Last month, I went to an English garden in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, with my daughter and her family. Although I'd heard the rose garden was beautiful, I couldn't make any time to visit, so it was my first time visiting there.
It was July, so I didn't expect seeing a pretty garden.
In the place, there was a double-decker bus where we could eat inside.
While keep walking, we came across grapevines. This place is famous for the lovery rose garden, but I was surprised to find that they also offered agricultural experiences.
There was a farm we enjoy experiencing the Shaun the Sheep's world. I'm a big fan of the cray animation, Wallace & Gromit, so I was excited when I saw Suffolk sheep.
This was the English garden, but unfortunately, only a few roses were in bloom. I definitely want to go back when the roses are at their peak.
In the picture below, you can see my Paddington bear enjoying himself standing on a bench.
Rose cottage. It must be breathtaking when the roses are in full bloom.
After walking around the English garden, we had lunch. We ordered some pizza, hamburgers, fried potatoes, and curry.
After the meal, we returned to the Shaun the Sheep farm.
There was a replica of the house from the show, which we could explore.
The tractor in the picture below is exact the same as the one from the show.
The inside of the house was very cute.
My grandson seemed like he was curious about the owner of the farm.
There was a bathtub upstairs of the house. When I asked my grandson to give his holding staffed toy, Gromit, a bath, amazingly, he did it. Watching it was so adorable.
He was pretending giving Grumit a bath.
Then he was also pretending to dry him off.
After enjoying the house area, we spotted a real farm with several live sheep.
My grandson was frightened when he was surrounded by them.
Since it was a hot day, we decided to cool off at a manor house, where we ordered shaved ice.
My daughter and I shared an orange-and-chocolate flavored one, which was absolutely delicious!
My son-in-law and my grandson shared a strawberry-flavored one.
At the end of the day, we enjoyed relaxing in a hummock. I hadn’t realized how relaxing it could be. We all lost track of time and even took a little nap.
Since the place was large, we learned it's better planning on where we should go in advance. This time my husband didn't join us, so when we go back, we'll definitely invite him. I'd love to see the English garden with full blooming roses next time.
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That looks lovely! Glad you had a great time with your daughter's family!
I look forward to going home and spending time with my niece and nephew!
My favorite joke regarding Shawn the Sheep was when Wallace and Gromit first met him and sheared his wool. They said "We'll call him Shawn" which in an English accent almost sounds like the word "shorn" which is the past participle tense of the verb "shear" (used for the passive voice) which is the word used to shave the wool off sheep.
@Double-Zee When do you return your home to see them? I bet it's hard for you to wait. Have fun with them!!
@Ersatzjello Thank you for telling the joke. I didn't know that the origin of the name of Shaun. Actually, my grandson's name is Shion, which sounds like Shaun. I guess he might be called Shaun from his future foreign friends, lol.
Yes, I miss them so much. I'm going back by the end of next week. Thanks! :))
@Double-Zee How exciting!