animal portraits

































I am writing this propped up in my fancy AirBnB bed. It is so hight that Alistair can't get into it without help. I am feeling like the Queen (not sure if her bones are as achy as mine).

We went to the zoo yesterday. I like London zoo, it is a great place to learn about conservation efforts and animal behaviour. If you are so inclined of course, it is perfectly acceptable to just enjoy the animals. There is always a creature or two that are new to me. I love the bug's house with it's spiders and cockroaches and locusts. I really like those areas where you can walk through, the butterfly sanctuary and the bird house. I spotted a butterfly with see through wings. Amazing. There were moth bigger than my hands. The birds had colours that are impossible to describe. 

I also like the children's section. The animals are friendly and the kids are allowed to touch them if they want. The pigs were particularly vocal yesterday, the were oinking away happily and came to say hello. Maybe they were slagging us off, it is hard to tell as I am not Dr Dolittle, my fluency in pig is not all that great.

Great apes in the zoo make me uncomfortable, gorillas more than the others. I looked into a gorillas eyes yesterday and it was like I was seeing a friend. There is not much between them and us. I didn't take a photo, it felt like I was intruding but I did take a photo of his photo. 

There were sheep and alpacas and camels. I looked at them and thought of yarn. The camels always look a bit grumpy, the alpacas aloof.

The Victorian installation outside the bird house was great. The Victorians were a bit mad I think. It was a clock automaton. Metal birds were appearing and disappearing, flying onto the roof and around the clock. Great engineering. 

We walked around the African savannah. Giraffes are just weird, like from outer space with their little horns and bendy legs. I am sure one of the Star Wars creatures was modelled on a giraffe. 

There is a lemur walk through which was enjoyable. The lemurs are very tame and it was possible to get a really good look at them. They had their dinner when we were walking through. It looked so delicious I remembered that I had skipped lunch.... we were all hungry by then but there was still the night exhibition with its bats and big eyed bush babies and the aquarium to visit... 

We finished the day with a nice Thai meal in our neighbourhood. It was fun to watch James eat stuff that he wouldn't normally because he didn't know what they were. Liking it, too. Bed time was soon after we got back to our three story house. Today, we might go to the Science Museum, or to the Victoria and Albert Museum, although the latter is maybe not so much fun for the little ones. Have a lovely day my friends! xx



Comments

  1. What beautiful photos. We really are blessed with such wonderful animals on this planet, conservation is so important. Have a great time! x

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  2. What a lovely collection of photos from the zoo. I agree that the bird colors are almost impossible to describe.

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  3. Lovely photos. I especially like the pig snout and the smiling giraffe. Have fun wherever you end up today.

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  4. The birds really are amazing colours. Achy bones aren't much fun!

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  5. Great photos. I like zoos if the animals are not in cages and I'm with you about the gorillas, too close to home and they always look sad.

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  6. Sounds like you're all having a wonderful time. Good to hear you are feeling like the Queen. I'm feeling more like a scullery maid today. CJ xx

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  7. Such a great family adventure, sounds wonderful. Hope you bones aren't achy for too long. Have a great break, take care.

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  8. OH! I love the purple feathers on those birds! Absolutely gorgeous! I haven't been to the zoo in ages, but I think we'll have a few more weeks this month with enough warmth. We'll have to head out to the Toronto Zoo ASAP!

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  9. I loved seeing all these animals, Christina. It sounds like you're having a good time. I love Airbnb and how it lets you feel like you really live in a place for a little while. It's something we always try to do when we travel these past few years. Hope you're having a good week.

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  10. Fabulous zoo pictures, Christina. It sounds like you are having a good time. And you are avoiding the shops which what we always seem to do in London. Lucky you on half term already - I'm longing for it.

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  11. Great photos. Your bed sounds wonderful hope it sorted out your back! I love the V&A too but you right it's not for little ones, the science museum is fab but can get quite busy hope you find some quiet bits. Enjoy your time in London :)

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  12. What fun (except for the spiders) and I know what you mean about the apes. Great photos too. Enjoy the rest of your time in London.

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  13. Hey Christina,
    I am picturing your regal bed pose. I always enjoy the bug and reptile houses best too. And feel uncomfortable with apes and large cats. Thai food....yum. Enjoy your holiday!
    Leanne xx

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  14. Love the camel feet and those are amazing birds! I've never seen vibrant purple feathers like that. Have to admit that I'm not a zoo fan; haven't been to one since we visited one on a high school trip to Paris and I got into a big argument with a friend about animal rights. While they can be a fantastic learning experience, I just worry too much about the animals quality of life. Glad you're enjoying your trip and enjoying the high life in a big bed!

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  15. It sounds amazing! I'd love to visit London Zoo. But I've only been to London once (a day trip to Camden Market) and the very thought of any visit to London makes me feel a tad queasy... I hate cities! There's so much I need to see there though, one day I will just have to do it!

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  16. sounds like you're having a wonderful time xxx

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  17. Hello. I'm writing my comment from an airbnb cottage in Santa Barbara. Your photos are amazing. Sounds like you are having a fabulous time. I loved seeing the purple feathers on the bird. Really amazing photos. My best to you :)

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  18. What fabulous photos!! Looks and sounds as though you had a wonderful time! I hope that the rest of your time in London is just as good and that the bed is as comfy as it is high off the ground! xx

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  19. The London Zoo is a great day out for everyone in the family. And I love all your animal photos. The bird with purple feathers look amazing. Enjoy your London holiday!! X

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  20. I especially like the little animal with the red hair peeking from the tree.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  21. What beautiful, bright photographs! Just what I needed to brighten up a grey Monday morning! X

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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