DAY 10 - JULY 2, 2010 - MONTEREY AQUARIUM, MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

Today we woke up at 7:30 and took a two hour bus ride to Monterey Bay Aquarium. We were met by of their guides and given an behind the scenes tour of the aquarium. We were able to see the feeding areas that were off-limits to the general public as well as the kelp wave-maker which simulated normal wave motion. We were able to see sea horses, flamingoes, turtles, penguins and a wide variety of fresh-water and salt-water fish. After the aquarium tour was over, kids went to the various shops in historic Cannery Row. Cannery Row was the area where several sardine packing companies were located in Monterey. We learned that the process of canning sardines consisted of cutting off the head and tail of the fish, dipping it in a sauce that added flavor. Women were the only workers allowed to work in the sardine factories in Monterey. The buildings along Cannery Row have been converted to shops, hotels and eateries. There were a wide assortment of souvenirs and t-shirts in the various shops and everyone took the opportunity to purchase new knick-knacks and memorable items for the trip back home. After the shopping trip, everyone gathered up at Bubba Gump's at 5 pm. Once admitted, students were allowed to only pick from the recommended menu for the group. The students enjoyed the food at Bubba Gump's restaurant and then departed for the Hampton Inn in South San Francisco. The weather tomorrow will be markedly different than today. The forecast for tomorrow includes temperature in the low 70s and 80s.