The Monterey Bay Aquarium is more than a place to observe marine life—it’s a space where the rhythm of the ocean meets the pulse of human curiosity. In her recent Walkabout Town column for the Monterey Herald, Patrice Vecchione takes us on a vivid journey through the aquarium, where movement, both literal and metaphorical, becomes a lens for experiencing the beauty and consciousness of sea creatures. Her reflections, published on May 21, 2025, invite us to see the aquarium not just as a destination but as a transformative encounter with the natural world.
A Dance of Motion
Vecchione begins by noting that movement is everywhere at the Monterey Bay Aquarium—not just in the fluid grace of the sea creatures but also in the visitors who wander, pause, and gaze in awe. She describes standing transfixed, watching fish swirl in their tanks, their perpetual motion a mesmerizing contrast to the stillness of human observation. As her companion McCarthy points out, some visitors even lie down at the sardine roundabout, simply to watch the silvery fish spin in endless circles. This shared motion—between creatures and observers—creates a connection, a silent dialogue that draws us closer to the ocean’s mysteries.
The highlight of Vecchione’s visit is her encounter with the Great Pacific Octopus. She describes the octopus’s “stylish” extension of its orange legs, a display of beauty in motion that captivates her. Standing before its tank, she feels her life subtly shift—not in a dramatic, earth-shattering way, but in a quiet, profound realization. The octopus, aware of being watched yet choosing to remain visible, seems to convey a sense of curiosity and perhaps even consciousness. Vecchione wonders if this mutual gaze hints at a deeper awareness, a moment where human and cephalopod meet in a shared acknowledgment of presence.
Swimming in Dreams
Vecchione’s visit is not just about the aquarium’s exhibits but also about her own relationship with movement. She shares a personal reflection: while asleep, she dreams of swimming effortlessly through water, moving like a fish with a freedom she doesn’t feel when awake. This dreamlike fluidity contrasts with her waking impatience to explore more of the aquarium, particularly the jellyfish exhibit. Her journey through the aquarium becomes a metaphor for her inner longing to move freely, unencumbered by the constraints of daily life. The ocean, with its vastness and constant motion, offers a glimpse of that liberation.
Her reflections resonate with anyone who has felt the pull of nature’s rhythms. The aquarium, with its tanks mimicking the ocean’s flow, becomes a space where we can witness what Vecchione calls “what, within the open ocean itself, few of us get to.” It’s a reminder that places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium don’t just display marine life—they invite us to pause, observe, and reconnect with the natural world in ways that stir the soul.
A Broader Connection
Vecchione’s column is part of her broader Walkabout Town series, where she explores the Monterey area on foot, finding meaning in the landscapes and experiences she encounters. As a Del Rey Oaks writer and poet, she brings a lyrical perspective to her observations, drawing connections between nature, creativity, and personal growth. Her books, such as Step into Nature: Nurturing Imagination and Spirit in Everyday Life, reflect this philosophy, encouraging readers to find inspiration in the world around them. In this visit to the aquarium, her focus on movement aligns with her recurring theme of walking as a way to explore and understand both the self and the environment.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium itself is a fitting backdrop for such reflections. Known for its commitment to ocean conservation and education, it offers visitors a chance to engage with marine life in a way that feels intimate yet expansive. Vecchione’s experience underscores this, as she moves from the sardine roundabout to the octopus tank, each moment deepening her connection to the creatures and their world.
Why It Matters
What makes Vecchione’s account so compelling is its invitation to see the familiar through fresh eyes. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a beloved local institution, yet her visit reminds us that even well-known places can surprise and transform us. Her encounter with the octopus, in particular, challenges us to consider the consciousness of other beings and our relationship with them. In a world where environmental concerns are ever-pressing, such moments of connection can inspire greater care for our oceans and their inhabitants.
If you’re in the Monterey area or planning a visit, Vecchione’s column suggests that the aquarium is more than a tourist stop—it’s a place to slow down, observe, and let the motion of marine life move you. Whether you’re lying on the floor watching sardines or locking eyes with an octopus, there’s something profound in these shared moments of wonder. So, next time you visit, take a cue from Vecchione: let yourself be transfixed, let yourself be changed, and let the ocean’s dance carry you away.
For the full article, check out Patrice Vecchione’s Walkabout Town column in the Monterey Herald: Monterey Herald - A Moving Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.