Rivers of Wonders.

 April 24th

Taxi to River Wonders cost a tad under $30, not bad considering how far away from the centre it was. Took a good 30 minutes and most of that was spent trying not to breath in the awful spicy aroma coming from the air con. Most unpleasant although Ian said he couldn't smell anything. I must have a very sensitive nose when it comes to smells.

I loved the place. So much to see, the aquariums were all really clean and fish easily seen. A few mammals also about especially along the river quest ride. This was more like water themed Disney affair with three downhill sections making those in front get wet. Glad we sat at the back!

Three things made this a memorable visit, the Giant Pandas, River Otters and the Manatee.

The only downside to this park was the café seating arrangements. A queue to be seated so we joined. We were then approached by a waiter skipping those in front. A table for two was found, but then we had to order at the counter. Ah, now we knew why we were singled out. Those in front were queueing for food. For us also to order we now had to rejoin the queue at the back! With us only wanting drinks, Ian sort of pushed in. Told the waiter what we wanted and he got us to the counter first. But I ask you. What an idiotic set up. They would do better to adopt the wait until a table is vacant and the ordering can be done straight away. 

Now for the photos

Having spent a good 4 hours it was time to leave. Yesterday I mentioned taxi returns and the hope that there would be someone to organise this. Well it was nothing like the Botanical garden setup. We joined in the queue, must have been at least 6 people in front and then we waited. Taxis came and went but none picked up from the rank. An hour later and only two of the six had been collected. Still taxis didn't stop. Then came the rain, torrential and very glad we were undercover.

I suppose watching the parking attendant robot kept us amused for a short time, Never have I seen one of those before.

In the end Ian phoned the taxi company we had arrived in. Luckily their number was on the receipt. Within 5 minutes it arrived, gosh we got some dirty looks from those in front. I'm sure if we had continued to wait eventually it would have been our turn but glad our wait was over and we could head back to the hotel.

That night we decided to do the Bay of gardens light show. Ian was convinced it started at 7.45 pm so a meal was had first. By 7 pm we decided we may as well walk surely it can't be that far? OMG, the walk was much, much further than anticipated. With my poorly heel I tried to be as quick as I could but we still almost missed the show. In fact all we saw was the last 4 minutes! This was all we got.

l

Then the walk back. Ian wanted to hail a cab, we continued walking but by the time one may have been found we were almost back at the Hotel. Gosh, I suffered for that walk. Would you believe it was almost 3 miles! Goodness knows how I will be able to sleep. Plenty of Paracetamol which will hopefully do the trick.