Zoo Day

Today, I FINALLY crossed the Denver Zoo off my bucket list. I went with my friend Melody and her daughter Autumn. While it was a hot day, it was fun walking around seeing the animals and catching up with her. I hadn't seen her for at least six months.

Of course, we stopped to see my favorite animals, penguins and made sure to see Autumn's favorite, monkeys! Penguins have been a favorite of mine for a while now. I don't know why, but I enjoy watching them swim around and waddle.

We also saw giraffes, lizards, fish, and a bear. The Denver Zoo recently constructed a new habitat for a tiger. It was huge! They made a walkway above so that the tiger could have a vantage point above the crowds. It's a neat idea. The tiger, though, when we got there was resting. Many animals were taking naps and finding shade because it was so hot outside. I can't blame them. Melody and I were feeling dehydrated throughout the hours there and constantly looking for water fountains.

We had to move a little quickly through the zoo because we didn't get in until after 1pm and the zoo closed at 4. However, I was glad we were pressed for time since it was so hot out and my feet were starting to kill me around 3:30 anyway. I hate wandering around aimlessly. I like having a plan and doing what I came to do, instead of la-de-da around. You know what I mean?

It was a great time to hang out with two of my awesome friends and I look forward to crossing another to-do-in-Denver item off my list. Maybe Red Rocks will be next?

TACO FESTIVAL!!!!!

The much awaited day finally came!

Then the rain clouds started to overcome Denver. While the storm clouds did keep the sun from scorching us, I was a little apprehensive. However, my friend and I went super excited to see what kind of tacos were available to eat.

After walking around a bit, like I always do, I settled on some Peruvian tacos.

One had Hawaiian salsa -- soooo good! Just the right about of kick too. I also order some tostones which are basically fried plantains with aioli sauce.

My friend ordered some nachos and man her plate was huge. She has no idea I took this picture, by the way.

I've been to the taco festival three years now and this one was a little disappointing. There were no dessert tacos!! I couldn't believe it. I wound up settling for shaved ice. It's been a really long time since I have eaten one of those. I didn't feel like having churros again because I had ordered them recently.

It was a fun day and it didn't rain while we were there, so that made me happy! The festival was a bit smaller than I remember, so that was also disappointing. The options were as vast as in previous years. The chihuahua race wasn't for another hour or so after we ate so we missed seeing that. However, we did see these little guys!

My stomach is full and happy. Maybe next years will exceed my expectations. I might try Tacolandia in August this year....all you can eat for $30. YUM!