It also came at a timely moment because I am listening to "The zookeepers wife"by Diane Ackerman on Mp3 as I travel.
The story is about one of the most successful hideouts during WWII in Warsaw, Poland. What a great story.
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Ackerman (A Natural History of the Senses) tells the remarkable WWII story of Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo, and his wife, Antonina, who, with courage and coolheaded ingenuity, sheltered 300 Jews as well as Polish resisters in their villa and in animal cages and sheds. Using Antonina's diaries, other contemporary sources and her own research in Poland, Ackerman takes us into the Warsaw ghetto and the 1943 Jewish uprising and also describes the Poles' revolt against the Nazi occupiers in 1944. She introduces us to such varied figures as Lutz Heck, the duplicitous head of the Berlin zoo; Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, spiritual head of the ghetto; and the leaders of Zegota, the Polish organization that rescued Jews. Ackerman reveals other rescuers, like Dr. Mada Walter, who helped many Jews pass, giving lessons on how to appear Aryan and not attract notice. Ackerman's writing is viscerally evocative, as in her description of the effects of the German bombing of the zoo area: ...the sky broke open and whistling fire hurtled down, cages exploded, moats rained upward, iron bars squealed as they wrenched apart.
So as I'm walking around the zoo, I'm picturing events in the book, and how people would have gone undetected living in zoo enclosures, underground,etc. Amazing perspective....
You know what it costs an adult to get into a zoo these days? $20! I can't imagine how families afford it at all...unless you live local, get a year's membership and use it every weekend.
Still, it was wonderful fun seeing the animals enjoying the sunshine. The humidity is finally way down, and temps are pleasant! I think they were enjoying it as much as I was.
Zoo Atlanta Oct 2008
Here's a little slide show for you (oh these slide shows are the coolest thing! I know there are a few of you on dial up that can't do it, so please forgive me..it's the only way to get the most of my photos.)
I was trying to upload a couple videos to google,but it's taking forever, so I'll leave that for later!
Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for quite some time now. I have used several of your patterns and techniques. Thank you for the service you provide us. I consider you a friend. I miss you when you haven't posted for several days. I am so excited for you and all your hard work and successes! You encourage me with your enthusiasm and hard work attitude. You've gotten me hooked on Lazy Gal Tonya too. I have just recently gotten a blogger account so I could join her Home, House and Pantry challenge.
I am making a point to write to you today to thank you for the zoo photos. We LOVE zoos. Since our children were young all our family trips have been centered around the closest zoo! My husband started this years ago. Whereever we plan to vacation we research where the zoos are in route to our destination. We usually have an over night stop there and find one on the trip back home. They are always a nice breather on a long trip. Glad to hear you do the same. Can't wait to tell my husband of your post.
Thanks again for all your kindness,
Rondi
We always loved to go to our local little zoo when my child was small, 'cause it was FREE! When they started charging, that was kind of out. But how fun to go to a larger zoo! Love your animals pics!
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie, I'm in St. Louis visiting my daughter and the zoo here is free! We didn't get to go as it was raining but it's supposed to be good.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading the zookeepers wife. I loved the story, it reminds me how good we've got it. I guess those animals eat alot so that it why it costs $20, but it does prevent some from seeing and appreciating it.
I love your website and read it often.
--Cherice