Monday June 22 - Zoo & Ocean World

Today we basically had a free day. Simon had on our schedule to visit the zoo. We took the subway there which Liya was thrilled about since it didn't involve getting in a car. We warned the kids that the zoo might not be as humane as our zoos in the US but we were pleasantly surprised. Other than the animals being really close to you- no restrictions on cage requirements - it was pretty good. We decided before going in to also purchase tickets for ocean world. Taylor was super excited as she loves any marine life. It cost $20 per person and ended up being completely worth it since it rained for about 2 hours today. The ocean world is all inside so we escaped getting wet. We were all most excited about seeing the pandas.  We were told there were twin panda bears there. Well just to show you how much they love their panda bears, they have an enclosed air conditioned glass cage for the panda bears. Since it's so hot right now they were inside and we could hardly see them from the glare on the windows. We did manage to get one pic but a big disappointment.

Ocean world on the other hand was not a disappointment. We got to touch and feed sea turtles. Taylor was again disturbed that they were letting people reach in and touch them and the fact that they had such a small aquarium for them considering the number of turtles in one area. But again a cool experience. At the end of the day we decided to take in the dolphin show.  It included sea lions, a beluga whale and dolphins. The most disturbing part was the clown that came out to entertain everyone in between animals. The clown came out and was juggling and spinning plates on his fingers. The disturbing part was how he rewarded audience volunteers. After the volunteers helped, he reached into the front of his clown pants and pulled out a toy for each participant. It was very strange but everyone seemed to think it was very entertaining.

 

 

 

 


After the zoo we came back to recuperate. With the rain and humidity today it was pretty bad. Mike headed out shortly after we were back to "explore". He convinced Jack to go with him with promises of fake Legos. They found this one crazy store that has fake Lego guys that you put together. Mike and Jack make a daily sometimes multiple trips a day there. I am sure the lady thinks he is crazy!  Here are a few pics from their exploring trip today.

 

 

 

For dinner we decided on pizza again. What I would give for a big salad and diet coke. Very ready to come home. Only 2 more days and we head for Hong Kong. Tomorrow we go for the visa interview to apply for Liya's visa. Jack and Taylor will stay back with Grandma. Grandma, Taylor and I will head back out in the afternoon for more shopping. Then Wednesday is our last day - a free day while we wait for the visa to be ready that afternoon. 6:00 am Thursday we head out by car for Hong Kong. Simon says it's about a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive. Then our flight leaves Hong Kong about noon Thursday for Chicago! Kids are really really home sick but have done so well. It will be good to get home.

Liya continues to do well. She seems very comfortable with us. So comfortable that it is a battle of the wills sometimes. Mommy's stubbornness against Liya's.  Miss everyone and we can't wait for everyone to meet Liya!