Big fish, Little fish..... MASSIVE sugar high
USA | Monday, 10 August 2009 | Views [395]
So Sarah and i finally dragged our backsides out of the hostel and went to the aquarium. Pretty glad we had bought city passes as this allowed us expedited entry, a free behind the scenes tour and a 3D movie. The Aquarium truly is huge. The main ocean tank has more than 5 million gallons (or was it litres) of water in it. They have whale sharks and a manta ray that may double in size Oh the Whale sharks can get up to 40ft long but the tank will apparently hold them all (we learnt that on the behind the scenes thing). The 3D movie was hilarious, all about a little fish called Deepo and trying to teach people to take care of the seas and the oceans, it was a little bit like a cross between little mermaid and finding nemo. I've never seen 3D before and it was pretty cool, quite a few people kept reaching out as if to touch things - ha ha ha
So the aquarium was a huge success and well worth a visit, we were there for hours and also petted some small sting rays in the petting pool, they feel a bit like wet chamoix leather sort of soft and a little bit slimy at the same time. Could have also touched anemones but there were a hundred children there at the time!
After the aquarium we went to The World of Coca-Cola. possibly the most hilarious thing I have done in a long while. When you arrive you all go into a large area called the loft which is covered in coke memorabilia and, in our case, are greeted by a totally hyper member of coke staff. Now as far as Sarah and I were concerned she was either on coke or had it intravenously running through her blood. I'm not sure how many times she asked if we were all happy and got us to chant along with her and shout out our favourite coca-cola beverage but it was hard not to laugh the whole time. Next we saw an extended version of the happiness factory advert and then interviews with some of the "characters" from it - those of you who have seem the latest coke advertising may appreciate how weird this could be!
Next it was the history of coke, the bottling plant and the worldwide expansion. Then we went to the tasting room. Now ladies and gentlemen if you have ever wondered what effect sampling 64 coca-cola products from around the world in less than 30 minutes can do to a body I am here to tell you - my teeth were aching from all the sugar and the totally hyper sensation of the sugar rush was not a pleasant one I can assure you. Also a word of warning if anyone ever offers you a taste of Stoney, sold in Tanzania or Beverley, sold in Italy, please decline. they are two of the most revolting drinks I have ever tasted.
So once we had escaped the clutches of the coca-cola company and come down slightly from our sugar high a little we bounced our way back to the hostel and collapsed now suffering from the sugar low. It was all we could do to make a meal and talk normally for the rest of the evening.
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