Monday was another long weekend here in Buenos Aires. I believe that the holiday in question was Flag Day but who's counting?
We decided to take the day and head north of the city to the Temaiken Zoo in Escobar. Temaiken is a private habitat zoo that opened about a decade ago. It's extremely well run - clean, safe and the animals all look happy and healthy. Walking around the park I can see glimpses of the San Diego Zoo, the Singapore Zoo and even at times Disney. In addition to the animal exhibits, there are many playgrounds, good restaurants and of course first rate ice cream. The crowds are never oppressive. It's a good day out for kids and parents alike.
It was a cold morning to head out - about 8C. I realize that this is a temperature that makes a Canadian balk, but one that brings out winter jackets and leather gloves down under. I was having flashbacks to our last visit during the summer. It turned out to be the hottest day of the year. The kids bright red faces and the near heat stroke burn in my memory. It was a day when the ice cream melted faster than it could be scooped. There would be no melting ice cream this time!
The meerkats have been our favourites for a long time. What's not to like about a meerkat? We also spent ages looking at bugs, zebras and tigers. The tiger exhibit is fantastic. It's a huge enclosure with four tigers, including one albino tiger. They are glorious and every time I go, they look deliciously happy. They romp and frock and wrestle and swim. If they have a care in the world, I wouldn't know it.
We stopped for lunch at a parilla restaurant. This is no amusement park food. The kids munched on milenesas and french fries. And The Force and I enjoyed salads, a grilled chorizo and grilled provoleta. It was just what we needed after walking all morning in the crisp air.
In the afternoon we continued to walk - taking in the animals of Patagonia, hippos, various species of antelopes, as well as the new bird park. It was completed about nine months ago and it's always a site to behold the eyes. To enter each exhibit, people must pass through triple doors to keep the birds secure. Once inside birds and people are together. The toucan room and the African exhibit never fail to disappoint.
It's tradition that we always go for ice cream at the zoo...even when it's 8 degrees outside. Through chattering teeth The Glamourous Girl ordered up her classic dulce de leche and The Earnest Boy surprised us all by ordering and finishing a huge cone of mint chocolate chip!
