Interests + Ideas

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Al Gore was hardly the first guy to think green. If you know where to look, you'll find serene spots around the world that prove our ancestors had a strong connection to nature, and understood man's (and woman's) ability to transform it—in a good way for a change. And since traveling can be stressful, a visit to one of these tranquil but amazingly diverse gardens may mellow your entire trip. But give over more than just a spare hour: Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon drinking in the rhythmic sounds, sampling the intoxicating smells, and musing on the horticultural wizardry. (That's a plant?) These patches of green not only connect to nature but also provide a window onto the culture and history of a place—think of them as living, oxygen-giving museums. Al would so approve.






