Beluga

I guess technically this doesn’t count as a travel post, but this event was a once in a lifetime experience, so I wanted to document and remember it. Plus, it’s my blog so I can do whatever I want!

My interest in whales started when I was a kid in elementary school, where we learned how to look up books at the library and write reports. I think it was my mom who pulled out a whale book, and ever since then I’ve always had a love for marine life. Free Willy was my favorite movie as a kid, and I have a dog named Manatee. Guess my dream of becoming a whale trainer has passed but I can pay for the experience now!

So, I paid a lot of money to interact with 2 belugas. At first, I thought I got to swim with them, but instead you stand on a platform that’s waist deep in freezing water to feed, pet, and give commands. And it was worth every dime, and I had the biggest smile on my face, and it was definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever done!

Ferdinand was born in 1969 which makes him the oldest beluga in the world! He was a gentle soul that wanted nothing but to be fed yummy fishy treats. It was so cute, he would come right up to you with his mouth wide open begging for food! Allua was born in 1984, and she was a chirpy lady that was proud of her ability to perform tricks. Belugas are so soft and playful, and it was so endearing seeing them beg for food. Overall, an amazing experience, but I wish they wouldn’t charge us for the photos. They cost $100, sheesh!!

“What is there to do in Boise?”

Boise was great! Downtown was small but it was clean and spacious with fun bars and restaurants. And no homeless people! Freak Alley is also in downtown which has graffiti art that provides the city with some funky personality. It’s also walking distance to the capitol building. So that was it, you seesee the entire city in 10 minutes! Just kidding (sort of), but it was very refreshing to visit a downtown that felt safe and clean.

The drive up to Bogus Basin ski resort to hike Mores Mountain was scenic. The air was so fresh and clean, and the morning sky was so beautiful. We also hiked Table Rock, which is a more popular and local hike with an amazing view of the city.

Boise has so many parks. I think we passed by 5 parks when biking on the Boise Greenbelt along the Boise River, and we only rode for an hour! Hyde Park was probably my favorite. The neighborhood has an old Sacramento feel to it, and it’s also a popular place to drink and eat. Lucky for us, Hyde Park Street Fair was happening during our visit, so it was a lot of fun shopping at the different vendors and watching the local bands and performers.