We headed downstairs to our bus at 8am and were dropped off at San Diego Zoo with instructions to meet our driver again at 4pm. So in we went right on opening time and headed for the orangutans. Sofie had decided that I needed to spend time with my long lost ranga relatives... Had to slap her for that one! To be honest though, the orangutans were probably my favourite part of the zoo.
We walked a heck of a long way looking at more monkeys, birds, and tigers. Then stopped by the hippo, which Joe insisted was also my long lost relative. He got slapped too....
We ended up almost back where we started so we hopped on a 40 minute bus tour through the zoo to see a big chunk of the place without walking. That was a brilliant way to spend some time. We saw all sorts of animals that way and saved our feet. The bears were pretty cool.
We also went on a Skyfari tour in cable cars across the zoo and back. A completely different way to see the zoo. There was also an express bus available that stopped at certain spots in the zoo to help people get around. It's a massive area so it's great they have so many options to get around it.
Not much really you can say about a zoo. They had animals, lots of animals. Sofie said the best part was the reptiles - lots of cool pythons and anacondas. The Burmese python was apparently awesome. Joe's favourite was the Fennic fox. Gotta say - it was pretty cute.
We were pretty much over the Zoo by around 12.30. We had to wait until 4pm for the bus. So, we sat in a cafe and ate ice cream and funnel cake. Then we went outside the Zoo and took Joe on the Balboa Park Railroad - a miniature train. Sofie and I lay on the grass relaxing while Joe threw his toy gorilla at us. And then about 10 past 3 we got on our bus and waited until 4 to be driven home.
When we got back, we decided to head for Seaport Village. We were told it was walkable, but I think only if you haven't been walking around a zoo all day. We hopped on a pedicab - a guy riding a bike with a big seat on the back - and got taken the rest of the way. We thought we might find a new pair of shoes for Joe there, but it turned out to be more a touristy place than somewhere to buy shoes. So we were directed to Horton Plaza - a big Westfield mall. We were told we could walk that too... I don't know why I believe these people.... Anyway - so we walked and eventually got there. Headed to Macy's to be told they don't sell kid's shoes. Got directed to Nordstroms and finally replaced Joe's flapping boots.
Got a cab back to the hotel and then went next door for dinner. We couldn't work out what the name meant. It was called "Ruth's Chris Steak House". Something seems wrong there. Anyway, as we stepped in we realised the restaurant was obviously very classy. More classy than we had realised or dressed for. But it was next to a Holiday Inn - I didn't think it would be that fancy!
So we decided we had to stick with the plan, and boy was it worth it. The steaks were divine, the vegies were perfect, the desserts were magnificent. I have to say it was likely the best meal I or the kids have ever eaten. They were suitably impressed.
We then staggered back to our room... well I staggered under the weight of half a bottle of wine that was enjoyed with dinner. I collapsed into bed and slept!
Tomorrow - Legoland and me trying to figure out public transport in San Diego.
Sofie and Joe monkeying around...
Big elephant - apparently no relation to me according to the kids...
I'm just a big mama grizzly... (If you know anything about American politics, that might be half funny...)
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