a trip to the zoo

in all the times we've visited our nation's capital, we never managed a trip to the zoo forgetting its existence in the shadow of the smithsonian museums. we tend to be museum nerds generally and have even been known to be cherry blossom stalkers. at the suggestion of jj, our weekend playmate, we jumped at the chance.

in the past, i have been lukewarm on zoos. during our trip to asia, we managed to see a couple of bad zoos, where it all just seemed a little sad. but after seeing a few of the animals in d.c., i was so impressed with our national zoo. i marveled at the expanse of all the habitats, the seemingly natural lures that drew each creature out toward the front of their individual spaces for just the right photo opps. there was an incredible variety of animals. it was all 100% free (one of my favorite things about d.c. - many, if not all, attractions are free).

as the animals were expertly strutting their stuff, i began to wonder if they were actually trained or if the zoo, because it was our national zoo, managed to get the cream of the crop of exotic and not-so-exotic animals. they all knew how to work a crowd.


the seal jumped out on its rock to say hello.



the orangutangs crossed overhead on wires.



even while resting, this very pensive ape managed to wow us by his crossed arms and legs.


the red panda posed.


this beaver came over to say CHECK ME OUT.

the stars of the show, and undoubtedly the national zoo's main attraction, are the pandas. i fully expected the large crowds, the parents with toddlers on their shoulders stealing a view, the kids on tip toes leaning over the railing . honestly, i thought this is all we'd see of a panda all day.



silly me, of course, tai shan knows what he's doing. he was born at the zoo!




on cue, the crowd turned into panda paparazzi.



over here, tai shan!



come on closer, boy!

and to our amazement, HE LISTENED.






i can't explain what it was like to lock eyes with him for 10 seconds. honestly, i felt like i was meeting a rock star, but it was even better.

it made me jealous of this woman, whose job it was to monitor pandas all day. i could do that!


the real genius behind the national zoo - they know where to strategically place their gift shops. after the excitement of our close encounter, all i wanted was pandas!






we managed to escape panda-less. however, the same can't be said for jj (at least she has the excuse of a niece and a nephew).