The skulls of the land in Gambia. The Apopka National Park was, I must say, a disappointment. Just a little bit... Now, I'm not one of those people expecting to see lions and giraffes and hippopotamus as I traveled closer to central Africa. I mean, most people expect lions and animals inherent of the jungle to pop up as soon as one lands on the continent. Bones through the noses of natives are other ideas inherent of this kind of thinking. With that being said, I believe my expectations were reasonable. I didn’t expect an American zoo with gargantuan cages housing the silver-backed hyena or the lion-cheetah or something else created behind the walls of zoologists turned genetic modifying scientists (I don’t know if that’s true, I’m just making it up.) But still, I expected to see something. Instead, *shaking my head* I saw hyenas languidly strolling the cages putting forth more energy to lay down and swat flies from their head. There were no other animals to speak of. The “crocodile pond” was a joke. Needless to say, no crocs showed their faces. The park even had the nerve to have a look out post with binoculars to check out the reptiles (or are they amphibians or mammals?) but, last time I checked, I didn’t need binoculars to see a fucking crocodile, I just needed the crocodile. Anyway, my father and I had a great time anyway. We made the most of it. And here, we were able to stroll the beaten path, arriving at this clearing with skulls on display. I really just wanted to sit down on the only bench that the display was resting on, but I guess that would’ve meant the end of the attractions at Apopka.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Popcorn Apopka Park
The skulls of the land in Gambia. The Apopka National Park was, I must say, a disappointment. Just a little bit... Now, I'm not one of those people expecting to see lions and giraffes and hippopotamus as I traveled closer to central Africa. I mean, most people expect lions and animals inherent of the jungle to pop up as soon as one lands on the continent. Bones through the noses of natives are other ideas inherent of this kind of thinking. With that being said, I believe my expectations were reasonable. I didn’t expect an American zoo with gargantuan cages housing the silver-backed hyena or the lion-cheetah or something else created behind the walls of zoologists turned genetic modifying scientists (I don’t know if that’s true, I’m just making it up.) But still, I expected to see something. Instead, *shaking my head* I saw hyenas languidly strolling the cages putting forth more energy to lay down and swat flies from their head. There were no other animals to speak of. The “crocodile pond” was a joke. Needless to say, no crocs showed their faces. The park even had the nerve to have a look out post with binoculars to check out the reptiles (or are they amphibians or mammals?) but, last time I checked, I didn’t need binoculars to see a fucking crocodile, I just needed the crocodile. Anyway, my father and I had a great time anyway. We made the most of it. And here, we were able to stroll the beaten path, arriving at this clearing with skulls on display. I really just wanted to sit down on the only bench that the display was resting on, but I guess that would’ve meant the end of the attractions at Apopka.
Gambia and Parks
Here is a park in Gambia where 6m alligators are said to be...but I didn't see any. Although the park was a BIG disappointment, I did see some hyenas and baboons and large snakes weaving through the leaves. Gambia is a beautiful country and very relaxed. I stayed in Surrekunda, Banjul and Bakou. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I'll be updated some more information on Gambia asap. Also, more pictures.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Island Streets
Yes, it's been a while.
Here is a photo of a random street on Goree Island, off the coast of Senegal. Goree Island was one of the largest transit ports for slaves transported across the Atlantic. Visiting the island gave me mixed emotions, but the strongest one I felt was compassion between the habitants of the island, as well as my relation to its history. There were many independent artist, selling their artwork and sculptures. The energy was great! There was also a large monument at the top that(to me, anyway) carried NO significance in design. The museum was also dilapidated and dissappointing. I hate sounding so negative, but the beauty of the island (the buildings, the coasts, the mini-beach, the cobble streets, the artist and habitants) impacted me more than the lackluster representations of history. Anyway, I had a great time and enjoyed myself.
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