My holidays are unfortunately nearing an end, so I’m trying to enjoy the couple of days I have left.
So, today was spent having lunch in Hahndorf, and then going to the zoo. It’s been ages since I went to the zoo, but I particularly wanted to go today to check out the Human Zoo. Just in case you can’t be bothered clicking the link, here’s an excerpt from the page explaining what it’s about:
Concept
Over the period of one month in January 2007, a group of humans will be locked in an unused Adelaide Zoo primate exhibit for observation by all. This brave group of volunteers will become ~
The HUMAN ZOO
This project aims to
Create awareness of the closeness of humans to their primate cousins
Provide a platform for research on animal behaviour and enrichment
Raise awareness for the conservation needs of primates in the wild
Raise funds to build Australia’s largest chimpanzee exhibit at Monarto Zoological Park in South Australia
How The Human Zoo works
Application close 4th December 2006. 100 chosen Humans will undertake auditions at Adelaide Zoo on 11th and 12th of December in the Primate exhibit in front of a judging panel: public invited to come and watch. We are looking for outgoing fun people who have a passion to help conservation.
Lock-in commences 2nd January 2007, with each group of 6 being locked in for the period of one week.
One of the reasons I wanted to go was curiosity, but also because we know one of the people in there.
So anyway, the Human Zoo was OK but it wasn’t anything exciting. The people were just sitting around squirting observers with water pistols, so we didn’t stay long.
I must say that the zoo has improved considerably since I used to go when I was little. The enclosures are far better, and it just seems greener and a more pleasant place to go. While we were wandering around, we came across the otters, and there was one otter doing the cutest thing! I got some of it on video:
I just got back from the 21st birthday party for a girl I go to tafe with. There were two other people from my class there, and a couple of people I know from DeafSA, so it allayed my fears of not knowing anyone. And the birthday girl made all the right noises about the bracelet I got her, so either she really did like it, or she’s a great actress. Either way, she asked me to put it on her and she wore it all night so I was pleased.
The only less-than-ideal part was when the speeches occurred. Because there were 2 Deaf people there, an interpreter was required. I nominated another classmate to do the honours, which she did for a while, but then I was summoned to do my turn. I guess the most diplomatic way I can put my performance is that it’s a good thing I decided not to do the interpreting course next year. I sucked. I think some bits were ok, but having everyone in the room staring at me made me freeze up. I just hope they understood some of what I said. When I sat down, one of the guys I interpreted for said that I was nervous. Well, duh! My first ever interpreting stint and I was crap.
But despite this, I did have a really good time. There was even some Scottish dancing! The first couple of dances were with party guests, and the teacher gave instructions for the steps and then it was done to music, and the last one was a dance that some of the people from the dance school do.
Oh, and there was also a Cookie Monster piñata filled with lollies! I didn’t have a go at hitting it but in the end, poor CM was reduced to a head hanging from the ceiling while everyone gorged on the smarties, Mars bars and Freddos that had been inside him. The photo I took with my mobile phone does not do him justice at all.
So it was a night of firsts, with interpreting, dancing and piñata-ing!
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, we went to the beach for New Year’s Eve this year. As with every year, they have fireworks there and I thought I’d video it. It’s only on my digital camera so the quality’s not great, but I still think it turned out ok. I didn’t have enough room on my card to video it all in one go, so I did it in segments and I’ve uploaded the last segment to YouTube in case you want to have a look. It’s only a few minutes long.
The only bad thing about it was a woman behind us repeatedly saying “there’s something missing”. Stupid whiny cow. So it’s not the Sydney fireworks, but it was still nice! Anyway, I don’t think you can hear her in the video, so that’s good.
It was a good night - some fantastic fish and chips on the beach (well, on the grass near the beach), some ice cream and a couple of arrests while waiting for the fireworks and then the fireworks themselves all made for a nice night. Alas, we didn’t completely escape the drunk teenagers, but the spot we chose to watch the fireworks didn’t have any, so it all worked out well.
Oh, and there was also a Cookie Monster piñata filled with lollies! I didn’t have a go at hitting it but in the end, poor CM was reduced to a head hanging from the ceiling while everyone gorged on the smarties, Mars bars and Freddos that had been inside him. The photo I took with my mobile phone does not do him justice at all.