Manila Day 3 - Manila Ocean Park

Knowing that it was supposed to rain the next day, we headed off to the Manila Ocean Park, another 15-20 min. walk from our hotel near the oceanfront. We passed the massive US Embassy on our way, which felt like it was at least 2-3 city blocks long.

A few scenes from our walk over to the Ocean Park...the cheesy and obligatory 'I love Manila' photo op, and the waterfront. 

In hindsight, this could have been a place I could have run outdoors, but it was more than a little unpleasant (odor wise), and just way too hot.

The Ocean Park in and of itself doesn't particularly stand out when compared to other great aquariums we've seen. In fact, it's an aging park, way too hot, has an awkward lay out (you have to schlep through some bizarre twists and turns to get to some attractions and even exit the park to get to others). Super confusing! But it's not pricey compared to say, Sea World, and fills the basic needs one hopes to satisfy at an ocean park. So it's not terrible, but it's far from great. We went because it's been awhile since Ryan has been to an aquarium (I think he's been to about four, but I'm not sure he remembers any of them), and it was reasonably affordable at about $20 per person.

A few highlights:

We'd read about the foot spa, but hadn't realized there was also an area for people to stick their hands in and get nibbled on by the legendary 'doctor fish.' Oh man! Was it ever entertaining! We were howling at how ticklish it was and I hated to leave! I could've spent thirty minutes there!

The online reviews seemed to indicate that the best show in the park was their sea lion show, so we made sure to go to the first one of the day. But again, nothing stood out in the show as particularly noteworthy except...

Guess who was picked from the audience as the lucky volunteer to interact with the sea lions?! I swear, it's the first time I've ever been picked from a large audience filled with hundreds of people. But I know it was because from the packed auditorium, not a SINGLE other volunteer raised their hand!!! (Shy Asians.) In fact, I didn't even raise my hand the first time they asked, as I typically avoid these situations with a passion (that's what Rich is for). But when they asked a second time and Rich nudged me to raise my hand (they wanted a woman or trust me, he'd have run down there himself), I figured why not.

In America, there would be hundreds of hands hysterically waving and people jumping up and down out of their seats to get up there. I guess it's the Asian politeness/embarrassment that prevented every one else from raising their hands, but not THIS Asian! So I got to hang with this sea lion for about 7-8 minutes...

Getting to know each other with a proper handshake...

...which eventually became a much more intimate, fishy, 10-second- long kiss!

As embarrassed as I was...I have to admit I had a great time and was so excited to have had that opportunity. I gotta tell you, I've been on a rare winning streak lately. Not only did I get that fun opportunity, but I also recently won the grand prize of a contest at the Mud Run we did a few weeks back. I *NEVER* win anything, so I'm on fire this month.

Another unexpected bonus of the day was being asked if we wanted to help feed a few hawks (who aggressively and swiftly snatched the food within seconds of holding your arm out). We each got to hold a hawk in Dubai earlier in the year, but it was very quick, and Ryan was so nervous that in his pictures, he looked super awkward. This time, being the compassionate, progressive mother that I am, I shamed him and told him not to look ridiculous this time.

Success! No more dumb smile! (see below from March trip to Dubai)

It is also apparent that my son only owns one t-shirt. Or, it's his Official Hawk Carrying T-shirt. 

This time around, he was eager to let the hawks swoop in for fresh chunks of beef/horse meat that he held on his glove! Yum!

It all cost a fraction of the normal fee (it was a slow day in the hawk area), so we once again emptied our bag of snacks and a tip for the amazing employee who helped us for over 20 minutes.

Back in the park, we all enjoyed the jellyfish exhibit, which changed colors every few seconds. And though there were quite a bit of aquariums of jellyfish, there were mirrors on the walls that made it look like there were much more.

 

The highlight of the day? FISH SPA!!!

I'm embarrassed to say that the fish spa was the best part of our day there, even better than the sea lion! We couldn't stop laughing for the first 3-4 minutes until we got used to the nibbling.

Our ride home was our first trip (of three) on a tricycle, which was semi-terrifying at times. We'd get mere inches (or less!) from other cars. The heat, exhaust, potholes and constant weaving made it less than ideal for long trips (as we later learned), but for this short trip home, it was hilarious and fun.

A few shots I managed to take from the cab of daily life in Manila...

Manila was loud, colorful, bustling, run down and intensely hot...I enjoyed the vibe. Like other southeast Asian cities, even though it was a bit chaotic, I never felt irritation from the passersby. Even when battling it out in traffic, drivers were death defying, dangerous...but never outwardly agitated at each other. It had a much more 'chill' vibe that I think reflects the happy, helpful nature that Filipinos are known for.