Discovering Another Mad Dash (Oct 14): Heading Home and Finally finishing this TR #1523 (05/03)

[PrincessInOz]

Lovely pics! I will have to keep that tour in mind if I ever make it out to San Diego.

Thanks. Do you have a trip out west in the glimmer of your eye?

Very nice pictures from the SD Zoo. You really got great shots of each animal with your telephoto zoom lens. I will have to go to the SD Zoo one day since I haven't been there since I was a little kid.

Thanks Bret. Some of the shots were taken with the 17 - 55 mm as well.

We rarely go out to breakfast on weekends due to long waits at the popular places. Long Beach is a big breakfast place. We have a lot of cafes that are open from 6AM-2PM and cater to the breakfast crowd.

I have to admit that we have a standing arrangement on a fortnightly basis with some 3D friends for breakfast on a Saturday morning. We do tend to head to the same cafe; so they reserve a table for us.

But then....there are a lot of cafe's in Melbourne; so the breakfast crowd does spread out a lot.

Nice animal shots. I don't even remember the last time I went to the SD zoo. It may have even been in elementary school.

Thanks!

I think we only started to go back to visiting zoos when DS came along. Before then, there really was no real reason to go to yet another zoo.

Wonderful zoo shots! I've been to our zoo several times since moving down here (ours is ranked 4th in the world right now, I believe) and I always end up taking gobs of pictures. DH truly hates going with me because I stop to look at every animal.

I would not have waited an hour for breakfast either. Even living in a bigger city, if the wait is longer than 30 minutes, we are usually moving on to the next place.

It's always great to have a zoo near you that is so well regarded.

Wow I never knew the reason behind San Diego Zoo having such a great reputation. FWIW, is is no longer the #1 zoo in the world on TripAdvisor. It has been beaten by Nebraska's Henry Doorly Zoo. The safari park is sitting at #11, just one place above our very own Melbourne Zoo.

I love animals, but most of the time I'd much rather take what I can see in the wild Most zoos seem to have mainly the same sort of animals, so I figure I can just go to our own zoo at home and see them

You got some great shots. With a point and shoot, I sometimes struggle to get my camera to focus on the animals instead of the wire (another reason why I prefer seeing them in the wild!).

DH and I still have a real African safari in our sights. But with the Ebola outbreak, it's slipped a little down the bucket list.
You did well to go when you did.

We have some really popular breakfast/lunch places too. My favorite is Snooze which has a couple of locations in San Diego too.

I'll have to keep an eye out for Snooze next time I'm in the US!

I loved the SD Zoo when I visited in 2005...I really need to go back because I didn't do it justice. Beautiful shots of the animals....I'm with you on the cages too. Just sad and I'm glad most zoos are moving away from them.

Jill in CO

The Melbourne Zoo has been moving away from cages for quite a while now. I think I was surprised at seeing them in the SDZ. I guess I forget that money plays an important part in upgrading facilities.

I love reading your posts!
...and the beautiful photos are so well intertwined in your stories
Thank you

Thanks Fairy Floss.

Great photos! I like you haven't been to the San Diego Zoo since the early nineties. You are probably right, the memory of the zoo may not stand up to reality. The fact is there are some pretty impressive zoos in the Northeast US. (The Toronto Zoo and the Columbus Zoo are fantastic.) And I have to tell you, the Melbourne Zoo is no slouch, either! We were very impressed with it! (Didn't go to the one in Sydney though.)

So, I am not so sure the San Diego Zoo merits a special trip anymore. I'd like to go back again someday, but the pull of Disneyland is too strong right now.

I wouldn't make a special trip just to see the SDZ. But if you head to DisneyLAND, you could always add a day or two to the trip.....and tack on the side trip to San Diego.

Great zoo pics. I had no idea anybody still had a sky bucket ride option. That might be worth a trip right there.

I like riding in cable cars. Always have (and miss the one at DLR). If you like them and want to go to the zoo, then it's a great way to combine the two.

 

[zanzibar138]

DH and I still have a real African safari in our sights. But with the Ebola outbreak, it's slipped a little down the bucket list.
You did well to go when you did.

We did

But FWIW, Africa isn't the only place to see animals in the wild. Have you seen my Thailand photos? Indonesia also has some great places to see wild animals including orangutans and tigers.

Plus you can do a more traditional African style safari in India and Sri Lanka.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Love the zoo pics - we were at the San Dieo Zoo last in 1984!!!! and were blown away with it then..seen a lot more since and would probably have the same reaction as you now. Good to know it is slated for some refurbing of the worst areas despite the cost. Zanzibar still to catch up on your Thailand pics but I have heard other friends talk about various animal reserves/preserves. I have always found among all the same animals each zoo has, we always find one or more new species we have never seen before - its now our 'thing' to look for them. Provided zoos provide the right environment and space I am happy to visit and support given the destruction of many environments and the success of various breeding and restocking programs but I know what you mean about seeing animals preferably in the wild.

 

[PrincessInOz]

We did

But FWIW, Africa isn't the only place to see animals in the wild. Have you seen my Thailand photos? Indonesia also has some great places to see wild animals including orangutans and tigers.

Plus you can do a more traditional African style safari in India and Sri Lanka.

I think you know that I was born in South East Asia and lived there for a lot of my childhood. We used to have jungle monkeys running through my school scavenging the rubbish bins and I have actually had the opportunity to touch/carry a baby Sumatran tiger in my youth. I've also seen Orangutans and wild boar in the 'wild' when I was a child. It's not high on my bucket list to head back to (and neither is visiting the tons of family we still have there!). Also, for some reason, SE-Asia doesn't seem to excite my DH as a destination. He's happy enough to head to the more 'resort-y' bits. He's more interested in FarEast Asia - China, Korea and Japan right now.

Love the zoo pics - we were at the San Dieo Zoo last in 1984!!!! and were blown away with it then..seen a lot more since and would probably have the same reaction as you now. Good to know it is slated for some refurbing of the worst areas despite the cost. Zanzibar still to catch up on your Thailand pics but I have heard other friends talk about various animal reserves/preserves. I have always found among all the same animals each zoo has, we always find one or more new species we have never seen before - its now our 'thing' to look for them. Provided zoos provide the right environment and space I am happy to visit and support given the destruction of many environments and the success of various breeding and restocking programs but I know what you mean about seeing animals preferably in the wild.

Thanks, Wendy. That's a long time since your last visit to SDZ. I did vaguely remember some of the exhibit areas in this latest visit and it seemed strange to see it and think 'ho hum' in 2014; compared to 25 - 30 years ago when it was cutting edge.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Great zoo pics. I particularly love the one with the zebra stripes.

I would have felt the same about the cages. I'm pleased to hear they are doing a big renovation over upcoming years. I still really enjoy zoos, but as I get older, I am becoming less and less tolerant of any habitats that seem unnatural. For example, whereas I used to love places like Seaworld, I now can't even bring myself to walk in the gate of places where marine animals have to perform for or swim with humans.

That tour sounds like a great choice. I remember quite clearly how large and hilly SD Zoo is, which isn't great if you're short on time.

Lastly, for what it's worth, you are actually closer to Ebola outbreaks if you visit southern parts of Europe, than you are if you visit the southern parts of Africa where many of the major wildlife spots are. Apologies if I sound fastidious, but I know South African tourism is really suffering at present through a lot of fear and misunderstanding. At present the chances of catching Ebola are about as high if you visit the USA (where there has been a death) than Sth Africa (where there hasn't).
I suppose a lot of the fear comes from uncertainty of what will the state of Ebola will be in the future, but at present I'm still as keen as ever to visit Africa. It's actually the crime and malaria that concerns me more.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great zoo pics. I particularly love the one with the zebra stripes.

I would have felt the same about the cages. I'm pleased to hear they are doing a big renovation over upcoming years. I still really enjoy zoos, but as I get older, I am becoming less and less tolerant of any habitats that seem unnatural. For example, whereas I used to love places like Seaworld, I now can't even bring myself to walk in the gate of places where marine animals have to perform for or swim with humans.

Me too!

That tour sounds like a great choice. I remember quite clearly how large and hilly SD Zoo is, which isn't great if you're short on time.

The tour worked out great for us.

Lastly, for what it's worth, you are actually closer to Ebola outbreaks if you visit southern parts of Europe, than you are if you visit the southern parts of Africa where many of the major wildlife spots are. Apologies if I sound fastidious, but I know South African tourism is really suffering at present through a lot of fear and misunderstanding. At present the chances of catching Ebola are about as high if you visit the USA (where there has been a death) than Sth Africa (where there hasn't).
I suppose a lot of the fear comes from uncertainty of what will the state of Ebola will be in the future, but at present I'm still as keen as ever to visit Africa. It's actually the crime and malaria that concerns me more.

It isn't Ebola keeping me out of Sth Africa. It's the guns and car jacking!
Aside from the game parks, I'd love to do the Okavango. Botswana is a bit of a basket case as well.

I'm not planning on heading to Europe until 2016; so we'll just see how things are in a year or so.

 

[zanzibar138]

I think you know that I was born in South East Asia and lived there for a lot of my childhood. We used to have jungle monkeys running through my school scavenging the rubbish bins and I have actually had the opportunity to touch/carry a baby Sumatran tiger in my youth. I've also seen Orangutans and wild boar in the 'wild' when I was a child. It's not high on my bucket list to head back to (and neither is visiting the tons of family we still have there!). Also, for some reason, SE-Asia doesn't seem to excite my DH as a destination. He's happy enough to head to the more 'resort-y' bits. He's more interested in FarEast Asia - China, Korea and Japan right now.

Fair enough. I agree with Wanderlust too that Ebola wouldn't put me off visiting certain areas of Africa. The guns and car jackings aren't going to go away any time soon, but if you're sensible and cautious, you can definitely decrease your risk. Our lodge in Botswana had about half a dozen armed guards patrolling the grounds at night, and we were advised to keep our doors and windows locked at all times. It was a little unnerving, and I'll admit I didn't sleep very well The risk was more from across the nearby border with Namibia than the locals in Botswana.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz
I think you know that I was born in South East Asia and lived there for a lot of my childhood. We used to have jungle monkeys running through my school scavenging the rubbish bins and I have actually had the opportunity to touch/carry a baby Sumatran tiger in my youth. I've also seen Orangutans and wild boar in the 'wild' when I was a child. It's not high on my bucket list to head back to (and neither is visiting the tons of family we still have there!). Also, for some reason, SE-Asia doesn't seem to excite my DH as a destination. He's happy enough to head to the more 'resort-y' bits. He's more interested in FarEast Asia - China, Korea and Japan right now



What a wonderful experience & childhood memory ! How did that happen ?

 

[PrincessInOz]

What a wonderful experience & childhood memory ! How did that happen ?

Right place, right time and my dad knowing the right person.

 

[Luvchefmic]

My jaw is on the floor you lucky girl

 

[zanzibar138]

My jaw is on the floor you lucky girl

FWIW, if you're ever coming down this way (Australia I mean ), Dreamworld used to offer an up close and personal experience with their tiger cubs that I was lucky enough to do one year. Not sure if they still do it. We didn't get to carry the cub, but we did get to pet her. I'm sure it wasn't as authentic as PIO's experience, but it was still pretty cool

 

[tiggrbaby]

If you have safety concerns but want to see South Africa, I can highly recommend the ABD trip. It's not rustic or cheap, but was a fabulaous experience!

 

[PrincessInOz]

If you have safety concerns but want to see South Africa, I can highly recommend the ABD trip. It's not rustic or cheap, but was a fabulaous experience!

ABD trips are never cheap. But I'll keep it in mind.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Feeding Time at the Zoo


Discovery #19. It's a universally acknowledged truth. Zoo food is NOT good irrespective of what zoo you go to.



We had lunch today at the San Diego Zoo. Those of you that read my take on the Sydney Zoo will know that I didn't even post any pictures of food from that zoo because it was so un-porn-worthy.
I hadn't done any research on food options at the SD Zoo so we went with whatever DS' tastebuds wanted.






*sigh* Is it sad to acknowledge that the Golden Arches burger would have been better than the one here?



My chicken tenders basket was marginally better; but still not good.







But rounding out the bottom scraper was DH's vegetarian burger. He did scout around the various establishments at the main street section a bit; but figured the vege burger might be his best bet.







One bite. That's all he ate.


It's a universally acknowledged truth. Zoo food is not good irrespective of what zoo you go to.




Disclaimer. The food that we had at the Werribee Zoo on our overnight stay was the exception. But that was a completely different experience type and is not counted in this view. Otherwise, daytime food at the Werribee and Melbourne Zoo can be of variable quality....from adequate to universally bad.







(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Feeding Time at the Other Zoo - Where the Other Wild Things are


Discovery #20. O.M.G. WE were LATE! And the sky did NOT fall.



Those of you that know me will know that I'm an absolute stickler for 'on time'. Right from the time I was a child, I get quite stressed about getting to appointments early so that I'm never late. As a teen, I used to get to places extra early so that I wouldn't stress about getting there early enough for an appointment. As an adult.....it's downright obsessive compulsive. If you don't believe me, ask either my DH or my DS. They will tell you that I drive them crazy with getting to places so early that it's practically obscene.

It's actually a pain of a trait to have; especially given that most of the rest of my family are normally sticklers for being late!


For this wedding, my aunt and cousin had in excess of 30 'extended family' members in attendance. They had figured that they wanted to get everyone together post the wedding over dinner tonight. The details that my aunt provided included the start time as "from 4 pm onwards. This allows those who need to leave early to come and then catch flights home."



Okay. I will admit that I had planned to get there somewhere around the 4'ish mark. Um....okay......Perhaps I might have planned to get there somewhere around the 3.30 mark so as not to be late.



Trouble was....when the time came, we were at the San Diego Zoo....enjoying the wild things. And I've already admitted that I really really love looking at animals. DH and I had figured out that we were not going to make a 4 pm kick-off and given that the operative word (for us) was "from", we decided to aim for a 5 pm arrival instead.



Well.....guess what?


Turns out we were actually l-a-t-e. When we walked in through the door, we were met with a barrage of questions and everyone concerned that we were late.






It turned out to be quite a zoo when we walked in. Being late was so out of character for me that everyone wanted to know why we were late. In fact, it was quite a wild barrage of questions from my family as to where we were, were we okay, why were we late, did we get lost getting to the meeting spot etc.






It was quite an eye-opener for me.






I figured I wasn't even going to try and fight the wild things questioning me. We just put it down to losing track of time.






So, despite being late and despite the obvious non-sequitur white lie explanation, I was amazed to find that the sky did not fall down.







In fact, the sun set as per normal that day.

























As I was watching the sunset from the decking of the house where we were celebrating dinner, it was an illuminating moment for me.







I realised that I wasn't all that stressed about pitching up l-a-t-e but it sure stressed a few of my family members because it seemed to be so out of character for me. Perhaps I shouldn't be so consistently early to everything from here on end. I'd hate to be so consistently predictable.


Afterall, there was no pit in the ground that opened up to swallow me up.







And there were no demons or ghosts to come to take me away either.







And whilst the others had started the feeding frenzy "from 4 pm", there were still enough food for us to enjoy dinner.







We spent the rest of the evening just lounging around.







Afterall, there were family memories to make and friendships to renew.







It really was a grand night indeed!



Postscript. On my return home, I am sad to report that normal behaviour has once again returned. Yup. DH and DS are back to wondering why we leave as early as we do.







(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Shooting of a Different Kind


Discovery #21. Who would have thought that I would enjoy shooting a GUN???



My aunt had asked a really good friend of the family to host the celebration dinner tonight. You may have had an inkling that his home was large enough for 30+ wild things.


I had the pleasure of sharing a glass of plum liqueur with our host and finding out about his life story. Interesting chap!






Over our drink, I asked for a tour of his amazingly cool house and he obliged.






During the tour, he took me down to the basement. Yes, he did have quite a few trophies down there!! For real!!!!

In addition, it turned out he had a shooting range down there. Perhaps it was the Slivovice that went to my head. Perhaps it was the unique opportunity. When he offered me a go, I took him up on it!







For the record. Let me say that I'm a pacifist and do not believe in making war.



But take a look at my two sets of results. The bottom bullseye was my first ever go at shooting. The top bullseye was my second round.


 



My host was pretty impressed with the results of my precision and accuracy - particularly as it was my first time.


Who would have thought that I would enjoy shooting a GUN???



What a wild kind of day this had turned out to be.

 

[LegoMom3]

"un-porn-worthy".......





TOO. FUNNY!!!

.

 

[jedijill]

Ugh, the zoo food looks quite disgusting! Glad you made up for it when you FINALLY arrived at your aunt's home.

I think the liquor helped your shooting skills.

Jill in CO

 

[mvf-m11c]

The food at the SD Zoo doesn't look that appetizing from your other food porn pictures during the trip. This is one reason why I would stay away from the food at the zoo.

Nice to see that you made it to your aunt's house that night.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Impressive shooting - and pretty cool! Not your usual after-dinner entertainment no! Are you good at darts?

You and my DH would also get along fine with the being early thing. He argues I always under-estimate the time to reach somewhere (mostly true but I refuse to arrive 30 mins early-or more depending on the type of appointment because of his OCDness!)