A TRIP TO THE FANTASTIC - JIPIRO PARK, LOJA

One of our main objectives in renting a truck to go to Loja was for Chuck to be able to bring home lots of large pottery that is made at the University by students learning the trade and the old designs. We found the pottery showroom but they were closed for lunch. While we were waiting the hour or so for it to open, Chuck suggested we go to Parque Jipiro, one of the best known parks in Loja. This huge park is 10 hectares and boasts a lake, sports fields, skate board or bicycle course, a zoo, and ponds, as well as many replicas of the world’s great buildings.

Here's their version of the Effiel Tower, with the skateboard course in front.

As we walked farther in, we came across this Indonesian temple with Saint Basil's in the background.

All of these structures are totally child friendly, with ladders and slides.

Next, we came upon the Golden Pavillion of Japan, where you could get snacks or rent a paddle boat.

There were swans, ducks and geese everywhere, enjoying all the water.


Here's Jim enjoying the view from the Golden Pavillion.


There was an intriguing island which could be seen from there, which is why Chuck and I had to rent a pedal boat. I never knew how hard it was to pedal one of those things - especially when they were made for kids or short people.

Well, it was worth it. The island was full of "wild" life.

This flamingo was doing the oddest thing; standing on his one leg he laid his beak flat on the ground and brushed it back and forth. Maybe he dug up bugs this way?

Here's looking back at the Golden Pavillion.


There were three flamingos on the island - the guy with the beak flat on the ground seemed to be ostracized from the other two - at least he was on the opposite side of the island.

I never get tired of looking at flamingos. The color is so beautiful and the birds so quirky.

Chuck and I decided to go for it and pedal all around the canal. We did have to rest a few times.


Here was our next site - some sort of European castle from the middle ages. It, too, had a big slide down the back side, from the turret.

Nancy was laying in wait to get a picture of us pedalling. To see that picture, check out her blog here http://www.watsontravels.blogspot.com/

And, farther on, Jim is also waiting to see how we were faring.

After our half hour of pedaling, Chuck and I had a little trouble walking, but we continued our tour of the park on land.

It's hard to believe that these legs belong to birds.


I mean, look at the nails on these feet!

I know some people ride ostriches, but I am not too sure about that.

This park is just amazing and you can see that it would be popular for everyone to go there and enjoy - I am sure it is full on weekends.

We managed to spend about and hour and a half there (and didn't see everything, by any means) before we became anxious to go back to the pottery place. But, that is seed for another blog.

Audrey