NOLA Aquarium

Hurricane Katrina killed most of the fish at the New Orleans Aquarium. Since then, however, they've managed to build up the exhibits. It is small when compared to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but the exhibits are thoughtfully arranged and beautiful.

Aquarium days are always fun. In general, I think they are too expensive. But considering a portion of the cost goes toward helping oceanlife, I don't mind spending the money on occassion to let Lily explore new animals and experiences.

Lily was so excited Friday night when I told her we were going to the aquarium. She woke up at 6:30 Saturday morning and the first words out of her mouth were "We're going to the Aquarium!" Being the good mother that I am, I groaned, rolled over and told her to go back to bed. She was not amused.

So instead of giving into the blissful oblivion of sleep, I pulled myself out of bed, gave myself a jolt of caffeine, and got ready to battle the strollers and sreaming toddlers in order to catch a glimpse of an electric eel and pet a starfish. Not only did Lily get to see exotic sea creatures like jellyfish and prianhas, but she got to see what she would look like as a starfish. That was worth the $50 entrance fees, I'd say.

But really, it was a fulfilling day. Lily got a kick out of seeing Nemo and Dory up close and personal and I got to experience the mugginess of a summer day in the south. I also decided that I want a salt water aquarium, so long as it can look as vibrant and beautiful as these with no maintanance required. I've been told it isn't possible, but I remain skeptical. In fact, I think I will invent one and make a killing.

It was the first time Lily ever saw a lobster other than on a plate. It was also the first time she saw an anaconda (an experience I would not like to repeat. Even behind thick plexiglass, it was creepy).

There were firsts for me as well. It was the first time I saw a tiger fish, a truly cool animal with very poisonous spindly-things surrounding its body.

And an albino alligator that looked like a porcelain statue. It is hard to believe a creature so beautiful could be so dangerous.

I don't think the hour we spent wandering through the exhibits was worth $50, but with the recent oil disaster in the Gulf, I figure these animals could use the money more than I could. And Lily had a great time.