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r THE SUN YAT SEN GARDENS Last summer, my brother and his wife came over fron Port Alberni and, as a change from Expo, suggested a visit to the Sun Yat Sen Gardens. The four of us went, it being easier to go than to argue. As a result, I enjoyed a completely delightful experience within my own community. How often it is the outsider who knows the good things within some-one else's community! Unlike Japanese classical gardens, which are temples of serenity, classical Chinese gardens are art forms, blends of architecture and nature. The gardeb off Pender has to be typical, having been built by artisans brought over from China for the purpose. Dividing the garden into two parts is a long narrow one story building. At first glance it looks simple but as you walk through, you begin to realize there are complexities. It helps to go through with a guide, at least on the first visit - and guides are provided by the Chinese community. It was interesting to hear our guide talk of ying and yang with respect to the garden, and then to point out the contrasts. The building in effect makes two gardens, one small and comparatively crowded, the other large and more spaciously laid out. The smaller has a fairly high wall with a waterfall; the larger, a calm pond with a bridge and a temple. The guide only suggests the contrasts that exist. But that is but one aspect. The whole design is to make you look. You had noticed the floors in the building, laid out in pebbles. But at first you do not realize that in each of the many rooms and outside areas, the design is different, different pebbles, different patters. You look too at the standing rocks set about the garden. Your guide will tell you that they have been brought from the bottom of Lake Tai in China, and are used because their heavy erosion makes them unique. Look at this one more closely, says the guide. When you do not respond, he says, children are best. They look with their minds, their imaginations. And then, as though he had turned on a lamp, you see it. The rock he is pointing to has the shape of an elephant in its eroded distortions. And this one is an eagle. And there is more. The main building is really a long corridor with windows to give a multiplicity of viewpoints. The same scene is presented again and again, but each time with a different viewpoint, a different aspect. As a result, a Chinese Classical Garden is an experience in contemplation and imagination. Vancouver is fortunate to have the only such garden outside mainland China. There is a small entry fee but it is worth it. A place to take friends and visitors. When the weather improves, try it. . * • T,*.<rry^ -A: . ^