I was glad that our boot camp session was held in Botanic Gardens because after an extremely exhausting session, we could roll out our yoga mats by the side of a beautiful lake, kick off our shoes, and relax.
I actually intended to lie down and sleep but I just couldn’t resist that picturesque view.
It would have been a crime to close my eyes to it, so instead I found myself taking out my camera and snapping picture after picture.
I wasn’t the only one. It was a photographer’s dream.
We cooed when the birds flapped their wings and ascended into the sky as one.
We giggled when we saw two pigeons “kissing” each other. Literally love birds! (Get a room!)
We were thrilled when a beautiful black swan glided across the lake, trailing ripples in its wake.
We shrieked with delight when it gingerly stepped out of the water and willingly waddled towards our direction and started poking at Dred’s backpack, perhaps thinking she had food in there.
The ugly duckings were busy taking pictures with the beautiful swan when suddenly, a kid came out of nowhere and said, “The swan needs to go back into the lake,” and promptly shooed it in. Um… what just happened??
When it happened again a second time, Dred finally couldn’t resist and asked the kid why she needed to do that. “Because swans need to be kept away from the people who feed bread to the pigeons. Swans can’t digest bread. Five of them already died from doing so.”
Omigosh this was very sobering news.
Dred and I had planned to bring bread to feed the birds with next week, but after hearing that, we decided not to. We definitely don’t want Natalie’s and Swanson’s blood on our hands!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention… there were two swans, and I decided to name them Natalie (after Natalie Portman on the movie Black Swan) and Swanson (after Ron Swanson in the TV series Parks and Recreation).
I really do hope that I’ll still see them both when I go back next time!
Amy @ ToothbrushTravels says
Awh i never knew that!<br />To be honest i never feed animals anyway as i feel that many animals are becoming too dependant on humans and losing their natural foraging skills (domestic pets not included) but the park should definitely put up a sign or something so everybody knows xx
Kaelene Spence says
I have never seen a black swan, they are so beautiful. What a nice spot to relax after a tough workout!
Afshan Shaik says
wonderful<br />good luck with ur boot camp . It will be a fruitful effort<br />those pics r gorgeous<br />TC
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Apparently there is a sign, but it's probably not that big coz we didn't see it!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
This was my first time to see a black swan. Beautiful indeed!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Thanks Afshan!
Regina @ Vintage 1973 says
Ahhh, great names for those swans. I'm with you!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Thanks!
Amy @ ToothbrushTravels says
Awh i never knew that!<br />To be honest i never feed animals anyway as i feel that many animals are becoming too dependant on humans and losing their natural foraging skills (domestic pets not included) but the park should definitely put up a sign or something so everybody knows xx
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Thanks!
Afshan Shaik says
wonderful<br />good luck with ur boot camp . It will be a fruitful effort<br />those pics r gorgeous<br />TC
Regina @ Vintage 1973 says
Ahhh, great names for those swans. I'm with you!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
This was my first time to see a black swan. Beautiful indeed!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Thanks Afshan!
Kaelene Spence says
I have never seen a black swan, they are so beautiful. What a nice spot to relax after a tough workout!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Apparently there is a sign, but it's probably not that big coz we didn't see it!