Warsaw Zoo

I have realised recently that over the last few years we have visited several zoos. But we have never seen the Warsaw zoo. The weather is getting nicer so I hope that you fancy a little walk in the animal kingdom. The lane is large and comfortable.

Next to the entrance you can see some seals. They do not seem over excited by all the visitors that they take pictures. Most probably they are not on Instagram and do not care about followers and likes. 

A bit further we reach the Australian corner. First the emus ...

... then the kangaroo.

But what really stope my heart is this little kangaroo sitting in his mother's pouch. Technically, his out, conquering the world with his eyes and hands. But his back is safely protected close to mommy.

My human family just run after some ice cream. And I was amazed by the colours of this peacock. I do not think that I have ever seen one like that. 

The zoo is the house to some monkeys and apes. The baboons reside outside.

The gorillas were hiding inside. 

The elephants have a relatively larger territory so it is not easy to take a good selfie with one of them. 

But you can always try to get close to a rather nice representation of it. 

Next to the elephants you can find a rhino. His horn was cut off to protect his life. I think this is the saddest thing that I have seen since long. 

Actually zoos in general have something sad in them, being in reality some sort of prison for the animals. But it is also true that thanks to the zoos, some of the species were saved and can expand, like the European bisons. 

Plus they never have to worry about anything and can simply relax like this alpaca. 

Or maybe take a swim like the hippos.

If you enjoy the water and the sun, I propose we sit for a moment next to this fountain and enjoy the calm around us. 

Just make sure that you do not sit on a crocodile!

Lago Maggiore

My human secretary did today the most thoughtless thing on Earth. She caught her backpack and run to the train, laving me in another handbag. I was calling her but of course, she only realised it when the train left the station. I was planning to ignore her for some time but the pictures she brought were so amazing that I decided to share them with you. Though I am still angry at her of course. I hope you will still enjoy this trip, even if you will not be able to admire me. 

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We will end our trip to Italy with a cruise on Lago Maggiore. We will start in a lovely village called Stresa. Everybody on board!

Lago Maggiore is the second biggest lake in Italy. The boat makes quite some waves so I hope that your stomachs are resistant.

The lake is dotted with islands. Some of them are very small and populated with water birds.

The crown jewels of the region are the Borromean Islands. This one is called Isola Bella, which means "the beautiful island". You will have the chance to discover yourself that the name is well deserved.

But before we discover Isola Bella, we will make a stop on the Isola dei Pescatori ("island of fishermen").

It includes a small village of fishermen and does not offer much tourist attractions. Just a few restaurants ...

... and the view! On the left you can see yet another island called Isola Madre ("mother island").

On the right - the main shore with Stresa cuddling to the mountain.

Let's return to the pier and get back on board to visit the most beautiful of the islands.

Isola Bella used to be a rocky island in the middle of the lake, until several generations of the noble family of Borromeo decided to invest heavily in turning it into a unique place.

They have built there a huge palazzo.

Inside you can really see and feel the wealth.

In the middle of the ballroom you can admire a miniature of the island.

And admire the ballroom itself of course.

Through the windows you can see the Isola dei Pescatori.

On warmer days the owners could chill out in an artificial grotto.

Or simply go to the garden.

Not impressed? Just follow me to the main entrance.

Isola Bella does not have any permanent inhabitants. Except for this gentleman. 

The impressive structure in the back is called "teatro massimo", though I am not sure if it has ever been used as a theater.

The many niches are filled with some fantastic creatures and topped with, and yes, you have seen it right, a knight riding on a unicorn. Some people just do not understand the term "humble".

From the top, next to the unicorn, you can have a look at the gardens with a small pond.

Behind the teatro you will find the last plot of land on the island.

Let's go down and have a look. Wave your hand to the statues as we pass them by.

Seen from behind, the teatro is magnificent as well.

Time to go back and catch the boat returning to Stresa. Let's take the path by the wall.

The trees that you see are orange trees!

Let's just turn back and take a last look at the lake. If there is a places on Earth that are genuinely close to paradise, Lago Maggiore and Isola Bella are definitely one of them.

Wild West

When we were in Kołobrzeg, my human family insisted that we visit the Wild West. I was trying to explain them it is quite far away but it turned out that they meant an entertainement park near the city. From the very beggining you can see who the most welcomed guests are.

The park is divided into zones. First, the native American zone. Easy to recongnize by their houses. And no my friends, these are not wigwams. These are tipis.

 If you want to become a tribesman, you need to practice with the bow and arrows. Everyday and no excuses will be accepted.

 

 The chief himself is watching the area.

The tall structure in the back is a totem. It is meant to protect the tribe against evil minds and other ennemies.

As you have surely guessed these ennemies meant in most cases the settlers from Europe. They came in with their big charriots, showing no respect to humans and horses.

Others came on horses. The small one looks just like my niece.

Then they started to build towns with banks ...

... and saloons.

Let's have a look inside.

  

The food must be very disappointing because it is completely empty.

Of course, I was exaggerating. Many of the settlers were nice people looking for a nice place where they could raise their children in peace. Unfortunately this town was not the best place for it.

Finally the sheriff came in. Then the bad guys landed where their place was. They were not very happy of course.

But I guess prison is still a better place than this one (the second note says "he thought that my horses were his ...")

Next to the village there is also a mini-zoo. You can spot there peacocks ...

... rabbits (many rabbits) ....

 ... and emus. Yes, emus come from Australia not from America. I have no clue how and why they have landed here.

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So are you tired my frends? Jump onboard. Rick will take you back home today.