Saint Louis Botanical Garden and the Loop

 Our walking this day was around the acres of the Botanical Gardens. As is usual, my favorite part was the Japanese Garden. As well, we enjoyed some of Chihuly’s art work.

What a calming and peaceful place. On a different bridge we crossed over a school of beautifully colored Carp.

Lots of artful statues are placed throughout the grounds. 

We walked across a “zig zag” bridge. As legend has it, evil spirits can walk only in a straight line, so — it would be safe to walk on this zig zag of a bridge.

Walking around just a bit more before it was time to leave.

That evening we met up with Bob for dinner again. The ‘Salt & Smoke’ restaurant is one of many on what is known as the “Loop”. Taking that title literally, I expected that we would be walking around a loop. No, it is the street where back in the day, the streetcar would turn at the end and return to the other end. Thus — making a loop.

Lots of musical people made their day here — I don’t remember which ones, but I did at least get a photo of Chuck Berry ;’-)

The loop is a very interesting  neighborhood  of diverse ethnicity and interests as well as history and architecture. 

I had a wonderful Philly Cheese Steak sandwich that was oh so delicious. Others’ choices were just as good. I was happy the Jovon, Bob’s adopted son, was able to join us if only for a short time after we had finished our meal.

And so ends my visit to Saint Louis. Before dropping me at the airport for my afternoon flight home today, Johnny, Phyllis and I went to their local diner hang out and enjoyed breakfast out. It was a little hard to say goodbye, but so good to see that Johnny and Phyllis are doing ok, and in some ways, really well. I love them both and will see them again. I hope I didn’t tire them out too much with all tha they did for and with me!!