A little over two weeks ago our group made an excursion to explore the Hakone Japanese Gardens in Saratoga. Upon our arrival, we were taken aback by the beauty and splendor that are associated with far eastern gardening techniques. It is fairly different than western parks. In western parks everything is left pretty much to as it would grow in the wild. There are large areas for which people can recreate amongst nature. In eastern "gardens," Japanese in particular, a majority of plants are groomed so that they are aesthetically pleasing. Also, we quickly realized that it is recommended not to play Frisbee amongst the garden patrons. Fishing is not socially acceptable.The typical day at a western park consists of hot dogs that have exploded, warm cokes, smelly smoke, and sticky picnic tables. Obviously the Japanese heritage in the Santa Clara Valley is far more evolved than our family and its heritage ever has and ever will be. Rather than picnic tables, the Japanese gardens consisted of two delicately constructed homes, one for moon viewing and the other a summer home. The other visitors apparently didn't appreciate the phenomenal astrological event for four full moons rising at 1:30 p.m. in broad daylight. Instead of using the home for the consumption of beer, it is used for the traditional tea ceremonies.
We were all fascinated with the Zen Gardens. Following our trailblazer, Doc, we mysteriously ended up in the middle of this precious garden. Fortunately we were not apprehended, which says a lot for the laid back and quiet nature of the Japanese gardens. The Santa Clara Valley has seen an influx of far eastern immigrants. This migration has affected the Santa Clara Valley in that it has lightened the tension that exists in California. This is to say that the eastern way (religiously and socially) radiates calmness, or self-confidence. By visiting the Hakone Japanese gardens we felt that we were, in a sense, rejuvenated.
WRITTEN BY: Sammy "Quickie" LeClercq Rob "Gen. Spanky" Gaukel Ryan "Doc" Daugherty "Slick" Rick "Dick" Young