It's Cold And Grey But Autumn Is Painting The Town Red

The Japanese Garden in the Clingendael estate to the east of the city, is only open to the public a few weeks of the year, but what vibrant few weeks in Spring and Autumn they are! Absolutely worth a visit come rain or shine.

More people than trees. Or so it seems in every photo I take!

I've learned over the course of this visit that the trick isn't waiting for people to clear the area so you can take a photo, because you'll be waiting for ever, the trick is waiting for people with clothing that match the background to get into place so you can take a photo... Pink kagool? Yep, just to the right, a wee bit more... :: click ::

I still need to learn, however, to be totally aware of my surroundings: here I thought I had a clear people-free shot and didn't notice the guy right in the centre with his hands on his hips until I cropped and checked the photos on a larger screen back home! I mean, he's RIGHT IN THE CENTRE OF THE SHOT!!

:: plays music to 'The Twilight Zone' ::

And of course, you can't visit any park that has water features of any kind, because you'll always see a heron or two, keeping an eye out for errant fish, and possibly equally errant humans.

I caught handsome Mr Heron doing a spot of catalogue posing. Just after this was taken, he pointed to the bank with one wing, while checking his watch on the other. Obviously a pro.