Ripley's Aquarium

When you have two complimentary Ripley's Aquarium tickets (I won them by the way) and no one wants to go with you, it's either an indication that you have no friends or that everyone you know has something better to do on a Thursday afternoon, like work.

But since Ripley's Aquarium is one of Toronto's top tourist destinations, I didn't want to wait until the weekend, even though I'm certain I would have had at least 10,000 buddies by then to go with. It ranks right up there with top-tier fish-watching watching extravaganzas like the Aquarium in Dubai and the Museum of Oceanography in Monaco. "I'll meet someone in the line", I reasoned. "I'll find someone as lonely as me and give them a free ticket".

I arrived prepared to yell, "Who's here alone?" after reading about the huge number of people that visit Ripley's. I have an additional ticket to the Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto, this would cause a conversation to break out among everyone in the queue, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

I was the only person in line, though. Since I hate lines, like everyone, I can't say that I was disappointed.

I paused at the door anyway to inform a staff member that, "I have a ticket to give away." "On the way out, maybe you'll run across someone", she said. I pondered what use that would be as I entered. By then, I won't require a buddy.

I was aware of the Aquarium's size: 12,500 square meters, or around 5.7 million liters of water. Other than fish, I wasn't sure what to anticipate, so I started with a learning approach.

I discovered the terrifying fanged predator known as the Xiphactinus, which formerly swam on the coastline of North America. I gained knowledge of sea anemones. They appear in more kinds than, well, fish in the ocean and are more captivating than you may anticipate.

The Canadian Waters exhibit features a variety of fish habitats that may be found in Canada, and the curiously beautiful Planet Jellies installation seems to be a living work of art. Also, I thought to myself " What could go sideways with a few poisonous Lionfish?", nothing if they are behind clear reinforced glass.

I continued subsequently and eventually reached the Hazardous Lagoon, a dark tunnel. "What Makes It Dangerous?" at the tunnel's entry point, I questioned the young attendant. I assumed that since he was wearing a bright red Ripley's Aquarium T-shirt he has to chat with me.

He said, "Because there are massive sharks in there, stingrays too and many of the fishes are hazardous"

"Cool", I replied and moved on. and suddenly I sensed a presence behind me—a gigantic shark—as I continued to drift gently around the Hazardous Lagoon. I twisted. We locked eyes and checked out one another. It had a magnetic pull.

His jaw slowly moved up and down as if he were trying to say something while I said, "Hello." I attempted to read his lips, but he had none. He appeared to be muttering, "Baw, Baw, Baw." I had no idea who he was or where he came from, but neither did the fact that he could have desired to bite into my flesh.

Wasting my Ripley's Aquarium ticket didn't result in me making any new friends, but it did result in a basic connection in the Hazardous Lagoon that made me feel less alone. My encounter with sharks was intense. The shark stayed for a long time, but I don't believe he intended to devour me. "We got a picture together", I reassured myself.

Overall, I found the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada experience to be more informative than I had anticipated, and I believe that programs and displays that teach people appreciate and feel more comfortable with sharks and other sea creatures serve a purpose. Having stated that, I recognize the freedom of others to disagree. And, by the way, sea anemones are fascinating too!