Seaworld

            The Seaworld in Southport, Gold Coast is definitely nothing like that in Florida. When we bought the tickets through the travel agent, even she said it isn’t as impressive. Either way, it was something to do for the day and one of the ten things on the list of “must dos” while here. We caught the bus at 9:05 and arrived shortly before the park opened. It was a slightly overcast day and I was worried that continuous thunderstorms would ruin it, but luckily it held off for most of the time. We have such great luck when it comes to the weather. When we are on the bus, it will start down pouring- the entire time we are on it, and as soon as we get off it lets up, almost completely. The first thing we noticed in the park was a replica of the Endeavor ship, that you could walk up on and overlook the dolphin nursery. We took some silly wannabe pirate pictures and watched the dolphins play around and try to get attention. On the left side of the walking path, Seaworld employees were feeding about 20 pelicans. They are such cool birds; their eyes are black with a yellow outline that almost looks painted on. Kyra mentioned trying to imagine one of those huge birds flying into your window like in Finding Nemo. It would smash the entire window in and I don’t even know if it would injure him so much. We visiting the Ray pool where we got to touch them when they swam by- many were teases, came close and then just as you were about to touch them swam away. There was also an opportunity to feed them, but we were very excited to check out the polar bears so we ran over there instead. Only one polar bear is allowed into the area at one time, something about sharing the cold environment/being more solitary or something. I pay attention, I swear. From there, the shark bay was two large pools, in addition to separate small pools for sea urchins, cucumbers, and stars. In the two large pools there were coral reefs, smaller fish, and sharks small and large. Hammerheads, tigers, and a few other I have never heard of before. One definitely looked like it could be the Great White’s cousin. There were a few rides in the beginning of the park (a flume and jet ski rollercoaster) that were pretty fun but didn’t take up very much time. We went to a 4-D Planet show that had polar bears, coral reefs, etc. and then a spectacular dolphin show. One guy even surfed on the back of one of the dolphins. Two lucky little kids got to go play with them for a little while. I am so jealous- dolphins are so friendly and love to play. When the trainer hugged one, the dolphin wrapped his fins around him and closed his eyes. It made me smile. Overall, the place is very small and didn’t take up as much time as we had expected. We went to the shows to waste some time before dinner at Hard Rock. It was an alright day, nothing over impressive, but now we are super excited for Dreamworld.

I really do want to write about the rainforest but at this point I just want to keep the pictures. One day when I get motivation I will look up the walks/lengths etc. This weekend will be fun and jam packed. Friday is the Dracula’s Cabaret Comedy Dinner show, Saturday is the beginning of Quicksilver Pro Surfing competitions and Sunday is the Australia Zoo.

I will have loads of amazing pictures with my new camera (eeek, pink with an orange case) to show everyone.

Today I had a midterm (already!) in Love, Sex and Relationships. I did more studying than I really needed to and so feel pretty confident that I excelled. I need to begin research for my Drugs paper that is due next week and a midterm in the class on Monday. For now, though, I think I am going to go sit out on the balcony and do some reading.

The sky is absolutely gorgeous, a bright light blue with scarce clouds. No sign of rain in sight- and landscapers are cutting the grass, so the fresh smell of summer is ever present. It makes me miss home- when I was younger, didn't have to work all the time, and could jump in the pool whenever I wanted. My dad would come home after his day of work and we would force him in for a little while. It's amazing how things change so drastically with more and more responsibility.

I talked to Steph for a little while today and she said something that made me almost tear up. I miss her very much- this is what I will leave you with.

LoveYouOutLoud81 (8:42:53 AM): jakki and i were talking at the bid day party and i said "we've got our roots and our leaves, but our branches are in australia"