oct 4th

What a stroke of luck - my visit coincided with the birth of Erin, Debbie's third child. She is gorgeous, just like her Mammy! And Debbie was doing amazing too, up and about. It was brilliant to be able to go visit with Michelle.

In the afternoon Dad, Stephen, Cliona and I headed off to the zoo. It's changed completely since I was there last - no more cages. All the animals have large outdoor enclosures to roam - and an indoor one where they get fed and sleep. The monkeys even had their own island in the middle of the lake. Stephen and Clio got a couple of scares. First a toucan-like bird pecked at their faces when they were looking though the glass. Then a hippo did pretty much the same thing later on - they nearly jumped out of their skin! Unfortunately Dad and I missed both 'attacks' so no photo's I'm afraid...