Granted, it took longer than planned to fish for the finished photos of the first day of summer, however these were the keepers of the school.

While I learned my lesson early on about the hazards (and headaches) of keeping an aquarium, the joy of visiting the one in the city is the variety and findings in each tank. Some shots make for the perfect desktop backdrop on the monitor (and a wonderfully wicked way to torment the cats who dare to snuggle up to the screen, interrupting important writing or studying time).

There are some fish I find more fascinating than others. There are a few I would never dare touch with a ten-foot pole. And still others make me wonder why I never boldly studied biology when I had the chance.

To spend a day in the aquarium is cool, refreshing, enlightening. The advantage of exploring alone includes the following benefits: never having to worry about losing someone; never having to worry about being lost by someone; no one to rush you or slow you down or distract you or demand focus on something (when you’re already questioning attention span, memory, etc). Traveling alone allows one to blend into the background and watch others watch the scenes unfolding.

The Dome is the main attraction of the aquarium, complete with the search for the elusive octopus or the chance to see a feeding frenzy. To see and hear children take in the swimming activity sparks creativity, awareness and awe. To look at swaying seaweed as interpreted by a six-year-old is something to enjoy; food for thought the next time one munches on sushi. To learn how older children correct younger ones when “Nemo” has been found or “Dori” has disappeared… To look at the little things and see how they make a big difference – these are some of the gems found when wandering about, past the familiar seals, otters and starfish.

One of these years I’ll remember to buy a season pass. Otherwise, the first day of summer on the waterfront was a perfect start indeed and definitely worth repeating.