I can’t believe I went to New York! I had thought about New York many years ago, pre-panda obsession, and then never really thought it would happen, and then forgot about it. But when planning my DC trip, I wanted a few days somewhere else, and San Diego was a little far to make it work in the time I had, New York became an appealing option – it’s on the same side of the country as DC, and less than an hour flying time, plus there is a direct JFK to Edinburgh flight, it ticked a lot of boxes! So after 3 nights in DC, I headed up to New York for 3 nights there, ending up with a half day when I arrived and almost 3 full days before my overnight flight home. The time ended up being a really good taster of the city, enough to tick off some major sights and leave some things for a future trip – I do think I will end up coming back in a few years!
Continue Reading “A first-timer in NYC trying to see it all ~ Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and MORE!”A first-timer in NYC trying to see it all ~ Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and MORE!
My first non-panda US Zoo ~ Bronx Zoo, August 2025
After being in Washington DC for the weekend, I headed up for a few days in New York City and of course had to take a trip out to the Bronx Zoo! The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest in the US and certainly must be amongst the oldest zoos in the US being opened in 1899, and is home to over 600 species. My visit to the zoo easily filled the whole day – I arrived shortly before opening and there were already others also waiting when I got there. The zoo is pretty easy to get to, I took the subway and then walked approximately 10minutes from the stop (E 180 Street) – the zoo is huge so I sure got a lot of steps that day!
Smithsonian National Zoo, August 2025
Of course in addition to seeing the pandas I did walk around the rest of the Smithsonian National Zoo on my 2 days there and I think I just about saw everything! The Africa Trail section was closed while work was ongoing, but otherwise the zoo was actually just like I remembered it from my 2018 trip, although I don’t remember seeing the Bird House previously, well it turns out it was under renovation last time, so that was something new to see. I also don’t remember the Claws&Paw Pathway so I’m thinking maybe that was also not open when I was last there.
In my first visit post there is information included on getting to the zoo – this hasn’t changed at all, but definitely check the zoo website to confirm opening hours. On this trip, the zoo is still free to enter, but you needed a reservation QR code to enter – I got these in advance of my visits but there were links to sign up at the entrance, and it was efficient at the entrance so there weren’t any lines to have your QR code scanned, super quick to get in.
Brand new pair of P A N D A S @ S M I T H S O N I A N N A T I O N A L Z O O August 2025
After 7 years it’s good to be back in Washington DC again, and seeing a brand new pair of pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo! My first visit was back in 2018 and since then Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and youngest cub Xiao Qi Ji left DC in November 2023 and a year later in October 2024 a brand new pair arrived and went on show to the public in January 2025 after quarantine and some settling in time. So let’s meet Bao Li 宝力 and Qing Bao 青宝!
Ouwehands Dierenpark, May 2025
And of course, we also checked out the rest of the animals living at Ouwehands Dierenpark in addition to the giant pandas! Since our visit in 2019 there haven’t been too many major changes – the main one is the new koala house and themed area. Unfortunately we didn’t end up seeing any koalas on the day of our visit, so I didn’t take any/many pictures, so for another time! There was also some work ongoing at the sun bear house. Most of the park I remember seeing before, but there were a few parts that I just couldn’t recall – like the tiger area, part of the elephant outdoor space, and also the bonobo’s – either I just didn’t pay attention on the first visit, or they are in fact also new parts.
