Date: 17 April 2004 Adventures of Gamblegirl: We're all going to the Zoo tomorrow... "We're all going to the Zoo tomorrow, the Zoo tomorrow, the Zoo tomorrow. We're all going to the Zoo tomorrow early in the morning". So one of my resolutions for myself is to keep my "travel" diary up (or other wise known as the ramblings of moi!!!). And includes even though I am back at home. So it's going to be something like Gamblegirl's postcards from Victoria (and other places that she goes to). Sure there has already been a down fall to this as I realise that generally - well I'm lazy - so have already fallen on the downside with this. BUT I STARTED OFF WELL. Even though well, it was over a month ago since I was there... OH DEAR. So back on to Postcards From Gamblegirl. My first stop was the Melbourne Zoo. I love Melbourne Zoo. Supposedly the San Diego zoo is the best zoo in the world. I can remember seeing it and thinking, well actually it's pretty ordinary. It still has the animals cramped up in tiny bar cages and yes while it does have the best range of animals, surely keeping it trapped in a cramped cage isn't worth boasting about it. I think what I love about the Melbourne Zoo is that it's almost natural looking displays and how it's always trying to improve and make things as realistic as possible. And it has space. I also have a thing for monkeys and seals. I love seals. They are just so cute, like puppy dogs, so playful and affectionate (and yes like puppy dogs, they can bite the crap out of you!!). I love watching them swim thru the water. For something so awkward on land, they are so graceful in the water. In some ways they are show offs too. Playing up for those that are watching them. A bit like monkeys. I love monkeys because I love watching and wondering what they are going to do next. They are so impressive with their personalities - some sulk away from the attention, some are just whatever about it, some just play up for the laughs. Take for example the silverback gorilla. He was just sitting there so proud and majestic. So of course, there's no way that I can take a half decent photo of him because of all the covering around his enclosure. Finally when I did get one, what did I get - a photo's of his arse! Now really - is anyone surprised? It's just classic me. But my greatest amusement was Yukini. I was sooo in love with him when he was born. He was so ugly that he was adorable. It obvious that he's quite comfortable with people - especially when he was brought up by humans. In the Melbourne Zoo, the gorilla enclosure has a glass area where you can peer into. So of course, you are doing this, thinking where are they and bam! The next thing you know this cheeky monkey has rush up to the glass and banged on it and then is sitting back - grinning with mischief. Of course all the little kids (and me) squeal and laugh, so he scampers off and hides. Everyone's waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting , then bam - he's back. So darn cute. I think that I'm going to have to get a Friends of the Zoo membership. I think that with all the research the Melbourne Zoo does, I should get behind it and support it. Oh and before I leave - here's a trivial fact for you. When the Elephants get let out for some exercise, they actually walk AROUND the zoo. Hmmm imagine driving along and the next thing you see is this keeper walking an elephant. You'd have to wonder what exactly you put in your coffee that morning! Love and kisses your neighbourhood freak.