So, in somewhat good news, Justine has overcome her fear of hippos... It would be entirely good news unless the image of the frightening roaring hippo was not replaced with the current image, which is discussed ardently by Vasco during every car ride. Perhaps I should elaborate. We went to the zoo this weekend, and were encouraged by Justine's request to see the hippo (previous trips to zoo were accompanied by "No see the hippo? No hippo?? Mommy, no hippo at the zoo?"). So we aim to see the hippo right before we head home. The hippo was is in the outdoor area, waddling around in all his glory (by the way, these things are enormous!!!!!). As the kids were staring intently at the hippo, (warning, toilet talk) he starts doing this really weird thing with his tail, wagging it like a windshield wiper on supersonic high speed, and.... ummm ... peeing. A lot. I suppose it was an impressive sight in its own right. And it is now forever (well, hopefully not) part of our zoo experience...(V, this morning: "Excuse me, mommy?", me: "Vasco, those are very nice manners, what do you need, honey?", V:"Mommy, the hippo wagged its tail and... and... and.. peed!!!" me, "yes, honey, it did, didn't it...")
In other entirely good news, the kids are back to their happy angelic selves and totally fun to be around. Whew! They started a soccer class at pre-school this Monday. I'll try to sneak out for a few minutes next Monday morning and take some pictures.
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2 comments:
Actually, being afraid of hippos is very rational -- more people are killed by hippos in the wild than any other animal. Of course, many of those deaths are associated with boats being tipped over and people drowning.
There is a very nice African folk story about how the hippos begged God to allow them in the water, but because they eat so much god was worried they would eat all the fish. The answer was that every time the hippo leaves the water to defecate he has to fan out his feces to prove he did not eat any animals or fish. They often use their tails to do that.
Jessica--
gross!!!!!!!!!! But totally educational! Thanks :) :)
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