How do I beat the story where I almost fell off a coconut tree? Or the time I saw a buffalo trip three feet in front of me?
I guess I will have to tell you the panda story.
Panda?
How often in my life do I get to see a panda? Only once. And it was awesome.
I was studying abroad in Singapore for a semester. There, I met my awesome Irish friend Doireann. Among so many other awesome and unique things, she is a zoologist. The first one I’ve ever met in my life. We quickly became good friends and even traveled, motorbiked, and scuba-dived together!
One of my top places to visit was the Singapore Zoo, which features a 26-hectare wildlife park. Who better to go with than a to-be zoologist? We planned a date, and made it happen. We also had a few other friends joining our little group.
Anyway, she had a long-term obsession with pandas. Dozens of things she owns have panda-related themes to them. She has interned and worked with baby pandas (cubs?), actually getting to hold and cuddle with them, which is awesome!
After about 2 hours of walking though the zoo, we finally reached the exhibit that Doireann was waiting for: the pandas.
Unfortunately…
They really don’t do much…
We watched and waited.
For over two hours…
I mean, they’re pretty cool. Black and white, you know? But how long can it possibly lay there?
A long time apparently.
After watching it for so long, we decided to walk around past the panda exhibit. When we came back, the panda had sat up into a furball!
And then something truly amazing happened!
Are you ready for this?
Whoaaaa! I was so impressed. After hours of watching the panda do nothing, in just a few minutes, it sat up, and stood up. For food! Nom nom nom. Like Po in Kung Fu Panda, haha!
Just when I thought we have seen it all….
It started scaling the tree! Watching the magnificent 200+ pound fluff ball body climb up the tree was so amazing, yet hilarious. Lazy panda turns productive and athletic for food. Such is the life.
What an epic end of a day at the zoo. This panda deserves a trophy! I doubt most visitors at the zoo were able to see this miracle. Maybe it reveals itself to those with patience?
That’s all folks! Thanks for reading this week’s post to 21 Weeks of Travel Challenge! This challenge showcases your experience through travel stories, cultures, foods, advise, lessons, and more. You don’t need to be a world traveler to join. I encourage everyone to write and share your cool experiences, near and far! You can check out the entire challenge in the original post here! Please also visit Julie, Vikkilawman, and Kailin as they will be with me in this blogging journey!