(no subject)

[deckardcanine]

For the first time in more than a decade, I returned to the National Zoo today, the excuse being a company picnic. Some exhibits haven't changed much, but most felt new enough to me. Must've been my longest visit ever, due in part to my coming alone. Didn't see the cheetah cubs at play like I'd hoped, but I saw most other animals short of the long-lined Reptile House. Some real cuties and beauties there -- some little advertised and unexpected, like rhea chicks -- and then you have the Madagascar hissing cockroaches and whatnot. The cassowary, while kind of pretty, looks like it should already be extinct.

Also for the first time in more than a decade, I ate a real hamburger. The picnic didn't have much for vegetarians. I could've made do with beans, potato salad, chips, pickles, and toppings, but I'm more willing to break my regimen when the food is free and going begging. The hot dogs didn't look appetizing, and barbecued chicken has never done much for me. Result? Good enough. Didn't make me think, "I missed you so much and I'm going back to McDonald's from now on," but it didn't make me sick either. Either my continued consumption of seafood has staved off that effect, or getting sick from meat after a long hiatus is largely psychosomatic.