The word 'tourist trap' gets thrown around a lot when you are traveling. I try my hardest to avoid them. Perhaps the most memorable of these, was a ridiculous over-the-top 'traditional dance performance' that my mom and I laughed our way through in Central China.
Another interesting comparison I can make here, is the Great Panda Sanctuary my mom and I visited during our trip in China. As fascinating as it was, and glorious as the Pandas were, I really felt bad for the animals. In a way, it seemed the only purpose of their existence was for our viewing pleasure.
Knowing how much I hate zoos, I entered this visit with a bit of hesitation. However, on each occasion I went, I was lucky enough to be accompanied by some lovely people. The first, the lovely local, Chanel Marshall. The second, my old Vancouver Island friend, Katie Littlejohn. The video really speaks for itself in terms of how much I enjoyed myself. The place is entirely laid back, the staff clearly LOVE all of the animals, and the price is entirely reasonable (especially if you still are pretending to be a student)
Chanel, and Katie, this video makes me smile. Hope it does the same for you.
