October 2, 2016April 15, 2020Camelids13 Comments

Monterey, scenes from the aquarium

Monterey was the final stop on our Californian road trip, we had one more night in Carmel Valley and then it was back to San Francisco airport and the flight home. We’d had a memorable trip exploring a California that I didn’t really know, and what I did know was borrowed from Hollywood. Much of this beautiful State had taken me by surprise, and even as we left I wanted to come back to explore more.

We had one last thing to do before we left Monterey, a visit to its famous aquarium. The aquarium places a healthy emphasis on education and conservation, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours and they have some brilliant exhibits.

Jellyfish, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California, United States

The outstanding exhibit for me was the tanks of jellyfish, or jellies as they aquarium calls them. Brightly lit, blue backdrops illuminate different types of jellies. So beautiful are they that you’ll find yourself wondering if this is wildlife or a work of art. Watching the exquisite shapes and colours of the jellies, it didn’t seem possible to separate the two.

13 thoughts on “Monterey, scenes from the aquarium”

Rosanna October 9, 2016 — 1:32 pm

There’s something hypnotic about watching jellyfish – I could stand for hours watching! They’re my favourite part of the aquarium here in Boston.

Reply
1. (Post author)
  
  lapoubelle1969 October 10, 2016 — 12:52 pm
  
  They really are hypnotic, and definitely my favourite thing in the aquarium – although the sardines circling in a tube was petty spectacular.
  
  Reply
eremophila October 3, 2016 — 11:33 pm

Yes, fascinating creatures, but much better viewed from the safety of an aquarium! The pain from a sting is beyond belief.

Reply
1. (Post author)
  
  lapoubelle1969 October 4, 2016 — 1:16 pm
  
  I’ve heard the sting of the Box Jelly Fish is both potentially fatal and very common in parts of Australia – although that didn’t stop me laughing when Billy Connolly was talking about them in one of his videos!
  
  Reply
  1. eremophila October 4, 2016 — 10:09 pm
    
    As the southern waters increase in temperature – yes, a fact – it brings an increase in sea creatures not normally in the area. So one can expect to see or feel! anything.
    
    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      
      lapoubelle1969 October 5, 2016 — 3:11 pm
      
      Seeing I don’t mind, feeling…less sure about that!
equinoxio21 October 3, 2016 — 10:23 pm

Not a big fan of jelly fish. Got stung too often in African waters as a child. 😦
(Good shots though)

Reply
1. (Post author)
  
  lapoubelle1969 October 4, 2016 — 1:18 pm
  
  I was once walking (endlessly) down a beach in Cape Verde and dotted along the beach were dozens of jellies washed ashore. I really wanted to take a swim and cool off but i was just too risky…they have special jelly fish nets protecting swimmers in some parts of the world, not in Cape Verde though. Hope all’s good Brian?
  
  Reply
  1. equinoxio21 October 4, 2016 — 10:51 pm
    
    I can imagine your feelings. Reasonably well here. Moving house in less than a month, and fighting a malignant, sinus/flu/something bug. (Godverdomme) 😉 (When is your next trip to Paris planned?)
    
    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      
      lapoubelle1969 October 5, 2016 — 3:15 pm
      
      Sorry you’re still sick, not compatible with moving house. Are you staying in Mexico DF?
      I’d like to go to Paris in the Spring maybe, not enough time between now and then to visit. I’m currently in Brisbane, half a world away, the jet lag is terrible but it is at least hot and sunny.
      Get better soon Brian.
      All best Paul
    2. equinoxio21 October 7, 2016 — 6:21 pm
      
      Brisbane? OMG. Half a world away. Turns out what I have is whooping cough! Can you believe that? Treatment already started. Thanks for your best wishes. G’day!
    3. (Post author)
      
      lapoubelle1969 October 8, 2016 — 9:50 am
      
      Whopping cough? That is unbelievable! I associate that the 19th century, or at least 19th century novels. How strange to catch it, but glad they have the diagnosis now.
      Between the jet lag 12 hour working days, the Australia experience has so far been pretty rough, beginning to feel more human now though.
      Take care, Brian, and hope your recovery is swift.
    4. equinoxio21 October 10, 2016 — 6:08 pm
      
      Thanks Paul. Whhoping cough does sound very 19th. Though, as TB it is gaining ground back again. Good luck with jet lag. They say one gets over it an hour a day…