Visit to a national park

We enjoyed a fun-filled family zoo day today. The weather couldn't have been better; the temps were the lowest they have been since we've been here (lows around 60 degrees). It took some manuevering to get there - a 3.0 km auto rickshaw to get us to the bus stop at which point we got on a 20 minute bus ride that eventually got us there safely. The national park is out in the middle of nowhere, but the traffic was pretty heavy due to the schools being closed for holiday.

One of the temples we passed along the way...

Always up for an adventure.....

We're not really sure if this amusement park was open for business....but it was strange to see a ferris wheel sitting on the side of the road.

The first thing we did was board a "caged bus" for the Grand Safari. We didn't really know what to expect, but think Jurassic Park ... where you enter through many gates as you drive deeper and deeper into the exhibits.

The open land was a breath of fresh air after living in a very congested city for almost 3 months.

One of the many people we got the chance to talk to ... some in the language we're learning, some in English.

One of the first "herds" we happened upon. There was a strange mixture of deer and wart hogs.

We've been to several zoos over the years, but there's just something special about seeing His creation walking around on a natural reserve. This bear came right up to our bus.

The tigers were some of the most majestic sights we saw all day....

Friends .... just lying around!

After the safari, we spent some time walking through the zoo. We didn't have time to see everything, so we're already looking forward to our next visit. The kids really had a great time.

The elephant exhibit was one of our favorites! We've never been so close to these great creatures as we were today.

Noah feeding the baby a cookie...

A definite crowd favorite....

The hungry, hungry hippos!!

The snakes were one of the kids' favorites ... we'll let you figure out which kid! :)

This tree was full of rat snakes....

The cobra itself....

One of the families that we got to talk to today....

Instead of us being the ones asking to take pictures today, it seems that we were being asked to stand in for a photo opp all day. We were thrilled to do it as it gave us a chance to meet and talk with the people He orchestrated us to meet on this day.

Elizabeth spotted this wild monkey on our way out. There were some in cages, but this guy was running around with a corn-on-the-cob. Not sure if we'll ever get used to seeing monkeys running around like squirrels.

These smiles pretty much sum up the day. We are thankful for some good family time and a chance to see His creation in a new way. Thank You, Father, for this day. We rejoiced and were so glad in it.