One of the most fascinating things about Alameda Botanical Gardens is that not only do I know them exceptionally well I also don’t know them at all. As abstract as that sounds its probably one of the truest things I’ve ever said. 

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When I first went back into the gardens after a forty year absence I instinctively knew my way around (geographically) and successfully walked all of the paths several times; I knew where to find the playground, the little bridge and the phone box and yet not one circuit was the same as the last because there was always something new to see that I’d missed on my previous circuit. Because it’s a new experience every time I go in there (whether I’m with other people or on my own) is probably another reason (other than its gorgeousness) why I continually keep going back.

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Carol (naturally) has many very happy memories of Alameda; she often spent hours there with the children while I was at work in Rooke. Although she is now quite limited with how far she can walk (particularly if it’s on an incline as Alameda is) she was thrilled to visit the gardens again and tell Sheila and Joe her stories. 
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As we strolled the grounds I (sort of) led the others to areas that I thought they would like to see and then stood back a little to enjoy seeing them all enjoy their experiences. One of Alameda’s many very magical qualities is that you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the ambience of the environment; almost as soon as you enter the place there’s a sense of peace – and many a park bench where you can sit and relax and soak everything up – which is exactly what they did. 
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As they all sat chatting and chilling I looked around at the beautiful plants and wonderful sculptures and reminded myself that I still had a last (promised) solo visit (tomorrow) before I left Gibraltar; after all it would (once again) be another totally new experience.

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