I visited Antwerp (Belgium) for the weekend. The ZOO is supposed to be really nice, so I headed over there Sunday afternoon. What I didn’t know, was that there was a specific event that weekend to celebrate the 170 year anniversary of the zoo: a Belle Epoque picnic. It was like I jumped into a time machine: there were people dressed in old style everywhere I looked. It was all pretty charming and romantic, completely with old games and authentic ice cream vendors and everything.
I think I might have liked the sight of all the people even more than seeing the animals. So I won’t bore you with pictures of giraffes and monkeys. There is one thing I simply have to show you though. Because it is my new, all-time favorite animal: an elephant shrew. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t even know these things existed. They are the size of a guinea pig, have the tail of a rat, look somewhat like a mini anteater, but are family of the elephant. And now I want one as a pet. Pretty pleasssse? For my upcoming birthday? I solemnly swear I would take good care of it and love it always. Always.
[I just spent the last couple of minutes staring and smiling at it on my screen]
Also, speaking about city tours: next weekend I am visiting London for a couple of days. Any tips for me? Something I must visit because you think I will like it?
8 Comments
Nerd Burger
July 23, 2013 at 20:39
OK! That Elephant Shrew is adorable. Your picnic looked like so much fun. You all look like characters from an Aussie film called ‘Picnic at hanging rock’. You should check it out.
Magical Daydream
July 24, 2013 at 12:15
I haven’t seen it yet. Sounds interesting!
Kristin
July 24, 2013 at 02:18
D’aw, elephant shrews are cute :D And what an awesome looking picnic! I LOVE the Belle Epoque so this looks like perfection xD
Magical Daydream
July 24, 2013 at 12:17
I had never heard of it before this weekend.. (should I be ashamed?) But I loved everything about it! There were also these bikes with one very big wheel and a small one. and different great details :)
Laura Beth @ Perched on a Whim
July 25, 2013 at 18:56
What an elegant and eloquent surprise, Marielle! I want their fashion. And I, too, want tan elephant shrew. Hrm..how to acquire one for your birthday??
Magical Daydream
July 26, 2013 at 00:49
Yeah.. apparently they are not really suitable as pets.. they live in Africa and are endangered species and you need permits and stuff. Too bad, because they are so freakin’ cute.
Katherine
July 31, 2013 at 22:42
Oh my gosh, that GIF is so so so cute! I smiled for a while just watching it:)
Also, those dresses! That would be so much fun to wear.
Magical Daydream
August 7, 2013 at 11:15
I know!!! I love it so much!