By Khine Aung, article originally from FCSN EBADP / LIFE Quarterly Program Newsletter

When I heard from my sister that Monterey Bay Aquarium was re-opening on May 15th, I was very excited. Everyone who knows me well understand how easily I get worried about my health and my safety during this pandemic times. I hardly went outside and always avoid crowded places. But, a chance to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium gave me a different feeling. As much as I was very cautious about my health and my safety, I found myself being more excited to visit one of my favorite places – Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Before our trip on Tuesday 06/01, my sister explained the safety guidelines I need to follow at all times at the aquarium. Those guidelines include:

-Wearing a mask
-keeping at least 6 feet of social distancing from others
-following the arrows on the ground

Although I did not fully understand some of those new guidelines, I was not worried because I know both my mom and my sister will always be there to help me follow through with those complicated guidelines.

On the day of our trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium, I saw a variety of sea animals. There were many different sharks, clownfish, jellyfish, crabs and many more. I also saw staff at the aquarium feeding three sea otters. Those sea otters were very cute and they can eat a lot of food, too.

My favorite animals at the aquarium were penguins because they reminded me of my favorite movie – Happy Feet. We spent about two hours at the aquarium and before we left the aquarium, my sister bought me a penguin stuff animal and a sea otter stuff animal. Afterwards, we had a big and delicious lunch at the seafood restaurant in the Old Fisherman Wharf’s.

While we were at the restaurant, we also saw some sea lions swimming in the water.

Since it was a very long drive and we spent a whole day at Monterey, I was very tired but overall, I had a great time with my family.