ECHO Field Trip

Yes!  I was actually able to find the bus for this field trip, so I actually made it.  I have to say that I really enjoyed myself and it was absolutely fascinating to see all the different kinds of flora and fauna that populated the garden.  Everything was so intricately placed, and I absolutely loved how they separated each part of the garden by the climate which they were simulating.  There were a few things that caught my attention as we went through ECHO.  The first thing I remember was the rice paddies they simulated.  Firstly, I am a huge fan of the Asian culture, so when I saw the rice paddies, the first thing I thought of was the Chinese woman and men of 'ole mucking around through the thick, wet mud, trying to collect all the rice.  Of course, the only time I had ever seen this was in movies and books, so I was really excited to see one in person.  In addition to this, the different types of animals they had kept around the garden also stood out to me.  When we were on our way to ECHO, I was only expecting to see plant life--maybe some small mammals and bugs.  What I didn't expect to see was goats and chickens.  Now that threw me through a loop.  But, nonetheless, it was extremely interesting to see the animals and learn how useful they are in maintaining the gardens.  I even had taken a video of use petting the goats, but I couldn't transfer it onto the computer.  However, no experience topped the tasting of the leaves from the Moringa tree.  It was surprisingly good, and it was shocking to learn just how nutritious it's leaves actually were.  I wanted to buy some of the seeds, or at least the powder, when we got to the gift shop at the end of the trip, but I had left my money at home.  Oh well, better luck next time, I suppose.