One weekend, we went to the zoo. It was Orion's first time to see the animals from his book alive. His eyes did not blink when he saw how huge the elephants were. He wouldn't budge from his spot when he met the zebras. He extended his hands to the ostrich who almost pecked him. He covered his ears when we passed by the monkey cages. He shuddered and afterwards repeated the roars of the tigers and lions. He jumped like the kangaroos. He was so excited that his eyes were just wide with amazement. Even though, it was a tiring walk in that sprawling zoo (Aaron and I had to take turns carrying him, when he's tired. Orion gave up the stroller at 12 months.), the happiness and new wonder that Orion experienced was all worth it. As we were walking out, Aaron said "Looks like somebody's knocked out already" Orion's eyes were drooping as I carried him. No sooner had his Papa said that when the "Choo, Choo Train" chugged in front of us, springing Orion back to life. He wiggled out of my hold and ran after the train. Therefore the zoo visit was completed only after we had a round in the train and Orion waving goodbye to all his new "friends."

Another weekend, we got invited to go to a private island accessible only by a 3-hour boat ride. Beforehand, we had been warned that Indonesian waters are rough, usually from November to early March. Much as I was excited for us, I was also apprehensive for Orion who'll be going on his first boat ride. As usual, Aaron was nonchalant about it and actually was so happy for Orion (My husband's a "shark", he loves the water so much that he wants Orion to learn to scuba dive now!). Thirty minutes before we took off, I took some tablets because I knew that I would be sick (I was sick on a cruise ship before). As soon as we settled on board, the boat sped away and within 15 minutes from the shore the waves were lapping loudly on the boat and we were rocking wild... We couldn't even stand or walk a step without hanging on to anything or anyone. Everybody else decided to sleep it through, so did Orion. He never fussed nor got scared, he slept like a log and actually let the waves rocked him. He didn't care about the noises around him, he was asleep. He only woke up when the rocking stopped and that's when we got to the island. It was a picture-pretty white sand beachfront complete with all the amenities of modern technology in a very traditional Indonesian architecture (Main house was all big sliding doors that open on all sides and the sea breeze was through and through). Orion loved playing in the sand and he loved the water more. It was difficult to get him out of it especially when dusk came. We walked through the island the following day and Orion played with shells. He reluctantly bade goodbye to the sand and sea as we headed back to the city. This time the sea was calmer and while everybody enjoyed a comfortable snooze, Orion was busy tickling feet as there were no rough waves to rock him to sleep.

Another time, we went to the Oceanarium and fortunately there were several animal shows happening. First, we got to see the bear and hippo show. Orion shouted "Big Bum to the hippo! Then there were the sea lions' shooting basketballs. Next was the dolphin show, which he really enjoyed most. He clapped and cheered eagerly. We even had a photo taken with the dolphin kissing him. Last, was the bird and monkey show ... oh well, I guess he had too much excitement already that he was just restless, so we decided to head for home. On the way back, we met the "Choo, Choo train" and yes, the visit was not complete without a train ride first.

After these trips, we reinforce what he has experienced and seen with books and stories. We are very happy that Orion can always easily relate to these. Very soon we are going to the Safari Zoo, where you ride through the place and the animals can come in contact with you. Well, I won't take the risk and roll down Orion's window. This is the chance to be really up close and personal to his animal friends.

(Sigh) Saturday is still 3 days away...Wish that everyday is a weekend. See you next week.

Aaron, Orion & Kelly

* Filipino Welcome, literally means Long Live.