Universal Unease + Cuddly Fish
Something odd happened this week and I don't know what to make of it. I just could not sleep, especially the first part of the week. I felt awake, anxious, as if I were waiting for something. The same thing happened to my roomates, and then to many of my friends as well. Is there some kind of universal unease right now? As if something is going to happen, whether it be for good or bad. I'm not sure.
In any case, creepiness aside, I've been meaning to post about my exciting trip to the Georgia Aquarium for a week now! It's been forever since my dysfunctional family has gone on a family outing together. We gathered our coats, tickets, and patience and crowded into the one of the hugest aquariums in the southeast. As we walked through the blue-toned, modern art mishapen exterior, I wasn't sure what to expect. But once we got inside, I was blown away by how much thought they put into the atmosphere. River moss and vines 'grew' along the ceilings and fake rocks surrounding the river walk area. Fake snow adorned the mountain water tunnel, and the entire place smelled like fish (more of a product of the restaurant than of purposeful atmosphere, I'd wager...and does anyone else find it ironic that they'd serve fish at an aquarium restaurant?).
Out of all the sea creatures, I have to say that even over the whale sharks, Henry and Norton, I was impressed by the tiniest of them all, the Sea Dragon. I have NEVER seen one before in nature OR on the tele. I'm just amazed at how sometimes I think I know everything important in this world and am lulled into a sense of complacency, but then I see this tiny little creature whom I have never seen before and things flip upside down. I'm once more as giddy as a little child experiencing the beauty of flowers for the first time.
If only the aquarium hadn't been crowded with TONS of holiday goers, it would have been an even more engaging experience. The best place to go there, in my opinion, is the children's area. As soon as I learned that they could pet fish in there, I made straight for it! I LOVE touching things, even if it is infantile for an 'adult' my age to be laughing and smiling where the little kiddies are. Where else would you get to pet a manta ray? I dipped my hand in the water and let them swim by, only to be surprised when one of them nudged my hand for food while I was distracted, which scared the bejesus out of me. Surprisingly, baby rays are so slick and velvety. I got to pet non-poisonous sea anemoneas and star fish too! They feel like dried-out skin, it was funky, but cool.
And so, the great aquarium adventure ended with the hope that I'd be able to come back and pet the rays again. Ah it was like recounting my childhood when we used to visit all sorts of natural museums. I think as adults, we need to do something like this every once in awhile, if only to keep that adventurous spirit alive within us. If you're ever in Georgia, I highly recommend a visit, for those of you who like that sort of thing.
And that's all I have to ramble about today. I should have another rambling due sometime next week. Take care, everyone, and keep an eye out for cuddly fish!
In any case, creepiness aside, I've been meaning to post about my exciting trip to the Georgia Aquarium for a week now! It's been forever since my dysfunctional family has gone on a family outing together. We gathered our coats, tickets, and patience and crowded into the one of the hugest aquariums in the southeast. As we walked through the blue-toned, modern art mishapen exterior, I wasn't sure what to expect. But once we got inside, I was blown away by how much thought they put into the atmosphere. River moss and vines 'grew' along the ceilings and fake rocks surrounding the river walk area. Fake snow adorned the mountain water tunnel, and the entire place smelled like fish (more of a product of the restaurant than of purposeful atmosphere, I'd wager...and does anyone else find it ironic that they'd serve fish at an aquarium restaurant?).
Out of all the sea creatures, I have to say that even over the whale sharks, Henry and Norton, I was impressed by the tiniest of them all, the Sea Dragon. I have NEVER seen one before in nature OR on the tele. I'm just amazed at how sometimes I think I know everything important in this world and am lulled into a sense of complacency, but then I see this tiny little creature whom I have never seen before and things flip upside down. I'm once more as giddy as a little child experiencing the beauty of flowers for the first time.
If only the aquarium hadn't been crowded with TONS of holiday goers, it would have been an even more engaging experience. The best place to go there, in my opinion, is the children's area. As soon as I learned that they could pet fish in there, I made straight for it! I LOVE touching things, even if it is infantile for an 'adult' my age to be laughing and smiling where the little kiddies are. Where else would you get to pet a manta ray? I dipped my hand in the water and let them swim by, only to be surprised when one of them nudged my hand for food while I was distracted, which scared the bejesus out of me. Surprisingly, baby rays are so slick and velvety. I got to pet non-poisonous sea anemoneas and star fish too! They feel like dried-out skin, it was funky, but cool.
And so, the great aquarium adventure ended with the hope that I'd be able to come back and pet the rays again. Ah it was like recounting my childhood when we used to visit all sorts of natural museums. I think as adults, we need to do something like this every once in awhile, if only to keep that adventurous spirit alive within us. If you're ever in Georgia, I highly recommend a visit, for those of you who like that sort of thing.
And that's all I have to ramble about today. I should have another rambling due sometime next week. Take care, everyone, and keep an eye out for cuddly fish!