Monday-Safari in China?

Monday was a completely free day and it was sunny! Even though the sun did come out Sunday afternoon, Monday was supposed to be the only full sun day the whole week we are here. Our guide gave us the option to either go to Shamian Island or to Safari Park. We were the only family that chose Safari Park. So Sarah lined up a driver for us and sent us off, while the others went to Shamian Island.

The cost of admission is probably the biggest deterrent to Safari Park (cost the family about $180 US), but it was absolutely worth it. Safari Park is essentially a zoo, but with a lot more interactive features.

The first thing we did when we arrived was to go on the "Safari on Wheels", which is a tram ride through the animal sanctuary. It was similar to the tram that you take through Grants Farm, but way cooler. It is hard to think of an animal we didn't see. Everything from giraffes to white tigers to hippos, to kangaroos...and much more. I didn't get many pics because I was video taping most of it. Here are a few though.

After the 30 min ride (which was probably worth the $180 by itself) we were off to see the rest of the park. Our main goal for the day was to see panda bears. Of course they were tucked away in the back, but we saw much along the way. 

First up was an area with baby animals. They were so cute and tiny. It was neat to be so close to them. Next we came to the giraffe feeding area. Everyone got a chance to feed the slobbering, purple tongued giraffes some leaves. 

Just had to take a picture of this sign.  My favorite is #1, "Warning"!

Next we came across the white tiger sanctuary. This is actually the largest white tiger sanctuary in the world. They have over 200 of them.

Then, on to the koala bear exhibit. The koala bears were mixed in with some wallabys. There had to be at least 30 of them spread throughout the exhibit. 

After the koalas we came to an area where you get to feed elephants. Yep, live massive elephants. Again, we bought some leaves to feed them. The girls had to really stretch to get the leaves to the extended trunk of the elephant, but they got the job done.

We watched an impressive elephant show and then headed toward the pandas. The pandas were extremely cute. One sat on its back with its big belly sticking out eating some eucalyptus plant. Looked a little bit like me eating popcorn. 

After the pandas our time was up, we had to go meet our driver. We had only been there a little over 3 hours, but we had seen so much. There was definitely a lot of other things to see. They had a monkey exhibit, dinosaur exhibit, and snake/reptile exhibit. Everyone was exhausted and poor Mr. Magnus was starting to get a bit rundown. We met our driver and trudged our way back through the heavy traffic jams back to the hotel. 

We took it easy the rest of the day in the hotel room. Well, there was of course a dance party, but other than that it was low-key. 

I was able to give Magnus his bottle tonight and rocked him to sleep for the first time. While I wouldn't say it was the easiest of ventures it was a big breakthrough for he and I. We are going to go find a golf course tomorrow morning and play a quick 18 holes. Just kidding, but it's a step closer!

Actually tomorrow we have to go to the US Consulate to get paperwork completed for Magnus' visa. That means we are getting close to coming home, right? Can't wait to see you all again soon!

Safari'd Out Duff Family of Six!