The Seminary Grounds

I am mostly staying on the campus of the minor seminary in Phat Diem. Once in a while I will spend some time at the cathedral. This morning I took a walk at sunrise around the seminary. It was perfect weather, a slight breeze and cool.  

This is the eastern side of the retreat center on the seminary grounds. If you look carefully, on the third floor ledge there are some shoes. It's a game that is sometimes played, with the winner going home with one bare foot.  

Alongside the retreat center is one of two gardens kept by the sisters where all the greens used for the meals are frown. The sisters are amazing farmers and can grow anything.  

Exotic birds are kept. They each have special care instructions. Their music is haunting first thing in the morning.  

Fr. An has a large orchid garden. He knows what to do and when to do it so that they all thrive and blossom.  

The colors of the orchids and their shapes vary greatLy, and together it's like a symphony of color.