We went with Jen to the newly opened uShaka Marine World ("u" is a proper name marker) and Water Park. All sorts of Durban-ites were there, which was a relief, mostly parents watching their kids float around the artificial river in inner tubes. There was a shark feeding and penguin show. We tried to watch the seal show but it was a bizarre play we couldn't quite understand.
At the penguin show, the presenter guy asked the audience questions about penguins. I couldn't help myself.
Penguin Guy: Which are the largest penguins in the world?
S: (chirping in from the back when no one answers -- IDIOTS!) Emperor!
(Jen and Naomi who were sitting down in front look back at me and shake their heads laughing.)
PG: Very good! Now, why don't polar bears eat penguins?
(S. sits quietly, not wanting to dominate.)
IDIOTS in CROWD: They're afraid of them?
PG: No, no.
IDIOTS: The bears live on the ice and the penguins live in the sea?
PG: (laughing) No, no!
IDIOTS: They don't like the way they taste?
S: (about to burst wondering how people know so little about their own country's wildlife but whispering nonetheless) They don't live in the same place.
IDIOTS: (staring)...
PG: What do you mean?
S: They don't live in the same place. (Looking around, gathering momentum, increasing teacher's voice.) Polar bears don't eat penguins because polar bears are only in the NORTH POLE. Penguins are only in the SOUTHERN HERMISPHERE. They each don't even know the other exists! (triumphant)
(Later)
IDIOT MAN: Where are you from, dear?
S: New York City.
IDIOT MAN: Ah ha.
S:...
2 comments:
you tell best tiny stories
oh this made me laugh so much, could almost hear you... that 'teacher' voice indeed... reminded me of a certain drive to DC, getting all sorts of lesssons along the way... :) :)
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