores different forms of expression through an imaginative ride.

Near Orlando Florida

Singing Tower

 

These photos today are from the big stash of slides I found last summer and scanned.  This place is called Bok Tower Gardens located north of Lake Wales in Florida.  I visited there on the same trip that took me to Epcot many years ago.

In the center of the garden is a tall tower containing carillon bells that play soothing music while you stroll the garden.

The garden was lush with tropical plants including many magnolia trees that were in full bloom.  I have one distinct memory from visiting this place.  I was seated on a bench listening to the music when a small ground squirrel tried to climb up my bare leg.  Needless to say, I screeched from the pain caused by his sharp little claws and off he went.  

The photo to the right was from one of the slides that faded a bit but you can see the tower clearer. For the photo at the top I was using a special soft focus filter.  The colors are better but you can't see the top of the tower.

EPCOT!

 

Many years ago I had the privilege of being among the first tourists to visit EPCOT, the theme park adjacent to Walt Disney World in Florida.  It was October of 1982 and it was an amazing experience.  There were many ceremonies and a lots of fireworks.  Space Ship Earth (above) dominates the entrance to the park.  There was a ride inside that round globe that takes riders on a time machine trip around our globe.

The Imagination Pavilion had films and slide shows.  I recall a presentation about the history of photography but after a little research, I discovered that the shows at this pavilion are always evolving with the latest technology.  

My favorite area of EPCOT was where the 'country' pavilions were located.  I loved visiting all 10 that were there at the time.  (There are now 11 pavilions.  One for Norway opened 4 years later.)

Above is a quiet corner in the Morocco Pavilion and to the left is the China Pavilion.  

To the right is a scene from the Japan pavilion.  

I located these photos recently but, it seems like there must be more somewhere because I recall taking photos at every single pavilion.  I have Morocco, China and Japan represented here but I'm missing the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Italy and the U.S. Maybe there is some irony in those missing photos.  I've been able to visit everyone of those missing countries since this time but I've never been to the three represented here.

I'll never forget being there for the grand opening with all the ceremonies opening the different pavilions and a wonderful welcoming speech from Walt Disney himself.  

EPCOT

I was there for opening day ceremony at EPCOT part of the Walt Disney family of theme parks in Florida.  Since the opening day ceremony happened October 24, 1982, that will give you an idea of how old this photo is.  Pictured here is the building called Spaceship Earth.  The opening day ceremony was quite and event with young representatives from all over the world pouring traditional vessels of  water from the waters of their respective lands into one central fountain.  There were also dedication speeches, military fly overs and fireworks.  It was a very memorable day.