The Shameless Tourist Visits the Zoo

This past weekend, I headed out again, accompanied by my friend Natalie, to the Buin Zoo. The word Zoo is pronounced with long "o"s, like the word "so". This caused me a bit of problems at the ticket window when I was buying my ticket on the Metro Train to Buin. I kept pronouncing "zoo" as I would in English. Of course, this did not work. Finally, Natalie bailed me out. I have the greatest problem with cognates, words that come from the same root and are similar in Spanish and English. They are tricky because they are very similar looking and the meaning is the same (usually, but not always), but the pronunciation is different.

Anyway, about the Metro Train...I have, I believed, discussed the outstanding metro system in the city. The Metro Train is a lot like the city's metro, but it goes outside the city, as far as an hour and a half away. We caught the train at the Estación Central, which is the old Santiago train station. It is a grand iron and concrete building from which the trains depart. On both sides of the station are shopping centers. It was a busy and exciting place. The Metro Train was very crowded, as we went on a weekend during vacations, and so we stood for the whole trip. But, we arrived in Buin after a short 30 minute ride. It seemed that just about everyone else on the train was heading for the zoo as well, since the train left the Buin Zoo stop rather empty.

The zoo in Buin was well worth the effort. There was plenty of shade and the grounds were well kept. There was a good collection of animals, especially of cats, monkeys and birds. The highlight of the trip was the "Animals in Action" show. The star was Chily Wily, a blind penguin. One lucky child sitting next to me got to feed him a couple of fish. What can I say? My aura not only benefits me, but those around me. Also of note was the seal. They had him do all the seal tricks, playing with the ball, clapping his flippers, barking, the works. A definite crowd pleaser. Three cheers for the Buin Zoo!

And, don't forget, you can see other pictures I took by clicking on the link to my Picasa photo site on the side bar.