The final morning, Grant got off the ship pretty quickly and went to get the rental car. Mom, Bobby, and I were planning to get off a little later, to meet Grant when he got back to the ship.
Well, there was a huge hold up and they didn't let anyone off the ship until like 9:00. Grant had gone down really early, so although he didn't get off early, he was one of the first off. Unfortunately, becasue of the hold up, EVERYONE wanted off the ship at the exact same time, which made Mom, Bobby, and I got caught in a huge crunch.
But all was well. We finally got off the beautiful Disney Magic and headed towards Orlando. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:00. We swung by the airport and checked in at noon, dropping off our checked bags. Then we went to Disney World and had lunch at the Polynesian hotel at the Kona Kafe.
After lunch, we took the monorail to the TTA, taking a peak at the Magic Kingdom and at the DVC construction at the Contemporary. At the TTA we switched and took the monorail to EPCOT just to see the park from above. Sigh - so close yet so far. We returned to TTA and then the Polynesian. We headed back to the airport and flew home.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Disney Magic - Sunday - Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay - our last day on the cruise - and really, other than the Panama Canal - probably one of the most anticipated ports of the cruise. We, of course, were very excited, having never been before - but I was surprised at how excited the repeat cruisers were. I mean - they'd been before. I knew it was supposed to be an amazing place, but still, I was a bit surprised that many of these people had never been to, say, Aruba or Cartegena, but they were most thrilled about being back on Castaway Cay.
However, I get it now. First of all, it is like when I visit Disney parks - there is something great about just going to somewhere familiar - especially if the place is awesome - and Castaway Cay is truly awesome.
It is landscaped, beautiful. It is a Bahama Island that meets every expectation of what you imagine in your mind, without the detractors. It is just paradise- with truly, no worries. The beach is nice - the snorkeling, not great, but excellent for a first snorkeing experience for kids. The lunch bbq is delicious. I mean, for real, just an amazing place. My only complaint was their fee for snorkel rentals. I thought the $25 rental fee was above and beyond expensive. I will always bring my own snorkel eqipment - or probably not rent it at all.
When we first got off the ship, it was a little drizzly, and very humid. We walked towards the beach and stopped in the shops to buy some post cards (Yeah, the post cards were also very expensive, and really, they didn't have a lot of good choices for post cards.) We also got some other merchandise. I was feeling really dizzy - which was odd, so I sat for a few minutes on the bench while Bobby went back to the post office to mail our post cards.
Then we found a spot on the beach. We actually sat right on the end near the snorkel shack, under a nice umbrella with plenty of loungers. We got two rafts and two sets of snorkeling equipment to share. We alternated and enjoyed just swimming and floating.
Lunch was delicious - ribs, corn bread, hot dogs, salads - so delicious! Honestly, this was probably the best meal of the whole cruise.
After lunch, we went back to the beach. Towards the end of the day, we took the tram over to Serenity Bay just to take a look. It was pretty closed up by the time we had arrived, but it looked nice.
Finally, we headed back to the ship. Dinner was at Parrot Cay. We said goodbye to our servers. We packed our bags, went to the "Remember the Magic" Farewell show, and got ready to go back to reality.
So after the perfect beach day, we headed back to the ship. Grant and I got started packing and we went to our last dinner at Parrot Cay.
However, I get it now. First of all, it is like when I visit Disney parks - there is something great about just going to somewhere familiar - especially if the place is awesome - and Castaway Cay is truly awesome.
It is landscaped, beautiful. It is a Bahama Island that meets every expectation of what you imagine in your mind, without the detractors. It is just paradise- with truly, no worries. The beach is nice - the snorkeling, not great, but excellent for a first snorkeing experience for kids. The lunch bbq is delicious. I mean, for real, just an amazing place. My only complaint was their fee for snorkel rentals. I thought the $25 rental fee was above and beyond expensive. I will always bring my own snorkel eqipment - or probably not rent it at all.
When we first got off the ship, it was a little drizzly, and very humid. We walked towards the beach and stopped in the shops to buy some post cards (Yeah, the post cards were also very expensive, and really, they didn't have a lot of good choices for post cards.) We also got some other merchandise. I was feeling really dizzy - which was odd, so I sat for a few minutes on the bench while Bobby went back to the post office to mail our post cards.
Then we found a spot on the beach. We actually sat right on the end near the snorkel shack, under a nice umbrella with plenty of loungers. We got two rafts and two sets of snorkeling equipment to share. We alternated and enjoyed just swimming and floating.
Lunch was delicious - ribs, corn bread, hot dogs, salads - so delicious! Honestly, this was probably the best meal of the whole cruise.
After lunch, we went back to the beach. Towards the end of the day, we took the tram over to Serenity Bay just to take a look. It was pretty closed up by the time we had arrived, but it looked nice.
Finally, we headed back to the ship. Dinner was at Parrot Cay. We said goodbye to our servers. We packed our bags, went to the "Remember the Magic" Farewell show, and got ready to go back to reality.
So after the perfect beach day, we headed back to the ship. Grant and I got started packing and we went to our last dinner at Parrot Cay.
Disney Magic - Saturday - At Sea
Well, yes, it is October. And yes, I am now finishing my vacation blog. But ghads - those last few days - you just want to enjoy you know? Then back to school and... well - here it is. The last two installments of my blog.
On Saturday, we had our last at sea day. I had hoped to do some packing today - but I didn't. Mom and Bobby did though- very impressive. Instead, we relaxed. We caught the matinee performance of Disney Dreams - another spectacular Disney stage show. What stood out here is how immersive and impressive the sets and special effects were - I mean, seriously, they were another character! Very impressive - especially considering this all took place on a cruise ship!
We hung out by the pool and walked around the ship - sort of taking in everything, as this would be our last day at sea.
Dinner tonight was our last night in Animator's Palate, and it was formal night. We took some really nice pictures. We took care of some business, watching the debarkation talk on the tv and wrapping up our photo packages.
We also went to watch Disney Dreams again - really - the show was that good.
Overall, the excitement about being at Castaway Cay the next day overruled the sadness about our trip being almost ever.
On Saturday, we had our last at sea day. I had hoped to do some packing today - but I didn't. Mom and Bobby did though- very impressive. Instead, we relaxed. We caught the matinee performance of Disney Dreams - another spectacular Disney stage show. What stood out here is how immersive and impressive the sets and special effects were - I mean, seriously, they were another character! Very impressive - especially considering this all took place on a cruise ship!
We hung out by the pool and walked around the ship - sort of taking in everything, as this would be our last day at sea.
Dinner tonight was our last night in Animator's Palate, and it was formal night. We took some really nice pictures. We took care of some business, watching the debarkation talk on the tv and wrapping up our photo packages.
We also went to watch Disney Dreams again - really - the show was that good.
Overall, the excitement about being at Castaway Cay the next day overruled the sadness about our trip being almost ever.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Disney Magic - Friday - At Sea
I can’t believe we are approaching the last few days of our cruise! I am typing this on Saturday - and Mom is almost completely packed. :o(
Anywho, Friday was kind of my yuckiest day - especially at dinner, I could eat very little (heartburn? Indigestion? Whatever it was, I just felt bluchy - )
We got up and went to the last installment of Desperate Shipmates to figure out Who Dunnit. I guessed the motive and where it was hidden, but not the correct suspect. After that, we had lunch at Lumiere’s, and then walked around ship for a bit. There was a huge line for the Ally and AJ autograph session! Next, we headed to the Buena Vista Theater (the movie theater) for the afternoon showing of National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Dinner tonight was in Lumiere’s - here is a sad thought - this is our last dinner in Lumiere’s! The dinner theme was Pirate’s IN the Caribbean - as it was the night for the big Pirates Deck Party. Dinner was tasty, I was told, although I didn’t eat much. I had the pineapple/banana appetizer which was good, and soup - although I can’t remember what it was. I couldn’t touch my shrimp and scallop pasta - which made me feel really guilty. Grant had Sirloin, Bobby had Chicken, and mom had Mahi Mahi.
We went to the family cabaret at 7:30 and saw a magician, and then headed to the Walt Disney Theater for the main show - The Crew Talent Show and Dancing with the Officers. It was actually a pretty good show! Then we headed up to starboard, deck 10, for the Pirates IN the Caribbean party - which was awesome - complete with repelling pirates, Mickey on a Zip Line, and topped off with fireworks - the only cruise line that does fireworks at sea! I had heard that the fireworks were weak and not very good - but I thought they were awesome and was not at all disappointed - on the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased by the show!
We enjoyed a bit of the buffet - they had turkey legs like in the park and Grant got one of the last ones. I had a red apple. Yum! (hee hee) Then we headed up to bed.
Anywho, Friday was kind of my yuckiest day - especially at dinner, I could eat very little (heartburn? Indigestion? Whatever it was, I just felt bluchy - )
We got up and went to the last installment of Desperate Shipmates to figure out Who Dunnit. I guessed the motive and where it was hidden, but not the correct suspect. After that, we had lunch at Lumiere’s, and then walked around ship for a bit. There was a huge line for the Ally and AJ autograph session! Next, we headed to the Buena Vista Theater (the movie theater) for the afternoon showing of National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Dinner tonight was in Lumiere’s - here is a sad thought - this is our last dinner in Lumiere’s! The dinner theme was Pirate’s IN the Caribbean - as it was the night for the big Pirates Deck Party. Dinner was tasty, I was told, although I didn’t eat much. I had the pineapple/banana appetizer which was good, and soup - although I can’t remember what it was. I couldn’t touch my shrimp and scallop pasta - which made me feel really guilty. Grant had Sirloin, Bobby had Chicken, and mom had Mahi Mahi.
We went to the family cabaret at 7:30 and saw a magician, and then headed to the Walt Disney Theater for the main show - The Crew Talent Show and Dancing with the Officers. It was actually a pretty good show! Then we headed up to starboard, deck 10, for the Pirates IN the Caribbean party - which was awesome - complete with repelling pirates, Mickey on a Zip Line, and topped off with fireworks - the only cruise line that does fireworks at sea! I had heard that the fireworks were weak and not very good - but I thought they were awesome and was not at all disappointed - on the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased by the show!
We enjoyed a bit of the buffet - they had turkey legs like in the park and Grant got one of the last ones. I had a red apple. Yum! (hee hee) Then we headed up to bed.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Disney Magic - Thursday - Aruba
This morning we got up and had brunch on the ship before heading to our Snorkeling excursion - which was probably our favorite excursion so far. The catamaran was nice, and the beverage service was excellent. We stopped at a reef - about 8 - 15 feet in depth - and snorkeled for about a half an hour. Then we headed out to the Antilla, the best wreck in the Caribbean to snorkel. The boat sunk in only about 60 feet of water, and part of it rises above the water. This was SO COOL! Grant and I had never snorkeled a wreck before - the water was so clear and you could see everything . The ship sunk in the 40’s. It was really awesome. Also this was mom and Bobby’s first snorkeling experience. Bobby was a little unsure but Mom really loved it!
We got back and took showers and then got ready for dinner. Tonight’s menu was International. I had a crab and sushi rice roll, a Greek salad, a lobster bisque, and Hawaiian curry scallops. (Way too much curry - I didn’t eat much of it.) Other things that were enjoyed - chicken drumettes prepared Mongolian style, Prime rib, and desserts - butter pecan sundaes, chocolate torte, and bread pudding.
Still tired from earlier, we headed back to our staterooms. A movie, Music and Lyrics, was just starting and we decided to watch it. We had decided earlier that we were going to skip the show tonight anyway - it was Aj and Aly, this hugely popular group among the preteens, and the shows were so full that they were stamping people’s hands to make sure they didn’t try to see both shows. We figured that there were SO many people that wanted to see it, and we didn’t really care, so we’d just sort of watch from the back for a few minutes and then take off. As it turns out, we just watched the movie and didn’t go to the concert at all.
At ten, we headed up to the Goofy Pool, where we watched National Treasure from lounge chairs on the Ariel view screen. It was cool - like being at a drive through, only all of the food and drinks were free. It was a nice evening, warm but not too hot or humid. Now we are pulling out of Aruba! Good night!
We got back and took showers and then got ready for dinner. Tonight’s menu was International. I had a crab and sushi rice roll, a Greek salad, a lobster bisque, and Hawaiian curry scallops. (Way too much curry - I didn’t eat much of it.) Other things that were enjoyed - chicken drumettes prepared Mongolian style, Prime rib, and desserts - butter pecan sundaes, chocolate torte, and bread pudding.
Still tired from earlier, we headed back to our staterooms. A movie, Music and Lyrics, was just starting and we decided to watch it. We had decided earlier that we were going to skip the show tonight anyway - it was Aj and Aly, this hugely popular group among the preteens, and the shows were so full that they were stamping people’s hands to make sure they didn’t try to see both shows. We figured that there were SO many people that wanted to see it, and we didn’t really care, so we’d just sort of watch from the back for a few minutes and then take off. As it turns out, we just watched the movie and didn’t go to the concert at all.
At ten, we headed up to the Goofy Pool, where we watched National Treasure from lounge chairs on the Ariel view screen. It was cool - like being at a drive through, only all of the food and drinks were free. It was a nice evening, warm but not too hot or humid. Now we are pulling out of Aruba! Good night!
Disney Magic - Wednesday - Day at Sea
We started our day by going to the next “Who Dunnit” event, where we met with a detective and made a list of questions to ask our suspects later in the week. That was cool because we got some interesting clues from other people’s questions, but really not a whole lot of information. After lunch (Asian themed,) we headed down to the promenade deck, found four chairs together, and lazed away the afternoon - reading, snoozing, playing ds, playing sudoku, and watching the crystal blue ocean.
Dinner tonight was the Master Chef Menu. What was really funny is that Grant and I were looking at our menus, and Bobby starts talking about what dishes he wants , and Grant and I are like…. “huh?” Turns out, Adrian had accidentally given us two different menus - they had the same covers, but different food. So we played a trick on Dennis - Mom, Grant, and I ordered off of the correct menu, and then Bobby ordered off of the incorrect menu - first Dennis nods and starts to write it down, and then Dennis gets this quizzical look on his face and walks over to look at the menu - we were laughing so hard!
The show tonight was “Siegfried and Roy present Darren Romeo: The Voice of Magic.” This was a magician that sang while he did magic. It was an interesting combination, but the problem with it, in my opinion, was that doing the songs took up time so he didn’t do as much magic. However, it was a good show - and we really enjoyed it!
After the show, we watched a few rounds of “Who Wants to be a Mousketeer,” before heading down to Rockin Bar D to watch Heath Hyche do stand up for the adult cabaret before heading up to bed.
Dinner tonight was the Master Chef Menu. What was really funny is that Grant and I were looking at our menus, and Bobby starts talking about what dishes he wants , and Grant and I are like…. “huh?” Turns out, Adrian had accidentally given us two different menus - they had the same covers, but different food. So we played a trick on Dennis - Mom, Grant, and I ordered off of the correct menu, and then Bobby ordered off of the incorrect menu - first Dennis nods and starts to write it down, and then Dennis gets this quizzical look on his face and walks over to look at the menu - we were laughing so hard!
The show tonight was “Siegfried and Roy present Darren Romeo: The Voice of Magic.” This was a magician that sang while he did magic. It was an interesting combination, but the problem with it, in my opinion, was that doing the songs took up time so he didn’t do as much magic. However, it was a good show - and we really enjoyed it!
After the show, we watched a few rounds of “Who Wants to be a Mousketeer,” before heading down to Rockin Bar D to watch Heath Hyche do stand up for the adult cabaret before heading up to bed.
Disney Magic - Tuesday - Cartegena, Columbia
Cartegena was not at all what I expected. I guess I expected old, run down - I don’t know - like Progresso, Mexico. Instead, Much of Cartegena is actually very nice - it feels colonial, and reminded me a lot of Macau or Fredricksted in St. Croix, or like a combination of an old European town and a Caribbean town. It was very pretty!
We started our tour at the pier and headed through town into the walled part of the city where we did a walking tour for about an hour and a half/ 2 hours. Our guide was very knowledgeable and knew a lot about the history of his country and of the city. We looked at many of the residences and government buildings, and of course, their beautiful balconies (every year they have a contest to see which balcony is the most beautiful!), we learned about their important figures, such as saints, and visited some of their churches.
Our tour guide spoke English very well - the only thing I had trouble understanding was names. But the saint the talked about most was called “the slave of slaves.” This man would store food and supplies and meet every incoming slave ship. Slaves coming to Cartegena were often afraid that they were going to be eaten - a rumor that was persistent. So this saint would always reassure them - by telling them they were not going to be eaten, but that they would have to work very very hard, and that he would do what he could to help them. He would give them food and clothing and whatever else he could.
There were vendors on the streets everywhere that would walk up to you and try to sell you stuff - which was rather annoying, but I know not uncommon.
Next we got back on the bus and headed to some shopping centers (two of them - boring!!!!) Then we drove to the fortress and took pictures in front of the statue of the “half man,” another Cartegena hero, who was 14 when he had lost a leg, and by the end of his life, also lost an eye and the use of one of his arms, but still managed to lead troops and father 17 children. Half man indeed.
Finally, we drove up to the tallest point in the city, “la Popa,” which had a great view of the city and the port, and also another church. On the way up the hill, there were many poorer shacks - I guess more what I was expecting. Quite a range of lifestyles in this city.
Our tour guide, Duran Duran, (no joke), talked a lot about the new president, and how Columbia was really becoming a safer place to visit. He acknowledged the drug problem and showed us on a map where it was being grown. He mentioned (while we were pulling into port and groaning about the long line to get back on the ship because the Columbian guards were searching our bags) that while Columbia has a long way to go, with out demand, there would be no supply, etc. All in all, I think that I felt pretty safe and was pleasantly surprised and pleased with my visit.
Back on the ship, we showered and went down to dinner in Lumiere’s, where we had the Taste of the Caribbean menu. The show tonight was “Disney on Broadway,” with Sarah Litzsinger, the longest running Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and David Devries, who played Lumiere on Broadway and in several national and international productions. They performed a concert - lots of Disney of course, but also Wicked (as David Devries is currently staring in LA in Wicked - we saw him in June…) Evita (Sarah Litzsinger had recently starred as Eva Peron,) and a few others. They also shared thoughts and memories of being on stage together. In all honesty, I would have preferred more singing and less talking, but - eh - what can you do? The concert was great - they were fabulous - and seriously - Broadway? Right up my alley!
Next we headed up to the Tropicalifragilisticexpialidocious Deck Party and watched the characters come out and dance. Then we went back to the quiet cove pool where another band was playing - before finally heading off to bed. Tonight, we turned our clocks forward one last time, so we are officially on eastern time.
We started our tour at the pier and headed through town into the walled part of the city where we did a walking tour for about an hour and a half/ 2 hours. Our guide was very knowledgeable and knew a lot about the history of his country and of the city. We looked at many of the residences and government buildings, and of course, their beautiful balconies (every year they have a contest to see which balcony is the most beautiful!), we learned about their important figures, such as saints, and visited some of their churches.
Our tour guide spoke English very well - the only thing I had trouble understanding was names. But the saint the talked about most was called “the slave of slaves.” This man would store food and supplies and meet every incoming slave ship. Slaves coming to Cartegena were often afraid that they were going to be eaten - a rumor that was persistent. So this saint would always reassure them - by telling them they were not going to be eaten, but that they would have to work very very hard, and that he would do what he could to help them. He would give them food and clothing and whatever else he could.
There were vendors on the streets everywhere that would walk up to you and try to sell you stuff - which was rather annoying, but I know not uncommon.
Next we got back on the bus and headed to some shopping centers (two of them - boring!!!!) Then we drove to the fortress and took pictures in front of the statue of the “half man,” another Cartegena hero, who was 14 when he had lost a leg, and by the end of his life, also lost an eye and the use of one of his arms, but still managed to lead troops and father 17 children. Half man indeed.
Finally, we drove up to the tallest point in the city, “la Popa,” which had a great view of the city and the port, and also another church. On the way up the hill, there were many poorer shacks - I guess more what I was expecting. Quite a range of lifestyles in this city.
Our tour guide, Duran Duran, (no joke), talked a lot about the new president, and how Columbia was really becoming a safer place to visit. He acknowledged the drug problem and showed us on a map where it was being grown. He mentioned (while we were pulling into port and groaning about the long line to get back on the ship because the Columbian guards were searching our bags) that while Columbia has a long way to go, with out demand, there would be no supply, etc. All in all, I think that I felt pretty safe and was pleasantly surprised and pleased with my visit.
Back on the ship, we showered and went down to dinner in Lumiere’s, where we had the Taste of the Caribbean menu. The show tonight was “Disney on Broadway,” with Sarah Litzsinger, the longest running Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and David Devries, who played Lumiere on Broadway and in several national and international productions. They performed a concert - lots of Disney of course, but also Wicked (as David Devries is currently staring in LA in Wicked - we saw him in June…) Evita (Sarah Litzsinger had recently starred as Eva Peron,) and a few others. They also shared thoughts and memories of being on stage together. In all honesty, I would have preferred more singing and less talking, but - eh - what can you do? The concert was great - they were fabulous - and seriously - Broadway? Right up my alley!
Next we headed up to the Tropicalifragilisticexpialidocious Deck Party and watched the characters come out and dance. Then we went back to the quiet cove pool where another band was playing - before finally heading off to bed. Tonight, we turned our clocks forward one last time, so we are officially on eastern time.
Disney Magic - Monday - Panama Canal!
Well, today was the big day - the day we traveled through the Panama Canal! Our pilot got aboard at about 6:30, and we passed under the Bridge of the Americas at about 7:00. Going through the locks was fun. We had a container ship next to us, and it was fun waving to the workers on the ground and on the other ship. Up on deck 6 on the balcony, it was hard to really tell when we were moving up (and later, down) in the locks, because we were so high up.
After the first set of locks, we went up to eat at the deck bbq. It was HOT AND HUMID. The bbq was really tasty, though. Passing through Gatun lake was really neat - you could hear (from our balcony - not up on deck) the sounds of the jungle - the chirping and tweeting. It was neat. Then, a huge thunderstorm moved in. We got to watch lightening all around us and then the rain moved in right over us and came down in torrents!
The last set of locks (the Gatun locks) had a bit of a back up. Our dining time was moved to 6:00 PM to accommodate the planned timing of the locks, but we just barely moved into the first lock by 6 (we were supposed to be through much earlier.) We decided to go to dinner anyway, which was cool, because you could really see from the windows in Parrot Cay (which is down on deck 3) when we were moving down and when we were sliding into the next set of locks. Plus, we had a crab leg appetizer and a lobster entrée which was freaking awesome!
So we did it! We passed through the Panama Canal! What an awesome, amazing experience!
Getting up so early, we were pretty tired. There was no show tonight - instead, they showed Wall-e in the big theater. Grant and I opted out and instead, just walked around the upper decks of the ship and did some shopping. Mom and Bobby did go, but slept through a lot of it.
Now I am back in the room, blogging. As we flipped channels on the teeny tiny tv (yeah, big complaint - the tv in our stateroom is 13 inches. Which sucks because they have great programming!) we found a channel playing - more clues for our Who Dunnit! So we watched the loop and too some notes - good thing we caught it!
Tomorrow - Cartagena, Columbia! After tomorrow, I can officially say that I have been to South America!
After the first set of locks, we went up to eat at the deck bbq. It was HOT AND HUMID. The bbq was really tasty, though. Passing through Gatun lake was really neat - you could hear (from our balcony - not up on deck) the sounds of the jungle - the chirping and tweeting. It was neat. Then, a huge thunderstorm moved in. We got to watch lightening all around us and then the rain moved in right over us and came down in torrents!
The last set of locks (the Gatun locks) had a bit of a back up. Our dining time was moved to 6:00 PM to accommodate the planned timing of the locks, but we just barely moved into the first lock by 6 (we were supposed to be through much earlier.) We decided to go to dinner anyway, which was cool, because you could really see from the windows in Parrot Cay (which is down on deck 3) when we were moving down and when we were sliding into the next set of locks. Plus, we had a crab leg appetizer and a lobster entrée which was freaking awesome!
So we did it! We passed through the Panama Canal! What an awesome, amazing experience!
Getting up so early, we were pretty tired. There was no show tonight - instead, they showed Wall-e in the big theater. Grant and I opted out and instead, just walked around the upper decks of the ship and did some shopping. Mom and Bobby did go, but slept through a lot of it.
Now I am back in the room, blogging. As we flipped channels on the teeny tiny tv (yeah, big complaint - the tv in our stateroom is 13 inches. Which sucks because they have great programming!) we found a channel playing - more clues for our Who Dunnit! So we watched the loop and too some notes - good thing we caught it!
Tomorrow - Cartagena, Columbia! After tomorrow, I can officially say that I have been to South America!
Disney Magic - Sunday - At Sea
One thing I wanted to share - I don’t remember if I mentioned it, so if I did, well, skip this paragraph. When we were coming back to the ship from our tour in Acapulco, Minnie Mouse was up on the deck waving. Now, this was very neat, because yes, it is always neat to see the characters, but Minnie was out on deck waving to the Mexican families who were walking by - the little kids were just so happy to really see Minnie Mouse in person! It was such a nice touch. Mickey was out today (Monday), too, when we were going through Panama Canal.
Observations about the ship - in the hallways and stairwells, there is a constant soundtrack of Disney songs playing - the neat thing, though, is that the play list is so extensive, I rarely, if ever, hear the same song twice - and I’ve been aboard the ship for over a week! They play songs from all of the animated movies, of course, songs from the musical movies (Summer Magic, Parent Trap, etc.) and songs from the parks - like the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Very cool.
Also, it is neat that there are always characters out and about. Mostly, you see them in the atrium posing for pictures. Also, certain dinners have cool show moments that involve visiting characters. However, they’ll pop up in crazy places, too - for example, when we were waiting in line for our Galley tour, Peter Pan ran up and said, “Let’s go, folks! I’m ready to take you on the tour!” The host said, “But Peter, do you even know your way around the galley?” and Peter said, “Of course I do! Tink and I fly in there every once in a while and get some cupcakes! Speaking of which, I better go find her - see you later!” And he took off down the hall. Another time, it was like 9:00 at night, and the four of us were sitting in some lounge chairs outside of the Buena Vista theater, feeling tired and trying to decide what to do next. Next thing we know, Cinderella comes walking by, all by herself. Now, you know she’s walking to take her break, so we expected a quick little hello, but she came over and had a short little conversation with us! She could have just said, you know, “Hello, have a lovely evening!” as she passed, but instead she stopped and backtracked and asked us how we were doing and if we were enjoying ourselves. It was really nice! Mom says it is almost like all of these characters are just cruising with us - you see them walking as if they are heading back to their cabins. So cool! Also, there are quite a variety of characters aboard!
Also, the casts for the shows are quite large - like, I expect that they do a bunch of costume changes and one actor plays several characters, and I am sure that happens to some extent, but it is really amazing how at the end, during he curtain call, how many of the characters come out - meaning that their casts are quite large!
Ok - so Sunday - This morning, we started our day with brunch at Palo. What a spread! I loved the crab legs, of course, and just snacking on the cheese and bread. They also had this dish called “Stolen Bread” which is this sweet bread that you top with whipped cream and fresh berries - so good! There was a lot of sea food - salmon mouse, etc. We had a blue cheese and grape pizza, and an Italian sausage pizza, eggs benedict, eggs Julia, and this amazing chicken parmigiana. Just so yummy!
After that, we went to see the matinee of “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.” This was a stage musical with the step mother and the step sisters meeting their evil fairy godfather, who helped them go back in time and steal Cinderella’s glass slipper. It had new music, a good story, and amazing sets - amazing how they keep all of these sets on the ship! Also, I love that they do matinees of their big production shows, because it frees up the evenings to do other things.
After the matinee, we had to head to a few different places on the ship to watch scenarios and gather clues for our Who Dunnit? At sea. We saw a scenario with Francie and Urie in the Promenade lounge, and a scenario with Storme and Trixie at the forward elevators on deck 9.
Then we met Mom and Bobby back at the cabin to compare clues (they had gone to the same scenarios, but to split up the large group, they presented the scenarios at various times, so we went to different “performances” to see what clues we picked up on.
The menu for dinner was Prince and Princess. My favorite things were the crispy ravioli and the blue cheese and apple salad.
After dinner, we headed to Diversions. Bobby and Grant played a game of wii golf, while mom and I played Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary. Then we all played a game of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Game of Life.
At 10:30, we went to the adult hypnotist show. The participants were hilarious and much more into it this time, and the show was really great. After that, we went to bed - because tomorrow we had to get p early for the Panama Canal!!!!!
Observations about the ship - in the hallways and stairwells, there is a constant soundtrack of Disney songs playing - the neat thing, though, is that the play list is so extensive, I rarely, if ever, hear the same song twice - and I’ve been aboard the ship for over a week! They play songs from all of the animated movies, of course, songs from the musical movies (Summer Magic, Parent Trap, etc.) and songs from the parks - like the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Very cool.
Also, it is neat that there are always characters out and about. Mostly, you see them in the atrium posing for pictures. Also, certain dinners have cool show moments that involve visiting characters. However, they’ll pop up in crazy places, too - for example, when we were waiting in line for our Galley tour, Peter Pan ran up and said, “Let’s go, folks! I’m ready to take you on the tour!” The host said, “But Peter, do you even know your way around the galley?” and Peter said, “Of course I do! Tink and I fly in there every once in a while and get some cupcakes! Speaking of which, I better go find her - see you later!” And he took off down the hall. Another time, it was like 9:00 at night, and the four of us were sitting in some lounge chairs outside of the Buena Vista theater, feeling tired and trying to decide what to do next. Next thing we know, Cinderella comes walking by, all by herself. Now, you know she’s walking to take her break, so we expected a quick little hello, but she came over and had a short little conversation with us! She could have just said, you know, “Hello, have a lovely evening!” as she passed, but instead she stopped and backtracked and asked us how we were doing and if we were enjoying ourselves. It was really nice! Mom says it is almost like all of these characters are just cruising with us - you see them walking as if they are heading back to their cabins. So cool! Also, there are quite a variety of characters aboard!
Also, the casts for the shows are quite large - like, I expect that they do a bunch of costume changes and one actor plays several characters, and I am sure that happens to some extent, but it is really amazing how at the end, during he curtain call, how many of the characters come out - meaning that their casts are quite large!
Ok - so Sunday - This morning, we started our day with brunch at Palo. What a spread! I loved the crab legs, of course, and just snacking on the cheese and bread. They also had this dish called “Stolen Bread” which is this sweet bread that you top with whipped cream and fresh berries - so good! There was a lot of sea food - salmon mouse, etc. We had a blue cheese and grape pizza, and an Italian sausage pizza, eggs benedict, eggs Julia, and this amazing chicken parmigiana. Just so yummy!
After that, we went to see the matinee of “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.” This was a stage musical with the step mother and the step sisters meeting their evil fairy godfather, who helped them go back in time and steal Cinderella’s glass slipper. It had new music, a good story, and amazing sets - amazing how they keep all of these sets on the ship! Also, I love that they do matinees of their big production shows, because it frees up the evenings to do other things.
After the matinee, we had to head to a few different places on the ship to watch scenarios and gather clues for our Who Dunnit? At sea. We saw a scenario with Francie and Urie in the Promenade lounge, and a scenario with Storme and Trixie at the forward elevators on deck 9.
Then we met Mom and Bobby back at the cabin to compare clues (they had gone to the same scenarios, but to split up the large group, they presented the scenarios at various times, so we went to different “performances” to see what clues we picked up on.
The menu for dinner was Prince and Princess. My favorite things were the crispy ravioli and the blue cheese and apple salad.
After dinner, we headed to Diversions. Bobby and Grant played a game of wii golf, while mom and I played Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary. Then we all played a game of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Game of Life.
At 10:30, we went to the adult hypnotist show. The participants were hilarious and much more into it this time, and the show was really great. After that, we went to bed - because tomorrow we had to get p early for the Panama Canal!!!!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Panama Canal Transit Information:
Check out our updated FLICKR photos from our cruise: Flickr
As we write this, we are at 7 degrees north lattitude...the closest to the equator either of us has been. To give you an idea how close to the equator we are, sunrise is at 5:54AM and sunset is at 6:14PM!
This is our tentative schedule, but it may change. Please not that the time is equivalent to CST - 2 hours ahead of Pacific, 1 hour behind Eastern.
7:00AM - Passing under the Bridge of the Americas
8:40AM - Arriving at Miraflores locks
10:20AM - Departing Miraflores locks
10:50AM - Arriving Pedro Miguel locks
11:50AM - Departing Pedro Miguel locks
1:00PM - Passing Gamboa
3:00PM - Arriving Gatun Locks
5:20 - Departing Gatun Locks
You can check the Panama Canal Website for webcams to watch us go through. If you know how to catch a screenshot (alt - prt scrn) please do so and email to us.
Website for Panama
www.pancanal.com
Go to multimedia /webcams
Panama Canal Webcams
As we write this, we are at 7 degrees north lattitude...the closest to the equator either of us has been. To give you an idea how close to the equator we are, sunrise is at 5:54AM and sunset is at 6:14PM!
This is our tentative schedule, but it may change. Please not that the time is equivalent to CST - 2 hours ahead of Pacific, 1 hour behind Eastern.
7:00AM - Passing under the Bridge of the Americas
8:40AM - Arriving at Miraflores locks
10:20AM - Departing Miraflores locks
10:50AM - Arriving Pedro Miguel locks
11:50AM - Departing Pedro Miguel locks
1:00PM - Passing Gamboa
3:00PM - Arriving Gatun Locks
5:20 - Departing Gatun Locks
You can check the Panama Canal Website for webcams to watch us go through. If you know how to catch a screenshot (alt - prt scrn) please do so and email to us.
Website for Panama
www.pancanal.com
Go to multimedia /webcams
Panama Canal Webcams
Disney Magic - Saturday - Sea Day
Thank goodness it was a sea day, because Saturday I did not feel very well all day long. Heartburn, headache, just kinda yucky.
We started our morning by going to see the kick off of “Desperate Shipmates,” which is a multi-day Who Dunnit? at sea. We got clue notebooks and saw the drama play out as we were introduced to our main characters - Francie, Yuri, Storme, and Trixie.
Next we went to pick up our specialty merchandise that we ordered - Grant and I got ours first and we got a complete set of pins, plus a couple of doubles that we wanted, plus we got one of the 55 ornaments! I was so excited - and kind of nervous, because the lady next to us didn’t get the ornament she ordered, so I thought maybe we wouldn’t, either. Then, I got nervous that Mo and Bobby wouldn’t get one - but they did, as well! They got a full set of pins, and an ornament. We didn’t get the painting that we wanted, but that’s okay! There were only ten of those. But we were very happy.
Next, we watched a little bit of the art auction, before heading through the galley tour. Our galley tour started in Lumiere’s galley and headed straight through to Parrot Cay’s galley. A nice touch is that they gave us chocolate chip cookies towards the end of the tour.
After that, we went up to the Buena Vista theater and watched a movie called “College Road Trip,” which was a cute movie about a father having to accept that his daughter is growing up. The movie was very cute and very funny - Raven and Martin Lawrence stared as the father and daughter, and Donny Osmond was hilarious as the annoying family they meet along the way.
We had to get dressed pretty quickly for dinner - the French menu in Lumiere’s. During dinner, Belle and Beast came out and danced for us! It was so neat! I ate lightly- having escargot, tomato basil soup, and a salad (but no entrée), and crème brulee for dessert. Mom had a shrimp appetizer, the tomato basil soup, and the duck entrée, with an apple and pear tart. Bobby had the tomato basil soup, duck appetizer, and the beef tenderloin for dinner, and the crepe suzette for dessert. Grant had duck appetizer, as well as sharing an escargot with mom and Bobby, a salad, and the duck entrée, with crème brulee for dessert.
We went up to see “Think you know your Family?” which is like the newlywed game, but with asking questions to kids and parents. Then we went to the show, which was Ricky Kalmon, a hypnotist. That was pretty funny!
We were going to swim in the goofy pool and watch National Treasure, but due to a conflict with the kids club camp out under the stars, the movie was canceled. (We’ve had a few conflicts and misprints, probably due to the unusual itinerary.) So instead, we went to swim in the Quiet Cove pool for a while, before heading back to our rooms to order a midnight snack from room service and going to bed.
We started our morning by going to see the kick off of “Desperate Shipmates,” which is a multi-day Who Dunnit? at sea. We got clue notebooks and saw the drama play out as we were introduced to our main characters - Francie, Yuri, Storme, and Trixie.
Next we went to pick up our specialty merchandise that we ordered - Grant and I got ours first and we got a complete set of pins, plus a couple of doubles that we wanted, plus we got one of the 55 ornaments! I was so excited - and kind of nervous, because the lady next to us didn’t get the ornament she ordered, so I thought maybe we wouldn’t, either. Then, I got nervous that Mo and Bobby wouldn’t get one - but they did, as well! They got a full set of pins, and an ornament. We didn’t get the painting that we wanted, but that’s okay! There were only ten of those. But we were very happy.
Next, we watched a little bit of the art auction, before heading through the galley tour. Our galley tour started in Lumiere’s galley and headed straight through to Parrot Cay’s galley. A nice touch is that they gave us chocolate chip cookies towards the end of the tour.
After that, we went up to the Buena Vista theater and watched a movie called “College Road Trip,” which was a cute movie about a father having to accept that his daughter is growing up. The movie was very cute and very funny - Raven and Martin Lawrence stared as the father and daughter, and Donny Osmond was hilarious as the annoying family they meet along the way.
We had to get dressed pretty quickly for dinner - the French menu in Lumiere’s. During dinner, Belle and Beast came out and danced for us! It was so neat! I ate lightly- having escargot, tomato basil soup, and a salad (but no entrée), and crème brulee for dessert. Mom had a shrimp appetizer, the tomato basil soup, and the duck entrée, with an apple and pear tart. Bobby had the tomato basil soup, duck appetizer, and the beef tenderloin for dinner, and the crepe suzette for dessert. Grant had duck appetizer, as well as sharing an escargot with mom and Bobby, a salad, and the duck entrée, with crème brulee for dessert.
We went up to see “Think you know your Family?” which is like the newlywed game, but with asking questions to kids and parents. Then we went to the show, which was Ricky Kalmon, a hypnotist. That was pretty funny!
We were going to swim in the goofy pool and watch National Treasure, but due to a conflict with the kids club camp out under the stars, the movie was canceled. (We’ve had a few conflicts and misprints, probably due to the unusual itinerary.) So instead, we went to swim in the Quiet Cove pool for a while, before heading back to our rooms to order a midnight snack from room service and going to bed.
Disney Magic - Friday - Acapulco
Disney Magic - Friday - Acapulco
This morning, we got up early (well, early for us anyway) in order to meet at 8:00 for our city tour of Acapulco. The ship left Acapulco at 1:00, in order to book it to the Panama Canal, so it was a quick stop.
Acapulco is split up into three areas - the first part is Old Acapulco, which is, well, old - more run down, compact, and congested. The next area is the product of the first wave of tourists brought on by celebrities who would vacation here - Hotels in this area were built in the 40’s 50;s and 60’s to accommodate the wealthy American tourists and celebrities coming to visit who did not own their own homes. This place now has a real “Spring Break” feel, with fast food (Mc D’s, Pizza Hut, etc.) bars, and discos lining the streets around the beaches. The third area is the newest part to be built up, with newer celebrity homes, and newer resort hotels with golf courses, etc. You can see a real evolution of how the city has grown and changed.
Also as part of our tour, we stopped at the famous hotel to watch the cliff divers do their thing (in the pouring rain!) as well as at a market that was built specifically to get money from us tourists. We were the first cruise ship of the season, as ships do not usually stop there until September, which is when their rainy season ends.
Back on board at 1:00, it was time to find a place to eat - as was everyone else. Unfortunately, because it was raining, many of the outside areas were closed We went to Parrot Cay for their buffet, and we really didn’t have to wait too long. (One major complaint I do have about the cruise is that their buffet hours are way to short. For example, the buffet is only opened from 12 - 2 for lunch. This limit’s the amount of time you can get something other than pizza and burgers, and also makes the area really congested during that time. Also, it takes a bit away from that casual - do what you want, when you want cruise feel because you have to really plan around lunch, too - and if there are activities you want to do during that time, it limits what you can eat and when.)
After lunch, we went up to our balconies to watch the sail away out of Acapulco, and then went to see the matinee of Disney Dreams, another fantastic production show that is only shown on special voyages. (Besides these two Panama Canal cruises in May and and now, it has only been performed on the repo cruises to Europe last summer.)
Next, we went out to promenade deck 4 and read and played shuffleboard - Bobby and Grant were really good! That was fun.
We had dinner at 7:00 at Palo, so we went back to our rooms to shower and change. Palo is the adults only specialty dining venue. Tonight worked well because the dinner menu was Mexican, which Grant hates, so the Italian menu at Palo was awesome. We shared an appetizer pizza (cheese, tomato, and proscuitto), got different salads to share (tuna, shrimp, eggplant, and calamari) and then got different pastas and entrees - beef tenderloin, chicken, veal, and lamb. Everything was excellent. Dessert was the yummy chocolate soufflé, which was delicious! He also brought out a mascarpone and berry dessert for us to taste. Dinner was excellent - it took about 3 hours. From our table we could watch the sun set. It was a nice evening.
Afterwards, we walked out to look at Minnie’s Grand Fiesta Deck party, where they had all sorts of activities going on, from pin the tail on the donkey to kids dressing up and plaint with different Mexican instruments. Also, Quiet Cove had been transformed into a “pool lounge” area, meaning they put some cloths up as a back drop, set put a bunch of fake candles and had a do playing music. Really though, it did make the atmosphere feel cozy.
We wanted to change out of our dinner clothes, so we headed back to the cabin, I think with the intention of going back out to watch karaoke, but I fell asleep! I think everyone else stayed in, too.
Tomorrow - Sea Day!
This morning, we got up early (well, early for us anyway) in order to meet at 8:00 for our city tour of Acapulco. The ship left Acapulco at 1:00, in order to book it to the Panama Canal, so it was a quick stop.
Acapulco is split up into three areas - the first part is Old Acapulco, which is, well, old - more run down, compact, and congested. The next area is the product of the first wave of tourists brought on by celebrities who would vacation here - Hotels in this area were built in the 40’s 50;s and 60’s to accommodate the wealthy American tourists and celebrities coming to visit who did not own their own homes. This place now has a real “Spring Break” feel, with fast food (Mc D’s, Pizza Hut, etc.) bars, and discos lining the streets around the beaches. The third area is the newest part to be built up, with newer celebrity homes, and newer resort hotels with golf courses, etc. You can see a real evolution of how the city has grown and changed.
Also as part of our tour, we stopped at the famous hotel to watch the cliff divers do their thing (in the pouring rain!) as well as at a market that was built specifically to get money from us tourists. We were the first cruise ship of the season, as ships do not usually stop there until September, which is when their rainy season ends.
Back on board at 1:00, it was time to find a place to eat - as was everyone else. Unfortunately, because it was raining, many of the outside areas were closed We went to Parrot Cay for their buffet, and we really didn’t have to wait too long. (One major complaint I do have about the cruise is that their buffet hours are way to short. For example, the buffet is only opened from 12 - 2 for lunch. This limit’s the amount of time you can get something other than pizza and burgers, and also makes the area really congested during that time. Also, it takes a bit away from that casual - do what you want, when you want cruise feel because you have to really plan around lunch, too - and if there are activities you want to do during that time, it limits what you can eat and when.)
After lunch, we went up to our balconies to watch the sail away out of Acapulco, and then went to see the matinee of Disney Dreams, another fantastic production show that is only shown on special voyages. (Besides these two Panama Canal cruises in May and and now, it has only been performed on the repo cruises to Europe last summer.)
Next, we went out to promenade deck 4 and read and played shuffleboard - Bobby and Grant were really good! That was fun.
We had dinner at 7:00 at Palo, so we went back to our rooms to shower and change. Palo is the adults only specialty dining venue. Tonight worked well because the dinner menu was Mexican, which Grant hates, so the Italian menu at Palo was awesome. We shared an appetizer pizza (cheese, tomato, and proscuitto), got different salads to share (tuna, shrimp, eggplant, and calamari) and then got different pastas and entrees - beef tenderloin, chicken, veal, and lamb. Everything was excellent. Dessert was the yummy chocolate soufflé, which was delicious! He also brought out a mascarpone and berry dessert for us to taste. Dinner was excellent - it took about 3 hours. From our table we could watch the sun set. It was a nice evening.
Afterwards, we walked out to look at Minnie’s Grand Fiesta Deck party, where they had all sorts of activities going on, from pin the tail on the donkey to kids dressing up and plaint with different Mexican instruments. Also, Quiet Cove had been transformed into a “pool lounge” area, meaning they put some cloths up as a back drop, set put a bunch of fake candles and had a do playing music. Really though, it did make the atmosphere feel cozy.
We wanted to change out of our dinner clothes, so we headed back to the cabin, I think with the intention of going back out to watch karaoke, but I fell asleep! I think everyone else stayed in, too.
Tomorrow - Sea Day!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Disney Magic - Thursday - Day at Sea
This morning - after eating at Topsider’s, we went to a presentation on crossing the Panama Canal by Captain Ken Puckett, 16 year Senior Pilot and Port Captain on the panama canal. He has transited the Panama Canal almost 2,000 times. We learned that the Disney Magic would be paying the most tolls any ship has ever paid to cross the canal - almost $340,000 - the highest fees paid previously was also by the Disney Magic in May, when it crossed on the westbound repo. The lowest toll that was ever paid was 36 cents, paid by a man who swam through the canal. The tolls have gotten really high because American tax payers no longer pay for the canal. Our ship is also one of the largest that can travel through - we’ll have about 2 feet of clearance on each side.
Next, Grant and I went to do the “Art of the Theme” ship tour. This was cool because it showed us a lot of those little hidden details that were interspersed throughout the ship areas. I love knowing those little details...
After that, it was time to get ready for dinner. Dinner tonight was the Island dinner in the Parrot Cay. After dinner, we went to see the show - which was Ron Lucas, the ventriloquist we had seen the night before. I was very disappointed, because over half of his show was a repeat of the night before. Seriously? No new material?
We went to bed early because we had to get up early for our Acapulco city tour.
Next, Grant and I went to do the “Art of the Theme” ship tour. This was cool because it showed us a lot of those little hidden details that were interspersed throughout the ship areas. I love knowing those little details...
After that, it was time to get ready for dinner. Dinner tonight was the Island dinner in the Parrot Cay. After dinner, we went to see the show - which was Ron Lucas, the ventriloquist we had seen the night before. I was very disappointed, because over half of his show was a repeat of the night before. Seriously? No new material?
We went to bed early because we had to get up early for our Acapulco city tour.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Disney Magic - Wednesday - Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was hot (but not as hot as Cabo), overcast, humid, and rainy. We were still tired (and pretty burnt) from Cabo, so we took it easy. We got off the ship and walked over to Walmart and Sam’s Club. Crossing the street was much less stressful thanks to a new crossing signal with a timer and a police officer that hung out in the middle of the intersection. At walmart, in the sunscreen aisle, there were ladies that actually worked for the sun screen brands pimping their products! Mom and Bobby walked over to the Port village to mail some postcards.
Back on boards, we looked at the shore excursions that were available for Acapulco and Cartegena, and booked city tours in both. Not knowing when or if we’d ever be back to these ports, we thought basic city tours were the best way to go. Since we leave Acapulco at 1:00 in the afternoon, and Cartegena is in Columbia, we figured the safest thing to do (for time and because, well, Cartegena is in Columbia) was to book through Disney. The prices weren’t too awfully bad.
In the lobby, Bobby played around of chip golf. Then we headed up to the cabin to get ready for dinner. Pretty much every night (except for the two formal nights) are casual. We dressed up a bit to get some pictures, though.
Tonight’s dinner was a Taste of California menu in Lumiere’s. Highlights included the butternut squash soup with Dungeness crab (the crab was so sweet and delicious), prime rib, seared ahi, halibut on potatoes, and the flourless chocolate cake. The presentation is really awesome, as well.
After dinner, we took some pictures with Goofy dressed in Mexican garb, the Three Caballeros, and one with a Disney Magic backdrop. Then we went to see the show, Mexico Foclorico. It was a 7 piece Mariachi band with 4 dancers - and the show was beautiful and entertaining.
Afterwards, we braved the humidity and rain and headed back out to take some pictures of the Magic at night. (The ship did not leave until 1:00 AM!) Then we went back in and headed to Rockin’ Bar D to get seats for Ronn Lucas’s cabaret show. When the introduced him, they played this intro on the video screens with reels of his most impressive gigs - the White House, the London Palladium, David Letterman, etc. While we were watching, this guy standing next to us said, “Man, that’s a lot of hype - this guy better be good.” To be honest, I was thinking the same thing, but thought it was ballsy for someone to say it out loud - until they introduced Ronn Lucas, and the guy standing behind us who said that trotted down on stage - it was Ronn Lucas himself!
His show was hilarious - he is a famous ventriloquist from Las Vegas and he was really, really good! He could throw his voice and everything!
Finally, we headed back to the staterooms. We played a game of word yacht and then watched the ship pull away from Puerto Vallarta. Grant has this neat application for his iPhone that uses GPS to keep track of our path. You can see the path our ship took out of Puerto Vallarta here: You can see that we backed out of the harbor and then turned around. The track ends where he lost cell phone reception! Adios!
Back on boards, we looked at the shore excursions that were available for Acapulco and Cartegena, and booked city tours in both. Not knowing when or if we’d ever be back to these ports, we thought basic city tours were the best way to go. Since we leave Acapulco at 1:00 in the afternoon, and Cartegena is in Columbia, we figured the safest thing to do (for time and because, well, Cartegena is in Columbia) was to book through Disney. The prices weren’t too awfully bad.
In the lobby, Bobby played around of chip golf. Then we headed up to the cabin to get ready for dinner. Pretty much every night (except for the two formal nights) are casual. We dressed up a bit to get some pictures, though.
Tonight’s dinner was a Taste of California menu in Lumiere’s. Highlights included the butternut squash soup with Dungeness crab (the crab was so sweet and delicious), prime rib, seared ahi, halibut on potatoes, and the flourless chocolate cake. The presentation is really awesome, as well.
After dinner, we took some pictures with Goofy dressed in Mexican garb, the Three Caballeros, and one with a Disney Magic backdrop. Then we went to see the show, Mexico Foclorico. It was a 7 piece Mariachi band with 4 dancers - and the show was beautiful and entertaining.
Afterwards, we braved the humidity and rain and headed back out to take some pictures of the Magic at night. (The ship did not leave until 1:00 AM!) Then we went back in and headed to Rockin’ Bar D to get seats for Ronn Lucas’s cabaret show. When the introduced him, they played this intro on the video screens with reels of his most impressive gigs - the White House, the London Palladium, David Letterman, etc. While we were watching, this guy standing next to us said, “Man, that’s a lot of hype - this guy better be good.” To be honest, I was thinking the same thing, but thought it was ballsy for someone to say it out loud - until they introduced Ronn Lucas, and the guy standing behind us who said that trotted down on stage - it was Ronn Lucas himself!
His show was hilarious - he is a famous ventriloquist from Las Vegas and he was really, really good! He could throw his voice and everything!
Finally, we headed back to the staterooms. We played a game of word yacht and then watched the ship pull away from Puerto Vallarta. Grant has this neat application for his iPhone that uses GPS to keep track of our path. You can see the path our ship took out of Puerto Vallarta here: You can see that we backed out of the harbor and then turned around. The track ends where he lost cell phone reception! Adios!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Disney Magic - Tuesday - Cabo San Lucas
This morning we got up and had a quick breakfast at Topsider’s buffet. After breakfast, grabbed a tender and headed towards Cabo. Once there, Grant negotiated a water taxi for the four of us to take over to Lover’s Cove. The trip there (and back) was cool, because we saw marlins and manta rays jumping out of the water. We spend the afternoon in the water - it was clean and the perfect temperature - thank goodness, because it was HOT outside! We took the same water taxi back to the tender docks, browsed the shops, and then took a tender back to the ship.
We headed up to Goofy’s Galley/Pinocchio's Pizzeria/Pluto’s Dog House and grabbed a snack/late lunch. Then we went to our cabins and showered and rested and read and filled out postcards and just chilled.
Dinner tonight was in Parrot Cay, the tropical theme restaurant. I had a Crab and cheese dip, sweet onion soup, and Gnocchi au Gratin, with mango sorbet for dessert. Grant had ceviche, onion soup and steak, and crème brulee cheesecake. Mom had the same crab that I did, a fruit salad, steak, and a chocolate cake with caramel banana dessert. Bobby had a tropical chicken appitizer, salad, island sampler, and Smore’s cake.
After dinner we saw the comedian - Ron Pearson, who was pretty funny. Then we walked a bit around deck 4 and went to watch Disney Karaoke, which was mostly kids…who sucked! After Disney Karaoke, Bobby and Patty went to see “21“ in the movie theatre and Bobbi and Grant went to eat pizza and watch the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on the pool deck.
We headed up to Goofy’s Galley/Pinocchio's Pizzeria/Pluto’s Dog House and grabbed a snack/late lunch. Then we went to our cabins and showered and rested and read and filled out postcards and just chilled.
Dinner tonight was in Parrot Cay, the tropical theme restaurant. I had a Crab and cheese dip, sweet onion soup, and Gnocchi au Gratin, with mango sorbet for dessert. Grant had ceviche, onion soup and steak, and crème brulee cheesecake. Mom had the same crab that I did, a fruit salad, steak, and a chocolate cake with caramel banana dessert. Bobby had a tropical chicken appitizer, salad, island sampler, and Smore’s cake.
After dinner we saw the comedian - Ron Pearson, who was pretty funny. Then we walked a bit around deck 4 and went to watch Disney Karaoke, which was mostly kids…who sucked! After Disney Karaoke, Bobby and Patty went to see “21“ in the movie theatre and Bobbi and Grant went to eat pizza and watch the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on the pool deck.
Disney Magic - Monday - At Sea
We've uploaded more pictures to our Flickr page:
Today was a day at sea, which meant we got to relax and get to know the ship. We slept in, and then headed for brunch at Lumiere’s.
After brunch, Mom and Bobby went to do their Rasul while Grant and I dropped off our rsp form. (Because this is a specialty cruise, there are limited edition items available - mainly pins. Some things have very limited runs, like the ornament, which there are only 55 of. So, the rsp forms enter you into a random system to try to be able to purchase these items. There are enough pins for each cabin, so basically, every cabin is guaranteed a complete set if they want one. There are 55 ornaments and 10 logo artworks, however. If you are interested in the merchandise, forms had to be turned in by tomorrow (Tuesday). Then Grant and I hung out on deck.
We met Mom and Bobby at 2:00 in the theater for the matinee performance of “The Golden Mickey’s,” which was the stage production for the evening. The show was very similar to “The Golden Mickey’s” at Hong Kong Disneyland. Some of the acts were identical, and the theme was definitely the same. It was fun to see! The shows, sets, and performers are so good on the cruise! I mean, top notch Disney Theme park caliber productions!
After the show, we did some shopping and then headed up to the pool deck to watch the end of “High School Musical” on the Ariel Screen. Then it was back to our cabins to get ready for Formal night.
Dinner tonight was in Animator’s Palate - however they did not do their neat show, because it was formal night. The dining room is neat, though. We had the Golden Mickey Menu. Highlights included Grant’s Golden Mickey Chocolate Chocolate dessert, the broccoli and blue cheese soup, rack of lamb, and a bunch of other yummy stuff that I don’t remember.
After dinner, we went to the Buena Vista theater (the movie theater) to watch “Kung Fu Panda,” which was cute and funny. Next we went to the atrium to watch the Golden Mickey Balloon drop. Finally, we headed to Beat Street to see the comedian’s adult show. However, Rockin’ Bar D was full, so they also broadcast his show in the sports lounge, Diversions. So we headed in there and got a nice booth. While waiting for the show to begin, we played a game of Jenga. The show was pretty funny, and we had a good time even being next door to the actual show. After the show, we played a few rounds of Taboo before heading up to bed!
Today was a day at sea, which meant we got to relax and get to know the ship. We slept in, and then headed for brunch at Lumiere’s.
After brunch, Mom and Bobby went to do their Rasul while Grant and I dropped off our rsp form. (Because this is a specialty cruise, there are limited edition items available - mainly pins. Some things have very limited runs, like the ornament, which there are only 55 of. So, the rsp forms enter you into a random system to try to be able to purchase these items. There are enough pins for each cabin, so basically, every cabin is guaranteed a complete set if they want one. There are 55 ornaments and 10 logo artworks, however. If you are interested in the merchandise, forms had to be turned in by tomorrow (Tuesday). Then Grant and I hung out on deck.
We met Mom and Bobby at 2:00 in the theater for the matinee performance of “The Golden Mickey’s,” which was the stage production for the evening. The show was very similar to “The Golden Mickey’s” at Hong Kong Disneyland. Some of the acts were identical, and the theme was definitely the same. It was fun to see! The shows, sets, and performers are so good on the cruise! I mean, top notch Disney Theme park caliber productions!
After the show, we did some shopping and then headed up to the pool deck to watch the end of “High School Musical” on the Ariel Screen. Then it was back to our cabins to get ready for Formal night.
Dinner tonight was in Animator’s Palate - however they did not do their neat show, because it was formal night. The dining room is neat, though. We had the Golden Mickey Menu. Highlights included Grant’s Golden Mickey Chocolate Chocolate dessert, the broccoli and blue cheese soup, rack of lamb, and a bunch of other yummy stuff that I don’t remember.
After dinner, we went to the Buena Vista theater (the movie theater) to watch “Kung Fu Panda,” which was cute and funny. Next we went to the atrium to watch the Golden Mickey Balloon drop. Finally, we headed to Beat Street to see the comedian’s adult show. However, Rockin’ Bar D was full, so they also broadcast his show in the sports lounge, Diversions. So we headed in there and got a nice booth. While waiting for the show to begin, we played a game of Jenga. The show was pretty funny, and we had a good time even being next door to the actual show. After the show, we played a few rounds of Taboo before heading up to bed!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Disney Magic Repo Cruise - Day #1
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Disney Magic Eastbound Repositioning Cruise
LA to Port Canaveral, via the Panama Canal
Go here to see pictures that Grant uploaded from today:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8286915@N06/
Today was the the day we've been waiting for for over a year and a half since we booked it. This cruise has been sold out since six hours after it went on sale. Seriously, like 95% of the people on this cruise are repeat Disney cruisers!!!
We got to the port at about 12:30. Checking in was a breeze, since we had checked in online. Next, we moved to the other part of the terminal, passing Goofy along the way, and got an embarkation number – we were 23, and they were calling group 14. I had heard about this boarding process, but frankly, it was quite a bit of a wait – we didn't get aboard the ship until 1:45! There was a band playing and we did see characters walking by – but still....
Once on board, Mom and Bobby went up to our cabins to drop off our carry ons, while Grant and I went to Rockin' Bar D. Grant ensured that we had a four person table (no strangers to sit with and make idle chit chat for 15 days!) while I made a reservation for Friday at Palo's for dinner – unfortunately, the brunch was booked, so we currently are on the wait list for that.
We met Mom and Bobby at our cabins (6112 and 6114, connecting cabins) and then went to lunch at Topsider's buffet. The buffet is kind of small, however, the food was good. The ship also has several a few other “counter service” food places, such as Pinocchio's Pizzeria, Pluto's Dog House (grill – hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, etc.) and Goofy's Galley, with wraps and panini's and such.
We had our muster drill at 3:30, and then headed up to the Adventure's Away party – scoring a rail spot on the tenth deck in the shade over looking the stage. The show was good, but it was interesting that it took place an hour before sail away. The ship's horn, which, instead of the single toned or two toned blast, plays “When you wish upon a star...” and it is really loud, and very, very cool.
We did a tour of the spa, and Mom and Bobby booked a rasul (waaah – I can't do it because of the steam room – too hot!).
Time for dinner! We went to Lumière's, our first restaurant. Our waiter's name is Dennis, from the Philippines, and our assistant waiter is Adrian, from New Zealand. We are seated towards the center of the dining room. Dinner was yummy. Every night, they give you a bread and a different dipping sauce – tonight's was a cilantro cumin sauce. For dinner, I had calamari, crab and seafood chowder, the vegetable pastry, and Kahlua creme brullee for dessert. Grant had a pepper tuna roll, heart of palm salad, seared ahi and sweet potatoes, and a pistachio chocolate tower. Bobby had the pepper tuna roll also, a salad, a chipotle steak, and the pistachio chocolate tower. Mom had scallops, watermelon mint soup, seafood curry, and a fruit tart for dessert. Yum!!!
We did some unpacking and then headed to the Walt Disney Theater to watch the Welcome Aboard show, which was honestly the best welcome aboard show I've ever seen! Similar to any other, you had a combo of a taste of some of the acts (comedians/musicians) that we would see throughout the cruise, intermixed with numbers from the Magic's singers and dancers. But these acts were so cool – with really good singers, and a bunch of Disney character... I felt like I was watching a theme park show! It even ended with bubbles, fireworks, and confetti!
Even though it was only 9:30 we were pretty tired – plus, traveling East - we would be losing hours every few days, starting tonight. Back in the room, we finished unpacking, and just lounged – watching TV, chatting, snoozing, blogging...
P.S. Grant forgot his dress shoes. Sigh. Well, it is better than his underwear, this time, right?
Tomorrow: Sea Day and the Golden Mickeys!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Las Vegas
Grant and I drove out to Vegas on Tuesday night. We left at a little after 7. Traffic was fine, there was a short stretch before state line where the freeway was down to one lane, but the workers were out there paving and although we were slowed to about 20, it didn't last too long.
On the way, we started through a baby names book. I had already made a list, so this was Grant's opportunity. I read the names and he ranked them 1 - 5.
We stopped at Barstopw for dinner at Tommy's - it just sounded really good - and then continued on to Vegas. We stopped at the Walmart by the airport for some groceries and checked into our hotel around midnight.
We are staying at the MGM Signature. Vegas is having a tough time filling rooms with all of the airline issues, so rooms are super cheap again. We got a one bedroom suite this time for cheaper than the studio we normally get. It is very nice, and located on the 20th floor of Tower 3 (the furthest tower from MGM). We like staying here, particularly in the summer, over Marriott because of the MGM pool access.
On Wednesday, we woke up and had a small breakfast to tide me and baby over. Then we walked over to Paris for our lunch reservations at Mon Ami Gabi. We shared a steamed artichoke with a yummy citrus-y mayo dipping sauce and a bowl of possibly the best French Onion soup I have ever had. Seriously, it was like a bowl of gruyere cheese. So good. I had an asparagus and spinach quiche and Grant had seared ahi, and we shared profitiroles for dessert. So freaking good.
Then we walked back to our hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon in the MGM pool, floating around the lazy river and sipping on virgin strawberry daquaris. So nice.
For dinner, we went to the Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay - yes we love this place. This time, I had a burger with blue cheese and asparagus - so good! I think next time, I'll get blue cheese, bacon and asparagus and it will be perfecto! Grant got blue cheese, carmelized oinions, and peppered bacon. We split sweet potato fries and buffalo fries.
After dinner, we went over to New York New York to see Zumanity, one of the last Cirque shows for us to see. You must be 18 or over to see it, and it is billed as the "sensual side of Cirque". Grant and I were both disappointed. First of all, I mainly enjoy Cirque for the amazing acrobats and acts they do. Well, this show was severlely lacking in original acts - the majority were aerial acts with spinning and swinging on ropes or ribbons, or pair floor acrobats with strength poses. There was a lot of dancing. The two most original acts were back to back at the very beginning - the fish bowl, and the hulla hoop girl, and then the rest felt very repetative. I felt the sexiness was sort of forced and not very natural - like I was being told to feel sexy instead of just letting it happen naturally. It felt more like a topless caberet show and less like a Cirque show. I enjoy my topless caberet shows, but that's not what I felt I expected or paid for. I feel this show has way more potential...
That being said, were glad we saw it - now we know!
On the way, we started through a baby names book. I had already made a list, so this was Grant's opportunity. I read the names and he ranked them 1 - 5.
We stopped at Barstopw for dinner at Tommy's - it just sounded really good - and then continued on to Vegas. We stopped at the Walmart by the airport for some groceries and checked into our hotel around midnight.
We are staying at the MGM Signature. Vegas is having a tough time filling rooms with all of the airline issues, so rooms are super cheap again. We got a one bedroom suite this time for cheaper than the studio we normally get. It is very nice, and located on the 20th floor of Tower 3 (the furthest tower from MGM). We like staying here, particularly in the summer, over Marriott because of the MGM pool access.
On Wednesday, we woke up and had a small breakfast to tide me and baby over. Then we walked over to Paris for our lunch reservations at Mon Ami Gabi. We shared a steamed artichoke with a yummy citrus-y mayo dipping sauce and a bowl of possibly the best French Onion soup I have ever had. Seriously, it was like a bowl of gruyere cheese. So good. I had an asparagus and spinach quiche and Grant had seared ahi, and we shared profitiroles for dessert. So freaking good.
Then we walked back to our hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon in the MGM pool, floating around the lazy river and sipping on virgin strawberry daquaris. So nice.
For dinner, we went to the Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay - yes we love this place. This time, I had a burger with blue cheese and asparagus - so good! I think next time, I'll get blue cheese, bacon and asparagus and it will be perfecto! Grant got blue cheese, carmelized oinions, and peppered bacon. We split sweet potato fries and buffalo fries.
After dinner, we went over to New York New York to see Zumanity, one of the last Cirque shows for us to see. You must be 18 or over to see it, and it is billed as the "sensual side of Cirque". Grant and I were both disappointed. First of all, I mainly enjoy Cirque for the amazing acrobats and acts they do. Well, this show was severlely lacking in original acts - the majority were aerial acts with spinning and swinging on ropes or ribbons, or pair floor acrobats with strength poses. There was a lot of dancing. The two most original acts were back to back at the very beginning - the fish bowl, and the hulla hoop girl, and then the rest felt very repetative. I felt the sexiness was sort of forced and not very natural - like I was being told to feel sexy instead of just letting it happen naturally. It felt more like a topless caberet show and less like a Cirque show. I enjoy my topless caberet shows, but that's not what I felt I expected or paid for. I feel this show has way more potential...
That being said, were glad we saw it - now we know!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Brussles to London - Thursday/Friday
(oops - I always forget to post this last blog!)
Grant and I flew from Brussels to London, arriving at about noon London time. We stayed at the Marriott at Heathrow, so we checked in and dropped off our stuff, and we were in downtown London by 2.
Our first stop, of course, was the TKTS booth, where we scored two tickets to The Sound of Music at 50% off. After lunch, we walked to Westminster Abbey and then through Hyde Park towards Buckingham Palace. While at the park, I chatted it up with a teacher who was on a field trip with his "form 6" students (ages 10 - 11, what seemed like the equivalent to 5th grade…) These kids were getting ready to move on to their next school (like our middle school/junior high) and they got this one last fieldtrip to celebrate… a three day field trip to London! Can you imagine? (They were from another part of England, and many of them had never seen a big city like this before!)
Next, we headed towards the pier adjacent to the London Eye, and caught a narrated river cruise up and down the Thames - That was really cool, as it was a good orientation to the city and something we had never done before in London!
After a quick stop at a souvenir shop for some candy, we went to the London Palladium to see "The Sound of Music!" It was the same production that Andrew Lloyd Webber when he made the TV show "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" which did a talent search for someone to star as Maria. This was not the same person who won, but it was the same production whish we both enjoyed very much. We had good seats, too: Row N in the stalls (what we would call Orchestra) in the center section.
After the show, it was raining and windy, so we ducked into TGI Fridays at Piccadilly Circus and ate before catching our long subway ride back to Heathrow.
We arranged for a 2:00 check out, and left for the airport this afternoon to fly home!
Grant and I flew from Brussels to London, arriving at about noon London time. We stayed at the Marriott at Heathrow, so we checked in and dropped off our stuff, and we were in downtown London by 2.
Our first stop, of course, was the TKTS booth, where we scored two tickets to The Sound of Music at 50% off. After lunch, we walked to Westminster Abbey and then through Hyde Park towards Buckingham Palace. While at the park, I chatted it up with a teacher who was on a field trip with his "form 6" students (ages 10 - 11, what seemed like the equivalent to 5th grade…) These kids were getting ready to move on to their next school (like our middle school/junior high) and they got this one last fieldtrip to celebrate… a three day field trip to London! Can you imagine? (They were from another part of England, and many of them had never seen a big city like this before!)
Next, we headed towards the pier adjacent to the London Eye, and caught a narrated river cruise up and down the Thames - That was really cool, as it was a good orientation to the city and something we had never done before in London!
After a quick stop at a souvenir shop for some candy, we went to the London Palladium to see "The Sound of Music!" It was the same production that Andrew Lloyd Webber when he made the TV show "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" which did a talent search for someone to star as Maria. This was not the same person who won, but it was the same production whish we both enjoyed very much. We had good seats, too: Row N in the stalls (what we would call Orchestra) in the center section.
After the show, it was raining and windy, so we ducked into TGI Fridays at Piccadilly Circus and ate before catching our long subway ride back to Heathrow.
We arranged for a 2:00 check out, and left for the airport this afternoon to fly home!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday
Today, Grant and I headed North out of the city central to Brupark, which was the site of the World's Fair in the '58, which was the first World's Fair after WW2.
We took the train into the city, and then took the metro north (2nd to last stop...). We started by getting some lunch in a courtyard next to a huge movie theater complex. There was a playground and a charming two story merry-go-round. After we ate, we went to see Mini-Europe, which is a display of over 300 monuments from all over Europe recreated in 1:25 scale. Lots of good photo opportunities. The whole place was a tribute to the European Union, celebrating all that has been accomplished since they've joined together and commenting a bit on some of the challenges they faced.
After mini-Europe, we went to the Atomium, which was the symbol of the World's Fair (like the Space Needle in Seattle.) The Atomium is basically a huge model of a molecule that you can go inside, with the tallest "sphere" acting as a panarama deck. Some of the spheres were connected via stairs while others were connected through escalators in long tunnels - kind fo like the beginning of Space Mountain. The highest one was connected with an elevator - the fastest one built at the time.
Next, we took a stroll through an adjacent park, before heading back to our hotel. After resting a bit, we went out to decide what to do for dinner, and found a pizza place that gave you 2 euros off if you carried your pizza out - well, we're pretty tired so that sounded good to us! Grant got Hawaiian and I got Margarita and we went halvsies - and the pizza was SO delicious!
Tomorrow, we fly to London for one more quick day before heading home on Friday!
We took the train into the city, and then took the metro north (2nd to last stop...). We started by getting some lunch in a courtyard next to a huge movie theater complex. There was a playground and a charming two story merry-go-round. After we ate, we went to see Mini-Europe, which is a display of over 300 monuments from all over Europe recreated in 1:25 scale. Lots of good photo opportunities. The whole place was a tribute to the European Union, celebrating all that has been accomplished since they've joined together and commenting a bit on some of the challenges they faced.
After mini-Europe, we went to the Atomium, which was the symbol of the World's Fair (like the Space Needle in Seattle.) The Atomium is basically a huge model of a molecule that you can go inside, with the tallest "sphere" acting as a panarama deck. Some of the spheres were connected via stairs while others were connected through escalators in long tunnels - kind fo like the beginning of Space Mountain. The highest one was connected with an elevator - the fastest one built at the time.
Next, we took a stroll through an adjacent park, before heading back to our hotel. After resting a bit, we went out to decide what to do for dinner, and found a pizza place that gave you 2 euros off if you carried your pizza out - well, we're pretty tired so that sounded good to us! Grant got Hawaiian and I got Margarita and we went halvsies - and the pizza was SO delicious!
Tomorrow, we fly to London for one more quick day before heading home on Friday!
Amsterdam - Brussles - Tuesday
Tuesday
Gary woke up early Tuesday morning in order to catch his flight back to Paris to meet up with Kathy.
Grant and I slept in a little bit, then got up, finished packing and cleaning up the houseboat, and then departing Amsterdam. We caught the 11:56 train to Brussles, which had us arriving at about 2:30. We had to make one quick connection in Brussles to get to our stop - Brussles-Luxemburg. We wexited the train station into the courtyard of the European Union!
Our hotel is right across the street. We checked in at the Renaissance, even though we were staying next door at the Marriott executive apartments. Apparently, all of the one bedrooms were filled (or not ready when we checked in,) because we have a huge two bedroom suite. It has a big sitting area and dining area, and a nice sized kitchen. Down the hall on the right are two bedrooms, one with a flat screen tv. The bedrooms are kind of small, but with the sitting room it doesn't much matter. On the left of the hall is a small room with a toilet, and at the end of the hall is the bathroom with two sinks and a shower/tub (with the half glass, as is standard here!) Also, by the door there is another small room with a toilet.
The Internet situation works like this - high speed is ridiculously expensive, but they do have dial-up/modem for free. However, we found a nice signal from a nearby neighbor that we can get fairly well if we sit out on the balcony, so that is what we've been using.
That evening, we headed into downtown Brussles. Our guidebook says that you can see a large portion of it in jst three hours as a stop over on a train, and we did just that. We went to the Grand Place, which is a huge square surrounded by these incredible buildings. The tourist information is here, and lot of people just come here to talk, rest, socialize, and soak in the atmosphere. At various times throughout the day and year you can find stalls with stuff for sale, musicians, etc.
We walked through an outdoor mall, past St. Nikolas church and the ruins of an old convent, and pass the Mannekin Pis, a cute little statue of a young boy taking an eternal piss. This little statue is one of the biggest draws in Brussles, and he actually has something like over 700 outfits that have been presented to him from visiting dignitaries and guests of different countries. When we saw him, though, he was not wearing any of his outfits - just his birthday suit. Nudie-Patootie!
We had a waffle with chocolate that was incredible filling, and Grant had some ice cream. We found a grocery store to get some beverages and , of course, some chocolate, and then headed back towards home.
With one minor delay - we got on the wrong train. The good news? Thanks to the conductor, we founf out when we were only a few stops out. The bad news? The stop we got off at only had a train that picked up there every hour - and it wasn't due to arrive for 40 minutes. Plus, it was 20 minutes late!
We did, eventually make it home, about an hour later than we planned!
Tomorrow - mini Europe!
Gary woke up early Tuesday morning in order to catch his flight back to Paris to meet up with Kathy.
Grant and I slept in a little bit, then got up, finished packing and cleaning up the houseboat, and then departing Amsterdam. We caught the 11:56 train to Brussles, which had us arriving at about 2:30. We had to make one quick connection in Brussles to get to our stop - Brussles-Luxemburg. We wexited the train station into the courtyard of the European Union!
Our hotel is right across the street. We checked in at the Renaissance, even though we were staying next door at the Marriott executive apartments. Apparently, all of the one bedrooms were filled (or not ready when we checked in,) because we have a huge two bedroom suite. It has a big sitting area and dining area, and a nice sized kitchen. Down the hall on the right are two bedrooms, one with a flat screen tv. The bedrooms are kind of small, but with the sitting room it doesn't much matter. On the left of the hall is a small room with a toilet, and at the end of the hall is the bathroom with two sinks and a shower/tub (with the half glass, as is standard here!) Also, by the door there is another small room with a toilet.
The Internet situation works like this - high speed is ridiculously expensive, but they do have dial-up/modem for free. However, we found a nice signal from a nearby neighbor that we can get fairly well if we sit out on the balcony, so that is what we've been using.
That evening, we headed into downtown Brussles. Our guidebook says that you can see a large portion of it in jst three hours as a stop over on a train, and we did just that. We went to the Grand Place, which is a huge square surrounded by these incredible buildings. The tourist information is here, and lot of people just come here to talk, rest, socialize, and soak in the atmosphere. At various times throughout the day and year you can find stalls with stuff for sale, musicians, etc.
We walked through an outdoor mall, past St. Nikolas church and the ruins of an old convent, and pass the Mannekin Pis, a cute little statue of a young boy taking an eternal piss. This little statue is one of the biggest draws in Brussles, and he actually has something like over 700 outfits that have been presented to him from visiting dignitaries and guests of different countries. When we saw him, though, he was not wearing any of his outfits - just his birthday suit. Nudie-Patootie!
We had a waffle with chocolate that was incredible filling, and Grant had some ice cream. We found a grocery store to get some beverages and , of course, some chocolate, and then headed back towards home.
With one minor delay - we got on the wrong train. The good news? Thanks to the conductor, we founf out when we were only a few stops out. The bad news? The stop we got off at only had a train that picked up there every hour - and it wasn't due to arrive for 40 minutes. Plus, it was 20 minutes late!
We did, eventually make it home, about an hour later than we planned!
Tomorrow - mini Europe!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Amsterdam - Monday
Today, we explored the town some more. The first thing we did was return our bikes. The last thing I wanted to do was get on my bike - but we needed to get them back, so the sooner, the better. Gary, for his part, had ridden his bike around town that morning. Meanwhile, my ass screamed in tender pain when I settled it back on the bike seat.
Next time, I think I'll rent a bike for around town - and pass on going North - at least by bike!
From Centraal, we went to the Anne Frank House, but it had a long line (as we knew it would,) si instead we went to do a walking tour of the red light district, complete with views of sex shops, live sex shows (we didn't actually go in to see one), and of course, the prostitutes in the windows. It was a very surreal experience. It was funny watching to hookers, and funny watching the uys knock on the windows and negotiate... but when you saw guys walk out and look around, well, that's when it was weird - like - dude, that guy just totally got some.
It was very different in the day time as I had always imagined it at night - but seeing as how it doesn't get dark until 11 ish, and that is when it is supposed to get more seedy and dangerous. Plus (and I don't want to sound like a complainer, although I probably will to some,) my legs are SO SORE right now, they feel like they are constantly on the verge of cramping. I don't think I could walk to the trolley stop, much less into the red light district tonight!
After the red light district (at that point, my legs were still feeling okay) we went to the Van Gogh museum and spent about an hour and a half there.
Finally, we went back to the Anne Frank House. There was still a line, but it was not too long. Gary opted to head back to the boat, while Grant and I did the Anne Frank house. It was very interesting to see what the houses were like on the inside. Every room was illustrated with quotes from Anne's diary. You start out walking through the offices of Otto's business, and then walk through the hallway and behind the bookcase that led into the secret annex. The rooms were raided after the occupants were arrested, and Otto wished them to stay that way, rather than be refilled with furniture to recreate what it was like when they lived there. Furniture would have helped visualize how tight the quarters actually were, but in retrospect, with so many people walking through every day, there would be very little room to move - you probably wouldn't get to walk into the rooms, but rather just walk by them behind a rope, so this way was much better. After the annex, you walk through a glass tunnel that was built to connect the Anne Frank house to the one next door, and then you move through a room which talks about Auschowitz, Bergen-Belson, and the fate of the 8 who hid in the annex (only Otto, Anne's father, survived.)
All in all, it was a neat experince, but it was hard to get too emotional - I think because the quarters were so tight and there were so many people moving through it. It felt too busy to give me any time to reflect. I can't wait to reread the book with all of these images fresh in my mind. I was in the rooms she lived in and wrote the diary in!
Now we are back at the houseboat. Grant and I ordered Dominos and had it delivered. Now, before you chastise us, you should know that pizza is one of the most popular foods here in Amsterdam, so we WERE eating like locals. I took a bath to help my legs (didn't help much,) and were doing laundrey and getting ready to pack. Tomorrow, we leave our houseboat and head to Brussles!
Next time, I think I'll rent a bike for around town - and pass on going North - at least by bike!
From Centraal, we went to the Anne Frank House, but it had a long line (as we knew it would,) si instead we went to do a walking tour of the red light district, complete with views of sex shops, live sex shows (we didn't actually go in to see one), and of course, the prostitutes in the windows. It was a very surreal experience. It was funny watching to hookers, and funny watching the uys knock on the windows and negotiate... but when you saw guys walk out and look around, well, that's when it was weird - like - dude, that guy just totally got some.
It was very different in the day time as I had always imagined it at night - but seeing as how it doesn't get dark until 11 ish, and that is when it is supposed to get more seedy and dangerous. Plus (and I don't want to sound like a complainer, although I probably will to some,) my legs are SO SORE right now, they feel like they are constantly on the verge of cramping. I don't think I could walk to the trolley stop, much less into the red light district tonight!
After the red light district (at that point, my legs were still feeling okay) we went to the Van Gogh museum and spent about an hour and a half there.
Finally, we went back to the Anne Frank House. There was still a line, but it was not too long. Gary opted to head back to the boat, while Grant and I did the Anne Frank house. It was very interesting to see what the houses were like on the inside. Every room was illustrated with quotes from Anne's diary. You start out walking through the offices of Otto's business, and then walk through the hallway and behind the bookcase that led into the secret annex. The rooms were raided after the occupants were arrested, and Otto wished them to stay that way, rather than be refilled with furniture to recreate what it was like when they lived there. Furniture would have helped visualize how tight the quarters actually were, but in retrospect, with so many people walking through every day, there would be very little room to move - you probably wouldn't get to walk into the rooms, but rather just walk by them behind a rope, so this way was much better. After the annex, you walk through a glass tunnel that was built to connect the Anne Frank house to the one next door, and then you move through a room which talks about Auschowitz, Bergen-Belson, and the fate of the 8 who hid in the annex (only Otto, Anne's father, survived.)
All in all, it was a neat experince, but it was hard to get too emotional - I think because the quarters were so tight and there were so many people moving through it. It felt too busy to give me any time to reflect. I can't wait to reread the book with all of these images fresh in my mind. I was in the rooms she lived in and wrote the diary in!
Now we are back at the houseboat. Grant and I ordered Dominos and had it delivered. Now, before you chastise us, you should know that pizza is one of the most popular foods here in Amsterdam, so we WERE eating like locals. I took a bath to help my legs (didn't help much,) and were doing laundrey and getting ready to pack. Tomorrow, we leave our houseboat and head to Brussles!
Amsterdam - Sunday
Today, we rented bikes at the Macbike rental shop adjacent to Centraal station, took the ferry North, and rode 14 miles to a village called Monnickendam. On the way, we passed only one old fashioned windmill, and miles of farmland. We also went through a cute little village called Broek in Waterland. The houses were adorable, decorating the edges of lakes and canals, life seemed so simple and unreal. I mean, are there really villages like this? It felt like it was out of a story book!
In Monnickendam, we had lunch at an outdoor cafe on the edge of a canal. As we ate, we watched the residents who had taken their boats out to see for the day pull back in to the canal and greet each other. This town was bigger than Broek-in-Waterland, with a downtown that felt charmingly crowded.
We decided to take another route back and headed to a bike route that went along the edge of the ocean. After about five minutes, the wind started picking up. The trail we were on was elevated, and Gary estimated that the winds were 40 mph. Consulting the map, we found the most direct route back, which was still about 12 more miles straight through the open farmlands directly against the wind. It was hard. Gary was able to ride all the way. Grant and I were not - several times we had to stop and walk our bikes. It was hard and very tiring! Gary kept saying that it was more tiring to walk the bikes then to just push through and ride, but there were times when I swear I couldn't pedal anymore and I had to stretch my legs and walk. The wind was blowing my face like I was on a rollercoaster and I couldn't keep my bike moving! (Also, we saw MANY locals having trouble, and some of them walked, too, at times!)
By the time we got back, Grant and I were sore and tired. But we were hungry, too, so we found a place to eat and had a nice dinner, although I wouldn't have minded just staying home and getting pizza!
In Monnickendam, we had lunch at an outdoor cafe on the edge of a canal. As we ate, we watched the residents who had taken their boats out to see for the day pull back in to the canal and greet each other. This town was bigger than Broek-in-Waterland, with a downtown that felt charmingly crowded.
We decided to take another route back and headed to a bike route that went along the edge of the ocean. After about five minutes, the wind started picking up. The trail we were on was elevated, and Gary estimated that the winds were 40 mph. Consulting the map, we found the most direct route back, which was still about 12 more miles straight through the open farmlands directly against the wind. It was hard. Gary was able to ride all the way. Grant and I were not - several times we had to stop and walk our bikes. It was hard and very tiring! Gary kept saying that it was more tiring to walk the bikes then to just push through and ride, but there were times when I swear I couldn't pedal anymore and I had to stretch my legs and walk. The wind was blowing my face like I was on a rollercoaster and I couldn't keep my bike moving! (Also, we saw MANY locals having trouble, and some of them walked, too, at times!)
By the time we got back, Grant and I were sore and tired. But we were hungry, too, so we found a place to eat and had a nice dinner, although I wouldn't have minded just staying home and getting pizza!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Amsterdam - Saturday
This morning, Grant and I slept in. But that is okay, because Amsterdam happens to be a city that likes to sleep in. When we got up, we went out to the street market that is a block south of where we are staying. Gary had checked it out earlier. The market was very crowded by the time we had arrived - it was like a swap meet but only along one street - Albert Cuyp (also the name of the market.) It had food, clothes, accessories, shoes, dvds, you name it! I had a yogurt smoothie, and Grant had fresh squeezed orange juice and we shared French fries - with mayo of course! Also, Grant decided to try a raw herring sandwich - he took one bite and decided that it was exactly how you would imagine it - which was not good at all (he had thought there must be something to it - they seemed so popular....) As for me, I just tried to not throw up from the smell of the thing!
We went to the grocery store and then brought our purchases back to out houseboat and met up with Gary. We took the trolley to central station and then went to the Nemo (Science Museum.) They have a terraced roof that you can hang out on, with a snack bar.
After that, we did a self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam. We started by walking up Dam street to Dam square. After that we turned down a super-crowded, pedestrian only walk way lined with stored and restaurants. The very beginning was super crowded - this was caused by two women in nothing but underwear and body paint handing out orange balloons in honor of tonight's football match - Holland versus Russia.
(Ok, I know, and I know you know, how crazy Europe is about football (soccer.) I mean, I've experienced it before - in a world cup no less! - so I get how insane it all is. But knowing it, even experiencing it once or twice, well, you don't realize what it is like until you are actually in it. And you forget how all consuming - and crazy it is! Last night, Holland didn't even play, and people were driving by well past midnight honking their horns at the bar across the street! And today, with Holland actually playing? Forget it! The streets were packed today, and at least half of the people you saw were wearing orange. When JK Rowling writes about the craziness of the Quiddich matches, it is because of the hysteria you see here with soccer. In fact - I knew in my head that it was orange every where because Holland was playing soccer, but in my head I kept thinking it was the Chuddley Cannons getting ready for a Quiddich match, with everyone decked out in orange shirts, hats, feather boas, etc. I know. I am a nerd.)
Anyway, the other thing I noticed at various times (whether we were by a "coffee shop" or not, was that you could occasionally get the distinct smell of pot wafting off of people. Not often, but every once in a while.
Back to our walk. Halfway down the pedestrian walk, there was a "hidden church." There are actually many hidden Catholic churches which date back to when the Protestants were in charge and would not allow Catholics to practice. It is so odd - there was a modern store, a tiny church and another modern store.
A little farther down, we entered the Begijnhof. This was a secluded courtyard where Catholic lay women who did not want to be nuns but lived extremely pious lives lived. Throughout the centuries it has been a haven for religious women. In this area, there is a 500 year old wooden house - rare because most of these were burned down before city builders began using brick - another hidden Catholic church, which is opposite (like, maybe 10 yards across from) a protestant church where the Pilgrims were allowed to worship while waiting to sail on the Mayflower to America.
After this, we walked through a museum courtyard ant continued down the rest of the pedestrian walkway, and along a canal lined with flower stalls known as the flower market. Among the many types of flowers and bulbs found here, you could also purchase your very own cannabis starter kit, which I am sure has huge sales considering you can't bring them across the border! (I wonder how many people are stupid enough to try?)
By this point, we were pretty tired, so we headed back to the houseboat, rested, watched the tour boats go by, and found a place for dinner.
Luden is a restaurant that Kathy suggested - it was a fixed-price three course meal. So as not to disappoint Dad by not having any food descriptions: I started with a smoked wild boar salad, and had beef tenderloins in a strognoff sauce for dinner. Grant started with the beef carpachio with Parmesan shavings, while Gary had a goat cheese with bacon pastry. They both had kangaroo steak for dinner (which was way better than mine - much more tender!) For dessert we all had chocolate mouse and chocolate tarts served with vanilla sauce. So delicious!
What is nice about Amsterdam is, if you want a long, leisurely meal - like in France, you can do that - but if you want to eat more quickly - you can do that, too. We left the restaurant at 8:30, just as the football game was beginning and the Russian National Anthem was playing. By the time we got to the end of the street, it was Holland's turn - as the street erupted in song as everyone began singing along.
We caught the 9:00 tour boat through the canals and enjoyed a tour cruise through some of Amsterdam's more famous sites. (The buildings all have hooks at the top - when people move, they bring the furniture up through the windows because the doors and stairways are too narrow!) About half way through the tour, we heard a collective groan throughout the town as Russia scored it's first goal. After the boat, we walked back to our houseboat - and the streets, which were teeming with people just an hour earlier, were now deserted - it was like walking through a ghost town! The entire population of the city were huddled in bars, gathered around tvs in tents, or at the game itself, which was played nearby. I do love the energy, though - when Holland scored, even though you couldn't see anyone watching the game, you could here the screams and shouts throughout the town.
Back at the houseboat, we joined the legions and watched the rest of the game. (Well, technically, I am sitting here blogging as the game played. Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately if it prevents honking....) Russia won 3 - 1, and the town is eerily quiet as people head home....
We went to the grocery store and then brought our purchases back to out houseboat and met up with Gary. We took the trolley to central station and then went to the Nemo (Science Museum.) They have a terraced roof that you can hang out on, with a snack bar.
After that, we did a self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam. We started by walking up Dam street to Dam square. After that we turned down a super-crowded, pedestrian only walk way lined with stored and restaurants. The very beginning was super crowded - this was caused by two women in nothing but underwear and body paint handing out orange balloons in honor of tonight's football match - Holland versus Russia.
(Ok, I know, and I know you know, how crazy Europe is about football (soccer.) I mean, I've experienced it before - in a world cup no less! - so I get how insane it all is. But knowing it, even experiencing it once or twice, well, you don't realize what it is like until you are actually in it. And you forget how all consuming - and crazy it is! Last night, Holland didn't even play, and people were driving by well past midnight honking their horns at the bar across the street! And today, with Holland actually playing? Forget it! The streets were packed today, and at least half of the people you saw were wearing orange. When JK Rowling writes about the craziness of the Quiddich matches, it is because of the hysteria you see here with soccer. In fact - I knew in my head that it was orange every where because Holland was playing soccer, but in my head I kept thinking it was the Chuddley Cannons getting ready for a Quiddich match, with everyone decked out in orange shirts, hats, feather boas, etc. I know. I am a nerd.)
Anyway, the other thing I noticed at various times (whether we were by a "coffee shop" or not, was that you could occasionally get the distinct smell of pot wafting off of people. Not often, but every once in a while.
Back to our walk. Halfway down the pedestrian walk, there was a "hidden church." There are actually many hidden Catholic churches which date back to when the Protestants were in charge and would not allow Catholics to practice. It is so odd - there was a modern store, a tiny church and another modern store.
A little farther down, we entered the Begijnhof. This was a secluded courtyard where Catholic lay women who did not want to be nuns but lived extremely pious lives lived. Throughout the centuries it has been a haven for religious women. In this area, there is a 500 year old wooden house - rare because most of these were burned down before city builders began using brick - another hidden Catholic church, which is opposite (like, maybe 10 yards across from) a protestant church where the Pilgrims were allowed to worship while waiting to sail on the Mayflower to America.
After this, we walked through a museum courtyard ant continued down the rest of the pedestrian walkway, and along a canal lined with flower stalls known as the flower market. Among the many types of flowers and bulbs found here, you could also purchase your very own cannabis starter kit, which I am sure has huge sales considering you can't bring them across the border! (I wonder how many people are stupid enough to try?)
By this point, we were pretty tired, so we headed back to the houseboat, rested, watched the tour boats go by, and found a place for dinner.
Luden is a restaurant that Kathy suggested - it was a fixed-price three course meal. So as not to disappoint Dad by not having any food descriptions: I started with a smoked wild boar salad, and had beef tenderloins in a strognoff sauce for dinner. Grant started with the beef carpachio with Parmesan shavings, while Gary had a goat cheese with bacon pastry. They both had kangaroo steak for dinner (which was way better than mine - much more tender!) For dessert we all had chocolate mouse and chocolate tarts served with vanilla sauce. So delicious!
What is nice about Amsterdam is, if you want a long, leisurely meal - like in France, you can do that - but if you want to eat more quickly - you can do that, too. We left the restaurant at 8:30, just as the football game was beginning and the Russian National Anthem was playing. By the time we got to the end of the street, it was Holland's turn - as the street erupted in song as everyone began singing along.
We caught the 9:00 tour boat through the canals and enjoyed a tour cruise through some of Amsterdam's more famous sites. (The buildings all have hooks at the top - when people move, they bring the furniture up through the windows because the doors and stairways are too narrow!) About half way through the tour, we heard a collective groan throughout the town as Russia scored it's first goal. After the boat, we walked back to our houseboat - and the streets, which were teeming with people just an hour earlier, were now deserted - it was like walking through a ghost town! The entire population of the city were huddled in bars, gathered around tvs in tents, or at the game itself, which was played nearby. I do love the energy, though - when Holland scored, even though you couldn't see anyone watching the game, you could here the screams and shouts throughout the town.
Back at the houseboat, we joined the legions and watched the rest of the game. (Well, technically, I am sitting here blogging as the game played. Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately if it prevents honking....) Russia won 3 - 1, and the town is eerily quiet as people head home....
Amsterdam!
Grant and I both arrived in Amsterdam late last night. Gary flew in from France, checking in to our Houseboat and checking out the area. Grant took the train - the first part on the TGV took him straight through to Brussles (including a pass through the Marne-la-Vallee station, where Disneyland Paris is, with no problems.
Once he hit Brussles, though, he had some issues. He missed his first train by about 2 minutes - knowing this was a tight connection, he wasn't suprised or bummed. However, the next train had engine problems, so he had to wait a total of three hours before he could finally get on a train to Amsterdam - and this train was so full that many people had to stand - even on a first class ticket! Luckily, Grant had a seat.
My flights were more or less uneventful. Both flights were delayed, but all in all I was only about a half an hour late arriving in Amsterdam.
Grant met me at the airport and we took the train into the city, and then the trolly to our the stop near our houseboat. Our hhouseboat is small but comfortable and atmospheric - with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Grant and I have a bedroom that is more like a studio, with a kitchenette and a table and a little "porch out the back. Gary's is more just like a one bed bedroom.
We can sit at the table and watch the tour boars go by, and there is a little duck that likes to beg...
We were pretty tired, but it stays light until 10:30, so we decided to head out to get a bite to eat. On the way there, I totally ate it on some "steps." In my defense, the steps were oddly spaced and I was tired, but still I tripped, and with my hands in my pocket, I couldn't catch my fall and I landed fhard on my elbow - I'm lucky I didn't break an arm! As it is, I banged up my elbow pretty bad. We ate at an Indian restaurant that was pretty tasty. Then we came back and I pretty much fell asleep!
Once he hit Brussles, though, he had some issues. He missed his first train by about 2 minutes - knowing this was a tight connection, he wasn't suprised or bummed. However, the next train had engine problems, so he had to wait a total of three hours before he could finally get on a train to Amsterdam - and this train was so full that many people had to stand - even on a first class ticket! Luckily, Grant had a seat.
My flights were more or less uneventful. Both flights were delayed, but all in all I was only about a half an hour late arriving in Amsterdam.
Grant met me at the airport and we took the train into the city, and then the trolly to our the stop near our houseboat. Our hhouseboat is small but comfortable and atmospheric - with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Grant and I have a bedroom that is more like a studio, with a kitchenette and a table and a little "porch out the back. Gary's is more just like a one bed bedroom.
We can sit at the table and watch the tour boars go by, and there is a little duck that likes to beg...
We were pretty tired, but it stays light until 10:30, so we decided to head out to get a bite to eat. On the way there, I totally ate it on some "steps." In my defense, the steps were oddly spaced and I was tired, but still I tripped, and with my hands in my pocket, I couldn't catch my fall and I landed fhard on my elbow - I'm lucky I didn't break an arm! As it is, I banged up my elbow pretty bad. We ate at an Indian restaurant that was pretty tasty. Then we came back and I pretty much fell asleep!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Thursday
Today, we went to one of the outyling islands - Lantau. This island is where Disneyland is located, and also near the airport. We took a ferry to the island - deluxe class cost us $2 US and we could sit outside and watch as we motored past the Hong Kong skyline. Arriving on Lantau, we took a bus to Po Lin, where the Tian tan Buddha, largest erected Buddha statues sits - 110 feet tall. We walked up the 268 steps and looked at the Buddha and the view from the hill. Then we walked around the Po Lin Monestary, where a ceremony was going on. It was interesting - and the setting looked very similar to the temple used at the beginning of Survivor: China.
Next, we walked through the natural wooded area to the wisdom path - a figure 8/infinity path marked by tall wooden structures that show the CHinese symbols for the "Heart Sutra," and important spiritual document for Buddhists and Taoists. In essence, it was like a living poem - a way to experience the document in nature. It was a beautiful setting.
After our day there, we waited in line and took the bus back to Tung Chung, where we could catch a subway back to Honk Kong (as an alternative to the ferry). Tung Chung is the last stop on the line that connects to Hong Kong Disneyland, so we took the subway becak so we could go to Disneyland for a few hours. We arrived at 6 - and the park closed at 8. We went to see the Golden Mickey's again. We ate dinner at the Festival of Foods, and then rode Space Mountain twice. Finally, we jumped in line for Autopia just before the park closed. Autopia, of course, has the longest line becasue if its slow loading. The Autopis here is really cool becasue it is electric = which means a smoother ride and no smelly gas fumes.
We left Disneyland and went back to Hong Kong. The night was pretty clear, so we took the Peak Tram up the hill to the Sky View ( the same place we went on the first day) but this time to get pictures of the city at night. We were pretty tired by the time we finally got back to our hotel around midnight. In fact, the boys are still sleeping now! (Its Thursday morning -nearly 11:00 AM!!!) That is the latest anyone's slept - but we've really been pushing it the last few days!
Next, we walked through the natural wooded area to the wisdom path - a figure 8/infinity path marked by tall wooden structures that show the CHinese symbols for the "Heart Sutra," and important spiritual document for Buddhists and Taoists. In essence, it was like a living poem - a way to experience the document in nature. It was a beautiful setting.
After our day there, we waited in line and took the bus back to Tung Chung, where we could catch a subway back to Honk Kong (as an alternative to the ferry). Tung Chung is the last stop on the line that connects to Hong Kong Disneyland, so we took the subway becak so we could go to Disneyland for a few hours. We arrived at 6 - and the park closed at 8. We went to see the Golden Mickey's again. We ate dinner at the Festival of Foods, and then rode Space Mountain twice. Finally, we jumped in line for Autopia just before the park closed. Autopia, of course, has the longest line becasue if its slow loading. The Autopis here is really cool becasue it is electric = which means a smoother ride and no smelly gas fumes.
We left Disneyland and went back to Hong Kong. The night was pretty clear, so we took the Peak Tram up the hill to the Sky View ( the same place we went on the first day) but this time to get pictures of the city at night. We were pretty tired by the time we finally got back to our hotel around midnight. In fact, the boys are still sleeping now! (Its Thursday morning -nearly 11:00 AM!!!) That is the latest anyone's slept - but we've really been pushing it the last few days!
Wednesday
Today, we went to visit Macau. Originally, we were just going to go for the evening - but upon reading all that there was to do there, we decided to go right away. Good thing we did - becasue there is ALOT to do there, and the place is just getting started!
We took a turbo jet ferry which brought us to Macau in about one hour. The ferrys are like planes on water - assignned seating, not outdoor areas, but fast and efficient. I think it was only like 15 American round trip. Macau is on Mainland China, so you have to go through customs leaving Hong Kong and entering Macau (and then vice versa), but it is really a simple procedure - more of a formality, really - and hey - we got more stamps in our passports! Oh - and no visa is required for Macau.
SO what is MAcau - well, it is part Chinese town, part Portuguese settlement, and part Las Vegas. We spent the morning walking around the middle of the peninsula - through the ruins of an old fort, the facade of a cathedral which is the only part of a church still standing after a fire destroyed it, seeing the mixture of Chinese and Mediterranean architecture, and wondering the garden/zoo area nearby.
Next, we went to Macau tower, which is the tenth tallest observation tower int he world. It is similar in structure to the Stratosphere. It only cost like 10$ (American) to go to the top. The view is spectacular, as it is out on the tip of the peninsula so you are right over water. Also, there are glass panels in the floor that allow you to look straight down - or walk over the m and stand on glass and look past your feet. This tower is where Amazing race All Stars was filmed. The "Sky Walk" was part of a Roadblock - you can actually walk around the outside of the tower - strapped in of course. You can also bungee jump off of the tower.
Finally, we headed to the Venetian, the first Vegas style hotel in a new section that is being created shat will be similar to the LAs Vegas strip. There are many casinos already on the Macau - as casinos have always been a popular draw - but is the Venetian is any clue as to what is to come, this area of Macau will be spectacular. The casino was HUGE - way more table games then we have. We walked around the shops - much like our Venetian at home, with canals and gondolas. We watched the "living statues" and the American actors dressed in Venetian finery interact with the guests. We had dinner int he food court - which contained mostly Asian food - but one notable American choice - Fatburger! Go figure! And a pizza place coming soon.
Finally, we spent some money in the casino. We found slots that you could bet 5 HK cents for, which is less then a penny. I think I lost all of 10 American Dollars and played for like an hour and a half. A really cool feature about their slots is that - on their video slots - each time you win some sort of pay, you have the option to "take winnings" or "gamble." If you gamble, you go to a screen where a card will be drawn. You can guess the color - red or black - and double your winnings, or you can guess the suit and quadruple your winnings. If you guess wrong, you lose all of your winnings. If you guess correctly, you can continue to gamble with your new total by guessing again in the same manner. I took to playing the gamble each time I got a low winning - like 20 - 50 credits. Once I gambled 3 times correctly and turned a 50 winning into 400 credits. Way fun.
We took the complimentary hotel shuttle back to the ferry terminal and caught the 10:30 shuttle home.
We took a turbo jet ferry which brought us to Macau in about one hour. The ferrys are like planes on water - assignned seating, not outdoor areas, but fast and efficient. I think it was only like 15 American round trip. Macau is on Mainland China, so you have to go through customs leaving Hong Kong and entering Macau (and then vice versa), but it is really a simple procedure - more of a formality, really - and hey - we got more stamps in our passports! Oh - and no visa is required for Macau.
SO what is MAcau - well, it is part Chinese town, part Portuguese settlement, and part Las Vegas. We spent the morning walking around the middle of the peninsula - through the ruins of an old fort, the facade of a cathedral which is the only part of a church still standing after a fire destroyed it, seeing the mixture of Chinese and Mediterranean architecture, and wondering the garden/zoo area nearby.
Next, we went to Macau tower, which is the tenth tallest observation tower int he world. It is similar in structure to the Stratosphere. It only cost like 10$ (American) to go to the top. The view is spectacular, as it is out on the tip of the peninsula so you are right over water. Also, there are glass panels in the floor that allow you to look straight down - or walk over the m and stand on glass and look past your feet. This tower is where Amazing race All Stars was filmed. The "Sky Walk" was part of a Roadblock - you can actually walk around the outside of the tower - strapped in of course. You can also bungee jump off of the tower.
Finally, we headed to the Venetian, the first Vegas style hotel in a new section that is being created shat will be similar to the LAs Vegas strip. There are many casinos already on the Macau - as casinos have always been a popular draw - but is the Venetian is any clue as to what is to come, this area of Macau will be spectacular. The casino was HUGE - way more table games then we have. We walked around the shops - much like our Venetian at home, with canals and gondolas. We watched the "living statues" and the American actors dressed in Venetian finery interact with the guests. We had dinner int he food court - which contained mostly Asian food - but one notable American choice - Fatburger! Go figure! And a pizza place coming soon.
Finally, we spent some money in the casino. We found slots that you could bet 5 HK cents for, which is less then a penny. I think I lost all of 10 American Dollars and played for like an hour and a half. A really cool feature about their slots is that - on their video slots - each time you win some sort of pay, you have the option to "take winnings" or "gamble." If you gamble, you go to a screen where a card will be drawn. You can guess the color - red or black - and double your winnings, or you can guess the suit and quadruple your winnings. If you guess wrong, you lose all of your winnings. If you guess correctly, you can continue to gamble with your new total by guessing again in the same manner. I took to playing the gamble each time I got a low winning - like 20 - 50 credits. Once I gambled 3 times correctly and turned a 50 winning into 400 credits. Way fun.
We took the complimentary hotel shuttle back to the ferry terminal and caught the 10:30 shuttle home.
Tuesday
I am so tired! Ok SO, this morning, we took the mid level escalators to the center of Hong Kong. They are a long set of escalators that travel up the middle of Hong Kong - which is built on a hill. The escalators themselves are not long, it is just that there are many of them. About half way through, we stopped and found a place for lunch - Vietnamese/Thai. We got a combo that had salad and a noodle entree. We all got the lemongrass coconut chicken salad, and for entees: Beef Pho noodles and lemongrass chicken with fried vietnamese noodles.
We took the escalators the rest of the way up, and then walked all the way back down. (The escalators went one way only - and most of the day, they go up.) We took a different route down, through the botanical and zoological gardens - free - and we saw lots of monkeys and lemurs and tamarins.
The city is very easy to walk around in and labeled pretty clearly so it is easy to find things. We walked on past the US consulate and to the Bank of China building, where we went up to the observation plaza and the 42 floor (not even half way up!)
After a rest at back at the hotel, we headed back out again, to Times Square and the Causeway Bay shopping center. We had dinner at the food court there (Stuff is so not expensive here! SO nice after London and Paris!) Grant had Korean noodles, I had tempura shrimp and veggies, and Steve had chicken, pork dumplings, and shrimp soup. My shrimp tempura cost $380 HK, which is about $4.50. Yum!!!
After dinner we walked along the bay (the Wanchai walk) to the ferry terminal, where we took an hour long harbor ferry tour. There we met a guy from North England and he and I chatted for a while. We timed the ferry so that we were on it during the light show, also!!! Very cool!!!
When we got back, we took the subway to the Jordan stop and went to the market on Temple Street. It is like a Swap Meet, and the prices are cheap - and you are supposed to haggle! Steve bought a bunch of stuff. I am not a great shopper, but it was fun looking!
It is 11:00 PM now and we're back at the hotel! Oh - the weather today was pretty nice - overcast - but still hot and humid. This afternoon while in the hotel it started raining. During the evening, it rained every once in a while, but never for very long, and only once pretty hard for like 3 minutes.
Good night!
We took the escalators the rest of the way up, and then walked all the way back down. (The escalators went one way only - and most of the day, they go up.) We took a different route down, through the botanical and zoological gardens - free - and we saw lots of monkeys and lemurs and tamarins.
The city is very easy to walk around in and labeled pretty clearly so it is easy to find things. We walked on past the US consulate and to the Bank of China building, where we went up to the observation plaza and the 42 floor (not even half way up!)
After a rest at back at the hotel, we headed back out again, to Times Square and the Causeway Bay shopping center. We had dinner at the food court there (Stuff is so not expensive here! SO nice after London and Paris!) Grant had Korean noodles, I had tempura shrimp and veggies, and Steve had chicken, pork dumplings, and shrimp soup. My shrimp tempura cost $380 HK, which is about $4.50. Yum!!!
After dinner we walked along the bay (the Wanchai walk) to the ferry terminal, where we took an hour long harbor ferry tour. There we met a guy from North England and he and I chatted for a while. We timed the ferry so that we were on it during the light show, also!!! Very cool!!!
When we got back, we took the subway to the Jordan stop and went to the market on Temple Street. It is like a Swap Meet, and the prices are cheap - and you are supposed to haggle! Steve bought a bunch of stuff. I am not a great shopper, but it was fun looking!
It is 11:00 PM now and we're back at the hotel! Oh - the weather today was pretty nice - overcast - but still hot and humid. This afternoon while in the hotel it started raining. During the evening, it rained every once in a while, but never for very long, and only once pretty hard for like 3 minutes.
Good night!
Disneyland
So, We arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland at about 11:00 AM... (did I mention how cool the subway was to get there?)
We went straight to Space Mountain to get fast passes. The ride is IDENTICAL to ours. Same cars, same track, same reentry. After we rode the ride (we had used the time 30 minutes waiting for our fast pass to walk through Fantasyland and Adventureland to find a place for lunch and take pictures,) we headed back to Adventureland and had lunch at Riverview Cafe. It was authentic Chinese and very tasty. We also had Watermelon juice to drink. After lunch, we went back to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz lightyear's Astroblasters - again, identical to ours. Then we went to Fantasyland and watched the "Golden Mickey's" - A REALLY good live stage show with an especially good Tarzan and Little Mermaid sequence.
After the show, we rode on the Astroblaster (which looks like flying saucers here) and watched the "Disney on Parade" Parade (obviously) before watching "Stitch Encounter," - we had to wait for an English performance of this, otherwise we would have seen it earlier. This uses the Turtle talk with Crush"/"Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor" technology, with Stitch interacting with the audience. Cute.
Then we watched Mickey's Philharmagic (just like WDW!) and the Jungle Cruise (The cool thing about this is that it goes around the island in Adventureland. However that means there are no big boats a la Mark Twain...)
Then we rode the train round trip from Main Street (only stops at Main Street and Fantasyland,) before using our Winnie the Pooh fastpass (identical to Florida's) We watched the last showing of Festival of the Lion King - although it uses the same theater as Florida's Animal Kingdom, the show plot was different - although it used many of the same elements. After the show, we walked to the end of main street to see the "Disneyland story..." an exhibit about the history of Disney parks.
After that, we browsed through the shops and then watched the fireworks on Main Street (a good show - but surprisingly few BIG fireworks... we're in China, right?) Then we did shopping on Main Street. We left the park and walked to the Disneyland Hotel and then took the bus to the Disneyland Hollywood Hotel where we had dinner at the fastfood place and walked around. (My meal was called "glutenous rice with dried meat..." sounds weird but was really good.)
We left the Disney resort around 11:00 PM and took the subway to the hotel... getting back around midnight.
More later!
We went straight to Space Mountain to get fast passes. The ride is IDENTICAL to ours. Same cars, same track, same reentry. After we rode the ride (we had used the time 30 minutes waiting for our fast pass to walk through Fantasyland and Adventureland to find a place for lunch and take pictures,) we headed back to Adventureland and had lunch at Riverview Cafe. It was authentic Chinese and very tasty. We also had Watermelon juice to drink. After lunch, we went back to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz lightyear's Astroblasters - again, identical to ours. Then we went to Fantasyland and watched the "Golden Mickey's" - A REALLY good live stage show with an especially good Tarzan and Little Mermaid sequence.
After the show, we rode on the Astroblaster (which looks like flying saucers here) and watched the "Disney on Parade" Parade (obviously) before watching "Stitch Encounter," - we had to wait for an English performance of this, otherwise we would have seen it earlier. This uses the Turtle talk with Crush"/"Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor" technology, with Stitch interacting with the audience. Cute.
Then we watched Mickey's Philharmagic (just like WDW!) and the Jungle Cruise (The cool thing about this is that it goes around the island in Adventureland. However that means there are no big boats a la Mark Twain...)
Then we rode the train round trip from Main Street (only stops at Main Street and Fantasyland,) before using our Winnie the Pooh fastpass (identical to Florida's) We watched the last showing of Festival of the Lion King - although it uses the same theater as Florida's Animal Kingdom, the show plot was different - although it used many of the same elements. After the show, we walked to the end of main street to see the "Disneyland story..." an exhibit about the history of Disney parks.
After that, we browsed through the shops and then watched the fireworks on Main Street (a good show - but surprisingly few BIG fireworks... we're in China, right?) Then we did shopping on Main Street. We left the park and walked to the Disneyland Hotel and then took the bus to the Disneyland Hollywood Hotel where we had dinner at the fastfood place and walked around. (My meal was called "glutenous rice with dried meat..." sounds weird but was really good.)
We left the Disney resort around 11:00 PM and took the subway to the hotel... getting back around midnight.
More later!
Monday
Good Morning! It is Monday morning - boy did we sleep well last night!
So - yesterday, after we settled in and unpacked, we headed out to explore the city. We started by walking through Hong Kong park, exploring the lakes, the water features, the observation tower, and the enclosed aviary. It is a cool park - not picnic-y, like New York's Central Park, but it has a lot of interesting things to look at. It was clear - no clouds, hot and humid.
Across the street from the park we got in line for the Peak tram, which takes you, steeply and pretty quickly, to Victoria Peak. There is a mall up there (They do like their malls!) with an EA Games Experience - featuring a whole wall of Sims 2 murals and games. Right on. We also went to the top, called Sky View, and got some photos of Hong Kong and Kowloon. We really took advantage of the clear day - just in case we don't have more (its pretty cloudy right now!).
We went back to the hotel to rest - but to try not to sleep - although Steve did sleep for 15 minutes or so. We swam to try to stay awake. At 4, we left and took the subway to Kowloon and had dinner at one of those conveyor belt sushi places. It was yummy.
Next, we checked into the hotel that w got as part of our package - SO glad we're not staying there! The view is incredible, but the two twin beds are rock hard and thin, and the roll away cot was saggy in the middle. Plus there is like 2 feet from the foot of the bed to the wall. Our Marriott is so much more comfortable! Also in a better location.
Then we went to the walk of stars and watched the light show across the water - many of the buildings on the sky line in Hong Kong light up in beat to a musical soundtrack. It was very cool - although I think I slept through half of it. I was SO tired!
We took the ferry back and basically passed out when we got back.
I think today we are going to do Disneyland. We are hitting it early in the week to determine if we want to spend a 2nd whole day there or just part of a day.
So - yesterday, after we settled in and unpacked, we headed out to explore the city. We started by walking through Hong Kong park, exploring the lakes, the water features, the observation tower, and the enclosed aviary. It is a cool park - not picnic-y, like New York's Central Park, but it has a lot of interesting things to look at. It was clear - no clouds, hot and humid.
Across the street from the park we got in line for the Peak tram, which takes you, steeply and pretty quickly, to Victoria Peak. There is a mall up there (They do like their malls!) with an EA Games Experience - featuring a whole wall of Sims 2 murals and games. Right on. We also went to the top, called Sky View, and got some photos of Hong Kong and Kowloon. We really took advantage of the clear day - just in case we don't have more (its pretty cloudy right now!).
We went back to the hotel to rest - but to try not to sleep - although Steve did sleep for 15 minutes or so. We swam to try to stay awake. At 4, we left and took the subway to Kowloon and had dinner at one of those conveyor belt sushi places. It was yummy.
Next, we checked into the hotel that w got as part of our package - SO glad we're not staying there! The view is incredible, but the two twin beds are rock hard and thin, and the roll away cot was saggy in the middle. Plus there is like 2 feet from the foot of the bed to the wall. Our Marriott is so much more comfortable! Also in a better location.
Then we went to the walk of stars and watched the light show across the water - many of the buildings on the sky line in Hong Kong light up in beat to a musical soundtrack. It was very cool - although I think I slept through half of it. I was SO tired!
We took the ferry back and basically passed out when we got back.
I think today we are going to do Disneyland. We are hitting it early in the week to determine if we want to spend a 2nd whole day there or just part of a day.
Hong Kong - Sunday
So - we got in around 5 30 AM Sunday morning. I just painted my nails, so excuse the typos and lack of caps... i have been biting my nails far too much and I am trying to avoid that. anyways...
We flew Cathay Pacific, a really nice airline. We were in row 65 - like 5th to the last row, so we were last off... and we took our time, stopping at the bathrooms and changing clothes... so there was no line at customs at all, and ours were practically the only bags at the carousel.. so the airport is a breeze. I'd say even easier then Paris - everything is in in English. (Sunday morning was a good day to travel as well...no crowds!!!)
There is a train that goes from the airport to Hong Kong; it is very convenient. We had the train car to ourselves... we took the 6:20 train so there was enough light to be able to see... it is much more green then I had anticipated!! I am not sure why I didn't realize it, but I guess I just pictured a New York City/San Francisco concrete jungle, but even here in down town from out hotel room, I feel like I am at the base of a lush mountain that is covered in trees and sky scrapers - as if the buildings are growing out of the mountains along side the trees - like they are part of the landscape. Its really cool!
So we got to our hotel at around 7:30 and luckily they had a room for us. (Again, checking in was no problem, the associate at the front desk spoke perfect English.) The room is on the 7th floor, so not very high up, but it overlooks the hills and the view is spectacular! Our room is laid out really cool - It is like in its own jutted out part of the building - like a corner - so two walls are windows from ceiling to about 2 feet from the floor. The third wall is behind the bed and has two large mirrors, so it gives the illusion of a third wall of windows. The fourth wall is the bathroom and the hall way from the door. The room is not huge, but nice sized for the city - we have two double beds.
We have internet for the week, and we have skype, so theoretically we can call you for 2 cents a minute. We know it works because we talked to Danny for about 8 minutes, I left a voice mail for dad, and Steve called his parents, but then the earpiece ran out of battery, so we will be charging that and then we'll call tonight when we get back from site seeing - which will be Sunday morning for you.
Love you!
We flew Cathay Pacific, a really nice airline. We were in row 65 - like 5th to the last row, so we were last off... and we took our time, stopping at the bathrooms and changing clothes... so there was no line at customs at all, and ours were practically the only bags at the carousel.. so the airport is a breeze. I'd say even easier then Paris - everything is in in English. (Sunday morning was a good day to travel as well...no crowds!!!)
There is a train that goes from the airport to Hong Kong; it is very convenient. We had the train car to ourselves... we took the 6:20 train so there was enough light to be able to see... it is much more green then I had anticipated!! I am not sure why I didn't realize it, but I guess I just pictured a New York City/San Francisco concrete jungle, but even here in down town from out hotel room, I feel like I am at the base of a lush mountain that is covered in trees and sky scrapers - as if the buildings are growing out of the mountains along side the trees - like they are part of the landscape. Its really cool!
So we got to our hotel at around 7:30 and luckily they had a room for us. (Again, checking in was no problem, the associate at the front desk spoke perfect English.) The room is on the 7th floor, so not very high up, but it overlooks the hills and the view is spectacular! Our room is laid out really cool - It is like in its own jutted out part of the building - like a corner - so two walls are windows from ceiling to about 2 feet from the floor. The third wall is behind the bed and has two large mirrors, so it gives the illusion of a third wall of windows. The fourth wall is the bathroom and the hall way from the door. The room is not huge, but nice sized for the city - we have two double beds.
We have internet for the week, and we have skype, so theoretically we can call you for 2 cents a minute. We know it works because we talked to Danny for about 8 minutes, I left a voice mail for dad, and Steve called his parents, but then the earpiece ran out of battery, so we will be charging that and then we'll call tonight when we get back from site seeing - which will be Sunday morning for you.
Love you!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sunday in Vegas
Today, we headed out without the car. We stopped at the Hawaiian Gardens 1/2 price ticket booth to try to get Zumanity or Mama Mia, but neither were available at Hawaiian Gardens or the Coke Bottle.
We ate lunch at the Spice Market Buffet. It was good, but I was disappointed because we got there at 2:30, and the buffet closed between 3 -4 for dinner. However, we just assumed they were going to just stop seating new people, but rather they even stopped bringing out food. I mean, I had plenty to eat, I was just bummed that the dessert was mostly put away when I got there. Oh well.
After we ate, we walked around a bit, down to New York New York, and back through MGM. We went back to our room for about an hour, and then decided to go and watch the "Siren's at TI" show. We took the monorail part of the way, and then walked from Harrah's to Treasure Island. Unfortunately, the show was canceled due to high winds. SO, we turned around and walked all the way to Bellagio and watched a couple of the fountain shows.
We took the Deuce to Mandalay Bay, and here, we really notices the wind, as it is south of the strip with no big buildings across the boulevard to block the strong winds. At Mandalay Bay, we ate at a place called "The Burger Bar," which basically, you order your basic burger, (with your choice of beef, including Angus and Kobe, buffalo, turkey, and veggie) your choice of bun (sesame, chibata, onion, wheat, etc.) and then add any toppings you choose (items are per price, example, cheese 65 - 95 cents, depending on the type of cheese.)The burgers included your basic lettuce, onions, tomato, and a dill pickle wedge. The burgers were really good, and I got sweet potato fries to go with mine - mmmmmmm. My one complaint is for such a gourmet burger place, they were lacking in the sauce department. For example, you could get swiss and pineapple, but they didn't have tereyaki sauce to go with it. A pest mayo, and a chipoltle mayo would have been good options as well. Basically just ketchup, mustard, and A-1 sauce. The sauces they DID have, (there were some sauces that you could add for like 50 cents), were not very appealing.
However, I WOULD go back, it is a very tasty place.
After we ate we walked back to our hotel via Mandalay Bay, Luxor (checking out the new upstairs) and Excalibur.... before crossing the bridges back to MGM.
We ate lunch at the Spice Market Buffet. It was good, but I was disappointed because we got there at 2:30, and the buffet closed between 3 -4 for dinner. However, we just assumed they were going to just stop seating new people, but rather they even stopped bringing out food. I mean, I had plenty to eat, I was just bummed that the dessert was mostly put away when I got there. Oh well.
After we ate, we walked around a bit, down to New York New York, and back through MGM. We went back to our room for about an hour, and then decided to go and watch the "Siren's at TI" show. We took the monorail part of the way, and then walked from Harrah's to Treasure Island. Unfortunately, the show was canceled due to high winds. SO, we turned around and walked all the way to Bellagio and watched a couple of the fountain shows.
We took the Deuce to Mandalay Bay, and here, we really notices the wind, as it is south of the strip with no big buildings across the boulevard to block the strong winds. At Mandalay Bay, we ate at a place called "The Burger Bar," which basically, you order your basic burger, (with your choice of beef, including Angus and Kobe, buffalo, turkey, and veggie) your choice of bun (sesame, chibata, onion, wheat, etc.) and then add any toppings you choose (items are per price, example, cheese 65 - 95 cents, depending on the type of cheese.)The burgers included your basic lettuce, onions, tomato, and a dill pickle wedge. The burgers were really good, and I got sweet potato fries to go with mine - mmmmmmm. My one complaint is for such a gourmet burger place, they were lacking in the sauce department. For example, you could get swiss and pineapple, but they didn't have tereyaki sauce to go with it. A pest mayo, and a chipoltle mayo would have been good options as well. Basically just ketchup, mustard, and A-1 sauce. The sauces they DID have, (there were some sauces that you could add for like 50 cents), were not very appealing.
However, I WOULD go back, it is a very tasty place.
After we ate we walked back to our hotel via Mandalay Bay, Luxor (checking out the new upstairs) and Excalibur.... before crossing the bridges back to MGM.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Vegas - Saturday
Today, we headed over to the Paris hotel again and had lunch at Mon Ami Gabi, the restaurant at the base of the Eiffel tower. It was REALLY good. I had a ham and cheese crepe, and Grant had a Croque Monsieur.
After that, we drove to the Venetian, and then walked over to look at the brand new Pallazzo; its grand opening was today. The lobby was beautiful, very bright with a towering waterfall. Afterwards, we walked over to the Wynn, and then across the street to the Fashion Show Mall. Macy's was having a clearance, I had a gift card from one of my students, and I ended up buying two cute skirts for work.
Next, we walked to Treasure Island and then crossed back to the Venetian, where we saw "Phantom of the Opera." I must say, this production is amazing! Every performer in the cast was top notch. The theater, which was built for the production, is perfect in every way, with special effects and immersive seating and sound. Our seats were in the front of the balcony, which was a nice perspective because we could see everythign that was going on. A GREAT show!
After the show, we went to dinner at "Grand Lux," which is owned by Cheesecake Factory, but with a more International flare. I had these amazing Asian Nachos, which were fried won tons with cheese, peanut sauce, chili sauce, and a creamy wasabi sauce. Oh my god, they were SO GOOD!
After that, we drove to the Venetian, and then walked over to look at the brand new Pallazzo; its grand opening was today. The lobby was beautiful, very bright with a towering waterfall. Afterwards, we walked over to the Wynn, and then across the street to the Fashion Show Mall. Macy's was having a clearance, I had a gift card from one of my students, and I ended up buying two cute skirts for work.
Next, we walked to Treasure Island and then crossed back to the Venetian, where we saw "Phantom of the Opera." I must say, this production is amazing! Every performer in the cast was top notch. The theater, which was built for the production, is perfect in every way, with special effects and immersive seating and sound. Our seats were in the front of the balcony, which was a nice perspective because we could see everythign that was going on. A GREAT show!
After the show, we went to dinner at "Grand Lux," which is owned by Cheesecake Factory, but with a more International flare. I had these amazing Asian Nachos, which were fried won tons with cheese, peanut sauce, chili sauce, and a creamy wasabi sauce. Oh my god, they were SO GOOD!
Vegas
Grant and I are back in Vegas for MLK Jr. weekend. It is the weekend after the primaries (Hillary took Nevada), and there is the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Tour at the MGM.
Grant drove out Thursday night, because we certainly did not want to sit in Friday traffic. He spent the night at the Planet Hollywood hotel, and said that the rooms were really big. I left school a bit early and caught a 4:00 flight out of LAX ( since I didn't have any luggage, I got there at 3 and zipped right through security.
Grant picked me up and we headed straight to Paris and had dinner at the Paris buffet. After dinner, we saw The Producers, starring Tony Danza. Grant had picked up half priced tickets to the show earlier that day. The show itself was very good. We were in the 2nd to last row and it didn't matter at all; the theater is small and cozy. The crowd itself was sort of dull; very little enthusiasm. At the end, though, one lady made up for it by standing up next to the stage during the final number and clapping with her hands high above her head. They didn't escort her back to her seat, however, until she went up and tried to have a conversation with the conductor, who was trying to lead the musicians in the curtain call. funny lady.
After the show, we went to Walmart and got some groceries. Then we went back to our hotel. We're staying at the MGM Signature again. This time, we are in tower 2, on the 25th floor. Our room faces the strip and we have a balcony, which is cool and slightly disorienting when you go out and look down. (o:
Grant drove out Thursday night, because we certainly did not want to sit in Friday traffic. He spent the night at the Planet Hollywood hotel, and said that the rooms were really big. I left school a bit early and caught a 4:00 flight out of LAX ( since I didn't have any luggage, I got there at 3 and zipped right through security.
Grant picked me up and we headed straight to Paris and had dinner at the Paris buffet. After dinner, we saw The Producers, starring Tony Danza. Grant had picked up half priced tickets to the show earlier that day. The show itself was very good. We were in the 2nd to last row and it didn't matter at all; the theater is small and cozy. The crowd itself was sort of dull; very little enthusiasm. At the end, though, one lady made up for it by standing up next to the stage during the final number and clapping with her hands high above her head. They didn't escort her back to her seat, however, until she went up and tried to have a conversation with the conductor, who was trying to lead the musicians in the curtain call. funny lady.
After the show, we went to Walmart and got some groceries. Then we went back to our hotel. We're staying at the MGM Signature again. This time, we are in tower 2, on the 25th floor. Our room faces the strip and we have a balcony, which is cool and slightly disorienting when you go out and look down. (o:
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