Laggin' loading, no close option

Just a quick couple of things

i’m working for a client and i decided to do wordpress http://aim.tokyoskylight.com/wp/?page_id=17

1. It takes an ungodly amount of time for the large image to load – why?? No my images aren’t high rez like 140kbs @ 72dpi

2. Why is there no “close” option I understand to click the image is to close, but this is an after school program site so not everyone would understand how to close out the image without a (x) or “close” option

Thanks

http://ww.wp.xz.cn/extend/plugins/nextgen-gallery/