Opel Zoo

Sunday started off slow from all of the excitement on Saturday night, so we were just relaxing when the Wendel family invited us to the Opel Zoo. We packed some snacks and were on our way in their 2 cars. Once we arrived and got the strollers and kids all situated, we started our afternoon zoo visit.

Our first stop was the petting zoo. The goats were a little aggressive and this frightened Adeline, so she stayed out of the area. Eric managed to photograph one goat jumping up on Thorston (he is at least 6'2") while he and Hanna are trying to feed them a carrot. Melanie and Thorston were surprised by this as they commented how when they come late in the afternoon, the goats are very calm because they are full from everyone feeding them all day long. We did find a lamb born in April the girls enjoyed petting. From there, we walked over to the elephants. 

The zoo is in the Tanus Hills, so you walk around the zoo in a circle, starting downward and finishing the zoo walking up hill. The exhibits are free range exhibits, so we had to look closely for the animals. It was neat at the elephant exhibit because in the background you can see a small town with a castle up on the hill. As we walked around the various exhibits, it was interesting to see the different species we do not have in our zoos.

After we walked through the zoo, we took the girls to the play area. The area had bumper scooters/ cars,  a small swing device with 6 swings attached, playground area, large ball area for them to jump, and numerous other children's activities. Thorston said this was all here when he was a child as well. He also informed us that these motorized activities  were never attended either. This surprised Eric and I  as these were bumper cars and no official zoo person was there to oversee the activity. To them these activities were so fun, we think it may have been more fun than seeing the animals.  After putting in a Euro here and there in the various rides, it was time to head home to watch the German soccer match.

At home, the girls had a quick shower, and then we headed back to the Wendels for the FIFA World Cup game with Germany playing this time. We did not even have the game on and within the 1st couple of minutes we knew Germany scored from the sounds and cheers we could hear around us. The streets were absolutely silent with the game going on till there was a goal. An evening with excellent company accompanied with yummy German sweets and a solid win by Germany was a super way to end our weekend. 

I am looking forward to a not so busy week, although Eric would like me to try to get out and test drive a few cars. Yikes, I am not sure I am ready to drive over here yet.