Occupy - Oakland Zoo

I really don't know the Bay Area that well yet. 

Several days ago my step father invited Mimi and I for a day out at the Oakland Zoo.  We'd be joining him and Lucey, his youngest son's daughter, for donuts in Castro Valley and then an action-filled visit with Oakland's animals.  I'd never been to the Oakland Zoo, but by the name I was able to put together that it was in Oakland.  And Oakland, at least according to the television, is bad news. 

I had pictured the outing quite clearly.  After fending off several crack dealers and a fortunately sluggish car-jacker, we'd pass the last of the burnt-out buildings/hipster lofts to arrive at the zoo parking lot.  There we'd be turned away by the Occupy Oakland group.  Protesting against arch capitalists and their perverse hunger to see nature behind bars, the movement had taken over the parking lot in the hopes of making it a community outreach center for homeless-left-handed-vegan-methadone addicts who lack access to transportation and fresh vegetables.  "That's why they're not here, man!" I could hear them screaming.  "Just because they don't have a car doesn't mean they shouldn't have parking!"

Thankfully, my expectations were completely groundless.  The zoo was right off the 580 freeway and perched up in the hills above.  Beautiful.  Mimi was excited to get going. 

Before I could even attempt to get her into the stroller, she raced off after her cousin Lucey and Grandpa Randy. 

Her pink pea coat hindered sprinting, so Mimi cast it off without a second thought.  No pea coat also made it easier to hold hands with Grandpa through the exhibits. 

Birds were a favorite for Mimi.  I think it was the colors.  Who am I kidding.  They were just the loudest.  And Mimi, no shrinking violet, respects anything louder than she is.  But Mimi's also competitive, so the birds at the Oakland Zoo learned that while they may be louder, Mimi can shriek at a much, much higher pitch.  Even hyenas were cringing. 

Mimi was intrigued by the striped horses.  Those are zebra, Mimi. 

I'm still trying to figure this one out, but for some reason the zebra inspired Mimi to do an impression of Marilyn Monroe from "The Seven Year Itch." 

Or perhaps she just had to go to the bathroom.  Pop culture or potty?  Still not sure which she was going for.

At the tiger enclosure Mimi grew introspective...

and decided to take a rest with Grandpa and Lucey. 

After a brief recharge Mimi hit the children's zoo.  She made a bee-line for the tortoise shell garden.  The toddler terrapin managed to avoid bumping her head for a full 7 minutes!

The tortoise shell garden fully exploited, and after a little encouragement to try something new from Papa, Mimi communed with the otters...

and even the alligators!

The day ended with a ride on Thomas.  Well, it wasn't the real Thomas, but it was a real train, and that was enough for Mimi! 

Mimi was a perfect passenger.  Except for insisting on eating Japanese pretzel sticks the entire ride.  "No Food on the Train!" said the sign.  "You've obviously never heard me scream," replied Mimi.

At the end of the ride we attempted to take a picture of Lucey, Mimi, and Grandpa.  Getting one toddler to stand still for a picture is a challenge.  Corralling two is an absolute impossibility. 

It was a wonderful day out for Mimi, and for me as well.  We're paying the price tonight - Mimi refused to nap at home thanks to her cat nap in the car - but I'd do it all over again, without doubt.  And the great thing: it'll all be brand new for Mimi next time we go!