(Written by Beverley, to be edited by others)
Waking up, last minute packing and then into the cab/shuttle bus to the airport.
Our only grey day in Seattle...no rain, the whole time though, despite it raining 200 days of the year...we were very lucky.
Arriving at the airport and trying to check in, overweight and so repacking taking place...though staff did let us to check in extra bags at no extra cost.
Went through security, ate some lunch and after looking at the shops but not buying anything because not really tax free and our limited allowance because of transferring in Iceland.
Got on the flight at 4, took off at 4:30 and we were on our way home.
We arrived back in the UK at 11am on Sunday and there our American Dream ends.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Day 29 - Seattle Number 2
(written by Beverley, to be edited by others)
The people staying at Kishan’s cousin’s house had fun lugging the suitcases we had UPS-ed there up from the basement! Charis and Rowena delivered Beverley and Jamie theirs at the hotel and then the four of them took the car back to the rental car office. After a tearful goodbye to our loyal Kia Sedona, which had not failed us the whole time, much to our relief, we headed down to Pike Place Market.
We spent the majority of the day in Pike Place Market, just browsing the shops and stalls...seeing fish being thrown etc. We met up with Kishan and Luke at 3pm in the Original Starbucks and then went to sit looking at the sea nearby. After sitting here for a while, we decided on a change in location...so in British style, we went to sit in a pub. We went to Pike Place Brewery. Here the girls tried the lightest beer (Naughty Nellie) on the menu, a good choice as Beverley discovered when her and Jamie did the sampler (small cups of 6 different types of Pike’s beer from lightest to darkest)
We ate food in this pub too which was tasty, first time Charis had ever eaten Prawn and rice in a pub! After food, we headed in the direction of the space needle. We split paths on the way, with Beverley and Jamie returning to the hotel to pack bags, the C,K,L,R going on to the 7Eleven by the needle and then heading back to pack bags till gone 11pm, and Luke going to the Sky Needle for dinner before heading to bed at Kishan’s cousin's.
The people staying at Kishan’s cousin’s house had fun lugging the suitcases we had UPS-ed there up from the basement! Charis and Rowena delivered Beverley and Jamie theirs at the hotel and then the four of them took the car back to the rental car office. After a tearful goodbye to our loyal Kia Sedona, which had not failed us the whole time, much to our relief, we headed down to Pike Place Market.
We spent the majority of the day in Pike Place Market, just browsing the shops and stalls...seeing fish being thrown etc. We met up with Kishan and Luke at 3pm in the Original Starbucks and then went to sit looking at the sea nearby. After sitting here for a while, we decided on a change in location...so in British style, we went to sit in a pub. We went to Pike Place Brewery. Here the girls tried the lightest beer (Naughty Nellie) on the menu, a good choice as Beverley discovered when her and Jamie did the sampler (small cups of 6 different types of Pike’s beer from lightest to darkest)
We ate food in this pub too which was tasty, first time Charis had ever eaten Prawn and rice in a pub! After food, we headed in the direction of the space needle. We split paths on the way, with Beverley and Jamie returning to the hotel to pack bags, the C,K,L,R going on to the 7Eleven by the needle and then heading back to pack bags till gone 11pm, and Luke going to the Sky Needle for dinner before heading to bed at Kishan’s cousin's.
Day 28 - Seattle
(written by Beverley, to be edited by the others)
We arrived in Seattle, our first two stops were viewing points of the city, where we took photos of the skyline, made famous by the show Frasier. After this we headed to the Pioneer Square area and went on the Underground Seattle tour after lunch in the cafe where the tickets were sold. The underground Seattle tour took you under the street level to show you the ‘ground’ floor of each building. Basically after a fire and floods, Seattle decided to build up their street level...businesses weren’t prepared to wait 25 years for this to happen, so rebuilt in 1889, but with the ground floor and the first floor having entry ways into the building, ready for street level to be raised 10-35ft by the government at a later date. Walking underground, you therefore saw the original ground floor entries.
After the tour, we went in search of luggage for all the excess we’d accumulated and decided Chinatown would be a good bet. However the China town was small and there was no luggage place in siight. Having failed in our mission, we dropped Beverley and Jamie off at their hotel to check in. After this, they just chilled in the hotel and then for a wander to the Sky Needle and then to Hurricane Cafe for dinner. They then stayed up late watching Doc Martin to re-culture themselves to Britishness.
The others meanwhile, took a walk down to Pikes Place still in search of suitcases, finding one in Ross (kind of like TK Max), then trundled it back to the car.Then headed to Wal*Mart and brought pasta and sauce for a dinner which they then cooked at Kishan's cousin’s house where they were staying.
We arrived in Seattle, our first two stops were viewing points of the city, where we took photos of the skyline, made famous by the show Frasier. After this we headed to the Pioneer Square area and went on the Underground Seattle tour after lunch in the cafe where the tickets were sold. The underground Seattle tour took you under the street level to show you the ‘ground’ floor of each building. Basically after a fire and floods, Seattle decided to build up their street level...businesses weren’t prepared to wait 25 years for this to happen, so rebuilt in 1889, but with the ground floor and the first floor having entry ways into the building, ready for street level to be raised 10-35ft by the government at a later date. Walking underground, you therefore saw the original ground floor entries.
After the tour, we went in search of luggage for all the excess we’d accumulated and decided Chinatown would be a good bet. However the China town was small and there was no luggage place in siight. Having failed in our mission, we dropped Beverley and Jamie off at their hotel to check in. After this, they just chilled in the hotel and then for a wander to the Sky Needle and then to Hurricane Cafe for dinner. They then stayed up late watching Doc Martin to re-culture themselves to Britishness.
The others meanwhile, took a walk down to Pikes Place still in search of suitcases, finding one in Ross (kind of like TK Max), then trundled it back to the car.Then headed to Wal*Mart and brought pasta and sauce for a dinner which they then cooked at Kishan's cousin’s house where they were staying.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Day 27 – Eugene/Springfield to Olympia/Tumwater
We started off our day with a trip to a tax free shopping centre. Jamie and Beverley took up place in the Starbucks to avoid temptation whilst the others went to spend their pennies. We met up for lunch in Quizno’s before heading to Wal*Mart, where Jamie did give in to temptation and brought a PS3.
After this, headed to David Hill Winery to wine taste and buy a bottle or two. After playing with the dogs that were hanging about and letting the wine wear off, headed back on the road to Tumwater for the night.
We arrived and then went to a Mexican restaurant around the corner...and then as always headed to bed after to prepare us for the day ahead.
After this, headed to David Hill Winery to wine taste and buy a bottle or two. After playing with the dogs that were hanging about and letting the wine wear off, headed back on the road to Tumwater for the night.
We arrived and then went to a Mexican restaurant around the corner...and then as always headed to bed after to prepare us for the day ahead.
Day 26 - San Fran to Eugene/Springfield
Pretty much just a day of driving...started off the day by getting tires filled with air as they were running pretty flat after 5500 miles! They were filled by two guys at the station, still not sure if they were employed there or just doing it for cash, either way we were pumped up and ready to go the next 532 miles. Headed back over the Bay Bridge and onto Interstate 5.
On our journey, we passed by Mt Shasta and the Castle Crags, and stopped in a town called Weed nearby to these. Some very pretty scenery on the way and Beverley had some fun driving down steep hills again.
We arrived in Springfield and headed to the Outback Steakhouse for dinner. It was tasty, and tasted even better when the cost was below that on the menu when the bills came and the lack of tax on top....it was almost like being back in the UK.
After this, headed back to Motel 6 to chill, do washing and then head to bed.
On our journey, we passed by Mt Shasta and the Castle Crags, and stopped in a town called Weed nearby to these. Some very pretty scenery on the way and Beverley had some fun driving down steep hills again.
We arrived in Springfield and headed to the Outback Steakhouse for dinner. It was tasty, and tasted even better when the cost was below that on the menu when the bills came and the lack of tax on top....it was almost like being back in the UK.
After this, headed back to Motel 6 to chill, do washing and then head to bed.
Day 25 - San Fran Day 2
Got up and after a breakfast where Kishan had 3 pastries! We headed to union square to get the bus to Fisherman’s Wharf so we could get the ferry over to Alcatraz....the bus set off later than we expected, so with some quick marching, we made it to the terminal.
One arriving on the island, the group split....Jamie and Beverley decided to go to the cells first at the top of the hill and the others opted for working from top to bottom.
J&B, got the audio tour from the shower room in Alcatraz and worked their way around. It was definitely a worthwhile experience...the prison was so run down and unpleasant. The thing that was most unpleasant and eerie though for Beverley was stepping inside the solitary confinement cells....it was extremely creepy, even for the brief few seconds, and definitely not something she’d want to have to experience on a longer basis. After doing the tour, they made it to the next ferry and then ran to catch the 1:30 Golden Gate Bridge tour. It was packed! They managed to find seats on top and had the windswept journey across the bridge...and windswept it was. After a brief stop on the other side, the bus journeyed back into San Francisco.
J&B got off at stop number 10 which was by Lombard Street, the ‘crookedest’ street in the world. Basically, instead of being a straight line down the hill, it weaves back and forward. After the steep inclined up the back of it, and the walk down it and picture taking, J&B headed for food. They found a pizza place near the Cannery (where Canning of food took place) and then they headed to Ghiradelli Square for pudding. Ghiradelli (a chocolate brand) had its first shop here; J&B had a look around the shop and then ate a rather scrummy but very sweet ‘Gold Rush’ – Vanilla Ice Cream with hot fudge and peanut butter sauce. After this, they headed back to the hotel via the cable car, because a trip to San Francisco would not be complete without one.
Luke, Kishan, Charis and Rowena meanwhile.... started off watching a video documentary on Alcatraz before heading to the audio tour shower room beginning. Ro commented that the shower room reminded her of a milking parlour. They walked around and then attended a talk on Al Capone with a ranger called Al. After this they took the ferry back and then did some tourist shopping before getting the Golden Gate Bridge tour, which was windy. They then did Lombard street which was very steep and then to cable car to market street. Hopping on the Muni train, they went to check out Castro, the gay district of San Francisco. They saw the Harvey Milk Memorial at the former Castro Cameras, the store that Harvey Milk operated in San Francisco, and now sells jewellery. They stopped off at the Human Rights Campaign store where Luke bought a Kenneth Cole t-shirt. Afterwards, they had a drink at Harvey’s Bar on Castro Street. Rowena and Charis had beer, Kishan had lemonade and Luke had a Harvey’s Mai Tai. Took a tram to Union Square and then walked to China Town for dinner. They then took a taxi back to the hotel. In all they took 7 modes of transport that day...no wonder Kishan was so shattered he tried to let himself into the wrong room when they got back to the hotel.
One arriving on the island, the group split....Jamie and Beverley decided to go to the cells first at the top of the hill and the others opted for working from top to bottom.
J&B, got the audio tour from the shower room in Alcatraz and worked their way around. It was definitely a worthwhile experience...the prison was so run down and unpleasant. The thing that was most unpleasant and eerie though for Beverley was stepping inside the solitary confinement cells....it was extremely creepy, even for the brief few seconds, and definitely not something she’d want to have to experience on a longer basis. After doing the tour, they made it to the next ferry and then ran to catch the 1:30 Golden Gate Bridge tour. It was packed! They managed to find seats on top and had the windswept journey across the bridge...and windswept it was. After a brief stop on the other side, the bus journeyed back into San Francisco.
J&B got off at stop number 10 which was by Lombard Street, the ‘crookedest’ street in the world. Basically, instead of being a straight line down the hill, it weaves back and forward. After the steep inclined up the back of it, and the walk down it and picture taking, J&B headed for food. They found a pizza place near the Cannery (where Canning of food took place) and then they headed to Ghiradelli Square for pudding. Ghiradelli (a chocolate brand) had its first shop here; J&B had a look around the shop and then ate a rather scrummy but very sweet ‘Gold Rush’ – Vanilla Ice Cream with hot fudge and peanut butter sauce. After this, they headed back to the hotel via the cable car, because a trip to San Francisco would not be complete without one.
Luke, Kishan, Charis and Rowena meanwhile.... started off watching a video documentary on Alcatraz before heading to the audio tour shower room beginning. Ro commented that the shower room reminded her of a milking parlour. They walked around and then attended a talk on Al Capone with a ranger called Al. After this they took the ferry back and then did some tourist shopping before getting the Golden Gate Bridge tour, which was windy. They then did Lombard street which was very steep and then to cable car to market street. Hopping on the Muni train, they went to check out Castro, the gay district of San Francisco. They saw the Harvey Milk Memorial at the former Castro Cameras, the store that Harvey Milk operated in San Francisco, and now sells jewellery. They stopped off at the Human Rights Campaign store where Luke bought a Kenneth Cole t-shirt. Afterwards, they had a drink at Harvey’s Bar on Castro Street. Rowena and Charis had beer, Kishan had lemonade and Luke had a Harvey’s Mai Tai. Took a tram to Union Square and then walked to China Town for dinner. They then took a taxi back to the hotel. In all they took 7 modes of transport that day...no wonder Kishan was so shattered he tried to let himself into the wrong room when they got back to the hotel.
Day 24 – San Francisco
Entered San Francisco over the Bay Bridge- which in fact is longer than the Golden Gate bridge, completed one year before, is two tiered and is sinking 1.5 inches each year as a result of the 1989 earthquake....just a few facts for you.
We parked the car and headed for Union Square, the site of the first underground car park. On our way we saw the famous San Francisco cable cars being turned around at Market. Arriving at the square, we were convinced to get a dodgy looking tour bus, but for $28 and 4 tours for the price of two usually, we couldn’t really complain. We jumped on the downtown loop to go to Fisherman’s Wharf...we were told that the lighthouse on Alcatraz was the first ever...what I think the tour guide meant to say was that it was the first one on the North Pacific coast line! We headed to pier 33, and got tickets to visit Alcatraz the next day and then jumped back on the bus to get back to Union Square for the 1:30 Golden Gate Park tour.
The park however, was closed on a Sunday... (Or so we were told...Beverley believes that yes the ordinary entrance was closed but that the driver missed the alternative he was directed too as she saw another bus inside the park!) Instead of being taken around the parks, the driver instead took us to see all the ‘beautiful’ (his catchphrase) things around the area. We saw lots of ‘painted ladies’ which are painted Victorian properties. He took us back via Alamo Square, where we saw the most photographed/postcard painted ladies.
After arriving back, we took a stop into Starbucks to warm up, and Rowena got another free coffee for guessing the difference between real and instant. We then did a brief stop in Borders before hopping on the ‘Night’ tour – if you can call 5pm and daylight, night time. This tour took us on a slightly different route so we could get a good view of the Bay Bridge.
We headed back to the hotel and Luke and Kishan got talking to a teacher collecting money for supplies in exchange for I heart SF stickers. When we got back to the hotel, decided to go for dinner nearby and so headed to Basil, a Thai restaurant a few doors down...very tasty food.
Back to the hotel to overhear a domestic in the room next door, and eventually to sleep.
We parked the car and headed for Union Square, the site of the first underground car park. On our way we saw the famous San Francisco cable cars being turned around at Market. Arriving at the square, we were convinced to get a dodgy looking tour bus, but for $28 and 4 tours for the price of two usually, we couldn’t really complain. We jumped on the downtown loop to go to Fisherman’s Wharf...we were told that the lighthouse on Alcatraz was the first ever...what I think the tour guide meant to say was that it was the first one on the North Pacific coast line! We headed to pier 33, and got tickets to visit Alcatraz the next day and then jumped back on the bus to get back to Union Square for the 1:30 Golden Gate Park tour.
The park however, was closed on a Sunday... (Or so we were told...Beverley believes that yes the ordinary entrance was closed but that the driver missed the alternative he was directed too as she saw another bus inside the park!) Instead of being taken around the parks, the driver instead took us to see all the ‘beautiful’ (his catchphrase) things around the area. We saw lots of ‘painted ladies’ which are painted Victorian properties. He took us back via Alamo Square, where we saw the most photographed/postcard painted ladies.
After arriving back, we took a stop into Starbucks to warm up, and Rowena got another free coffee for guessing the difference between real and instant. We then did a brief stop in Borders before hopping on the ‘Night’ tour – if you can call 5pm and daylight, night time. This tour took us on a slightly different route so we could get a good view of the Bay Bridge.
We headed back to the hotel and Luke and Kishan got talking to a teacher collecting money for supplies in exchange for I heart SF stickers. When we got back to the hotel, decided to go for dinner nearby and so headed to Basil, a Thai restaurant a few doors down...very tasty food.
Back to the hotel to overhear a domestic in the room next door, and eventually to sleep.
Day 23 – Driving from Santa Barbara to San Francisco
We took the Pacific Highway number 1/101 along the coast. This was a good choice in terms of the lovely coastal views, not so good a choice in terms of how windy and up and down the roads were. They left us all feeling a little car sick. We also got stuck behind some slow motorcyclist, the passenger of one of the bikes keep turning around and taking pictures.
We stopped for lunch at a cafe on a hill overlooking the ocean, it was very pretty and quite a quiet little spot. We continued on after, opting for the interstate instead for a calmer journey. We finally stopped at a Mall to plan the next move.
Rowena managed to guess the instant coffee from the real one whilst we pow-wowed in Starbucks. And then we all went for a shop for jumpers, as it was damn cold compared to the heat of LA! Though some of us did some spending beyond jumpers!
We drove on to Fremont to rest our heads, deciding to make the final leg to San Francisco the next day when we could find hotels for cheaper. Had Japanese for dinner – Luke’s was most interesting, opting for the Sushi, which among other things included seahorse/tentacles...we’re still not sure which!
We stopped for lunch at a cafe on a hill overlooking the ocean, it was very pretty and quite a quiet little spot. We continued on after, opting for the interstate instead for a calmer journey. We finally stopped at a Mall to plan the next move.
Rowena managed to guess the instant coffee from the real one whilst we pow-wowed in Starbucks. And then we all went for a shop for jumpers, as it was damn cold compared to the heat of LA! Though some of us did some spending beyond jumpers!
We drove on to Fremont to rest our heads, deciding to make the final leg to San Francisco the next day when we could find hotels for cheaper. Had Japanese for dinner – Luke’s was most interesting, opting for the Sushi, which among other things included seahorse/tentacles...we’re still not sure which!
Day 22 - A Day in LA
After a light breakfast in our Hollywood decorated Days Inn (paintings of movie characters lined the walls and doors of the outside of the hotel), we headed off to catch the metro 2 stops to the Chinese Theatre show. After a brief walk along the walk of fame, we came across the ticket booth for the Starline City Sightseeing Tour we had decided to take. We ‘Hopped on’ the Red Hollywood loop and headed to the Old Beverly Hills Post office to make a transfer onto the Santa Monica/Beverley Hills loop. We were a bit disappointed as the sound system was not working so we missed out on commentary of what we were seeing, but we passed the Guitar Centre’s Walk of Fame, Château Marmont and the Comedy Store.
Nearby the Old Post Office was the city hall used as the police headquarters in Beverley Hills Cop. We headed on the yellow loop (which had commentary!) and passed by Brentwood and Beverly Hills itself, getting to see the houses of the stars from afar. We finally reached Santa Monica beach, where we saw the lifeguard stations that feature on Baywatch, and Malibu in the distances along the coast. Then we walked down the pier that Forrest Gump turned around on and said he’ll just keep going! And so did we - on our trip of crossing America. Back onto the bus and back onto the post office to do the rest of the red loop, we stopped briefly at the post office whilst waiting for the bus to do some mandatory posing with a Beverly Hills sign.
Along the red route again, we stopped to get a Pinks Hot Dog...which are apparently famous, the queue however was not so favourable and so we opted for a Hot Wings place, though none of us actually had hot wings. Back on the bus to the Chinese Theatre to switch to the Downtown loop. When we got back to the Theatre, it was much busier than first thing in the morning, more ‘stars’ around – people dressed up as characters from films there to be photographed for tips...
The downtown bus, we had a real life person giving commentary...he thought he was funny but all he got was a polite smile from the crowd...but at least he wasn’t as repetitive as the automated English man voice we had on the previous bus. We passed Walt Disney Concert Hall, the first fire-station and other random ‘landmarks’ and after a 2 hour trip ended up back at the Chinese Theatre.
We finally went inside to look at the feet and hands. We discovered the Jamie has the same size feet as Johnny Depp and Adam Sandler and Rowena’s were the same as John Wayne’s. Charis had the same size hands as Elizabeth Taylor and Julie Andrews had really tiny hands. We decided that those stars which were wearing shoes (especially heels!) were cheating and that everyone should be required to do it barefoot so more accurate comparisons could be made.
We finished our comparisons and went to Johnny Rockets for dinner, then picked up the car from our motel and headed on to Santa Barbara for the night.
Nearby the Old Post Office was the city hall used as the police headquarters in Beverley Hills Cop. We headed on the yellow loop (which had commentary!) and passed by Brentwood and Beverly Hills itself, getting to see the houses of the stars from afar. We finally reached Santa Monica beach, where we saw the lifeguard stations that feature on Baywatch, and Malibu in the distances along the coast. Then we walked down the pier that Forrest Gump turned around on and said he’ll just keep going! And so did we - on our trip of crossing America. Back onto the bus and back onto the post office to do the rest of the red loop, we stopped briefly at the post office whilst waiting for the bus to do some mandatory posing with a Beverly Hills sign.
Along the red route again, we stopped to get a Pinks Hot Dog...which are apparently famous, the queue however was not so favourable and so we opted for a Hot Wings place, though none of us actually had hot wings. Back on the bus to the Chinese Theatre to switch to the Downtown loop. When we got back to the Theatre, it was much busier than first thing in the morning, more ‘stars’ around – people dressed up as characters from films there to be photographed for tips...
The downtown bus, we had a real life person giving commentary...he thought he was funny but all he got was a polite smile from the crowd...but at least he wasn’t as repetitive as the automated English man voice we had on the previous bus. We passed Walt Disney Concert Hall, the first fire-station and other random ‘landmarks’ and after a 2 hour trip ended up back at the Chinese Theatre.
We finally went inside to look at the feet and hands. We discovered the Jamie has the same size feet as Johnny Depp and Adam Sandler and Rowena’s were the same as John Wayne’s. Charis had the same size hands as Elizabeth Taylor and Julie Andrews had really tiny hands. We decided that those stars which were wearing shoes (especially heels!) were cheating and that everyone should be required to do it barefoot so more accurate comparisons could be made.
We finished our comparisons and went to Johnny Rockets for dinner, then picked up the car from our motel and headed on to Santa Barbara for the night.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Day 21 - San Diego to LA
After breakfasts were gathered from various places, we left around 10:30am. The traffic wasn’t as bad as we expected, it continued moving but was busy. We detoured via Rowena’s old work place’s LA office in downtown, so we drove into the city centre, passing Walk Disney’s concert hall. For the first time, Charis didn’t give us an unintentional tour of the city. We parked up and went to find food, ending up in a food court in Macy’s Plaza. Luke went solo to Rodeo Drive, and spent money....
After food and a book purchase later, we headed on to find the hotel. Coming off the freeway and onto Hollywood Blvd, we caught a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. Checked in, and then went for walk to go get a picture of the sign, hard to do due to all the wires as residential area. After our walk, went and relaxed by the pool...Beverley read her new book, Jamie listened to music, Kishan, Ro and Charis swam and then read books.
Waited for Luke to return from his shopping spree, and then went to explore ‘Thai town’, settling for a yummy Thai dinner just a few minutes up the road, complete with deep fried ice cream for pudding.
After food and a book purchase later, we headed on to find the hotel. Coming off the freeway and onto Hollywood Blvd, we caught a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. Checked in, and then went for walk to go get a picture of the sign, hard to do due to all the wires as residential area. After our walk, went and relaxed by the pool...Beverley read her new book, Jamie listened to music, Kishan, Ro and Charis swam and then read books.
Waited for Luke to return from his shopping spree, and then went to explore ‘Thai town’, settling for a yummy Thai dinner just a few minutes up the road, complete with deep fried ice cream for pudding.
Beverley, Jamie, Luke and Kishan headed out at 9:20 to catch the ‘Old Town Trolley Tour’ bus from Little Italy a few streets away. After a little while, the bus arrived and they jumped on. They were transported to old Town, which is the original site of San Diego before the Bay was developed and the settlement moved there. There were lots of free museums in the area, mostly of old school houses and homes and then old style shops.
The gang decided to check out the Sheriff museum which provided for some photo opportunities. There was an unlocked sheriff car in the courtyard, Luke went into the back seat and closed the door, not realising there wouldn’t be any handles inside to get back out! We looked around the museum, and did some more posing on a police motorcycle before battling school children and deciding to leave.
Hopping back on the bus, we continued on the route past the harbour but got off at the Seaport village, which had more shops and restaurants. After a short stay, got back on to check out Coronado, via the gaslamp quarter, and the Petco baseball stadium, and Dole Bananas. We checked out both stops in Coronado, the Ferry landing (more shops and restaurants) and Orange Avenue, which had a beach (4th best in the USA) and a fancy looking hotel. Whilst getting lunch in a bagel shop, we ran into Charis and Rowena. After lunching together, we went on to Balboa Park, which is known as the ‘Smithsonian of the West’ due to the multiple museums there (though they aren’t free like in Washington.) Went on a tram trip as it was free to see a little bit more of the park and then just wandered up and down the paths for a bit and saw army cadets in training. We went into Zoah’s garden and Jamie climbed a tree. After this, headed back to Little Italy, on the same bus as Charis and Rowena in the end.
Charis and Rowena overslept in the morning, found a muffin and coffee for breakfast and brought stamps and a Citibank, before making it onto the bus tour. Did a full loop of the tour, got off at old Town and wandered around the market. Got back on then went back to Coronado looking for lunch, got off at the first stop (the ferry landing) and decided not much there so headed to the Orange Avenue stop, which is where the others ran into them. After lunch, took a leisurely stroll on the beach and discovered the sea was a bit chilly. Then got back on the bus to head back to the city, the same bus the others boarded at Balboa park.
In the evening, went to Baja Fresh for Fish Tacos, as San Diego was the birth place of the Baja chain. Then back to the hotel to book and plan LA.
The gang decided to check out the Sheriff museum which provided for some photo opportunities. There was an unlocked sheriff car in the courtyard, Luke went into the back seat and closed the door, not realising there wouldn’t be any handles inside to get back out! We looked around the museum, and did some more posing on a police motorcycle before battling school children and deciding to leave.
Hopping back on the bus, we continued on the route past the harbour but got off at the Seaport village, which had more shops and restaurants. After a short stay, got back on to check out Coronado, via the gaslamp quarter, and the Petco baseball stadium, and Dole Bananas. We checked out both stops in Coronado, the Ferry landing (more shops and restaurants) and Orange Avenue, which had a beach (4th best in the USA) and a fancy looking hotel. Whilst getting lunch in a bagel shop, we ran into Charis and Rowena. After lunching together, we went on to Balboa Park, which is known as the ‘Smithsonian of the West’ due to the multiple museums there (though they aren’t free like in Washington.) Went on a tram trip as it was free to see a little bit more of the park and then just wandered up and down the paths for a bit and saw army cadets in training. We went into Zoah’s garden and Jamie climbed a tree. After this, headed back to Little Italy, on the same bus as Charis and Rowena in the end.
Charis and Rowena overslept in the morning, found a muffin and coffee for breakfast and brought stamps and a Citibank, before making it onto the bus tour. Did a full loop of the tour, got off at old Town and wandered around the market. Got back on then went back to Coronado looking for lunch, got off at the first stop (the ferry landing) and decided not much there so headed to the Orange Avenue stop, which is where the others ran into them. After lunch, took a leisurely stroll on the beach and discovered the sea was a bit chilly. Then got back on the bus to head back to the city, the same bus the others boarded at Balboa park.
In the evening, went to Baja Fresh for Fish Tacos, as San Diego was the birth place of the Baja chain. Then back to the hotel to book and plan LA.
Day 19 - Las Vegas to San Diego
After breakfast was eaten and bags were packed, headed out of Las Vegas at 11am. Uneventful drive really. Beverley had another encounter with border control as we entered into California. Stopped for lunch at Carl’s Jnrs after eventually making it off a busy highway. Beverley and Charis sampled the Teriyaki burger...basically a burger with sauce and a pineapple, it was tasty. Charis as always gave us an unintended tour of San Diego upon entry by being in a lane that turned into an exit only lane.
After arriving and finding only one reservation instead of two...when in fact for that hotel we needed 3 rooms...we eventually got to the rooms. We walked down to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner. Lots of restaurants on the street, we were drawn into one with the offer of two free desserts. We had an Italian meal in the restaurant called Asti Ristorante, the two free desserts were Tiramisu. Beverley had a Canolli and Rowena had a Chocolate Cake with melting middle. Then back to the hotel to sleep.
After arriving and finding only one reservation instead of two...when in fact for that hotel we needed 3 rooms...we eventually got to the rooms. We walked down to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner. Lots of restaurants on the street, we were drawn into one with the offer of two free desserts. We had an Italian meal in the restaurant called Asti Ristorante, the two free desserts were Tiramisu. Beverley had a Canolli and Rowena had a Chocolate Cake with melting middle. Then back to the hotel to sleep.
Day 18 - Las Vegas
Beverley and Jamie got up for Le Village buffet breakfast in Paris (though Beverley was still full from the night before.) After Jamie gorged on food, went back to the room and collected a Luke to head to the swimming pool. Luke decided to leave soon after (see below for his tale.) B& J, after chilling by the pool and then in the pool for a bit, went for a wander around Las Vegas, they headed south, to New York New York and had a coffee in ‘Greenwich’ after this a trip to Excalibur, MGM Grand and a few others along the way. They finally ended up watching fountain show from the Bellagio around 5:30 before meeting the others in the hotel at 6pm.
Charis and Ro had a lie in, the beds were very comfortable. They were the lucky ones and got queen beds to themselves, as opposed to having to share due to our rotational schedule. After attempting to get into the same Buffet B&J went to, they opted for the Boulingerie instead, Charis having a waffle and Ro a pain au chocolate. Showering and then heading out to wander the strip, they checked out the Flamingos, which they had failed to see the night before. They weaved their way to Treasure Island, Venetian and a mall at the end of the strip. Headed back to hotel for the pool for a couple of hours, topping up their tan, until meeting the rest at 6 and checking out the weather channel.
Kishan went in search of breakfast at Serendipity, a New York favourite, he failed however due to sleeping in late. Instead he opted for Crepes at La Creperie. He then ran into Luke as he headed to the elevator. Between leaving Beverley and Jamie at the pool and running into Kishan, Luke had spent time just running around the hotel. Luke and Kishan then headed to MGM to see the Lions, to Tropicana and had a game of Roulette, to the Luxor, Excalibur and New York New York and then to the Bellagio. Back to hotel to the pool where met Charis and Rowena, after a while, Kishan, Charis and Rowena retired back to the hotel room whilst Luke went in the hot tub. Before meeting everyone at 6.
In the evening, all went for a buffet meal in Le Village in the hotel. After this headed up the Eiffel Tower for a view of Las Vegas from above, where we also saw Bellagio’s water fountain show, this was very pretty. After this we walked up to view the pirate show at Treasure Island, which was very painful to watch due to the poor acting, soundtrack of the ‘talking’, lack of story line, scantily clad women and dopey men. After this Ro and Charis headed off to see the Luxor, Luke, Kishan, Beverley and Jamie went to look at the Venetian, but the Gondolas were no longer running to get the full impression. After Luke and Kishan headed to the Mirage, whilst Beverley and Jamie went in search for computerised Roulette machine (they failed, but Jamie did manage to win $10 on the table Roulette by placing $10 on black.) Whilst this was going on, Charis and Rowena went on the epic expedition (the whole length of the strip basically) ended up lost in a car park in New York but eventually made it to the Luxor, having satisfied coke and chocolate milk cravings and to bed around 2am.
Joke/Trick of the day – Charis and Ro posted a note under the bedroom door say ‘We’ve won $1000 and have gone shopping’ All of us believed them!! Unfortunately Lady Luck was not on all of our sides this trip – the most lost was $30, the maximum profit was $3- naming no names.
Charis and Ro had a lie in, the beds were very comfortable. They were the lucky ones and got queen beds to themselves, as opposed to having to share due to our rotational schedule. After attempting to get into the same Buffet B&J went to, they opted for the Boulingerie instead, Charis having a waffle and Ro a pain au chocolate. Showering and then heading out to wander the strip, they checked out the Flamingos, which they had failed to see the night before. They weaved their way to Treasure Island, Venetian and a mall at the end of the strip. Headed back to hotel for the pool for a couple of hours, topping up their tan, until meeting the rest at 6 and checking out the weather channel.
Kishan went in search of breakfast at Serendipity, a New York favourite, he failed however due to sleeping in late. Instead he opted for Crepes at La Creperie. He then ran into Luke as he headed to the elevator. Between leaving Beverley and Jamie at the pool and running into Kishan, Luke had spent time just running around the hotel. Luke and Kishan then headed to MGM to see the Lions, to Tropicana and had a game of Roulette, to the Luxor, Excalibur and New York New York and then to the Bellagio. Back to hotel to the pool where met Charis and Rowena, after a while, Kishan, Charis and Rowena retired back to the hotel room whilst Luke went in the hot tub. Before meeting everyone at 6.
In the evening, all went for a buffet meal in Le Village in the hotel. After this headed up the Eiffel Tower for a view of Las Vegas from above, where we also saw Bellagio’s water fountain show, this was very pretty. After this we walked up to view the pirate show at Treasure Island, which was very painful to watch due to the poor acting, soundtrack of the ‘talking’, lack of story line, scantily clad women and dopey men. After this Ro and Charis headed off to see the Luxor, Luke, Kishan, Beverley and Jamie went to look at the Venetian, but the Gondolas were no longer running to get the full impression. After Luke and Kishan headed to the Mirage, whilst Beverley and Jamie went in search for computerised Roulette machine (they failed, but Jamie did manage to win $10 on the table Roulette by placing $10 on black.) Whilst this was going on, Charis and Rowena went on the epic expedition (the whole length of the strip basically) ended up lost in a car park in New York but eventually made it to the Luxor, having satisfied coke and chocolate milk cravings and to bed around 2am.
Joke/Trick of the day – Charis and Ro posted a note under the bedroom door say ‘We’ve won $1000 and have gone shopping’ All of us believed them!! Unfortunately Lady Luck was not on all of our sides this trip – the most lost was $30, the maximum profit was $3- naming no names.
Day 17 - Flagstaff to Las Vegas
Took Route 66!
Rowena did mountainous driving. Beverley dealt with border control for the first time (see day 19). Charis handled the dam (a mile of driving) and Jamie battled Las Vegas streets and the rest of us were thankful for this.
We stopped on the way at
(a) A petrol station...which had a huge route 66 sign and a port-a-potty for a toilet.
(b) The Hoover Dam – It was hot walking over it...but quite impressive. We could also see the arch across the river that has been constructed for a new interstate highway, quite a feat of engineering!
Arriving in Las Vegas, Luke was like a child in a sweet shop, his eyes were everywhere trying to see everything all at the same time. We located the parking for the hotel, the self parking rather than the valet parking (we’re too poor to tip)....little did we know this would make for sweaty work, lugging bags from car to hotel check in along the windy streets of Paris. Abandoning our struggles at the elevators, we left Kishan and Luke with the bags whilst we went to located check-in. After conquering the huge line, we were set to make the voyage to the 12th floor to discover the Grail, amazing beds and rooms where everything worked and the free soaps smelt nice.
After chilling for a bit, we gathered our strength to go and find dinner. After Jamie led us North instead of South, we stopped by Bill’s Casino for 99 cents Margaritas, and brought some ‘one dollar water, one dollar water, one dollar water’ On this journey, we also found the seedier side of Vegas....at least a dozen men and women (but mostly men) or more handing out/flicking ‘business cards’ of ‘Girls, girls, girls Direct to you in 20 minutes’
We eventually made it to the Monte Carlo’s Dinner Buffet. We all stuffed ourselves, Beverley more than the others as she needed to return to the hotel for a lie down. The rest headed to gamble, via Flamingo to see the flamingo’s but couldn’t find them, eventually ending up in O’Sheas where Beverley later joined them. She arrived to Jamie having broken a Machine and pathetically waiting for it to give him his 94 cents back. We then wandered on to Caesars, where we were disappointed by the lack of Penny machines! But Charis was happy to win money but not so happy to lose it again.
After this, headed back to Paris, our hotel and gambled a bit more before heading up to our comfy beds and a good night sleep.
Rowena did mountainous driving. Beverley dealt with border control for the first time (see day 19). Charis handled the dam (a mile of driving) and Jamie battled Las Vegas streets and the rest of us were thankful for this.
We stopped on the way at
(a) A petrol station...which had a huge route 66 sign and a port-a-potty for a toilet.
(b) The Hoover Dam – It was hot walking over it...but quite impressive. We could also see the arch across the river that has been constructed for a new interstate highway, quite a feat of engineering!
Arriving in Las Vegas, Luke was like a child in a sweet shop, his eyes were everywhere trying to see everything all at the same time. We located the parking for the hotel, the self parking rather than the valet parking (we’re too poor to tip)....little did we know this would make for sweaty work, lugging bags from car to hotel check in along the windy streets of Paris. Abandoning our struggles at the elevators, we left Kishan and Luke with the bags whilst we went to located check-in. After conquering the huge line, we were set to make the voyage to the 12th floor to discover the Grail, amazing beds and rooms where everything worked and the free soaps smelt nice.
After chilling for a bit, we gathered our strength to go and find dinner. After Jamie led us North instead of South, we stopped by Bill’s Casino for 99 cents Margaritas, and brought some ‘one dollar water, one dollar water, one dollar water’ On this journey, we also found the seedier side of Vegas....at least a dozen men and women (but mostly men) or more handing out/flicking ‘business cards’ of ‘Girls, girls, girls Direct to you in 20 minutes’
We eventually made it to the Monte Carlo’s Dinner Buffet. We all stuffed ourselves, Beverley more than the others as she needed to return to the hotel for a lie down. The rest headed to gamble, via Flamingo to see the flamingo’s but couldn’t find them, eventually ending up in O’Sheas where Beverley later joined them. She arrived to Jamie having broken a Machine and pathetically waiting for it to give him his 94 cents back. We then wandered on to Caesars, where we were disappointed by the lack of Penny machines! But Charis was happy to win money but not so happy to lose it again.
After this, headed back to Paris, our hotel and gambled a bit more before heading up to our comfy beds and a good night sleep.
Day 16 - Grand Canyon
Left soon after 9:30 Arrived at the Grand Canyon around 11:30am. It was national park day and so entry was free (and we like free) After finding parking, we started with the photo taking opportunities of the great hole in the ground full of rocks. It was certainly impressive. We visited the Visitor Centre and then had a quick lunch in Market Plaza.
Beverley then went off for a walking tour with a Ranger starting at 2:30pm. The ranger told her some of the history of the area including how the trees defined whether people lived there or not. After this she attempted to catch up with the others, jumping on the shuttle bus and stopping at Hopi point, Hermits Rest and Mohave point. She was amazed by how quiet it was in places.
The rest hopped on a free shuttle bus up and down the canyon after lunch stopping at Hermits Rest, Hopi and Monument Creek Vista.
Jamie left the others to try and catch up Beverley, proving difficult when modern technology fails in the wilderness...no phone signal and no prearranged meeting point and so he just wandered about.
Having posted people at various points to track Beverley down, she was located coming off a bus at 5:30 by the visitors centre.
We left the Grand Canyon around 6 and proceeded back to Flagstaff via a brief stint on Route 66. Arriving back in Flagstaff, the next mission was dinner...after driving in circles, we decided upon Chilli’s. Huge line out the door so opted for ‘Chilli’s To Go’ Back at the motel, we ate our food and finished off the Margarita mix before heading to bed.
Beverley then went off for a walking tour with a Ranger starting at 2:30pm. The ranger told her some of the history of the area including how the trees defined whether people lived there or not. After this she attempted to catch up with the others, jumping on the shuttle bus and stopping at Hopi point, Hermits Rest and Mohave point. She was amazed by how quiet it was in places.
The rest hopped on a free shuttle bus up and down the canyon after lunch stopping at Hermits Rest, Hopi and Monument Creek Vista.
Jamie left the others to try and catch up Beverley, proving difficult when modern technology fails in the wilderness...no phone signal and no prearranged meeting point and so he just wandered about.
Having posted people at various points to track Beverley down, she was located coming off a bus at 5:30 by the visitors centre.
We left the Grand Canyon around 6 and proceeded back to Flagstaff via a brief stint on Route 66. Arriving back in Flagstaff, the next mission was dinner...after driving in circles, we decided upon Chilli’s. Huge line out the door so opted for ‘Chilli’s To Go’ Back at the motel, we ate our food and finished off the Margarita mix before heading to bed.
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