Morning with Dolphin
CNY and the not-so-fabulous February is now over and I finally able to fork out some time to document our remarkably fun time during a countdown to Yuletide took place in last December.
This is the first time I came out with advent calendar for the kids. It was something frumpy though and the contents are not as splendid and fabulous as others. As a full time working mum, I can only plan something spectacular during the weekends. The rest of weekdays were filled with some hands-on activities at home.
We kick-started the countdown with assembling our artificial Christmas tree and the second day decorating it.
The third day falls on Saturday, so Yay we have an imposing programme. What's imperfect is that we have to count Meimei out because children must be 4 years old and above to participate. Anyway, she's glad that we count her out because she looks so frightened and taken aback when we share our experience with her after the session.
We got the bundle at S$108 for myself and S$88 for Kyler. The bundle includes one S.E.A Aquarium one day pass, one Adventure Cove Waterpark one day pass, one Dolphin Discovery pass and one light breakfast voucher.
The programme has a fixed schedule as follows:
This is the first time I came out with advent calendar for the kids. It was something frumpy though and the contents are not as splendid and fabulous as others. As a full time working mum, I can only plan something spectacular during the weekends. The rest of weekdays were filled with some hands-on activities at home.
We kick-started the countdown with assembling our artificial Christmas tree and the second day decorating it.
The third day falls on Saturday, so Yay we have an imposing programme. What's imperfect is that we have to count Meimei out because children must be 4 years old and above to participate. Anyway, she's glad that we count her out because she looks so frightened and taken aback when we share our experience with her after the session.
We got the bundle at S$108 for myself and S$88 for Kyler. The bundle includes one S.E.A Aquarium one day pass, one Adventure Cove Waterpark one day pass, one Dolphin Discovery pass and one light breakfast voucher.
The programme has a fixed schedule as follows:
| 8:45am | Meet at the entrance of S.E.A. Aquarium |
| 9:15am | Light Breakfast at S.E.A. Side Snacks |
| 9:30am | Dolphin Panel Trainer Talk |
| 10:15am | Meet and greet Isabelle the Dolphin calf |
| 10:30am | Participate in the Dolphin Discovery programme |
| Noon | Free and easy access to Adventure Cove Waterpark and S.E.A. Aquarium |
We arrived at the entrance of S.E.A. Aquarium at around 8:30 am. Kyler couldn't wait for the programme to start and keep asking me for the time. At a quarter to 9, we were gathered around by an RWS staff for registration in order to get our wrist tag and change ourselves into swimwear. The wrist tag is our treasure for the day because it is not only a ticket to Dolphin Discovery programme, it is also our entrance ticket to both Adventure Cove Waterpark and S.E.A. Aquarium. Thus, I highlighted this to Kyler and glad that he is sensible enough to understand.
As soon as all the participants are ready, we made our way to S.E.A. side snacks bar for our breakfast. Along the way, we got our eyes treated to some beautiful sea creatures. It's okay to miss them for now because "we will be back later for a better close-up!" both of us chorused.
We were given a bottle of Minute Maids orange juice and a hearty muffin to fill our tummy before the programme starts. We get to munch our muffin next to the dolphins while they're in actions. No, we didn't dive while having our breakfast, nor sitting beside the pool and had our breakfast the coolest way; but we were standing right in front of the underwater view of enchanting dolphins. And it must be out of excitement, Kyler spilt half a bottle of his orange juice on the floor unintentionally. We made known to the staff hoping they will send a cleaner immediately. But it doesn't happen right away, but probably shortly after we left, I believe.
During our quick-bite session, a staff filled us with some intriguing facts about Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins that we are going to meet in person later on. The introduction is interesting accompanied by live demonstrations by divers, under the water. We weren't paid enough attention to the lady because while Kyler is busy catching glances at the dolphins and the divers, I am busy capturing some wonderful moments. But we have learned some fun facts about bottlenose dolphins in RWS's website after the programme, though.
After the introduction, we move on to Dolphin Island, located beneath the Adventure Cove Waterpark for another talk by dolphin panel trainer. We were allocated into a few groups with 6 persons each. We then were told some of the pros and cons during the programme. The trainer also briefs us the correct way to feel and touch the tamed mammals. We were also told to abide by some essential rules, i.e. to place our hands by our side, in front orbehind us. This is because dolphin trainer interacts and gives instructions by using hand signals. Anyone aside trainer moving or waving their hands shall confuse the dolphin.
As soon as he is done, all of us were given a wetsuit and get ready to start the programme with our trainers respectively.
Our group were led by a Chinese trainer from China. He can't speak English but since our group members are all Chinese, we gave him an "okay" when he requested to led the session by Mandarin. We have to first, clean ourselves off, so as to wash off the foreign substances that we might carry into the pool and bring harm to dolphins, I reckon. All our group members hastily wet ourselves under the poolside shower and off we go to the pool!
Neither did I expect that this is a misplanned surprise. I regretted not pre-empt Kyler with what to expect and how to deal with the situation before hand. He loves pool, he loves dolphins and he has no problem swimming in a pool, at all. BUT, he has zero experience with a lagoon full of algae. Although I assure him that he won't fall by holding him tight, he is still feeling taken aback. Probably is because he witnesses a lady from our neighbour group slipped to fall when she's walking down the pool.
With me holding Kyler tight, we got introduced to our dolphin of the day, named Shuai Shuai. The trainer showered us with lots interesting facts about dolphin, and we get to feel and touch the dolphin surreal. It is a very good opportunity to interact and learn depth about a dolphin.
A bottlenose dolphin's outer skin layer, an epidermis, is thick and sleek. Its skin colour is grey to dark grey on its back, fading to white on its lower jaw and belly. They length about 2 to 4 m and weigh 300 - 1400 lbs, and they are quite an eater! They possess 80 to 100 sharp conical teeth which they use to grab and hold their prey, not for chewing their food. The hole on the top of dolphin is the blowhole. A dolphin breathes through its blowhole, where it inhales vital oxygen and exhales respiratory wastes including carbon dioxide. This is where we see a dolphin spraying water through their nostril, upon exhaling.
The session went on smoothly until the photography session. All participants are not allowed to bring a camera into the lagoon. Thus, the professional photographer is who we can rely on. Nevertheless, a co-operative participant and professional trainer is an utmost factor to make the photos look great, too. I was very disappointed that Kyler wasn't given a chance to capture this wonderful moment with Shuai Shuai as he not co-operative, at all. Our trainer thinks that we shall give Kyler a warm-up first before we get him involves in any of the interaction with Shuai Shuai, like throwing rings and splashing water with it. Throughout the program, Kyler is only an audience, watching a show. When I deemed Kyler is all warmed-up, I requested to let him participate in the session. But Kyler shooked his head, and so, the trainer told me that Kyler is not ready for it yet. And probably, to come back another time, he suggested. I felt offended. I was expecting the trainer to be patient and good with kids. I was hoping that the trainer would have something powerful/ effective attempt to lure the kids for an approach. But I was wrong.
Nevertheless, on the other hand, I am having so much fun with Shuai Shuai. All participants were given a chance to hug, kiss, and be kissed by Shuai Shuai. Shuai Shuai is not only lovely and playful, he is capable of clapping and dancing too! The one and only opportunity that we mother and son have was the splashing fun time. This is the only treasure I leap from today's program, and also the one and only couple photo I had with the son. What a pity.
Without realising it, the one and hour program has come to the end. We bid farewell to Shuai Shuai and it swam away right after waving us goodbye with its fin. It was still a pity that we haven't got a proper smile-at-camera couple photo with Shuai Shuai. So I requested to have one before we dismissed. Although the trainer make an effort to instruct Shuai Shuai back, and the photographer gets ready to snap our photo in a rush, my rebellious son is still standing on his spot unmovingly and rubbing his mouth nonchalantly. So we were given 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds to pose for the photoshoot, but apparently, it is failed. Both Shuai Shuai and the photographer disappeared within five seconds....
Overall it was an unforgettable and collectible-worthy experience. It was indeed a rip snorter and I have totally swooned. The momento cost me 200 bucks, though.
As soon as all the participants are ready, we made our way to S.E.A. side snacks bar for our breakfast. Along the way, we got our eyes treated to some beautiful sea creatures. It's okay to miss them for now because "we will be back later for a better close-up!" both of us chorused.
We were given a bottle of Minute Maids orange juice and a hearty muffin to fill our tummy before the programme starts. We get to munch our muffin next to the dolphins while they're in actions. No, we didn't dive while having our breakfast, nor sitting beside the pool and had our breakfast the coolest way; but we were standing right in front of the underwater view of enchanting dolphins. And it must be out of excitement, Kyler spilt half a bottle of his orange juice on the floor unintentionally. We made known to the staff hoping they will send a cleaner immediately. But it doesn't happen right away, but probably shortly after we left, I believe.
During our quick-bite session, a staff filled us with some intriguing facts about Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins that we are going to meet in person later on. The introduction is interesting accompanied by live demonstrations by divers, under the water. We weren't paid enough attention to the lady because while Kyler is busy catching glances at the dolphins and the divers, I am busy capturing some wonderful moments. But we have learned some fun facts about bottlenose dolphins in RWS's website after the programme, though.
After the introduction, we move on to Dolphin Island, located beneath the Adventure Cove Waterpark for another talk by dolphin panel trainer. We were allocated into a few groups with 6 persons each. We then were told some of the pros and cons during the programme. The trainer also briefs us the correct way to feel and touch the tamed mammals. We were also told to abide by some essential rules, i.e. to place our hands by our side, in front orbehind us. This is because dolphin trainer interacts and gives instructions by using hand signals. Anyone aside trainer moving or waving their hands shall confuse the dolphin.
As soon as he is done, all of us were given a wetsuit and get ready to start the programme with our trainers respectively.
Our group were led by a Chinese trainer from China. He can't speak English but since our group members are all Chinese, we gave him an "okay" when he requested to led the session by Mandarin. We have to first, clean ourselves off, so as to wash off the foreign substances that we might carry into the pool and bring harm to dolphins, I reckon. All our group members hastily wet ourselves under the poolside shower and off we go to the pool!
Neither did I expect that this is a misplanned surprise. I regretted not pre-empt Kyler with what to expect and how to deal with the situation before hand. He loves pool, he loves dolphins and he has no problem swimming in a pool, at all. BUT, he has zero experience with a lagoon full of algae. Although I assure him that he won't fall by holding him tight, he is still feeling taken aback. Probably is because he witnesses a lady from our neighbour group slipped to fall when she's walking down the pool.
With me holding Kyler tight, we got introduced to our dolphin of the day, named Shuai Shuai. The trainer showered us with lots interesting facts about dolphin, and we get to feel and touch the dolphin surreal. It is a very good opportunity to interact and learn depth about a dolphin.
A bottlenose dolphin's outer skin layer, an epidermis, is thick and sleek. Its skin colour is grey to dark grey on its back, fading to white on its lower jaw and belly. They length about 2 to 4 m and weigh 300 - 1400 lbs, and they are quite an eater! They possess 80 to 100 sharp conical teeth which they use to grab and hold their prey, not for chewing their food. The hole on the top of dolphin is the blowhole. A dolphin breathes through its blowhole, where it inhales vital oxygen and exhales respiratory wastes including carbon dioxide. This is where we see a dolphin spraying water through their nostril, upon exhaling.
Did you know?
Dolphin has five fins in total:- Dorsal fin - The fin on top of its body, serves to keep dolphin upright and prevent roll.
- Pectoral Fins - Flippers on the side of its body, help the dolphin to stop and turn.
- Flukes - Located at the end, or its "tail". There are no bones in dolphin's flukes, just tough connective tissues. Dolphin uses its flukes for swimming, propelling it forward.
The session went on smoothly until the photography session. All participants are not allowed to bring a camera into the lagoon. Thus, the professional photographer is who we can rely on. Nevertheless, a co-operative participant and professional trainer is an utmost factor to make the photos look great, too. I was very disappointed that Kyler wasn't given a chance to capture this wonderful moment with Shuai Shuai as he not co-operative, at all. Our trainer thinks that we shall give Kyler a warm-up first before we get him involves in any of the interaction with Shuai Shuai, like throwing rings and splashing water with it. Throughout the program, Kyler is only an audience, watching a show. When I deemed Kyler is all warmed-up, I requested to let him participate in the session. But Kyler shooked his head, and so, the trainer told me that Kyler is not ready for it yet. And probably, to come back another time, he suggested. I felt offended. I was expecting the trainer to be patient and good with kids. I was hoping that the trainer would have something powerful/ effective attempt to lure the kids for an approach. But I was wrong.
The only pose that he willing to abide. And stay freeze.
Nevertheless, on the other hand, I am having so much fun with Shuai Shuai. All participants were given a chance to hug, kiss, and be kissed by Shuai Shuai. Shuai Shuai is not only lovely and playful, he is capable of clapping and dancing too! The one and only opportunity that we mother and son have was the splashing fun time. This is the only treasure I leap from today's program, and also the one and only couple photo I had with the son. What a pity.
Without realising it, the one and hour program has come to the end. We bid farewell to Shuai Shuai and it swam away right after waving us goodbye with its fin. It was still a pity that we haven't got a proper smile-at-camera couple photo with Shuai Shuai. So I requested to have one before we dismissed. Although the trainer make an effort to instruct Shuai Shuai back, and the photographer gets ready to snap our photo in a rush, my rebellious son is still standing on his spot unmovingly and rubbing his mouth nonchalantly. So we were given 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds to pose for the photoshoot, but apparently, it is failed. Both Shuai Shuai and the photographer disappeared within five seconds....
Overall it was an unforgettable and collectible-worthy experience. It was indeed a rip snorter and I have totally swooned. The momento cost me 200 bucks, though.
Comments
Post a Comment