For those of you who come from the outside, the Bronx has a hard reputation to live down. But to people that actually live in the city-- the Bronx is a very interesting place to visit. True... it has some rough neighborhoods, but it also has some really charming ones. Some areas of the Bronx have soft rolling mini-hills, and great architecture, giving it an almost European feel.
But the best part of the Bronx, at least for me, is the Bronx Zoo. Sure, the people that run it have given it this very long and fancy name--which most of the people I know, can't even remember what it is. Let's just call it the Bronx Zoo, and what a great place it is!
If you ever want to forget the noise, the problems, the hassles of the urban jungle, the Bronx Zoo will transport you---as if by magic to a real jungle. Once you step into the gates of this wonderful place, you can join a safari in a train ride that allows you to see the various animals in a recreation of their native habitat--lion, tigers, gorillas, etc. roaming around, as you ride by.
Want to visit the Congo or the Himalayas? There are exhibits there that you think--wow! this is real! If you're more into reptiles or birds they have these separate exhibits that will truly impress you. My favorite exhibit though, is the Butterfly Garden--as you enter this place the sheer beauty and calmness of it---makes you realize how Nature can outshine any "special effect" of today's much too-connected electronically run world.
To be in this place reminds us--that we too are part of this-- and the slow pace actually refreshes you. I remember when I visited the last time--standing really still to see if a butterfly would come near me--and how beautiful this small creature is. The variety of butterflies here is amazing. You see some that mimic birds in appearance, or a face, or have such superb camouflage that you have to really look hard to find them. It's so enchanting that if you don't watch out--you'll take too many pictures and not want to leave.
The place has done a good job of putting different rest areas for the visitors, and good places to eat (many with different animals themes). Even though they offer parking, I prefer to get there by bus or train--it's more fun and cheaper. My family always tries to go to the Bronx Zoo at least once or twice in the year. The place is so big, usually it's best to make a few visits--so that you can explore all that it has to offer--and it has a lot!
Next time that you are in New York, or if you live here and have not visited this urban jewel--do yourself a favor---find the information about it on the internet and visit! You will appreciate having seen another side of New York City.
