Not that kind of SEAL, although there's certainly enough reasons to fall in love with them, too. And I actually got to train with those SEALS once, too. Well, kind of. But that's a story for another day!
This time, I
mean real seals. Or rather, sea lions. Yes, I'm talking about those sleek
majestic creatures that plow through water and make those cute woofing-barking
sounds.
My husband
and I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a few weeks ago—our first trip there.
And yes, we did the sightseeing and tequila tours and the whole beach-and-pool
thing. But I wanted to do something else, a bucket list item: I wanted to swim
with the dolphins.
You see, I
used to work at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and got to see the dolphins
every day. But I ran the retail operations there so that was all I got to do:
see them, wave to them, play with them through the glass. So yes, a bucket list
item was to actually swim and play with the dolphins, up close and personal.
So we did.
And yes, it was wonderful! A real dream come true. If you get a chance to do it—do
it!
I know,
you're asking yourself what this has to do with sea lions. Well, when we
checked in for the dolphin swim, they asked if we wanted to add on the sea lion
adventure. I glanced at hubby.
Me: You want to do the sea lion
thing?
Hubby (giving me a weird look):
Really?
Me: Yeah, it'll be fun.
Hubby (rolling his eyes): Not
really, no.
Me (maybe kind of pouting): But
I want to!
Hubby (shaking his head and
trying not to laugh at me): Then go ahead. I'll just watch.
Bingo! One sea lion adventure
coming up.
I really had
no idea what to expect. Maybe a quick intro to learn about them; maybe lean
over and toss them some disgusting raw fish or give them a quick pet. I was
honestly clueless. I mean, everyone talks about the dolphins but I don't think
I've ever heard anyone talk about swimming with the sea lions.
Let me tell
you: I am so glad I did that impulsive add-on because I had more fun with the
sea lion than I did with the dolphins!
Maybe it was
because I didn't know what to expect. Maybe it was because I was the only person there. I don't know why, I
just know it was way more fun than the dolphins!
It started
with meeting the trainer, Jesus. He went over everything, gave me a lesson
about sea lions, talked about conservation and rehab, told me what we were
going to do. Then he introduced me to Marina, the female sea lion. A quick jump
in the pool (which was a lot colder than I was expecting!) and it was play
time!
Marina was
the perfect hostess: cute and cuddly, smiling and winking, giving me hugs and
kisses. Seriously. And we're talking real hugs here—there aren't any other kind
when a 450-pound sea lion decides to give you a bear hug! And maybe she had
fish-breath but with her diet, I can't really blame her.
I left the
sea lion adventure with a new best friend, and memories of a lifetime. I also
walked away with a lesson: bucket lists are great and I think everyone should
have one. But never underestimate the lure of an impulsive adventure!
Oh…this has
nothing to do with anything but I thought I'd do a shameless plug here as well.
My newest release, PLAYING THE GAME, just came out on February 14. PTG is the
launch title in a new hockey romance series, The York Bombers, and is already
getting some great reviews! You can read more about it by checking things out
here.
Until next
time!
Lisa
7 comments:
My husband and I want to visit all of the national parks. We've hit the NW and SW already.
Awesome! There's quite a few I want to see, too. Hubby and I have done a lot of the battlefields but there's still soooooo much to see!
Seen national parks on the east coast and spend a day at disney land.
I want to visit Washington State and our family in Canada.
Kim, that sounds like fun! Which east coast parks have you had a chance to see so far?
Annette, I've heard Washington State is beautiful! One of these days, I'll get out there :)!
I don't do bucket lists. I try to enjoy the every day things.
Love the National Aquarium--my husband's employer had their Christmas party there at night 2 years ago. Extra special at night.
denise
And the winner of a digital copy of Playing The Game is...dstoutholcomb!
CONGRATS Denise! Please email me at so I can get your prize out!
Post a Comment