I was feeling quite energetic and determined this morning, so I decided to bite the bullet and take the kids to the zoo on my own. Just before leaving the house, I texted the mother of Sophie's best friend and asked if she would like to go. I didn't wait for her reply and left soon after. I thought if she was to join us, she would need some time to get ready too.
Coincidentally, they had planned to visit the zoo today for their toddler's birthday. We met at the ticketing booth and thus, we had some great company today. The kids were very happy to see one another. Of all the families we know through Sophie's schools, this is the only one who does regular playdates with us. Somehow, we aren't very popular candidates for playdates. Partly because I don't really make friends easily, partly because the kids are too spirited.
Sophie sometimes has great ideas and intentions but she has too many other things to think about. Thus, she forgets easily. She asked me to take pictures of these red river hogs so that she can draw them later. However, I doubt she remembers now.
The day was hot and the zoo was reasonably crowded. The kids were hardly stationary enough for me to take pictures. Also, I brought the pram along (just in case Alfee refuses to walk) and it was difficult to manage everything.
Unlike Sophie, Alfee isn't very adventurous when animals are concerned. He's instinctively fearful of large animals. It doesn't help that I always warn them about wild animals. This little man was very serious and stayed very close to me whenever we came across big or scary looking animals and creatures.
With Papa around, we usually missed animal shows because he likes to follow his own agenda and schedule. Today, we managed to see the sea lion show at 10.30 am. AS I was in a terribly good mood, I gave the kids a treat of popcorn and potato chips. They were ecstatic by the simple pleasures.
We took the tram around the zoo before stopping for the elephant show at 11.30 am. I must really thank the family with us because I would have skipped the ride to avoid the hassle. Of course, I had little idea where to hop on and where we would end up.
The crowd was quite intimidating at the elephant show. We had to split up and I realised some tourists can be very inconsiderate sometimes. They took up a lot of space and they wouldn't move to occupy the inner seats. They would rather let us squeeze through to get to those seats. They also look at us condescendingly. I'm referring to Asian looking ones (with caucasian accent).
At the end of the show, we could pay $5 to buy a basket of fruit for the elephants. Sophie was very excited but we were not quick enough, they soon run out of feed. Sophie was quite upset and I know how much she really likes to feed animals. I must make a mental note to sit in the centre next time and jump at the first offer to buy the fruit basket.
Alfee was a little cranky after the elephant show so I decided it was time we leave the zoo. I'm sure the kids wished we could stay but they were too tired and the afternoon sun was punishing. If Papa was around, I could let Alfee sleep in the pram and get some lunch in the zoo. However, I couldn't buy food from the Ah Meng restaurant with the two kids around, especially Alfee.
Thus, we did the next best thing. We met Papa for lunch at Suntec City. It's really cool for the kids to see their papa at lunch on a weekday. We had a simple lunch at The Crystal Jade before visiting the Foundation of Wealth (or whatever it's called). Honestly, I think it's my first visit.Sophie was very serious about making her wish. She diligently made her wish and walked around the fountain 3 times. I wonder what she had wished for. But I won't ask. The kids fell asleep in the cab on the way home and so did I for a while. I was tired but I wasn't in pain or unwell. For that, I am very thankful.
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