Day 4

Sculpture cooler than the exhibit
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Well, Americas oldest zoo was not worth the expense.  $40.00 for one adult and two children.  The day was beautiful, and made for really nice walking conditions.  It sprinkled a couple times which added to the fun.  The highlight for the kids was the reptile house and the barnyard area where they were able to brush and pet the goats.  The Big Cats exhibit was disappointing.  Though the sculpture in front of the exhibit is worth mentioning.   The zoo also offers the younger patrons opportunities to ride on a pony and a camel-for a fee of course, (I think it was five dollars).  The zoo also boasts a large pond where you can hop into a swan and paddle your way around.  Again for a fee.       Having been to quite a few zoos, this one ranks towards the bottom of the list.  Brookfield Zoo in suburb Chicago is still by far the best zoo I've ever been to.   We chose to ride the city bus , which I knew in advance would drop us off in not the best of neighborhoods and it would be a short walk to the zoo.  Getting there was no problem, catching the bus home,  well- not as smooth.  The bus stop is located on a semi residential street corner.  No bench, only a faded Bus 38  sign attached to a pole.  The bus schedule was off, instead of waiting 10-15 minutes for a bus we waited about 40 minutes.  My oldest soon discovered a baby slug in a patch of grass that bordered a residential chain link fence.  My youngest occupied himself with picking grass, and throwing it into the street.  A huge mural depicting a 1970's diva,who I believed to be Patty LaBelle graced the side of the dilapidated 3 story brick home we were standing by.  Philadelphia has become a city of murals.  In an effort to curb graffiti, the city has hired local talent,(some being graffiti artists) to paint beautiful murals on the sides of buildings that would otherwise act as a canvas for gang tags.   Throughout our stay I had the opportunity to see a few of these murals, all untouched by graffiti. Impressive initiative by the city.  As we waited and waited, we watched Escalades and Monte Carlos slowly pass us by with the windows down and the music blaring.  As I began to lose my patience for public transportation, and was moments from explaining to my children that we were going to walk back to the hotel, I was pulled back into time when two little girls age 10 decided they would forgo the long wait for the unpunctual school bus and walk themselves to the transfer point a mile or so away.  This adventure took these girls through a crack neighborhood- they arrived safely- but not after realizing what a foolish choice they had made...not once but twice...  I was pulled back into the present by the long awaited sight of our bus turning the corner and heading our way.  "Ugh, about time" I gratefully mumbled ushering Hannah and Noah to the curb to greet our late but fully appreciated chariot ride home.

I will mention that there is a Zoo Link available from the Art Museum- which was advertised as not running until June.  If you can- take the Zoo Link.  At least on the trip back.

Slugs and Thugs