As I write this entry the sun is sinking into a wall of clouds turning them various shades of pink, orange and yellow. It's a beautiful end to a lovely day and we are all exhausted. The boys are already sound asleep. Today, the Boate Team had a great time at Busch Gardens!
For 3 members of the Boate Team today was a first. Ken had travelled here with his family and he was eager to share this experience with his boys. It was a perfectly warm, sunny day with just enough breeze to keep the temperature very comfortable. At one point, Will actually said, "I'm hot!" I reminded him that there would be no complaining about that because only a few days ago we were freezing in a snow storm! Our adventure began with a tram to the park. Everything is exciting through the eyes of a 4 and 6 year old. Stepping into the park was like entering into a fantasy land. Suddenly nothing looked like reality. The entry village had a Moroccan theme with brightly coloured buildings and tiles every where. I have to say that these days are always a bit bitter sweet. The environmentalist in me can't really come to terms with the needless energy consumption and the massive garbage production. I was also feeling guilty today because the $300.00 charge to get into the park I'm sure would have been better directed to Japan, we'll make a donation when we get home.
The first stop on our adventure was the Australian walk about. The Kangaroos were so close to the path that you could feed and pet them. We walked a little further saw some beautifully coloured birds and then came across a field of Flamingos. After living in a Grey scale world for the last few months, the bright infusion of colour was even more inspirational then usual!
Ken was determined that he and the boys would be riding roller coasters today. One of our first stops was the Grover coaster, one I could actually manage to ride. The looks on the boys faces were priceless Nate rode with me and giggled the entire time. He was also very excited to meet Big Bird and Elmo. We sometimes forget that Will is two years older, they get along so well but he had no interest is meeting and getting his picture taken with the characters. Nate on the other hand had quite and experience with Elmo and he came out grinning from ear to ear.
The next major event was boarding the Train which circles the park. It is a real, functioning steam train and this was a big deal to Mr. Will. When we had boarded and were waiting for the train to leave the station he was practically vibrating! We saw many sights of the park. The best part of the day for me was seeing the giraffes, zebras and rhinos wandering the simulated African plains. Giraffes are always captivating, their long graceful strides and beautifully patterned bodies, they get me every time.
We arrived at the Nairobi station had a quick lunch and then headed to the Tiger trail. Nate had been looking forward to this all day. The display itself is pretty neat. The tigers were lying languidly enjoying an afternoon siesta. There is one display area that is under the tigers. You climb up into a small observation bubble and there was a white Bengal tiger lying right on top of it. Nate and I peeked at it from the ground as Nate was a little nervous. Will on the other hand climbed confidently up the ladder and took in the closeness of the tiger.
We then headed to another section of the park where Will and Ken rode another roller coaster, a real one this time. I was anticipating that he would be a little shaken but I was wrong, he loved every second and couldn't wait to get on the next one. Luckily, we were able to reach a compromise. As Nate was not tall enough to to on the Cheetah chase, Will agreed to let him go on the Scorpion with Daddy and he went with me on a very fun spiny ride. We both laughed and giggled throughout the entire ride, We then headed back to the coaster in time to see Ken and Nate taking in on. This one was pretty serious. It had loops and everything. I didn't think that Nate would actually make it but he did, without even a single tear. Although he did say he didn't want to ride it again.
The sun was getting lower in the sky and Nate was getting slower and slower with every step. Both of these were signs that it was time to wrap the day up. Will has many plans for Thursday when we return, he can't wait for his turn on the scorpion!
Will napped on the way home and was ready to splash in the pool to cool down. Then it was time for dinner on the deck as the sun finished it's final descent into the ocean. So ends another day of our get away. Tomorrow holds more adventures on the surf!
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