I cannot seem to get this
song out of my head. Even though I don’t know more than three words in the
chorus, it has been replaying in my mind non-stop for the last few days. I
haven’t seen the movie in over a decade but our brains work in funny ways. As I
was trying to think of a name for this blog, I found myself humming this tune,
and then it hit me- Under the Sea! It all made sense. I should really trust my
instincts more.
For me life under the sea
is about my recent trip the N.Y. Aquarium in Coney Island, Brooklyn. My family
swears I was there as small child perhaps on a school trip, but I have no
recollection of any prior visit and for me that is odd. I know the aquarium
underwent a recent remodel but still no memories of anything prior. To resolve
this as a thirty old woman I felt it was necessary to cross it off my to do
list now. I went with some family and friends, and yes it included some
children to get the whole experience.
After my visit
to the Bronx Zoo last year (http://bit.ly/JIvAKD)I was slightly nervous I
would be disappointed but glad to learn this visit would warrant a lot less
walking. I also wanted to go before the heat really started to set in and kids
are for off for the summer. Truth be told, I only like the kids I know, not the
ones running around misbehaving who I want to yell out but technically
shouldn’t.
As for the aquarium we
had a nice day planned out, we would arrive when it opened, walk through the
exhibits that were inside, and then attend the outdoor feedings (penguin and
walrus) and then see the sea lion show. Sounded good to me: short and sweet.
The indoor exhibits were
cool. I liked seeing the big sharks, turtles, and stingrays. Even seeing the
walruses from underneath was incredible but also terrifying. Since there
weren’t really coming up above at this point you could only completely view
them from the bottom. I could not get over the enormity of them. I started to
get nervous every time they approached the glass; it looked like if they put a
little more weight on it, it would crash in on us. Well that was enough of
them.
We looked at the little
fish and ones that camouflage into their environments but I am not really into
that. Then it was off to see the jelly fish. Ok I am the first to admit I had
no idea what they looked like but when I saw them my first thought was “my God
someone put a bunch of silicone breast implants in a glass tube.” Of course I
said it out loud which amused my friends and luckily didn’t faze the small
children who also were not impressed with these odd creatures.
Food is always a crowd
pleaser at my family functions, having grown up with mostly Italian kin. They
would be happy to know that at the aquarium the animals are just as excited for
feeding time. First we saw the penguins come out to be fed, and they were so
cute. There was a large crowed around them but luckily we could see them from
far away and the zoom on my camera captured the event pretty well.
Then we were off to the
walrus tank. I wanted a front row spot for this feeding. I hadn’t thought about
it but, how was this enormous beast going to come out of the tank onto the rock
where the trainer was for the feeding? At first I thought maybe they would stay
in the tank and the trainers would throw the fish to them. I would have been
bummed. Nope. These animals would have to work for their food just like the
rest of us. On cue they arose from the water one at a time, hopping almost,
flapping their bodies inch by inch until they were completely on dry land. It
took a few minutes and I am pretty sure I was screaming the loudest the entire
time. I couldn’t believe what a site that was. The trainer said a walrus weighs
approximately two thousand pounds and the one we were watching was blind. Wow
that was impressive. He still waved and performed his tricks while being fed. I
still couldn’t get over his size. After a few minutes it was back into the
water, a much easier feat.
Honestly, all I could think of is when I get stuck in the middle of my
queen size (appropriate I know) bed and have roll to the side to get out. God I
hope I don’t look like this.
Our last
activity was the one I was looking forward to the most, the sea lion show. Sea
lions are my favorite animal. You can say they are one of my favorite things, I
did (http://bit.ly/JC1o5E). We sat in the first row
so that we had a great vantage point and I could get the best pictures. I mean
so the kids could see. There were two mini shows within. One sea lion came out
first with its trainer and had a whole routine in the water and out, clapping,
acting like a shark, hugging, and waving to the crowd. When the second one appeared it had
different music and different tricks but still put on a great show. However
neither had the classic “barking” I love most about an untrained sea lion.
These were in the business so they were too fancy for me. But we were all
entertained and excited when they walked right by us. We had the stage door of
seating.
As if this wasn’t enough,
the weather had started to clear up at this point. The morning at been a foggy,
windy mess. It looked like it would rain on us at any moment. But by the
afternoon the sun was shining bright. So we took a walk on the boardwalk down
to Nathan’s Famous Frankfurters. It was as if my day went from good to great,
to perfect! The Coney Island location is the original and the best. Nothing
compares, especially not any you have had in a mall. Even though I have had
these hot dogs before I decided to add a new experience into the mix. I also
got a corn dog, my very first one ever! I was tired of people telling me it
tasted like a corn muffin wrapped around a hotdog. When the moment of truth
arrived, actually that’s not what is tasted like to me. It was sweeter than
that. It tasted more like corn bread and a hot dog. It was awesome as was their
classic hot dogs and fries. Nothing compares. For those who have different menu
needs do not fear the menu seems to grow every time I am there. There are
plenty of fish, burger, chicken and even soup options. I am positive there is
something for everyone. But I do encourage the hot dog and fries. It is just
that good.
Now if you are still
ready for excitement there was still time to ride the infamous Cyclone. I did
once many years ago. But I no longer ride roller coasters made of wood. I am
too old for that. But I will take in a sea lion show and go for a Nathan’s hot
dog with loved ones any time. It is a great way to spend the day.
To plan your visit and
purchase tickets at twenty percent off:
For more information on
Coney Islan
We had a great time and the kids loved it. jimmy is still playing with the toys he got at the gift shop.
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