Finished our preparations and headed north by car.
Ah! Downtown Oxford! I should take a picture of this from inside the car!
I like the vibe of Downtown Oxford, but I don't think I'll have time to hang out here on this trip. We had an awesome time at dinner just once before, but Victoria's Wine & Dine - Victoria's Bistro and Cocktail Bar est 1997 - is a wonderful tasty bistro.
Having driven for a while, we got off in Saginaw. It was Collie's idea. There is Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House. I didn't know Saginaw, Michigan and Tokushima, Japan are sister cities! The sisterhood originated a young Japanese exchange student from Tokushima. He did a homestay on a farm in Saginaw during semester breaks from Michigan State University. (Collie's alma mater😲!)
Everybody can walk freely in a Friendship Garden. It's open to the public from 12:00-16:00, April through October. A vermillion bridge arching over a peaceful stream is impressive in the nature!
AWA SAGINAW AN (阿波鷺能庵) "AWA" is ancient name of Tokushima, Japan. "AN" is a hut in which tea ceremonies were conducted by Japanese monks.
Though other tea houses have been built in different locations of the world, this is the first time two international cities such as Saginaw and Tokushima have collaborated in both efforts to increase understanding and goodwill between their citizens.
peace through a bowl of tea
More details about Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House & Gardens of Saginaw is :
