Day #20

It's official. I'm in love with Penguins!!! 

But I should probably tell you how it all happened. 

So this morning we got to sleep in which was great because my body definitely needed it. Traveling can really take it out of you :( 

So in case you didn't read the previous post just a little recap about our 2 day 3 night accommodation. The place is called Ramada Resort wand it has free laundry inside each hotel room, a gym, two hot tubs, a heated pool and even a sauna! I mean this place is NICE! 

Ok back to what I was saying, so around 10 am we all went to the Petersen's hotel room to figure out our plans. After half an hour, we decided to get our own food since the Petersen's hadn't arrived yet and as soon as we were leaving guess who shows up?! The Petersen's WITH grocery bags. They actually bought stuff to make us breakfast! Isn't that sweet?!

While we were eating Dr Petersen's famous pancakes, the two rental cars arrived. Since there was a fee for young drivers, only the Petersen's, Angie and I could drive. So guess what?! I drove twice but I could barely see over the steering wheel hahahaha. I hate being a midget!!! 

After some driving, grocery shopping and bird watching I was ready to head with my group to visit the Penguin Parade. 

Here is a picture of me at the sign. I was so sad to see that we couldn't take pictures of the penguins :(

But all is well because I can tell you all about it. 

So the guide took us around and talked to us about penguins and the efforts they are making to conserve the penguin species. I definitely learned a lot and maybe when I'm less tired I'll add some of the info here. But for now let's just say that I will be better about recycling. 

To think we humans can create and destroy all at the same time. Sad! 

So at the very end of the tour our guide talked to us a bit more and showed us these penguin...

They are not real but they were a replica of a real one. I will say that it felt weird holding it but they were so cute. 

Afterwards, we ran to the benches and took our seats to see the penguin parade. 

Apparently, the penguins did not show up on time because it was still too light outside and the baby penguins were scared of predators. 

So we waited and waited... And suddenly 

A little group of maybe 15-20 small penguins showed up at the shore. Something like this...

They were so cute. It was so funny to watch them try to pass the seagulls. The seagulls just stood there in the way and they did not move! Poor penguins would try to move around them but they would get push back by the waves. It was just such an adorable thing to see. I think that's when I fell in love with them. I just wanted to pick them all up and take them home. But because that's illegal I bought this instead.... 

I really wish I could have taken some pictures. 

I really hope one day I can come back because it was such a cool experience. 

After we were done we all headed home and I did some cornrows on Brittany. I was actually proud of how they turned out! People where complimenting her left and right and it made me feel pretty good. 

After I was done, I realized our group coming over to celebrate Mary's birthday. 

I was so excited to see that Mary's cake was chocolate! Oh I love chocolate. She also seemed so happy and even mentioned this was the best birthday party she's ever had. 

Oh I forgot to mention that today for dinner I was supposed to have kangaroo stew but.... Apparently a group on people left the pots on while we were watching the penguins and when we got back one of the pots was burnt! And guess in whose apartment that was in? Ours!  I am not a very picky eater but I have never liked burned food so I passed and instead washed all my clothes and tried to spray out the apartment. :( 

So two things I learned today...

1) Wild Animals: We are always so afraid of wild animals because of our lack of understanding. We believe what we hear and what is portrayed on TV. Yet the reality is that every wild animal is loving as long as you are not invading their space and/or abusing them. If you start harassing them they will attack just like any of us would if we were in that situation. 

2) We human beings have the power to make and destroy. I mean I knew that but I learned that even our smallest actions have consequences like throwing garbage everywhere. It's sad how whatever falls on the floor ends up in the ocean and guess what?! It ends up killing every ocean creature. Do any of you know how long it takes for a can of Pepsi to disintegrate in the ocean? Or plastic bottles and plastic bags? The answer: it can take millions of years! But I bet your wondering how it kills the animals in the ocean? Well they can eat it, shock on it and die. In the case of penguins they will eat and then regurgitate it to their babies but because tier babies stomach is not fully developed it is not fully digested and they die! So let's recycle people because it not only helps the environment but it saves lives. Also if that is not enough of a motivation remember we are at the top of the food chain which means what they eat we eat. 

Well y'all have a wonderful night!

Much love, 

Your traveling soul