Consult the World Cup Oracle with your kids, or just see some fish
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side·track (sīd´trăk): n. 1. A diversion from the main course. 2. A detour taken with children that you would never, ever take without them.
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Who and What:
Sure, I know the World Cup is over.  But the fever remains.  Part of that continued obsession involves Paul the Octopus, the so-called World Cup Oracle, who resides in the Oberhausen SeaLife Aquarium, about 20 minutes outside the city of Duesseldorf in the Ruhr region of Germany.

Why:
With our time in Germany rapidly coming to a close (and the lifespan of your average cephalopod being only a couple years), how could Chet and I not make our pilgrimage to make homage to this modern day Delphi?  It felt almost required.  Plus, you know how I am about aquariums – it’s true I’m a bit obsessed.

The Low Point:
We’re not the only ones who wanted a look at this octopus.  Apparently, Paul is a huge draw – lines to enter the aquarium have been consistently 30-50 minutes long since the little guy predicted Spain’s win.  Luckily, we got there early and got in quick.  But if you want to see Paul for yourself, it pays to get there about half an hour before opening.

And you know, SeaLife Oberhausen isn’t a very large aquarium.  But given that it’s in a landlocked city (near Duesseldorf), I guess most folks would assume that would be the case.

The High Points:
Well, I have to say seeing Paul was a thrill.  Truth be told, he looked a little tired.  But can you blame him?  He’s been followed by the paparazzi as much as Lindsay Lohan lately.

The aquarium was also great fun.  It was on the small side but it made up for it with a big sea tank, fun play pools, very precocious otters and a glass bottom boat ride.

It also had a fantastic pirate-themed play area complete with climbing walls, air guns and a huge indoor play complex.  And did I mention that play complex also had massage chairs for the waiting adults?  Chet played himself silly and I worked a few kinks out of my shoulders.  Total brilliance.

And you know?  Seeing all the crazy people in their octopus gear also tickled my fancy.  I do love a good floor show.

The Kids’ Take:
“Paul, Paul, we love you!”  (Uh, maybe I shouldn’t have showed Chet that Parry Gripp song before we left?)  But honestly, Chet loved it.  It was a great day despite the two-hour drive to get there.

The Adults’ Take:
It was campy, aquarium-tastic fun.  Plus, I got to see myself a real life cephalopod celebrity.  It’s not every day you can make that claim.

The Bottom Line:
If you’re a huge soccer fan – or just happen to be in the Dusseldorf area – it’s definitely worth a stop.  You can pay your respects to Paul, see some fish and enjoy the massage chairs while your kids play the afternoon away.  A total win for the family.

Note: To celebrate Paul fever – and Chet and my impending departure from Germany – we’re giving away an official Paul stuffed toy and a refrigerator magnet.  To enter to win, simply leave a comment with a question you’d like to ask Paul if you had the chance.  Winners will be drawn at random.

August 5th, 2010 | by Kayt Sukel 7 comments