They grow their zoos big in the USA. San Diego Zoo was great, aside from the fact that, as with everything else we've been looking for so far, the Americans are not big on sign posting anything. After heading five minutes the wrong way trying to find the park entrance (by following the crowds who, it turned out, were all going to the National History Museum) we found a billboard of Balboa Park with the Zoo Entrance being indicated in the legend as red dot number 41. There was no red dot number 41. There was a 40, and a 42, which were not even remotely close to each other, but no 41. Some less geographically challenged Americans than yesterday's lot set us on the right path, which was great because we were an hour late.
Upon arrival at the gates, we found out we were five minutes early. Brian, of the stunning personality, had not bothered to inform us that Daylight Savings began last night. Bless him. Anyway, we queued to bu tickets, and then queued to get in, but suprisingly, that was it for the queues for the day - other than to see the panda bears, but oh my gosh, they were so cute, the queue was well worth it. We did the touristy bus trip and skyrail, both of which were great ways to see as much of the park with as little exertion as possible, and then meandered back and around and through.
The merchandising is mean - not for the USA the tired little souvenir shop at the entrance - there were shops and stalls all the way through the park, and although there was the usual array of tacky touristy stuff, there was also some very high quality (and, of course high price) branded merchandise as well. The staff were wonderful, and so American - and I mean that in the best possible way. Americans PARTICIPATE - no shuffling of the feet and looking down when they are asked for audience participation like Kiwis do - they go for it! It makes everything so much more fun and interactive.
Really too tired to write more now. Hoping for some sleep tonight.
More photos from San Diego Zoo.
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