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On our way to Philadelphia - the rain started. Rain like we hadn't seen in more than two and a half months. It poured and poured and poured some more. We were taken to a motel about half an hour outside of the city centre and held ourselves up there for the rest of the day. We watched as the rain became worse, watched some TV and wrote a little. But to be truthful - it was nice to relax. Having been constantly on the go since we dropped the car off in Jacksonville, we were a little glad of the time we spent doing little to nothing.
By the morning, the rain had given up, the sun was out, and so we ventured to Philly's centre. A bus and train ride later, found us on Market West Street, a few blocks from the Liberty Bell. I didn't know much about this tourist hot spot, but we went through security and trundled on through to increase our knowledge.
Apparently it has something to do in representing the Liberty of Americans, the Freedom of Americans, and those liberties that were fought to uphold or gain. It was pretty cool to see another piece of history, so we took yet more photographs and left happy in the knowledge that we'd learnt a little.
We asked the very obliging security lady outside to help us with directions to the 'Rocky' steps... you know, the steps Stallone runs up and down incescently in the movie. (I hope you know, as I've never seen it). So roughly two hours later, a few wrong turns, a bit of shopping (for a much needed coat - so it was justified), and after a few more photos, we eventually found Rocky's memorial, walked (not ran) up the steps and posed at the top. Happy but cold, we staggered back down the steps, and walked back to the train station, more than ready to drag our bleeding stumps of feet back to the motel room.
We were going to haul ourselves over to New Jersey, to visit a shop owned by a movie Director who Callum aspires to be - but once we'd seen how far it was, we decided to spend our last few days back in New York, before our train ride to Michigan.
As we'd enjoyed the last hostel so much, we booked ourselves back in, and straight away headed down to Ground Zero. Which was quite special, and quite moving. There's construction going on there now, building new 'twin towers', lots of people taking snaps, but it felt wrong taking photographs of a site where so many had needlessly lost their lives. We sat for a while and looked on at the area of destruction, paid our respects and quietly moved on.
Wall Street was next which I'd looked forward to and it didn't disappoint, especially when we found Tiffany's! We had a wonder round and after I felt rather out of place in Tiff's we walked down to the Statue of Liberty ferry, which was quite a spectacle. Ducking from the Seagulls who we were sure were going to 'bring us luck', we docked at the island housing the big green lady - we didn't go ashore, we stayed put and arrived back on solid ground a half hour later.
The view coming back to the City was special. The buildings towered over one another, demonstrating New York's remarkable architecture, beautiful in it's simplistic modesty. I didn't want to disembark, but the crew made us, setting foot back into Battery Park, we started the long walk home, two hours later, we made it.
For the entire time I had been planning this trip, I knew I wanted to do the Sex and The City tour in New York - to see the sights in the much loved by me and many TV series and film. So what happened when I went online to book myself a seat??? FULLY BOOKED. How gutted was I??? Quite.
On our last day we went up to the Natural History Museum (Used in Night At The Museum with Ben Stiller), spent 15 bucks on getting in and spent a little over 4 hours wondering around. It was a little bit fantastic. We were educated in all eras of our quite magnificent world, came out of the building feeling a little more intelligent and hit Strawberry Fields, Central Park.
A small memorial to Mr John Lennon is surrounded by a 'quite zone' of the park. People come here to be at peace, and I could see why as it was beautiful - people repsected each others peace for the first time we'd seen in New York.
So we headed back to the hostel to pack up our belongings for the next day of travelling. Our room was full, 4 bunk beds in the space we'd put one double bed back home - trying to sort our stuff out was difficult and frustrating. We battled through and eventually everything was in it's rightful place. So off to sleep we went, ready for our train journey ahead.
More on that journey later!
Jen
Monday, 22 December 2008
Thursday, 18 December 2008
In A New York Minute
Well - what a couple of weeks we've had! We made it to NYC after our theraputic travels from D.C, hopped in a yellow cab and shoulder busted our way into our first dormitory - a little apprehensive I may say; but proved again wrong; our minutely narrow bunks welcomed us into the warm, quite respectable arms of the Broadway Hotel and Hostel.
No time to stop, we made our way through the Big Apple, down Central Park, bought a couple of books (?!) and hit the first (Irish) Pub we found. It was busy, warm and alcoholically charged - kitted out with a Christmas Tree and the most miserable host you've ever had the pleasure to meet.
We scooped a few well deserved beers and headed to Grand Central Station to meet Callum's mum. We weren't too sure where exactly in GCS we were meant to be, but as I walked on an heard only a few raucous screams I knew I'd turn round to see Cal in the arms of his mum. Sure enough the Gibson entourage were all present and correct and a good few hugs were dished out with our greetings.
Checking her son was free of physical scarring, Mrs G and pals led the way to a quaint Italian bistro and filled us with pasta and great wine - cheers guys! We caught up, drank and in good Christmas Spirit - we're extremely merry!
The next few days were spent in much the same way. They spoilt us with cocktails in Central Park and grub in the Centre of the City - it didn't and couldn't have got much better! There was ice skating, shopping and girly talk a plenty and I was ever so jealous Cal got to see his mum.
All good things must, however come to an end and as we waved them off - in their limo, no less - we skulked off to find something to do .
So up we went to see the well talked about views from the Empire State Building. And - although you're a little excited that you're standing on top of one of, if not the most famous building in the world - the views seemed a little bit of an anti-climax. I'd seen so many of these views from photos before, that I felt I'd done it before... So the camera memory a little heavier and 20 bucks down (most expensive lift journey I've ever taken!) we bought some souvenirs for the folks back home and made our way back to the next hostel - which is a little special.
In the good sense of the word - slap bang in the middle of everything, Madison Square Gardens on our door step, Central Park only a 15 minute walk away - I regretted not 'dorming it' before.
All in all we'd done everything we wanted to do. We'd been tourists without being found out - a guidance message from home instructed me to 'never get the map out on the street, don't look like a tourist - look like you belong!' So we'd been safe, people had been friendly and we'd really enjoyed ourselves.
So Monday night came and after a slice in the BEST pizzeria in NYC - we headed to the Molly Wee Pub across the street from our hostel. With all, honest intentions of having just the one drink. But after I got lost in the idea of Gin for the first time in months - one drink turned into a bunch and resulted in me getting rather squiffy and dancing the night away with a couple who took us under their wing. We had a fantastic night of Gin, Kahlua, Baileys, more Gin, Coors Lite (I don't know why) and a bit more Gin.
Suffice to say that when I woke up in the morning/afternoon - I forget which, head feeling like the Gin demons were hacking away with their tiny but very sharp pick axes, I had felt better. Adding to the bad head were the photographs I found on my camera - of me - dancing - alone. Great. Way to keep the dignity Jen!
Our time done in NYC, Philadelphia was next so we booked our tickets and off we set - vowing never to drink Gin again...for now.
Jen
No time to stop, we made our way through the Big Apple, down Central Park, bought a couple of books (?!) and hit the first (Irish) Pub we found. It was busy, warm and alcoholically charged - kitted out with a Christmas Tree and the most miserable host you've ever had the pleasure to meet.
We scooped a few well deserved beers and headed to Grand Central Station to meet Callum's mum. We weren't too sure where exactly in GCS we were meant to be, but as I walked on an heard only a few raucous screams I knew I'd turn round to see Cal in the arms of his mum. Sure enough the Gibson entourage were all present and correct and a good few hugs were dished out with our greetings.
Checking her son was free of physical scarring, Mrs G and pals led the way to a quaint Italian bistro and filled us with pasta and great wine - cheers guys! We caught up, drank and in good Christmas Spirit - we're extremely merry!
The next few days were spent in much the same way. They spoilt us with cocktails in Central Park and grub in the Centre of the City - it didn't and couldn't have got much better! There was ice skating, shopping and girly talk a plenty and I was ever so jealous Cal got to see his mum.
All good things must, however come to an end and as we waved them off - in their limo, no less - we skulked off to find something to do .
So up we went to see the well talked about views from the Empire State Building. And - although you're a little excited that you're standing on top of one of, if not the most famous building in the world - the views seemed a little bit of an anti-climax. I'd seen so many of these views from photos before, that I felt I'd done it before... So the camera memory a little heavier and 20 bucks down (most expensive lift journey I've ever taken!) we bought some souvenirs for the folks back home and made our way back to the next hostel - which is a little special.
In the good sense of the word - slap bang in the middle of everything, Madison Square Gardens on our door step, Central Park only a 15 minute walk away - I regretted not 'dorming it' before.
All in all we'd done everything we wanted to do. We'd been tourists without being found out - a guidance message from home instructed me to 'never get the map out on the street, don't look like a tourist - look like you belong!' So we'd been safe, people had been friendly and we'd really enjoyed ourselves.
So Monday night came and after a slice in the BEST pizzeria in NYC - we headed to the Molly Wee Pub across the street from our hostel. With all, honest intentions of having just the one drink. But after I got lost in the idea of Gin for the first time in months - one drink turned into a bunch and resulted in me getting rather squiffy and dancing the night away with a couple who took us under their wing. We had a fantastic night of Gin, Kahlua, Baileys, more Gin, Coors Lite (I don't know why) and a bit more Gin.
Suffice to say that when I woke up in the morning/afternoon - I forget which, head feeling like the Gin demons were hacking away with their tiny but very sharp pick axes, I had felt better. Adding to the bad head were the photographs I found on my camera - of me - dancing - alone. Great. Way to keep the dignity Jen!
Our time done in NYC, Philadelphia was next so we booked our tickets and off we set - vowing never to drink Gin again...for now.
Jen
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
The Thoughts And Musings Of A 22 Year Old Traveller
When we left D.C it was early, we were up by 6 and on our way by 8am. Callum took advantage of our much less busy, much more comfy bus and caught up on a few z's. I knew it would be a long day - getting into New York, finding our digs and then meeting the Gibson's and entourage at 6 - but I couldn't sleep.
I plugged myself into my trusty I pod and listened to a friend's band. (Arthur Rigby and The Baskervylles - look them up and give them a listen; very different from what your lugs will be used to, refreshing, laid back, lovingly written good music). And as the scenery passed me by it finally dawned on me the size of and the meaning of the epic journey we've nearly completed.
In a hippy 'love the world and what it can do for you' kind of way, the realisation that you truly can do anything you want if you put your heart into it and believe in yourself, was immense. My friend has the band - he's making his dream of rock stardom come true - and I got up off my arse and travelled around the Land Of Hopes And Dreams... shows what you can do if you want it!
You could spend your entire life dreaming of what you really want to do - looking at other people's photos; listening to other people's stories of far off lands - until you realise there's no time left and you've spent your life doing a job that sucks away your essence of being.
I am in awe of this trip, what we've seen and done, what I've learnt about myself - so much so that I urge anyone with a dream to grab it by the horns and just bloody do it. We can't take our money with us, so get up away from your boring job, annoying spouse and just do what you want to do because 'this aint no rehearsal' as so many say - this is it - our one and only shot - we won't get another chance...
Unless of course you believe in reincarnation and you're coming back as a dung beatle - then you're set.
Jen (With a little lighter shoulders!)
I plugged myself into my trusty I pod and listened to a friend's band. (Arthur Rigby and The Baskervylles - look them up and give them a listen; very different from what your lugs will be used to, refreshing, laid back, lovingly written good music). And as the scenery passed me by it finally dawned on me the size of and the meaning of the epic journey we've nearly completed.
In a hippy 'love the world and what it can do for you' kind of way, the realisation that you truly can do anything you want if you put your heart into it and believe in yourself, was immense. My friend has the band - he's making his dream of rock stardom come true - and I got up off my arse and travelled around the Land Of Hopes And Dreams... shows what you can do if you want it!
You could spend your entire life dreaming of what you really want to do - looking at other people's photos; listening to other people's stories of far off lands - until you realise there's no time left and you've spent your life doing a job that sucks away your essence of being.
I am in awe of this trip, what we've seen and done, what I've learnt about myself - so much so that I urge anyone with a dream to grab it by the horns and just bloody do it. We can't take our money with us, so get up away from your boring job, annoying spouse and just do what you want to do because 'this aint no rehearsal' as so many say - this is it - our one and only shot - we won't get another chance...
Unless of course you believe in reincarnation and you're coming back as a dung beatle - then you're set.
Jen (With a little lighter shoulders!)
The Long Road to Washington
Arriving in Jacksonville, minus one car - plus two bus tickets, we found the Greyhound Bus Station more easily than we thought after ditching Nancy. It was 5pm when we boarded the full Greyhound and found some seats sandwiched between a relatively psycho looking man to the back off us and a mother and young daughter to the front.
Luckily, as it was a 'night' bus - the lights went out and everybody was quiet. Listening to a bit of Kings of Leon I tapped along as the bus set off on the long 15 hour road.
Everything seemed to be going okay - the sun had gone down, babies were sleeping and the bus driver wasn't afraid of putting his foot down. 40 minutes in - barely having left Florida for the next fair state and the unspeakable happens - mummy in front of me put her seat back and gives me little room to breathe, let alone move... for 12 hours...
We changed buses in Virginia and had a relatively comfortable trip to D.C. 15 Hours, no sleep, checked into our motel - fell into bed at 9am - woke up at 6.30pm. Oops! I felt tres guilty as Cal had only slept for about 4 hours, so we went out in search of food. Our neighbourhood reminded me of a modern Maycomb, Boo Radley's house on the corner scared us as if we ourselves were Jem and Scout.
Dark and cold (It's dropped 30 degrees.) we made it through to McDonalds and had a traditional American meal - medium size. Heading back I hung my head as I knew I wouldn't sleep due to my day time slumber. Wrong! My alarm woke us both at 9am - another 9 hours I felt more than rested as we embarked on our quest to find the White House.
Our bus took us right down to Constitution Avenue and kicked us out at the National Archives where they keep the Declaration of Independance - pretty cool really. We made our way down Constitution, after consulting our trusty map (Yes, Nancy - we can do it even if you're switched off and stuffed in my bag!) and found the Washington Memorial, again - pretty neat.
Trundling up 15th Street we finally found Obama's future dwellings. And to be honest, to me it was a bit like Buckingham palace - a bit smaller than you expect and you've seen it that often on TV that it's kind of an anti climax.
Still - they were building two massive stands for Inauguration Day, so that was pretty cool to be a part of, we took a bunch of photos and headed for warmth and found our first cup of tea in two months!
Completely satisfied with our charged furnesses we walked down to the Lincoln Memorial which is very special - especially as you walk along the 'Reflective Pool' with Robin Wright Penn screaming 'Foooorrrrrreeessssstt!!!!!!!!!!!!' in your head and Tom Hanks stammering out 'I Love you, Jenny!' - I wanted to run right into that pool to re enact the Gump scene, but I didn't because it was super cold and the water looked dirty.
Heading back, after another batch of photos, the sun was ready to bid his farewells and threw the most beautiful colours up into the sky. A productive day with a stunning finale. I quite like D.C.
We had a day of doing pretty much nothing after that, except blogging for you beauties. Then found ourselves back down on Constitution Ave; heading, this time, for the Jefferson Memorial. I wasn't all that clued up on this place - and certainly didn't expect the effort and love that had gone into the rememberance of the U.S's presidents. We had a lovely day, walking around the pool that encompasses Jefferson's eternal lodgings; met President Hoover and his dog and headed back to find another cup of tea!
Just as we'd left the tea selling - much loved by me - cafe, we took a stroll back along Bush's front drive to be greeted by 27 million police motorbikes, S.U.V's and police cars - flashing their blues and twos - escorting Georgie himself down the road ----
En route to our bus, we came across a small park, belonging to the American Art Gallery, in the centre of which was an ice-rink. As the lights twinkled, the jolly folk skated and Christmas songs were played out for us all to hear, I felt my first pang of Christmas Spirit.
---- And it really was just down the road, because 15 minutes later, Georgie Boy was with his entourage making his way back home - lazy bugger.
We have one more night left in D.C and then we're of to N.Y.C. There's been a slight change of plan...
Callum's mum, sister and friends are heading over for a pre-Christmas jaunt to the Big Apple, so we'll meet them there then move on to Philidelphia. I'm tres excited for the Gibson family reunion - most of all because I'll get a surrogate mum hug! Something I have more than missed about home!
Jen
Luckily, as it was a 'night' bus - the lights went out and everybody was quiet. Listening to a bit of Kings of Leon I tapped along as the bus set off on the long 15 hour road.
Everything seemed to be going okay - the sun had gone down, babies were sleeping and the bus driver wasn't afraid of putting his foot down. 40 minutes in - barely having left Florida for the next fair state and the unspeakable happens - mummy in front of me put her seat back and gives me little room to breathe, let alone move... for 12 hours...
We changed buses in Virginia and had a relatively comfortable trip to D.C. 15 Hours, no sleep, checked into our motel - fell into bed at 9am - woke up at 6.30pm. Oops! I felt tres guilty as Cal had only slept for about 4 hours, so we went out in search of food. Our neighbourhood reminded me of a modern Maycomb, Boo Radley's house on the corner scared us as if we ourselves were Jem and Scout.
Dark and cold (It's dropped 30 degrees.) we made it through to McDonalds and had a traditional American meal - medium size. Heading back I hung my head as I knew I wouldn't sleep due to my day time slumber. Wrong! My alarm woke us both at 9am - another 9 hours I felt more than rested as we embarked on our quest to find the White House.
Our bus took us right down to Constitution Avenue and kicked us out at the National Archives where they keep the Declaration of Independance - pretty cool really. We made our way down Constitution, after consulting our trusty map (Yes, Nancy - we can do it even if you're switched off and stuffed in my bag!) and found the Washington Memorial, again - pretty neat.
Trundling up 15th Street we finally found Obama's future dwellings. And to be honest, to me it was a bit like Buckingham palace - a bit smaller than you expect and you've seen it that often on TV that it's kind of an anti climax.
Still - they were building two massive stands for Inauguration Day, so that was pretty cool to be a part of, we took a bunch of photos and headed for warmth and found our first cup of tea in two months!
Completely satisfied with our charged furnesses we walked down to the Lincoln Memorial which is very special - especially as you walk along the 'Reflective Pool' with Robin Wright Penn screaming 'Foooorrrrrreeessssstt!!!!!!!!!!!!' in your head and Tom Hanks stammering out 'I Love you, Jenny!' - I wanted to run right into that pool to re enact the Gump scene, but I didn't because it was super cold and the water looked dirty.
Heading back, after another batch of photos, the sun was ready to bid his farewells and threw the most beautiful colours up into the sky. A productive day with a stunning finale. I quite like D.C.
We had a day of doing pretty much nothing after that, except blogging for you beauties. Then found ourselves back down on Constitution Ave; heading, this time, for the Jefferson Memorial. I wasn't all that clued up on this place - and certainly didn't expect the effort and love that had gone into the rememberance of the U.S's presidents. We had a lovely day, walking around the pool that encompasses Jefferson's eternal lodgings; met President Hoover and his dog and headed back to find another cup of tea!
Just as we'd left the tea selling - much loved by me - cafe, we took a stroll back along Bush's front drive to be greeted by 27 million police motorbikes, S.U.V's and police cars - flashing their blues and twos - escorting Georgie himself down the road ----
En route to our bus, we came across a small park, belonging to the American Art Gallery, in the centre of which was an ice-rink. As the lights twinkled, the jolly folk skated and Christmas songs were played out for us all to hear, I felt my first pang of Christmas Spirit.
---- And it really was just down the road, because 15 minutes later, Georgie Boy was with his entourage making his way back home - lazy bugger.
We have one more night left in D.C and then we're of to N.Y.C. There's been a slight change of plan...
Callum's mum, sister and friends are heading over for a pre-Christmas jaunt to the Big Apple, so we'll meet them there then move on to Philidelphia. I'm tres excited for the Gibson family reunion - most of all because I'll get a surrogate mum hug! Something I have more than missed about home!
Jen
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Orlando Treats
Just a short journey this time - 170 odd miles and we arrived in Orlando. Not somewhere I was whole heartedly looking forward to visiting but Callum seemed excited by the prospect, so we checked into a lovely little motel and settled in for a whole week.
Our room was huge! Two massive double beds, some old rather battered furniture that housed an even older, even more battered television; microwave and 'micro-fridge'; bath, shower, sink, storage - It was just what we needed for our stay - nothing fancy, just something that did it's job.
We got there late afternoon, so we couldn't do anything substantial - plus it was a Sunday. So off Nancy, Cal and I went to the Supermarket to get the essentials (and a bit more), picked up a pizza or two and headed back to our homestead to settle in.
Tummy satisfied with Italian delights, I snuggled down for the night watching some kind of gargbage on TV. Then something caught my eye, marching up the wall about a foot away from my face... Cory the cockroach aimlessly sauntered towards the ceiling - and I aimlessly JUMPED OUT OF MY BLOODY BED!
Cory was massive - he was massively massive and he'd also disappeared during my slight fit about there being a cockroach so close to my bloody face! I spent the next half an hour banging the foundations of my bed - trying to taunt Cory out of hiding. When he clearly wasn't playing the game, I gingerly sat back down, repeatedly looking over my shoulder each time 'Stevie' cast out a shadow.
Cory and I next met in the bathroom - there I was, minding my own business, whilst he (probably doing the same) strutted out onto the floor from under the bathmat. Luckily I was ready to flee this time - screaming, I may add!
Cory ran, I ran, Callum ran, Callum took my flip flop and my flip flop ran on top of Cory's head - sending his hairy leg across the room to where I stood.
Anyway - Cockroach free, we had a pleasant evening and planned our attack on Orlando.
Monday morning dawned and we set off for an exploration of our surroundings - gravitating towards the mall, I lightened my wallet a little - and rightly so because my father only gave me two books for the journey and I've finished those and the other HUGE one I packed! So I bought two more for the road ahead, and an English newspaper!!!
Happy with my newly purchased literature, we went 'home' and looked forward to our next couple of days, which were to be spent tackling Universal Studios and Sea World. Again, not really psyched to be going to a theme park, off I went following Cal to the ticket booth at Universal. Do you know how much a 2 day ticket is for Universal's 2 parks?? No...and you don't want to know because it's bloody ridiculous!
As ever - and I really should learn my lesson - I loved the place almost as much as I love a Gin and Tonic with the boys and girls back home on a Friday night! First stop was Terminator - not my favorite - you 'don' the 3D glasses and watch as a glorified Arnie look a like shoots into the audience along with evil robots and the like. Impressive, but more for the boys!
To make up for this, the E.T ride was next...Oooo I felt 7 years old again! The day went on like this, visiting The Simpsons on Rodeo Drive (It's true, I have photographic evidence!), trundling along with Jaws as he tried to eat us and our boat, a call in to the Disaster Movie spectacle, A meeting with Helen Hunt to tell us about the phenomena of Twisters, a quick hello to Shrek and Princess then Jimmy Neutron and his nemises bid us Adieu.
After a day in the studios were were both shattered so we hit the hay to summon the energy for an outing to Sea World - after a well earned sleep! I was taken a back by the excitement that oozed from Callum's being over the studios and Sea World, but after the delights of Universal I failed to see how a watery zoo could top the previous days activities. Do you know how much a day at Sea World costs? Less than Universal, but still - you don't want to know because it's bloody ridiculous.
Cal led us to Kraken - a rollercoaster that dangles your feet over the track that made me feel sick even to look at. My legs felt like jelly once the death trap let us off and I did feel like I was going to see my Bran Flakes again all too soon - but it was an awesome adrenaline rush. This is when Cal assured me it was a good idea to go on the log flume - we wouldn't get too wet he said as we passed two women drying themselves off with pre packed safety towels, looking like they'd just had a fully clothed bath.
Up we climbed, sitting one row from the back - surely we'd be fine. One last ascent and the ride shot us down the almost vertical slope into the plunges below. We got wet, but nothing like the women we'd seen - they must have been sitting at the front...No - they must have been sitting one row from the back, thinks I as a fountain...no...wave... of water ambushed us and landed right in my jean clad lap. Brilliant. Absolutely soaked. There's nothing quite like the feeling of trying to walk in wet denim! I fear I may have resembled John Wayne as I headed for dry land!
Luckily (Ha!) we were just in time for the dolphin show. Sitting in our own puddles, we watched as the Sea World Staff showed off the dolphins and their tricks - a pretty special treat until they put a leash around two of them and used them as a surf borad - not so special - just a bit cruel really. That was the end, and I was quite glad as I felt they had taken themselves and the oversized fish a step to far!
We wondered around, saw a few manatees, alligators and crocodiles (what's the difference again?!) Sting Rays (That we stroked and my, they're gooey!), Sharks; people swimming with sharks (!) - watched a fairly hysterical otter and sea lion show; was cajoled into riding Kraken again and then it was time to watch the big Sea World Show.
Shamu the Killer Whale and his friends led the show entitled 'Believe' where I swear a tear nearly fell for the emotion of it all - as apparantly 'You can do anything if you just Believe!' - the impressive swimmers plucked a girl out of the audience who, at the tender age of what seemed to be 8 - already had her Marine Biologist career waiting ahead of her, and led her to the gigantic pool.
Shamu launched himself onto the platform and took fish for his efforts as the image of the girl receiving the swimmers' necklace (homage to the 'Believing Malarky') was plastered on the massive screen behind the pool - she was going to be a Marine Biologist because, my god, she believed!
Many, many, too many photographs later we left and any tears I may have had were soon dried by another, final ride on Kraken!
Another day well spent, we headed back - allbeit still a little soggy, happy in the knowledge that tomorrow would be Thanksgiving - which meant a rest and a sunbathe by the pool, whilst America spent the day being Thankful.
Our Thanksgiving (Sitting by said pool)
Callum: What are you thankful for?
Me: Sunbathing on 27th November (Go to England and you'll understand)... What are you thankful for?
Callum: Squirty Cheese
And that's all I have to say about that!
Friday brought our 2nd day at Universal, starting with a quick ride on 'The Hulk' - we were set for a day of rollercoasters. 'The Hulk' was slow - disinterested in the lack of terror it brought me, we joined Spiderman for a tour in his simulator around whichever city it is that he frequents. Then the terror came as we climbed aboard the next 'ride' that shot us 27 million thousand zillion feet above the park, then plummeted us back to earth - mmm, lovely! I love the feeling that I'm about to bite the dust!
Jurassic Park welcomed us with those infamous gates from the well loved film, and I hope Sam Neil was on guard close by to fend off any lurking Velociraptors! Cal was beside himself for this ride which ended with a log flume - 'I'm not going on that' Memories of Sea World - I just plain couldn't be bothered wondering around in wet clothes again.
But off course I went on it! Front row - got drenched, great ride, Callum seemed to enjoy it - a bit too much as I realised he was as dry as a bone and I was dripping - he'd apparently kept his mouth shut on our positioning, knowing full well I'd bear the brunt of that water! There's names I could call him, but my throat is sore from all the screaming!
The last ride we went on, after a few more unworthy of writing about, consisted of two tracks, weaving around each other - we'd been on the first, so we went back for more from the second. Up and down and round and round it took us, much faster than any of the others - until something happened that you always pray to the rollercoaster cart in the sky not to happen - ever - the ride stopped before the end and there we sat not knowing our fate for 10 minutes - hoping to rollercoaster cart in the sky that the neanderthals working the coaster hadn't yet released the next load of people, who would come hurtling towards us!
Luckily, rollercoaster cart in the sky heard me (and probably saw the sheer terror in my face!) and we were safely deposited to collect our belongings.
Making it back to the motel or wildlife central if you will, as I went to lock the door, Lionel the little Lizard appeared from under Callum's bedding (quite what had attracted him in there is a mystery!) out Little Lionel plodded; much nicer that to be surpried my Cory again! Out I shooed him, gently this time - no maiming of limbs or skulls!
Time in Orlando drawing to a close,Callum asked if we could play Crazy Golf --- Just what I wanted to do! Can I play golf??? Can I ?#%^! 'Of course we can!' Driving to Pirates Cove Golf Course, I was thrilled!
More so and genuinely when, 18 holes later Cal added up the scores to see I'd thrashed him - shame! I would tell him it was just beginners luck, but if you saw the final score, you'd agree that this wasn't the case!
So it was our last night, I did the ritual 'last night laundry' and repacked my increasingly big bag! (It's all the presents for everyone at home!) However, I used my noggin this time and bought a box to ship home all the stuff I wasn't going to need now we were heading North - do you know how much that cost me? No and you don't want to know beacuse it was bloody ridiculous!
We've got a 15 hour bus ride ahead of us - Nancy will be pushed into early retirement as we are giving up our car and heading for Washington D.C.
I can't express my longings for Jensen's luxuries but after Washington, Philedelphia and New York we're heading to my Aunty and Uncle's house - and I hope they've learnt about the Jensen's, because otherwise they might just be by-passed!
Onwards to Washington D.C and the White House - Hmph, I'm quite excited!
Jen
Our room was huge! Two massive double beds, some old rather battered furniture that housed an even older, even more battered television; microwave and 'micro-fridge'; bath, shower, sink, storage - It was just what we needed for our stay - nothing fancy, just something that did it's job.
We got there late afternoon, so we couldn't do anything substantial - plus it was a Sunday. So off Nancy, Cal and I went to the Supermarket to get the essentials (and a bit more), picked up a pizza or two and headed back to our homestead to settle in.
Tummy satisfied with Italian delights, I snuggled down for the night watching some kind of gargbage on TV. Then something caught my eye, marching up the wall about a foot away from my face... Cory the cockroach aimlessly sauntered towards the ceiling - and I aimlessly JUMPED OUT OF MY BLOODY BED!
Cory was massive - he was massively massive and he'd also disappeared during my slight fit about there being a cockroach so close to my bloody face! I spent the next half an hour banging the foundations of my bed - trying to taunt Cory out of hiding. When he clearly wasn't playing the game, I gingerly sat back down, repeatedly looking over my shoulder each time 'Stevie' cast out a shadow.
Cory and I next met in the bathroom - there I was, minding my own business, whilst he (probably doing the same) strutted out onto the floor from under the bathmat. Luckily I was ready to flee this time - screaming, I may add!
Cory ran, I ran, Callum ran, Callum took my flip flop and my flip flop ran on top of Cory's head - sending his hairy leg across the room to where I stood.
Anyway - Cockroach free, we had a pleasant evening and planned our attack on Orlando.
Monday morning dawned and we set off for an exploration of our surroundings - gravitating towards the mall, I lightened my wallet a little - and rightly so because my father only gave me two books for the journey and I've finished those and the other HUGE one I packed! So I bought two more for the road ahead, and an English newspaper!!!
Happy with my newly purchased literature, we went 'home' and looked forward to our next couple of days, which were to be spent tackling Universal Studios and Sea World. Again, not really psyched to be going to a theme park, off I went following Cal to the ticket booth at Universal. Do you know how much a 2 day ticket is for Universal's 2 parks?? No...and you don't want to know because it's bloody ridiculous!
As ever - and I really should learn my lesson - I loved the place almost as much as I love a Gin and Tonic with the boys and girls back home on a Friday night! First stop was Terminator - not my favorite - you 'don' the 3D glasses and watch as a glorified Arnie look a like shoots into the audience along with evil robots and the like. Impressive, but more for the boys!
To make up for this, the E.T ride was next...Oooo I felt 7 years old again! The day went on like this, visiting The Simpsons on Rodeo Drive (It's true, I have photographic evidence!), trundling along with Jaws as he tried to eat us and our boat, a call in to the Disaster Movie spectacle, A meeting with Helen Hunt to tell us about the phenomena of Twisters, a quick hello to Shrek and Princess then Jimmy Neutron and his nemises bid us Adieu.
After a day in the studios were were both shattered so we hit the hay to summon the energy for an outing to Sea World - after a well earned sleep! I was taken a back by the excitement that oozed from Callum's being over the studios and Sea World, but after the delights of Universal I failed to see how a watery zoo could top the previous days activities. Do you know how much a day at Sea World costs? Less than Universal, but still - you don't want to know because it's bloody ridiculous.
Cal led us to Kraken - a rollercoaster that dangles your feet over the track that made me feel sick even to look at. My legs felt like jelly once the death trap let us off and I did feel like I was going to see my Bran Flakes again all too soon - but it was an awesome adrenaline rush. This is when Cal assured me it was a good idea to go on the log flume - we wouldn't get too wet he said as we passed two women drying themselves off with pre packed safety towels, looking like they'd just had a fully clothed bath.
Up we climbed, sitting one row from the back - surely we'd be fine. One last ascent and the ride shot us down the almost vertical slope into the plunges below. We got wet, but nothing like the women we'd seen - they must have been sitting at the front...No - they must have been sitting one row from the back, thinks I as a fountain...no...wave... of water ambushed us and landed right in my jean clad lap. Brilliant. Absolutely soaked. There's nothing quite like the feeling of trying to walk in wet denim! I fear I may have resembled John Wayne as I headed for dry land!
Luckily (Ha!) we were just in time for the dolphin show. Sitting in our own puddles, we watched as the Sea World Staff showed off the dolphins and their tricks - a pretty special treat until they put a leash around two of them and used them as a surf borad - not so special - just a bit cruel really. That was the end, and I was quite glad as I felt they had taken themselves and the oversized fish a step to far!
We wondered around, saw a few manatees, alligators and crocodiles (what's the difference again?!) Sting Rays (That we stroked and my, they're gooey!), Sharks; people swimming with sharks (!) - watched a fairly hysterical otter and sea lion show; was cajoled into riding Kraken again and then it was time to watch the big Sea World Show.
Shamu the Killer Whale and his friends led the show entitled 'Believe' where I swear a tear nearly fell for the emotion of it all - as apparantly 'You can do anything if you just Believe!' - the impressive swimmers plucked a girl out of the audience who, at the tender age of what seemed to be 8 - already had her Marine Biologist career waiting ahead of her, and led her to the gigantic pool.
Shamu launched himself onto the platform and took fish for his efforts as the image of the girl receiving the swimmers' necklace (homage to the 'Believing Malarky') was plastered on the massive screen behind the pool - she was going to be a Marine Biologist because, my god, she believed!
Many, many, too many photographs later we left and any tears I may have had were soon dried by another, final ride on Kraken!
Another day well spent, we headed back - allbeit still a little soggy, happy in the knowledge that tomorrow would be Thanksgiving - which meant a rest and a sunbathe by the pool, whilst America spent the day being Thankful.
Our Thanksgiving (Sitting by said pool)
Callum: What are you thankful for?
Me: Sunbathing on 27th November (Go to England and you'll understand)... What are you thankful for?
Callum: Squirty Cheese
And that's all I have to say about that!
Friday brought our 2nd day at Universal, starting with a quick ride on 'The Hulk' - we were set for a day of rollercoasters. 'The Hulk' was slow - disinterested in the lack of terror it brought me, we joined Spiderman for a tour in his simulator around whichever city it is that he frequents. Then the terror came as we climbed aboard the next 'ride' that shot us 27 million thousand zillion feet above the park, then plummeted us back to earth - mmm, lovely! I love the feeling that I'm about to bite the dust!
Jurassic Park welcomed us with those infamous gates from the well loved film, and I hope Sam Neil was on guard close by to fend off any lurking Velociraptors! Cal was beside himself for this ride which ended with a log flume - 'I'm not going on that' Memories of Sea World - I just plain couldn't be bothered wondering around in wet clothes again.
But off course I went on it! Front row - got drenched, great ride, Callum seemed to enjoy it - a bit too much as I realised he was as dry as a bone and I was dripping - he'd apparently kept his mouth shut on our positioning, knowing full well I'd bear the brunt of that water! There's names I could call him, but my throat is sore from all the screaming!
The last ride we went on, after a few more unworthy of writing about, consisted of two tracks, weaving around each other - we'd been on the first, so we went back for more from the second. Up and down and round and round it took us, much faster than any of the others - until something happened that you always pray to the rollercoaster cart in the sky not to happen - ever - the ride stopped before the end and there we sat not knowing our fate for 10 minutes - hoping to rollercoaster cart in the sky that the neanderthals working the coaster hadn't yet released the next load of people, who would come hurtling towards us!
Luckily, rollercoaster cart in the sky heard me (and probably saw the sheer terror in my face!) and we were safely deposited to collect our belongings.
Making it back to the motel or wildlife central if you will, as I went to lock the door, Lionel the little Lizard appeared from under Callum's bedding (quite what had attracted him in there is a mystery!) out Little Lionel plodded; much nicer that to be surpried my Cory again! Out I shooed him, gently this time - no maiming of limbs or skulls!
Time in Orlando drawing to a close,Callum asked if we could play Crazy Golf --- Just what I wanted to do! Can I play golf??? Can I ?#%^! 'Of course we can!' Driving to Pirates Cove Golf Course, I was thrilled!
More so and genuinely when, 18 holes later Cal added up the scores to see I'd thrashed him - shame! I would tell him it was just beginners luck, but if you saw the final score, you'd agree that this wasn't the case!
So it was our last night, I did the ritual 'last night laundry' and repacked my increasingly big bag! (It's all the presents for everyone at home!) However, I used my noggin this time and bought a box to ship home all the stuff I wasn't going to need now we were heading North - do you know how much that cost me? No and you don't want to know beacuse it was bloody ridiculous!
We've got a 15 hour bus ride ahead of us - Nancy will be pushed into early retirement as we are giving up our car and heading for Washington D.C.
I can't express my longings for Jensen's luxuries but after Washington, Philedelphia and New York we're heading to my Aunty and Uncle's house - and I hope they've learnt about the Jensen's, because otherwise they might just be by-passed!
Onwards to Washington D.C and the White House - Hmph, I'm quite excited!
Jen
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Jensen Withdrawal
Wednesday 19th November - I did nothing but sulk - packing our bags and saying goodbye to the Jensen's upset me so much, Callum decided not to speak to me for the entire day, just incase I ripped his head off! So we drove away from Captiva, over the Sanibel Causeway and into Fort Myers; watched a film, ate some food and found a motel. And that's when I started to really miss home. After being looked after so well for the past 12 days, leaving and slumming it in a not up to scratch motel, sulking to boot - does not make for a great mood and by 6pm I was about to get in the car and head for Orlando airport. Until I asked Callum for a hug and he told me where to go (as a joke but for a split second I thought he was serious!) so that made way for a smile, then I felt bad for him enduring a day of Jenni sulking, so I left the smile on my face and drove us to pick up some beers!
So, once I was talking again, we decided to give Key West a miss. I've been before, and it's not a place I imagine Cal would appreciate after already holding him hostage on Captiva for the best part of two weeks! Packing up again, the next day we headed down to Miami Beach. Nancy's navigating proved top notch this time - no arguments to document, and soon we were parallel to the beach. A lot like Venice Beach, CA to look at on the beach side, lots of places (lots of up market places) to eat and drink on the street side. We drove a little further along Ocean Drive, not being able to find anywhere that looked less than $300 a night to stay, we drove on, the Bellagio 'Complex' playing in my mind.
Nancy found us a motel, just shy of 20 miles outside of Miami - towards Fort Lauderdale. We checked in for three nights and dumped our stuff. It smelt a little and was quite small, but nothing we hadn't seen before on our journey across the States. With it only being 5pm ish, we decided to find a cinema and some food.
Tired and belly's full with a SubWay (I'll express my sheer horror now that I have found out that a Veggie Max is actually OK after years of boycotting this establishment - sheer horror!) we made it back to our room. Having a shower and putting on nicely laundered pyjamas usually makes you feel lovely and ready for a good nights kip - wrong... I got into bed and bowed my head in disbelief as I found one, two, three, four... a bloody million animal hairs in my bloody bed... awesome! Closely followed by discovering curious stains on the sheets... double awesome!
I threw my clothes back on and stormed to the reception. How did they rectify the problem??? They gave me the key to another room and told me to inspect it, not apologising, but to just let them know if I wanted to move. I did inspect it... and it was worse than the first... so I went back... "We don't have any more rooms, ma'am". Oh for God's Sake!!!! The evening ended with me politely asking for fresh sheets and making my own bed up again...
It's nothing like the Jensen's, in fact it's crap (sorry) but it's only somewhere to sleep and we can spend the days in the places that matter - like the beach!! So that's what we intend to do. Beach for three days then up to Orlando for the epitome of touristy weeks! Sea World and Universal Studios - can't wait!!!
Bit of a short blog today, sorry! But I'll fill you in properly when we've spent some time here! So bare with me!
Jen
So, once I was talking again, we decided to give Key West a miss. I've been before, and it's not a place I imagine Cal would appreciate after already holding him hostage on Captiva for the best part of two weeks! Packing up again, the next day we headed down to Miami Beach. Nancy's navigating proved top notch this time - no arguments to document, and soon we were parallel to the beach. A lot like Venice Beach, CA to look at on the beach side, lots of places (lots of up market places) to eat and drink on the street side. We drove a little further along Ocean Drive, not being able to find anywhere that looked less than $300 a night to stay, we drove on, the Bellagio 'Complex' playing in my mind.
Nancy found us a motel, just shy of 20 miles outside of Miami - towards Fort Lauderdale. We checked in for three nights and dumped our stuff. It smelt a little and was quite small, but nothing we hadn't seen before on our journey across the States. With it only being 5pm ish, we decided to find a cinema and some food.
Tired and belly's full with a SubWay (I'll express my sheer horror now that I have found out that a Veggie Max is actually OK after years of boycotting this establishment - sheer horror!) we made it back to our room. Having a shower and putting on nicely laundered pyjamas usually makes you feel lovely and ready for a good nights kip - wrong... I got into bed and bowed my head in disbelief as I found one, two, three, four... a bloody million animal hairs in my bloody bed... awesome! Closely followed by discovering curious stains on the sheets... double awesome!
I threw my clothes back on and stormed to the reception. How did they rectify the problem??? They gave me the key to another room and told me to inspect it, not apologising, but to just let them know if I wanted to move. I did inspect it... and it was worse than the first... so I went back... "We don't have any more rooms, ma'am". Oh for God's Sake!!!! The evening ended with me politely asking for fresh sheets and making my own bed up again...
It's nothing like the Jensen's, in fact it's crap (sorry) but it's only somewhere to sleep and we can spend the days in the places that matter - like the beach!! So that's what we intend to do. Beach for three days then up to Orlando for the epitome of touristy weeks! Sea World and Universal Studios - can't wait!!!
Bit of a short blog today, sorry! But I'll fill you in properly when we've spent some time here! So bare with me!
Jen
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Hate To Say Goodbye - Hate That We Have To Leave
I'm becoming quite emotional about leaving the Jensen's and Captiva - I have become quite attached to both. We leave tomorrow and start our journey again - South this time in the direction of Key West. Which will be a sight to see, but nothing in comparison to the last 12 days.
Our past week has been spent doing much of the same and we have both made an effort in putting pen to paper in starting a few projects we have intended on doing since landing in San Francisco - It is far easier drawing inspiration from these settings than from the hustle and bustle of an inner city.
A few days ago Couple Deux came back to see us, and once again - tail between legs, I spoke to them. They wanted to say goodbye as they were leaving for home the next day. I would like to take a second to apologise to them if they took offence - none was intended! Anyway, we took some photos and bid our final farewells as I learnt a lesson in how not to judge a book by it's cover - something I did learn as a six year old, but lost sight of in this situation. So - sins confessed, I went back to writing and have made some great headway in a book I have been trying to write for a couple of months now.
Taking advantage, again of this opportunity - I would like to thank the Jensen's for the most wonderful of times here on Captiva. It has been a well earned respite from being on the road, especially as I recalculated our mileage to 4,225 !!
It has split our mammouth journey in two with the greatest of treats being able to stay here. I know that the road ahead will make way for many an adventure, but I can't help but wish for more time here. The very prospect of touching down on English soil in a little over 50 days dampens my heart a little every time I look over the Gulf Of Mexico to the blazing sun.
But in lieu of these longings to stay, whenever it rains in Blighty, I can think of our time spent here - in the beautiful surroundings of Captiva.
Onwards, however... still to come; our journey out of Florida, through Virginia, through the Carolina's, up to Washington DC to Philidelphia, New York, Detroit, Christmas in Michigan and finally Chicago.
It seems too soon to be thinking of the end, phoning home to make sure someone will be at the airport come January 8th! But, because we're leaving the half way point, it's hard not to think of home and the cold weather they're all 'enjoying'!
So thank you to the Jensen's and Goodbye to Captiva - I really don't want to leave, but I promise to be back soon!
Jen
Our past week has been spent doing much of the same and we have both made an effort in putting pen to paper in starting a few projects we have intended on doing since landing in San Francisco - It is far easier drawing inspiration from these settings than from the hustle and bustle of an inner city.
A few days ago Couple Deux came back to see us, and once again - tail between legs, I spoke to them. They wanted to say goodbye as they were leaving for home the next day. I would like to take a second to apologise to them if they took offence - none was intended! Anyway, we took some photos and bid our final farewells as I learnt a lesson in how not to judge a book by it's cover - something I did learn as a six year old, but lost sight of in this situation. So - sins confessed, I went back to writing and have made some great headway in a book I have been trying to write for a couple of months now.
Taking advantage, again of this opportunity - I would like to thank the Jensen's for the most wonderful of times here on Captiva. It has been a well earned respite from being on the road, especially as I recalculated our mileage to 4,225 !!
It has split our mammouth journey in two with the greatest of treats being able to stay here. I know that the road ahead will make way for many an adventure, but I can't help but wish for more time here. The very prospect of touching down on English soil in a little over 50 days dampens my heart a little every time I look over the Gulf Of Mexico to the blazing sun.
But in lieu of these longings to stay, whenever it rains in Blighty, I can think of our time spent here - in the beautiful surroundings of Captiva.
Onwards, however... still to come; our journey out of Florida, through Virginia, through the Carolina's, up to Washington DC to Philidelphia, New York, Detroit, Christmas in Michigan and finally Chicago.
It seems too soon to be thinking of the end, phoning home to make sure someone will be at the airport come January 8th! But, because we're leaving the half way point, it's hard not to think of home and the cold weather they're all 'enjoying'!
So thank you to the Jensen's and Goodbye to Captiva - I really don't want to leave, but I promise to be back soon!
Jen
Thursday, 13 November 2008
A Couple of Couples in Captiva
I always enjoy meeting people on holiday, having an ice cream by the pool, finding out what kind of music they like, do they have a boyfriend/girlfriend... but it's completely different this time around, as I am no longer 13, and this type of conversation just does not suffice!
On our first evening in Captiva, Callum started talking to the couple in the adjoining cottage, which then lead to them coming over for a beer, not an ice cream; talking about their marriage, not their courtship and the music preference turned into Presidential Candidacy!
At some points, I felt I was in over my head (I've already admitted my political failings to you and to them) but mostly I enjoyed myself... and had a few feelings of...oh my lord, I'm getting old! It is a strange feeling, when, having been on holidays many times with my mother and father, not having them around when the conversation grew limited or went, indeed, over my head! However, our neighbours were fantastic, here for another couple of days and more than happy to listen to our stilted opinions of the elections, and excitement towards our onward journey.
We saw them a couple more times, on the beach and around the Jensen's resorts, swapped email addresses and had another beer together. All in all it was a typical holiday encounter, which I really, thoroughly enjoyed.
Getting into the swing of the 'grown up chat' malarky, I was delighted to find another couple on our way back from dropping off our car in Fort Myers. Cal and I had worried over the expense of getting back onto Captiva without our trusty automobile, finding out it was going to cost us 80 bucks didn't exactly fill our little souls with glee.... until we found the 'other couple' (I almost feel we cheated on the first with a younger, hotter couple...which sounds weird, and also untrue!)
He held up a sign asking if anyone was going their way and if so, did they want to split a cab... so that's just what we did. And on our journey we exchanged info; where we were all from; how longing we were staying; where exactly we were staying; had we been before - you know the story.
It was all very pleasant, no one over stepping the mark, everybody's politeness making way for a genuinely delightful holiday chat. Until Couple Deux revealed they were devout church goers and all of a sudden, unexpectedly, I became somewhat uncomfortable.
Not being religious myself, I am whole heartedly respectful of others said religion and take it in my stride to listen to their beliefs; and I really don't think I'm on my own when I say that, as soon as you know that these strangers before you are the God fearing type of fellows - conversation becomes a little stifled. I did not want to offend either of them, and as my every day language can be a little coarse (I know, you just wouldn't believe it) I decided to try and shut up for the rest of the journey without them sprinkling holy water on me or praying for my soul.
Anyway, we'd told them of our writing and they said they would try and check out the Jensen's resort and website - my good deed done for the day, I was happy to say our goodbyes and felt safe in the knowledge that I hadn't, indeed, offended anyone and she sent me on my way "God Bless You." And I feel that's not so bad as we still have another month and a half of travelling ahead.
Breathing a sigh of relief, having saved a bunch of dollars in the cab of religion, I spent the next day reading a great book, 'The Seduction of Mrs Pendlebury' (By Margaret Forster - it's good, look it up) A 1970's British affair, 200 odd pages of good reading... all being well with the world, I absorbed myself in the literature. The ever mentioned waves playing, what now feels like my personal soundtrack, accompanying my reading...
'That must be Jenni!"
Couple Deux had arrived, stradling their bicycles, they had hunted us out - I felt like they'd come back to ask me to accept Him into my life.
"Don't you look all cute and relaxed!?"
I was before you got here... I quickly hid my book in sheer terror that the title would offend, although the content wouldn't and engaged myself in more polite chit-chat (Callum being no where near to help me out!) I couldn't, however, have felt worse for what could only have been my own short sighted stereotyping. They were a genuinley lovely couple, who were nothing more than excited to hear more about our travelling plans. And even gave us tips about where to get cheap theatre tickets in New York (Which did surprise me, because, isn't NYC full of sin?!)
So me now feeling suitably sheepish, as she announced that she must hug me - we said of goodbyes. I was far too quick to judge and I felt awful, so I gave them a few leaflets for the Jensen's boat rentals, telling them they'd love it and felt right with the world once again for doing another good deed!
We're yet to meet Couple Trois, but we have taken advantage of our quiet time on Captiva. I'm excited about our onward journey, but will greatly miss the hospitality and tranquility of the Jensen's... I'll just thank my lucky stars we're here for another 5 days!
Jen
On our first evening in Captiva, Callum started talking to the couple in the adjoining cottage, which then lead to them coming over for a beer, not an ice cream; talking about their marriage, not their courtship and the music preference turned into Presidential Candidacy!
At some points, I felt I was in over my head (I've already admitted my political failings to you and to them) but mostly I enjoyed myself... and had a few feelings of...oh my lord, I'm getting old! It is a strange feeling, when, having been on holidays many times with my mother and father, not having them around when the conversation grew limited or went, indeed, over my head! However, our neighbours were fantastic, here for another couple of days and more than happy to listen to our stilted opinions of the elections, and excitement towards our onward journey.
We saw them a couple more times, on the beach and around the Jensen's resorts, swapped email addresses and had another beer together. All in all it was a typical holiday encounter, which I really, thoroughly enjoyed.
Getting into the swing of the 'grown up chat' malarky, I was delighted to find another couple on our way back from dropping off our car in Fort Myers. Cal and I had worried over the expense of getting back onto Captiva without our trusty automobile, finding out it was going to cost us 80 bucks didn't exactly fill our little souls with glee.... until we found the 'other couple' (I almost feel we cheated on the first with a younger, hotter couple...which sounds weird, and also untrue!)
He held up a sign asking if anyone was going their way and if so, did they want to split a cab... so that's just what we did. And on our journey we exchanged info; where we were all from; how longing we were staying; where exactly we were staying; had we been before - you know the story.
It was all very pleasant, no one over stepping the mark, everybody's politeness making way for a genuinely delightful holiday chat. Until Couple Deux revealed they were devout church goers and all of a sudden, unexpectedly, I became somewhat uncomfortable.
Not being religious myself, I am whole heartedly respectful of others said religion and take it in my stride to listen to their beliefs; and I really don't think I'm on my own when I say that, as soon as you know that these strangers before you are the God fearing type of fellows - conversation becomes a little stifled. I did not want to offend either of them, and as my every day language can be a little coarse (I know, you just wouldn't believe it) I decided to try and shut up for the rest of the journey without them sprinkling holy water on me or praying for my soul.
Anyway, we'd told them of our writing and they said they would try and check out the Jensen's resort and website - my good deed done for the day, I was happy to say our goodbyes and felt safe in the knowledge that I hadn't, indeed, offended anyone and she sent me on my way "God Bless You." And I feel that's not so bad as we still have another month and a half of travelling ahead.
Breathing a sigh of relief, having saved a bunch of dollars in the cab of religion, I spent the next day reading a great book, 'The Seduction of Mrs Pendlebury' (By Margaret Forster - it's good, look it up) A 1970's British affair, 200 odd pages of good reading... all being well with the world, I absorbed myself in the literature. The ever mentioned waves playing, what now feels like my personal soundtrack, accompanying my reading...
'That must be Jenni!"
Couple Deux had arrived, stradling their bicycles, they had hunted us out - I felt like they'd come back to ask me to accept Him into my life.
"Don't you look all cute and relaxed!?"
I was before you got here... I quickly hid my book in sheer terror that the title would offend, although the content wouldn't and engaged myself in more polite chit-chat (Callum being no where near to help me out!) I couldn't, however, have felt worse for what could only have been my own short sighted stereotyping. They were a genuinley lovely couple, who were nothing more than excited to hear more about our travelling plans. And even gave us tips about where to get cheap theatre tickets in New York (Which did surprise me, because, isn't NYC full of sin?!)
So me now feeling suitably sheepish, as she announced that she must hug me - we said of goodbyes. I was far too quick to judge and I felt awful, so I gave them a few leaflets for the Jensen's boat rentals, telling them they'd love it and felt right with the world once again for doing another good deed!
We're yet to meet Couple Trois, but we have taken advantage of our quiet time on Captiva. I'm excited about our onward journey, but will greatly miss the hospitality and tranquility of the Jensen's... I'll just thank my lucky stars we're here for another 5 days!
Jen
Sunday, 9 November 2008
At Home With My Manatee
Our first few days have been spent acclimatising ourselves to the Jensen's mentality - which hasn't taken me all that long! Peaceful relaxation...don't mind if I do, thanks!
We've moved over to the marina side and I've already asked the locals how much the land goes for... I'd very much like to make Captiva my home, but as Oprah has apparently just bought a plot for a cool $12 million, my piggy bank is still somewhat on the light side...maybe a joint family investment is what's needed!
So going back to that peaceful relaxing; I took the 30 second stroll from our marina cottage last night to the water front with a bottle o' beer and took a seat under the blanket of stars...Move over, Utah... theirs are much brighter than yours!
With the waves lapping against the 20 or so little boats that the Jensen's rent out to explore a little further, I soaked up the atmosphere and called home. Having missed my friends' wedding, I knew I had some catching up to do. So I braved a 1.30 am phone call and was told about the service, which could have only been made better if done here!
Wrapping up the late and newsworthy phone call, I thought of this place with all my friends here - which would only make it that little extra special.
As I watched the sky growing darker and the stars coming out to play, I took a walk onto the pier. Many years ago, my brother and I had been standing in the exact same place as one of the Gulf's manatees had floated by to say hello... all these years later, in the same spot, another slowly bobbed to the surface to greet me. Now I don't know whether the Jensen's sponsor these gentle sea giants, because they mirror their attitude to life; so laid back, not a worry about them - just checking in every now and again to make sure we're all doing OK.
This is a wonderful place to come, whoever you may be; a family, couple, friends, old or young or even on your own. Take a boat trip out to one of the islands scattered around Captiva and Sanibel, look out for the abundance of wildlife, be it a manatee, dolphin, pelican or turtle. Or if you're feeling lazy, just walk the short distance to the beach and crash out there for the day under the sun. You may even live life on the edge and go for a drink or three in the good old English pub, The Mucky Duck.
Whatever it is you feel like doing, just take everything slow and easy, there's no rush. Everything, including the sun, will be here tomorrow.
So I'm going to take my own advice, put down my pen, grab a beer and wait for you lot to join me!
Jen
We've moved over to the marina side and I've already asked the locals how much the land goes for... I'd very much like to make Captiva my home, but as Oprah has apparently just bought a plot for a cool $12 million, my piggy bank is still somewhat on the light side...maybe a joint family investment is what's needed!
So going back to that peaceful relaxing; I took the 30 second stroll from our marina cottage last night to the water front with a bottle o' beer and took a seat under the blanket of stars...Move over, Utah... theirs are much brighter than yours!
With the waves lapping against the 20 or so little boats that the Jensen's rent out to explore a little further, I soaked up the atmosphere and called home. Having missed my friends' wedding, I knew I had some catching up to do. So I braved a 1.30 am phone call and was told about the service, which could have only been made better if done here!
Wrapping up the late and newsworthy phone call, I thought of this place with all my friends here - which would only make it that little extra special.
As I watched the sky growing darker and the stars coming out to play, I took a walk onto the pier. Many years ago, my brother and I had been standing in the exact same place as one of the Gulf's manatees had floated by to say hello... all these years later, in the same spot, another slowly bobbed to the surface to greet me. Now I don't know whether the Jensen's sponsor these gentle sea giants, because they mirror their attitude to life; so laid back, not a worry about them - just checking in every now and again to make sure we're all doing OK.
This is a wonderful place to come, whoever you may be; a family, couple, friends, old or young or even on your own. Take a boat trip out to one of the islands scattered around Captiva and Sanibel, look out for the abundance of wildlife, be it a manatee, dolphin, pelican or turtle. Or if you're feeling lazy, just walk the short distance to the beach and crash out there for the day under the sun. You may even live life on the edge and go for a drink or three in the good old English pub, The Mucky Duck.
Whatever it is you feel like doing, just take everything slow and easy, there's no rush. Everything, including the sun, will be here tomorrow.
So I'm going to take my own advice, put down my pen, grab a beer and wait for you lot to join me!
Jen
Saturday, 8 November 2008
And So Paradise Welcomed Us
I hope I remember the feelings of excitement I had when driving over the bridge from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island. I swear I have never grinned like that before in my short 22 years of life!
I have to confess that the times I have driven onto Captiva in the past, I have either been extremely young...or asleep! So this time was special.
We stopped to get some supplies before arriving and I asked Callum how he felt (being a Captiva Virgin, he did not know what to expect). The answer I received... "It just better warrant your whoop whoops and your insecent ramblings!" You see, Callum is a partying kind of guy; it takes a lot for him to exude any kind of excitement without either a vodka in hand, or some rock blasting!
However, give the guy his dues, he was more than pleasantly surprised when after 3,500 miles, we arrived at Jensen's. In fact, there was even a smile...
Clambering out of the car, with our feet being met by those Captiva shells - I was once again in Paradise. Beside myself with that excitement, we found the Jensen's office (much easier than those Route 10 motels, Nancy and I had argued over!)... Very well sign posted - well done, boys!
Having never met a Jensen brother, I was elated when one of the clan, Dave, instantly recognised me (must be that British charm!) and welcomed us right in to the bosom of the resort!
Casting my memory back - long before I usually care to rememeber, my first Captiva trip; I saw my mum, dad, brother and I walking out on the pier in front of me; my dad pretending to throw me in to the water... as you can imagine, whinging quickly followed... but memories of a great holiday!
So, Dave tells us we're staying on the 'Gulf Side' (and I love him a little more for this! As, by now you may have guessed, I'm partial to a good sunset!) And also, while I'm rabbiting on - for those of you that don't know, Captiva is on the west coast of Florida, the Gulf side (On the West) of the Island housing the marvelous sunset theatre shows and the first of the two Jensen's locations... and then the marina side on the east, which houses the Jensen's cottages. So off we go to settle in...
I open the door to the 'Post Office Sweet' (Pun intended!) and let out a little cry of joy. 3,500 miles seems like nothing for this little piece of heaven.
..."I love you very much, Callum - but I'm not top and taling with you!" One bed - huge living room; Callum quickly opts for the plush sofa and stops an argument over the most beautiful bed before one even starts.
He has also reached nirvana - a television; patio and freezer for his vodka - he is more than set. He's now starting to understand my gushes of excitment! So in my rush to take everything in, I had to ring home to gloat. My mum is beside herself with jealousy, so I say goodbye and ring the father. Tired from a long week in the office, he too is envious of my said geography; I once again bid my farewells and almost circle myself for the next thing to do.
The beach. Thirty paces and we're there. Callum now fully understands and is in the sea before he hears my next bout of cries.
...For our welcome party had surfaced - a dolphin, just ahead of him in the surf. For what more could anybody want, I do ask you?! This place is, quite honestly, a modest slice of perfection.
And as I write this now, the sun has just disappeared into the sea and the sky is lit with it's fading embers - painting it with the richest of pinks, reds and oranges; the beach is getting dark, there's not a soul around, and I couldn't and never have been more at peace with this beautiful world.
I have to confess that the times I have driven onto Captiva in the past, I have either been extremely young...or asleep! So this time was special.
We stopped to get some supplies before arriving and I asked Callum how he felt (being a Captiva Virgin, he did not know what to expect). The answer I received... "It just better warrant your whoop whoops and your insecent ramblings!" You see, Callum is a partying kind of guy; it takes a lot for him to exude any kind of excitement without either a vodka in hand, or some rock blasting!
However, give the guy his dues, he was more than pleasantly surprised when after 3,500 miles, we arrived at Jensen's. In fact, there was even a smile...
Clambering out of the car, with our feet being met by those Captiva shells - I was once again in Paradise. Beside myself with that excitement, we found the Jensen's office (much easier than those Route 10 motels, Nancy and I had argued over!)... Very well sign posted - well done, boys!
Having never met a Jensen brother, I was elated when one of the clan, Dave, instantly recognised me (must be that British charm!) and welcomed us right in to the bosom of the resort!
Casting my memory back - long before I usually care to rememeber, my first Captiva trip; I saw my mum, dad, brother and I walking out on the pier in front of me; my dad pretending to throw me in to the water... as you can imagine, whinging quickly followed... but memories of a great holiday!
So, Dave tells us we're staying on the 'Gulf Side' (and I love him a little more for this! As, by now you may have guessed, I'm partial to a good sunset!) And also, while I'm rabbiting on - for those of you that don't know, Captiva is on the west coast of Florida, the Gulf side (On the West) of the Island housing the marvelous sunset theatre shows and the first of the two Jensen's locations... and then the marina side on the east, which houses the Jensen's cottages. So off we go to settle in...
I open the door to the 'Post Office Sweet' (Pun intended!) and let out a little cry of joy. 3,500 miles seems like nothing for this little piece of heaven.
..."I love you very much, Callum - but I'm not top and taling with you!" One bed - huge living room; Callum quickly opts for the plush sofa and stops an argument over the most beautiful bed before one even starts.
He has also reached nirvana - a television; patio and freezer for his vodka - he is more than set. He's now starting to understand my gushes of excitment! So in my rush to take everything in, I had to ring home to gloat. My mum is beside herself with jealousy, so I say goodbye and ring the father. Tired from a long week in the office, he too is envious of my said geography; I once again bid my farewells and almost circle myself for the next thing to do.
The beach. Thirty paces and we're there. Callum now fully understands and is in the sea before he hears my next bout of cries.
...For our welcome party had surfaced - a dolphin, just ahead of him in the surf. For what more could anybody want, I do ask you?! This place is, quite honestly, a modest slice of perfection.
And as I write this now, the sun has just disappeared into the sea and the sky is lit with it's fading embers - painting it with the richest of pinks, reds and oranges; the beach is getting dark, there's not a soul around, and I couldn't and never have been more at peace with this beautiful world.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Election Day in Louisiana
Having decided to have a days rest from the road, we laid our hats for a couple of nights in Louisiana. Cal had wanted to stop in New Orleans, thinking it was a great party place, but our motel was far from the partying and nearer to the Election Enthusiasts. We arrived the night before the presidential election - quite possibly one of our lesser laid plans.
During our time in America, Callum and I have become quite enthralled in this election who-ha. Having quite graciously accepted a 'U' (Unclassified - because the only mark they could give me was for spelling my name correctly) for my Politics A Level at school, I will admit that our British way of doing things goes a bit over my head; however, America seems to have it sussed. The folk over here actually care who runs the country, and the people who want to run the country actually care about those who live here... quite simple, quite effective, people bother to vote.
However, having been following the candidate we wanted to win and venturing out on our first day in Louisiana, seeing four women in the middle of the road holding signs up to vote for the opposition... we didn't really feel like being sociable... I had been told by a friend who has also driven across this fine country that, as a foreigner - don't bad mouth any of the politicians - you just don't know who you're talking to - just don't talk about the government, full stop! ... Quite hard to do on the eve of the elections!
So we kept ourselves to ourselves and crisped by our swamp of a pool, not talking to anyone. Then we went shopping... Then we went to a movie... Then we went back to the motel... not speaking to anyone! And then Obama made history, and we were happy... so then we went to sleep... !!
We've now left the party state of Louisiana (!!) and have driven through Mississippi today and landed in Alabama. Alabama is just how I imagined it to be. It's like we walked into the set of Forrest Gump; the streets are lined with the oldest of trees, whose leaves are just changing to a luscious golden colour. It's beautiful and I wish we could stay for longer, but Jensen's is calling and I swear if I wasn't in the most quietest of libraries I would be screaming with delight that in 48 hours we will be there... a whoop whoop is quite definitely appropriate right now!!
Whoop Whoop!
Jen
During our time in America, Callum and I have become quite enthralled in this election who-ha. Having quite graciously accepted a 'U' (Unclassified - because the only mark they could give me was for spelling my name correctly) for my Politics A Level at school, I will admit that our British way of doing things goes a bit over my head; however, America seems to have it sussed. The folk over here actually care who runs the country, and the people who want to run the country actually care about those who live here... quite simple, quite effective, people bother to vote.
However, having been following the candidate we wanted to win and venturing out on our first day in Louisiana, seeing four women in the middle of the road holding signs up to vote for the opposition... we didn't really feel like being sociable... I had been told by a friend who has also driven across this fine country that, as a foreigner - don't bad mouth any of the politicians - you just don't know who you're talking to - just don't talk about the government, full stop! ... Quite hard to do on the eve of the elections!
So we kept ourselves to ourselves and crisped by our swamp of a pool, not talking to anyone. Then we went shopping... Then we went to a movie... Then we went back to the motel... not speaking to anyone! And then Obama made history, and we were happy... so then we went to sleep... !!
We've now left the party state of Louisiana (!!) and have driven through Mississippi today and landed in Alabama. Alabama is just how I imagined it to be. It's like we walked into the set of Forrest Gump; the streets are lined with the oldest of trees, whose leaves are just changing to a luscious golden colour. It's beautiful and I wish we could stay for longer, but Jensen's is calling and I swear if I wasn't in the most quietest of libraries I would be screaming with delight that in 48 hours we will be there... a whoop whoop is quite definitely appropriate right now!!
Whoop Whoop!
Jen
Atticus Finch, Butterflies and Sunsets
Each time it happens, I am truly moved at the resounding effect that a piece of music has upon us at various moments through our days. Driving from Phoenix to El Paso caught me completely off guard.
As the sun melted behind yet another 'fall' coloured mountain, making a true beauty of a silhouette out of it, we eased along the road listening to... Cold Play... now let me just take a second to reassure you that I am very much of the opinion that Cold Play made the one good song, and this was now accompanying us along Route 10. With Chris Martin and co singing 'Fix You' through the loud yet appauling stereo system of our loud yet appauling new car... I saw a sunset that was very nearly worthy of my Grandad.
There's definately one thing that America allows you to do - and that's to think. There is so much space here... so much empty space, and if you're not careful it can catch you off guard like this drive did for me and reduce you to driving open mouthed, completely in awe of your exact location on this planet, thinking of those you love.
It took us 7 hours to drive to El Paso, on Halloween, no less. During those 7 hours I really had to try with all my being to pull myself together before Callum realised I was holding back the tears and I got an earful for being an emotional female.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To quickly borrow the words from Ms Harper Lee in a speech given by the infamous Atticus Finch, "...but it is a sin to kill a mockingbird." ... a quote I agree with; from a book which is, by far the best piece of literature ever written. This quote that also rang true in my head today, but with slightly different lyrics... "it is a sin to kill a butterfly." (There aren't many Mockingbirds where I come from). Butterflies are beautiful; I have always thought so. Not so beautiful, however, when they are stuck to the front of the car.
With every one that flew onto the window screen, I really did feel truly awful. Callum jumped at every little scream I let out with each death, apparently thinking I was about to crash the car - so I stopped, but the culling continued.
So much so that our once white car bonnet is now a rather ugly mix of black and yellow. It was two days of driving done in one, but at what price, I ask you???
Dead cheap petrol.... (!!!)
We've spent a few days on the road now, making our way down to Florida. The road has taken us through El Paso, San Antonio, Houston and now into Louisiana, in a few days we will arrive in Captiva and I am so excited, I think Callum thinks I've lost a little of my mind... but I physically can't wait to be standing on that beach outside of Jensen's watching, what I hope to be another of those beautiful sunsets.
Jen.
As the sun melted behind yet another 'fall' coloured mountain, making a true beauty of a silhouette out of it, we eased along the road listening to... Cold Play... now let me just take a second to reassure you that I am very much of the opinion that Cold Play made the one good song, and this was now accompanying us along Route 10. With Chris Martin and co singing 'Fix You' through the loud yet appauling stereo system of our loud yet appauling new car... I saw a sunset that was very nearly worthy of my Grandad.
There's definately one thing that America allows you to do - and that's to think. There is so much space here... so much empty space, and if you're not careful it can catch you off guard like this drive did for me and reduce you to driving open mouthed, completely in awe of your exact location on this planet, thinking of those you love.
It took us 7 hours to drive to El Paso, on Halloween, no less. During those 7 hours I really had to try with all my being to pull myself together before Callum realised I was holding back the tears and I got an earful for being an emotional female.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To quickly borrow the words from Ms Harper Lee in a speech given by the infamous Atticus Finch, "...but it is a sin to kill a mockingbird." ... a quote I agree with; from a book which is, by far the best piece of literature ever written. This quote that also rang true in my head today, but with slightly different lyrics... "it is a sin to kill a butterfly." (There aren't many Mockingbirds where I come from). Butterflies are beautiful; I have always thought so. Not so beautiful, however, when they are stuck to the front of the car.
With every one that flew onto the window screen, I really did feel truly awful. Callum jumped at every little scream I let out with each death, apparently thinking I was about to crash the car - so I stopped, but the culling continued.
So much so that our once white car bonnet is now a rather ugly mix of black and yellow. It was two days of driving done in one, but at what price, I ask you???
Dead cheap petrol.... (!!!)
We've spent a few days on the road now, making our way down to Florida. The road has taken us through El Paso, San Antonio, Houston and now into Louisiana, in a few days we will arrive in Captiva and I am so excited, I think Callum thinks I've lost a little of my mind... but I physically can't wait to be standing on that beach outside of Jensen's watching, what I hope to be another of those beautiful sunsets.
Jen.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
The Phoenixan Devil and The Phoenixan Angel - Part Two
A quick catch up to let you know more about our angels and demons... As I said a few days ago, the demons emerged when picking up our new car...
(We've decided to drive across America, instead of battling the Greyhound buses [Sorry, Grandma - but don't worry, we are safe!])
So, they took more money than we deemed appropriate... hence their title... Devils/Demons... call them what you will... my words were a little harsher! And when I say more than appropriate, I mean we were trying to cut bits out of our travelling to make up for this 'faux pas'.
Anyway, driving bitterly back to our motel in Phoenix - we decided to try and forget about the money and relax. Callum went and chilled by the pool, while I sulked and wanted a hug from one of the parentals.
That's when my angel turned up - I was talking to the manager of the motel about our tale of woe... half an hour later, as I was about to swim my troubles away, she appeared outside of our room... with four gift vouchers for free nights in any of their motels within the U.S... my angels name... Kristine.
People like Kristine restore my faith in society. She had nothing to do with how badly the car hire agency treated us, yet saw how it affected our travelling and produced these four golden tickets...
So now we're leaving Phoenix with a spring in our step and a smile on our face - onwards to El Paso... a littler closer to Captiva, a little further from those demons...
Jen
(We've decided to drive across America, instead of battling the Greyhound buses [Sorry, Grandma - but don't worry, we are safe!])
So, they took more money than we deemed appropriate... hence their title... Devils/Demons... call them what you will... my words were a little harsher! And when I say more than appropriate, I mean we were trying to cut bits out of our travelling to make up for this 'faux pas'.
Anyway, driving bitterly back to our motel in Phoenix - we decided to try and forget about the money and relax. Callum went and chilled by the pool, while I sulked and wanted a hug from one of the parentals.
That's when my angel turned up - I was talking to the manager of the motel about our tale of woe... half an hour later, as I was about to swim my troubles away, she appeared outside of our room... with four gift vouchers for free nights in any of their motels within the U.S... my angels name... Kristine.
People like Kristine restore my faith in society. She had nothing to do with how badly the car hire agency treated us, yet saw how it affected our travelling and produced these four golden tickets...
So now we're leaving Phoenix with a spring in our step and a smile on our face - onwards to El Paso... a littler closer to Captiva, a little further from those demons...
Jen
Thursday, 30 October 2008
The Phoenixan Devil and the Phoenixan Angel - Part 1
This one will be short ... but in two parts... the reason being: I have 9 minutes left on my Internet time and I just wanted to let you all know that we're alive and well. I have turned off my phone because phone bills with international calls are HUGE... I haven't been online to blog for a while because certain car hire franchises have taken ALL of my time and money (that'll be the Devil side to the story); but we're OK, because I met an Angel today and all will soon be well with the world.
We're in Phoenix... we relaxed for a few days, crisping by the pool... I then took it upon myself to swim 100 lengths last night... strange things happen in Arizona! Anyway, we're leaving tomorrow, out of this Bermuda Triangle of Manners and Money, and heading for El Paso, where I hope the change to be a vast difference.
The drive from Utah was as good as it was to get there... The views we've seen have been just how I dreamt...and more. The day and a half journey took us through the most bizarre terrain, at some moments, we were alone (much like Devil's Canyon); but then five minutes later, we were in mayhem of Flagstaff and its apparent abundance of automobiles!
Let me quickly tell you about the treats of this place... The Devil incarnated himself in the form of 'Donna' our car rental representative... who didn't know her elbow from her ankle... an hour after we arrived at Sky Harbour Airport; we left with our wallets a little lighter, but plus one car.
I will tell you all about my Angel when I have more time, but for now, know that we are safe and will not soon enough be in the waves of Captiva...
We're in Phoenix... we relaxed for a few days, crisping by the pool... I then took it upon myself to swim 100 lengths last night... strange things happen in Arizona! Anyway, we're leaving tomorrow, out of this Bermuda Triangle of Manners and Money, and heading for El Paso, where I hope the change to be a vast difference.
The drive from Utah was as good as it was to get there... The views we've seen have been just how I dreamt...and more. The day and a half journey took us through the most bizarre terrain, at some moments, we were alone (much like Devil's Canyon); but then five minutes later, we were in mayhem of Flagstaff and its apparent abundance of automobiles!
Let me quickly tell you about the treats of this place... The Devil incarnated himself in the form of 'Donna' our car rental representative... who didn't know her elbow from her ankle... an hour after we arrived at Sky Harbour Airport; we left with our wallets a little lighter, but plus one car.
I will tell you all about my Angel when I have more time, but for now, know that we are safe and will not soon enough be in the waves of Captiva...
Monday, 27 October 2008
The Stars in Utah Shine Brightly
I can not begin to describe to you how stunningly beautiful Utah is... However, I'm a writer, so I suppose I should attempt it...
Hopping into the car, back in Vegas - resigning myself to the fact that the entire day would be taken up with driving, we began the journey. After a few sketchy moments on the road out of Vegas (due to ridiculous road works), we hit the open road and the views were simply spectacular.
At this point, I was remembering sitting at home, huddled in a hoodie, freezing my tootsies off, planning this route. I wanted to do a kind of 'Thelma and Louise' drive, except without driving off a cliff at the end, without holding up a gas station and without having to shoot anyone... and in a weird way, I felt, as soon as I saw the canyons of Utah - I had achieved this.
Driving in between the red rocked mountains, being the only car on the road, the sun going down - I'd never felt a) so far away from home or b) so very small. But this is what the trip, to me, was all about - discovering... If this was our last day in America, I'd have been content. I was living the dream.
We stopped at 'Devil's Canyon' to take a few photos, it was so quiet and serene and for a few moments it seemed we were the only people in the world, standing so high up - watching the world go by... pretty darn special if you ask me.
So after pulling myself together, we drove the last 40 miles to a little town called Green River. The sun had buried itself by this point and the only things we could make out were the oversized neon signs advertising every chain of motel going. We'd pre booked ours, so checked in and twiddled our thumbs for a bit. Turns out there's not so much to do in Green River...
I love arriving places in the dark, and waking up to see what it's like in the light... except Green River was exactly the same. A sleepy town that rather reminded Cal and I of something out of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'! Desolate gas stations, truck parks, a chainsaw weilding maniac... no I'm joking! But it was slightly worrying, so we punched 'Moab' into 'Nancy' (Our GPS/Sat Nav lady annoys me so much, I thought she may as well have a name, so when we're arguing, it can be more personal) so, we drove another 40 miles to Moab and I fell in love.
Moab, Utah has been my favourite stop thus far. It's like a 21st century version of the old cowboy towns you saw in those old Western films. I expect to see John Wayne soon! Encircled within more red rocked mountains and canyons, crossing the Colorado River to get into town, it's just perfect.
We had a pizza, booked a horse ride, picked up some beers and drove 'home' (saving the beer until we'd got back, of course!)
Anyway, that's when I saw them... stars like I've never seen them before, so bright it was almost unreal. The entire sky was engulfed in a blanket full of them, I felt I could just reach up and take one. I literally would have laid on the floor of the car park and watched them all night if it wasn't for the fact that it was freeeezing! We don't have stars that bright at home, but that goes hand in hand with not living in the middle of nowhere! Utah - best stars...so far.
Hang on.... we booked a horse ride??!! Haven't done that for a while... 5 years to be precise... and that was in snow, with my aunty, cousin and mum - not through the canyons with a Marlboro Man as our guide!! No joke - Mark, the guy who ran the stables was a Marlboro Man (Had advertised Marlboro cigarettes back in his day and completely looked the part - cowboy hat, cowboy boots, jeans, white moustache and a Marlboro cigarette!) he was awesome!
Now let me just tell you, as we went through 'orientation' I began getting really really nervous... especially as they don't deem fit to issue you with a crash helmet as in good old Blighty. So I hawled myself onto Blunder, a beautiful old beast of a horse. Tess, the other instructor, told me she given me Blunder because he takes care of his passengers and, as she could sense my nerves, she gave me some well needed reassurance and off we trotted. Heart in mouth and reins in hand I was shaking like a leaf, but once Blunder and I had had words, he was every inch the gentleman Tess had told me he would be.
Steadying myself in the saddle, I decided to take my eyes away from the floor and soak in the surroundings - which were, again, just idyllic. Working our way up and down the treck, in and out of the tributaries of the Colorado River, I was well and truly in awe of everything around me. This was better than I had ever wished for, and I couldn't wipe the ridiculous grin off my face!
Two hours later, we arrived back and said goodbye to our hosts and horses. Driving away from Red Cliff Lodge, I couldn't help but think what it would be like to live there...
Coming back to reality, we didn't have anywhere to stay for that night, so over some questionable eggs we discussed our next lodgings... which turned out to be a sort of inn come cabin, so vastly different to the chains of motels we've been staying in...so what did I do to take advantage of where we were staying...? I did the laundry... two weeks worth of it.... lovely!
So here we are now, in Moab, in the only internet cafe in Southern Utah about to embark on another long journey to Phoenix. I'd rather stay here for another couple of weeks. But alas, we have to haul our tooshes down to Arizona. If our journey there is anything like it was to get here, it will be worth it.
Time is ticking on by, and soon we will be in Captiva, soaking in the Gulf's sun and swimming in the sea - but I wonder what other landscapes lie ahead of us, what other sights we'll see, who else we'll meet... ooo, I'm a little bit excited about that!!
Jen
Hopping into the car, back in Vegas - resigning myself to the fact that the entire day would be taken up with driving, we began the journey. After a few sketchy moments on the road out of Vegas (due to ridiculous road works), we hit the open road and the views were simply spectacular.
At this point, I was remembering sitting at home, huddled in a hoodie, freezing my tootsies off, planning this route. I wanted to do a kind of 'Thelma and Louise' drive, except without driving off a cliff at the end, without holding up a gas station and without having to shoot anyone... and in a weird way, I felt, as soon as I saw the canyons of Utah - I had achieved this.
Driving in between the red rocked mountains, being the only car on the road, the sun going down - I'd never felt a) so far away from home or b) so very small. But this is what the trip, to me, was all about - discovering... If this was our last day in America, I'd have been content. I was living the dream.
We stopped at 'Devil's Canyon' to take a few photos, it was so quiet and serene and for a few moments it seemed we were the only people in the world, standing so high up - watching the world go by... pretty darn special if you ask me.
So after pulling myself together, we drove the last 40 miles to a little town called Green River. The sun had buried itself by this point and the only things we could make out were the oversized neon signs advertising every chain of motel going. We'd pre booked ours, so checked in and twiddled our thumbs for a bit. Turns out there's not so much to do in Green River...
I love arriving places in the dark, and waking up to see what it's like in the light... except Green River was exactly the same. A sleepy town that rather reminded Cal and I of something out of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'! Desolate gas stations, truck parks, a chainsaw weilding maniac... no I'm joking! But it was slightly worrying, so we punched 'Moab' into 'Nancy' (Our GPS/Sat Nav lady annoys me so much, I thought she may as well have a name, so when we're arguing, it can be more personal) so, we drove another 40 miles to Moab and I fell in love.
Moab, Utah has been my favourite stop thus far. It's like a 21st century version of the old cowboy towns you saw in those old Western films. I expect to see John Wayne soon! Encircled within more red rocked mountains and canyons, crossing the Colorado River to get into town, it's just perfect.
We had a pizza, booked a horse ride, picked up some beers and drove 'home' (saving the beer until we'd got back, of course!)
Anyway, that's when I saw them... stars like I've never seen them before, so bright it was almost unreal. The entire sky was engulfed in a blanket full of them, I felt I could just reach up and take one. I literally would have laid on the floor of the car park and watched them all night if it wasn't for the fact that it was freeeezing! We don't have stars that bright at home, but that goes hand in hand with not living in the middle of nowhere! Utah - best stars...so far.
Hang on.... we booked a horse ride??!! Haven't done that for a while... 5 years to be precise... and that was in snow, with my aunty, cousin and mum - not through the canyons with a Marlboro Man as our guide!! No joke - Mark, the guy who ran the stables was a Marlboro Man (Had advertised Marlboro cigarettes back in his day and completely looked the part - cowboy hat, cowboy boots, jeans, white moustache and a Marlboro cigarette!) he was awesome!
Now let me just tell you, as we went through 'orientation' I began getting really really nervous... especially as they don't deem fit to issue you with a crash helmet as in good old Blighty. So I hawled myself onto Blunder, a beautiful old beast of a horse. Tess, the other instructor, told me she given me Blunder because he takes care of his passengers and, as she could sense my nerves, she gave me some well needed reassurance and off we trotted. Heart in mouth and reins in hand I was shaking like a leaf, but once Blunder and I had had words, he was every inch the gentleman Tess had told me he would be.
Steadying myself in the saddle, I decided to take my eyes away from the floor and soak in the surroundings - which were, again, just idyllic. Working our way up and down the treck, in and out of the tributaries of the Colorado River, I was well and truly in awe of everything around me. This was better than I had ever wished for, and I couldn't wipe the ridiculous grin off my face!
Two hours later, we arrived back and said goodbye to our hosts and horses. Driving away from Red Cliff Lodge, I couldn't help but think what it would be like to live there...
Coming back to reality, we didn't have anywhere to stay for that night, so over some questionable eggs we discussed our next lodgings... which turned out to be a sort of inn come cabin, so vastly different to the chains of motels we've been staying in...so what did I do to take advantage of where we were staying...? I did the laundry... two weeks worth of it.... lovely!
So here we are now, in Moab, in the only internet cafe in Southern Utah about to embark on another long journey to Phoenix. I'd rather stay here for another couple of weeks. But alas, we have to haul our tooshes down to Arizona. If our journey there is anything like it was to get here, it will be worth it.
Time is ticking on by, and soon we will be in Captiva, soaking in the Gulf's sun and swimming in the sea - but I wonder what other landscapes lie ahead of us, what other sights we'll see, who else we'll meet... ooo, I'm a little bit excited about that!!
Jen
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Las Vegas - A Guilty Pleasure!
I had my reservations about Las Vegas, not knowing a thing about Black Jack or Poker - it was set to be a bit of a miss. My excitement, however broached as one of the songs on the CD my big bro had made me rocked out 'Viva Las Vegas' courtesy of Mr Presley... I was beyond excited - a little more so than Hollywood, I believe! So on we drove to our motel... not Caesar's Palace, but a sweet haven away from San Diego!
Although the stars live in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, driving onto the Las Vegas strip and knowing Brad Pitt and George Clooney had walked these streets, seen these casinos, sipped a G and T in the Bellagio, I was beside myself and as my first dollar was sucked into the first 'Lucky 7's' machine I think Callum saw a side to me that he never knew I had... a gambling side!
Alas - this lasted all of about half an hour before my bottom lip was once again tripping me up as 'the House' had once again won. The excitement and money gone, we decided to take a walk down 'The Strip'. Walking into The Bellagio simply took my breath away - how the other half live! Quite finely thank you very much! A quick scoot around, we finely decided we'd had enough of 'not belonging' and sulked out. But just as I was about to write it off as a rich man's play pen, I was near reduced to tears by the most outstanding spectacle - A fountain show... 'Fountain Show - Ha' I hear you laugh... but believe me - you have never seen anything like it. Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman belted out 'Time To Say Goodbye' as the water shot up into the air, each separate fountain dancing with its partner, gently lit by beautiful lights - it was quite simply breath taking. I could have stayed there all night, but the fountains stopped, Andrea and Sarah were taken out of the cd player, and Cher started - time to say goodbye to the Bellagio and hello to Caesar's Palace next door.
Much of the same here, the casino not as impressive as it's neighbour; but the buildings, fantastic again. Las Vegas knows how to do it! Onto 'Paris' with it's miniature Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triumph - just brilliant. Not wanting to gamble any more of our holiday money, we retreated to our room, quite content with the sights of the evening.
I have another confession - another 'guilty pleasure' - I spent two hours inside of an Arcade today... please don't judge! I have to admit, I really did have a good time!! Having thrashed Callum twice on two driving games, I was well and truly into the swing of things! When he finally scored the equaliser, my first car's brakes were faulty and the second one had off traction - honestly! I never thought I'd see the day when I was slaying zombies, shooting Darth Vader, or driving a Ferrari around Italy - but today was it - and what a day it was. I released the inner child and had bags o' fun!!!
A-hem... back to the matter in hand - a Graduate trip around the States(!). We have one more night here then we're pushing on down to Phoenix. We'll be arriving in Captiva in just over two weeks, it's starting to go really fast now, now that I've settled in to the pace of things here. I'm really very excited about seeing the guys at Jensens, let's hope I don't get distracted by any more fountains or arcades!!!
Jen
Although the stars live in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, driving onto the Las Vegas strip and knowing Brad Pitt and George Clooney had walked these streets, seen these casinos, sipped a G and T in the Bellagio, I was beside myself and as my first dollar was sucked into the first 'Lucky 7's' machine I think Callum saw a side to me that he never knew I had... a gambling side!
Alas - this lasted all of about half an hour before my bottom lip was once again tripping me up as 'the House' had once again won. The excitement and money gone, we decided to take a walk down 'The Strip'. Walking into The Bellagio simply took my breath away - how the other half live! Quite finely thank you very much! A quick scoot around, we finely decided we'd had enough of 'not belonging' and sulked out. But just as I was about to write it off as a rich man's play pen, I was near reduced to tears by the most outstanding spectacle - A fountain show... 'Fountain Show - Ha' I hear you laugh... but believe me - you have never seen anything like it. Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman belted out 'Time To Say Goodbye' as the water shot up into the air, each separate fountain dancing with its partner, gently lit by beautiful lights - it was quite simply breath taking. I could have stayed there all night, but the fountains stopped, Andrea and Sarah were taken out of the cd player, and Cher started - time to say goodbye to the Bellagio and hello to Caesar's Palace next door.
Much of the same here, the casino not as impressive as it's neighbour; but the buildings, fantastic again. Las Vegas knows how to do it! Onto 'Paris' with it's miniature Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triumph - just brilliant. Not wanting to gamble any more of our holiday money, we retreated to our room, quite content with the sights of the evening.
I have another confession - another 'guilty pleasure' - I spent two hours inside of an Arcade today... please don't judge! I have to admit, I really did have a good time!! Having thrashed Callum twice on two driving games, I was well and truly into the swing of things! When he finally scored the equaliser, my first car's brakes were faulty and the second one had off traction - honestly! I never thought I'd see the day when I was slaying zombies, shooting Darth Vader, or driving a Ferrari around Italy - but today was it - and what a day it was. I released the inner child and had bags o' fun!!!
A-hem... back to the matter in hand - a Graduate trip around the States(!). We have one more night here then we're pushing on down to Phoenix. We'll be arriving in Captiva in just over two weeks, it's starting to go really fast now, now that I've settled in to the pace of things here. I'm really very excited about seeing the guys at Jensens, let's hope I don't get distracted by any more fountains or arcades!!!
Jen
Monday, 20 October 2008
Lion and Tigers and Bears...Oh My!
San Diego... A quick stop... And to be honest... I think Callum and I were glad of this. More about that later....But let me first tell you of the sheer terror I housed inside of myself as I climbed inside an American Automobile for the first time in my life. All I kept thinking was 'this is far too easy - why have they let me rent a car so easily?!' The keys were on the dashboard waiting for us and after we plugged in our hostel's name into the G.P.S, we were off...
This is a family site, so I won't swear...but Darn and Blast that was a scary first half hour on the wrong side of the road! The G.P.S was yelling 'turn right...turn right...TURN RIGHT... I couldn't turn right, the road was blocked off! 'Recalculating' was another favourite saying of the lovely lady behind the colourful screen. However, after numerous telephone calls to the seemingly lovely manager of our next hostel, a few more wrong turns, we were there. 7 miles in 1 hour, as my maths is what it is - I'm going to say that was GREAT!
Having parked up and ventured inside, we met our landlady - not to get personal, but Darn and Blast she scared me a little... The 'hostel', as advertised on the internet, was not a hostel...we were basically just staying in this woman's house for the fee of $50 dollars a night. She didn't even see fit to giving us a key. By the time we'd brought our stuff in and had the grand tour, we were shattered, grabbed a few beers from the quaint market next door and held ourselves up in our room.
The reason for this self imprisonment was two fold. Number One - Landlady had cornered me for the best part of an hour telling me her life history (nothing like the lovely Igor from Hollywood). Nobody else could speak and I'm pretty sure she was ever so slightly demonic! Number two - Landlady had shown us the 'communal area' (her living room) "Use it as it were your own, honey." Callum sat down to relax, watch a bit of TV, chill... Landlady didn't like him doing this, and took the remote clean off him...tres hospitable!
This odd behaviour being the reason we were now held up in our own room. We read and drank the few beers we bought from next door - and then it started.
First came George Michael, then Stevie Wonder, then Cher, a bit of All Saints, Blue and Celiene Dion... Landlady was wailing out every hit of each star. This singing/torture...went on for over 4 hours. Some made us laugh, some made us laugh until we cried, and some just made us plain cry. We considered scarpering, but she was right by the front door, and my case is as inconspicous as piece of Hot Chocolate Fudge cake in a Weight Watchers meeting.
So there we sat...waiting for her to stop. The wait went on and on and on some more until eventually we fell asleep. Lord knows what time she carried on til?!
Morning came and we were up early to get away from her asap! Still, she lurked and cornered us again... bless her, her heart, I'm sure, was in the right place. We told her we were off to the zoo - she gave us 27 other places better to go... we assured her we'd check them out. Asking her to lock our room, we eventually made it out of her clasp.
Now, this is where Landlady can be forgotten... San Diego Zoo - what a place!! We spent 5 hours snapping the animals on our cameras. From the Gorillas to the Giraffes, the Baboons to the Buffalo, the Crocodiles to the Koala Bears, it was fantastic. I really enjoyed our time spent there, Callum even more so I think!
Night two - yes...we went back! Now knowing what was best, we quickly nipped back in to Landlady's house to pick up a few bits and quickly made our excuses. However, after we'd eaten we went back for the whole evening.
Back in our room, we read, thanking our lucky stars that she wasn't belting out a Bassey Ballard - inconvientley the light remained on as we fell into our slumber... 1.30am came, and so did a violent bashing on our door, "Turn your light off... turn your light off... come on, wake up....turn your light off!"
Fair play - I can imagine my mum wanting my light switched off at night, but she would ask me calmly, not belt my door down. Lights swtiched off, asleep we fell; but not well... I had visions of her just walking into our room and rifiling through our stuff. Waking early, we packed and darted out of San Diego quicker than the Panther at the Zoo could ever dream to run.
5 hours later, we've made it to Las Vegas - somewhat happy to be out of the clutches of Landlady... in those fitful sleeps I swear I dreamt of being at Jensen's a few weeks early... it's a shame that's not reality!
Jen
This is a family site, so I won't swear...but Darn and Blast that was a scary first half hour on the wrong side of the road! The G.P.S was yelling 'turn right...turn right...TURN RIGHT... I couldn't turn right, the road was blocked off! 'Recalculating' was another favourite saying of the lovely lady behind the colourful screen. However, after numerous telephone calls to the seemingly lovely manager of our next hostel, a few more wrong turns, we were there. 7 miles in 1 hour, as my maths is what it is - I'm going to say that was GREAT!
Having parked up and ventured inside, we met our landlady - not to get personal, but Darn and Blast she scared me a little... The 'hostel', as advertised on the internet, was not a hostel...we were basically just staying in this woman's house for the fee of $50 dollars a night. She didn't even see fit to giving us a key. By the time we'd brought our stuff in and had the grand tour, we were shattered, grabbed a few beers from the quaint market next door and held ourselves up in our room.
The reason for this self imprisonment was two fold. Number One - Landlady had cornered me for the best part of an hour telling me her life history (nothing like the lovely Igor from Hollywood). Nobody else could speak and I'm pretty sure she was ever so slightly demonic! Number two - Landlady had shown us the 'communal area' (her living room) "Use it as it were your own, honey." Callum sat down to relax, watch a bit of TV, chill... Landlady didn't like him doing this, and took the remote clean off him...tres hospitable!
This odd behaviour being the reason we were now held up in our own room. We read and drank the few beers we bought from next door - and then it started.
First came George Michael, then Stevie Wonder, then Cher, a bit of All Saints, Blue and Celiene Dion... Landlady was wailing out every hit of each star. This singing/torture...went on for over 4 hours. Some made us laugh, some made us laugh until we cried, and some just made us plain cry. We considered scarpering, but she was right by the front door, and my case is as inconspicous as piece of Hot Chocolate Fudge cake in a Weight Watchers meeting.
So there we sat...waiting for her to stop. The wait went on and on and on some more until eventually we fell asleep. Lord knows what time she carried on til?!
Morning came and we were up early to get away from her asap! Still, she lurked and cornered us again... bless her, her heart, I'm sure, was in the right place. We told her we were off to the zoo - she gave us 27 other places better to go... we assured her we'd check them out. Asking her to lock our room, we eventually made it out of her clasp.
Now, this is where Landlady can be forgotten... San Diego Zoo - what a place!! We spent 5 hours snapping the animals on our cameras. From the Gorillas to the Giraffes, the Baboons to the Buffalo, the Crocodiles to the Koala Bears, it was fantastic. I really enjoyed our time spent there, Callum even more so I think!
Night two - yes...we went back! Now knowing what was best, we quickly nipped back in to Landlady's house to pick up a few bits and quickly made our excuses. However, after we'd eaten we went back for the whole evening.
Back in our room, we read, thanking our lucky stars that she wasn't belting out a Bassey Ballard - inconvientley the light remained on as we fell into our slumber... 1.30am came, and so did a violent bashing on our door, "Turn your light off... turn your light off... come on, wake up....turn your light off!"
Fair play - I can imagine my mum wanting my light switched off at night, but she would ask me calmly, not belt my door down. Lights swtiched off, asleep we fell; but not well... I had visions of her just walking into our room and rifiling through our stuff. Waking early, we packed and darted out of San Diego quicker than the Panther at the Zoo could ever dream to run.
5 hours later, we've made it to Las Vegas - somewhat happy to be out of the clutches of Landlady... in those fitful sleeps I swear I dreamt of being at Jensen's a few weeks early... it's a shame that's not reality!
Jen
Friday, 17 October 2008
Russians, Angelinos, Stars and Us
Taxi drivers, on the whole, tend to drive me a bit round the bend... (the unnecessary toot toot of their horns; the erratic driving; the shear antisocial'ness' of them - being the cause of this bend driving) - however; this was totally devoid when we climbed on board the taxi we took from Venice Beach to Hollywood.
'Russian Express' we seemed to have tickets for... thirty minutes later and we had Igor's full life history... why he left the Soviet Union, why he fled to the US and why he was now destined to take us out of the "devil's play area" and drop us off at the "best place in zee U.S". I loved him... he loved us... and we loved Hollywood!
So we made it out of the "devil's play area" to rub shoulders with the stars. Bidding our farewells to Igor and his taxi of tales, we realised we were staying right off Hollywood Blvd, practically in John Travolta's back garden!
It was early when we arrived - so what did they do, I hear you ask... We walked, explored walked some more and finally found ourselves in a TV studio audience, clapping and cheering for Jimmy Kimmel and his guests. Lisa Kudrow being our first 'Celeb sighting', I was suitably chuffed!
On our quest to find more stars, I convinced Callum that a sightseeing tour of Hollywood would be the right thing to do...so on we climbed and found ourselves on Rodeo Drive... I must take a moment to say that if I wasn't bound for Jensen's I would have stayed here until Julia Roberts and Richard Gere came back to shoot Pretty Woman 2...but alas, I hear it's not in the pipe line... I digress... So instead of waiting for Jules and Richi, I took my camera out ... 'change battery pack'... a moment I'd waited for since first watching the film and my camera is out of battery juice...typical!
A few snaps on Callum's camera later and my blind panic had subsided and we were on our way to the Beverley Centre... shopping... heat... towing along a 22 year old male... these things do not mix! Therefore, a 50 minute wait ensued and we were 'soon' back on our sight seeing tour bus... striving to peer further into Paramount Studios - I felt I was being called home by the mother ship! No more stars to see, we arrived back onto Hollywood Blvd and took in a film.
Back at the motel room (yes, that's right, we upgraded from Hostel to Motel!!) I couldn't help but feel 'penned in'. There's nowhere to really chill out in Hollywood. It's busy and never sleeps. There's nowhere to kick back with a beer and read, without being cooped up in your room. Now, who comes to the U.S for three months to sit in a motel room...not us!
So two more films later; a trip up to Universal Studios and plenty of photographs of the 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' we are set to depart for San Diego tomorrow.
I would definitely come back to Hollywood, like I said, the 'industry' side of it really appeals to me, and who can resist a bit of star searching? I feel safe here, there are lots of police - LA's finest as Callum refers to them and the locals aren't nearly as erratic as in the "devil's playground". But there's no beach, no one to look after you, and I'm starting to miss home.
Captiva and Jensen's seem a long way off... I'm losing the sounds of the waves in the hubbub of Hollywood... only 23 days to go!!
'Russian Express' we seemed to have tickets for... thirty minutes later and we had Igor's full life history... why he left the Soviet Union, why he fled to the US and why he was now destined to take us out of the "devil's play area" and drop us off at the "best place in zee U.S". I loved him... he loved us... and we loved Hollywood!
So we made it out of the "devil's play area" to rub shoulders with the stars. Bidding our farewells to Igor and his taxi of tales, we realised we were staying right off Hollywood Blvd, practically in John Travolta's back garden!
It was early when we arrived - so what did they do, I hear you ask... We walked, explored walked some more and finally found ourselves in a TV studio audience, clapping and cheering for Jimmy Kimmel and his guests. Lisa Kudrow being our first 'Celeb sighting', I was suitably chuffed!
On our quest to find more stars, I convinced Callum that a sightseeing tour of Hollywood would be the right thing to do...so on we climbed and found ourselves on Rodeo Drive... I must take a moment to say that if I wasn't bound for Jensen's I would have stayed here until Julia Roberts and Richard Gere came back to shoot Pretty Woman 2...but alas, I hear it's not in the pipe line... I digress... So instead of waiting for Jules and Richi, I took my camera out ... 'change battery pack'... a moment I'd waited for since first watching the film and my camera is out of battery juice...typical!
A few snaps on Callum's camera later and my blind panic had subsided and we were on our way to the Beverley Centre... shopping... heat... towing along a 22 year old male... these things do not mix! Therefore, a 50 minute wait ensued and we were 'soon' back on our sight seeing tour bus... striving to peer further into Paramount Studios - I felt I was being called home by the mother ship! No more stars to see, we arrived back onto Hollywood Blvd and took in a film.
Back at the motel room (yes, that's right, we upgraded from Hostel to Motel!!) I couldn't help but feel 'penned in'. There's nowhere to really chill out in Hollywood. It's busy and never sleeps. There's nowhere to kick back with a beer and read, without being cooped up in your room. Now, who comes to the U.S for three months to sit in a motel room...not us!
So two more films later; a trip up to Universal Studios and plenty of photographs of the 'Hollywood Walk of Fame' we are set to depart for San Diego tomorrow.
I would definitely come back to Hollywood, like I said, the 'industry' side of it really appeals to me, and who can resist a bit of star searching? I feel safe here, there are lots of police - LA's finest as Callum refers to them and the locals aren't nearly as erratic as in the "devil's playground". But there's no beach, no one to look after you, and I'm starting to miss home.
Captiva and Jensen's seem a long way off... I'm losing the sounds of the waves in the hubbub of Hollywood... only 23 days to go!!
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Apologies and More
My apologies to those who are following us - we had the luxury, in Venice Beach, of a computer in our room - Hollywood doesn't afford us this luxury; so we are currently in a rather swish Internet Cafe... I am therefore sorry for the delay! Also, apologies go out for the lack of photographs - no where has allowed us to download anything yet...so watch this space!
I say 'followers' in the loosest of terms...we have one (so it says on our admin page) and I know for a fact that this is my mum (Hi Mum!) so join up guys, and you'll find where we are on our way to Jensen's!! (It's free!)
So, like I say, we've moved away from Venice Beach now, but let me recall the time spent there...
Venice Beach wasn't originally on my very well planned out route, however Callum expressed an interest and I'm glad we indulged! Although our extensive room (including kitchenette, shower room, two double beds and computer) was good value for money... there was a lingering smell of feet and damp... usually this would make me somewhat uncomfortable, but by the time we'd relaxed with the very laid back locals, it didn't become a huge problem... (Not a Huge problem, but let's face it, it's not Captiva! And it did actually make me feel uncomfortable if I'm to be honest!!)
It was a hop, skip and a jump away from the beach itself - bliss... Well, I'm thinking 'bliss' as Van Morrison is singing his melodies into my well relaxed ears, while the California sun beams down on my rather white face; but as soon as one of the 'eccentric' locals decides she's been wronged by her boyfriend - all the bliss leaves with the waves as the shrieking commenced... Don't stare, Jenni, you musn't stare... luckily (as I peered on over my sunglasses) the well rehearsed 'Venitians' had it all boxed off as soon as the first 'Cheap Tattoos Here' sign fell over!
So back it was to concentrating on that relaxing - Van Morrison back on - check; Sun tan lotion on - check; Jensen's hospitality and QUIET beaches..? Not yet... I can survive these 'character' hostels - it's all fine, but let me think of those waves again... ... much better.
Venice Beach, on the whole was great. You have to embrace your 'inner hippy', but once you've managed to do this, you'll be fine. We only stayed three days, I think I was on the cusp...any more and I may have had to change Van Morrison for Bob Marley! Amongst the street vendors, the skaters and the locals - it could make for a very interesting holiday.
Would I go back?... No, I'd go to Jensen's!
I'll tell you about Hollywood soon...
Jen
I say 'followers' in the loosest of terms...we have one (so it says on our admin page) and I know for a fact that this is my mum (Hi Mum!) so join up guys, and you'll find where we are on our way to Jensen's!! (It's free!)
So, like I say, we've moved away from Venice Beach now, but let me recall the time spent there...
Venice Beach wasn't originally on my very well planned out route, however Callum expressed an interest and I'm glad we indulged! Although our extensive room (including kitchenette, shower room, two double beds and computer) was good value for money... there was a lingering smell of feet and damp... usually this would make me somewhat uncomfortable, but by the time we'd relaxed with the very laid back locals, it didn't become a huge problem... (Not a Huge problem, but let's face it, it's not Captiva! And it did actually make me feel uncomfortable if I'm to be honest!!)
It was a hop, skip and a jump away from the beach itself - bliss... Well, I'm thinking 'bliss' as Van Morrison is singing his melodies into my well relaxed ears, while the California sun beams down on my rather white face; but as soon as one of the 'eccentric' locals decides she's been wronged by her boyfriend - all the bliss leaves with the waves as the shrieking commenced... Don't stare, Jenni, you musn't stare... luckily (as I peered on over my sunglasses) the well rehearsed 'Venitians' had it all boxed off as soon as the first 'Cheap Tattoos Here' sign fell over!
So back it was to concentrating on that relaxing - Van Morrison back on - check; Sun tan lotion on - check; Jensen's hospitality and QUIET beaches..? Not yet... I can survive these 'character' hostels - it's all fine, but let me think of those waves again... ... much better.
Venice Beach, on the whole was great. You have to embrace your 'inner hippy', but once you've managed to do this, you'll be fine. We only stayed three days, I think I was on the cusp...any more and I may have had to change Van Morrison for Bob Marley! Amongst the street vendors, the skaters and the locals - it could make for a very interesting holiday.
Would I go back?... No, I'd go to Jensen's!
I'll tell you about Hollywood soon...
Jen
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Preparation, Flights, Hostels - Can we get to Jensen's NOW please?!
Excitable, tired and apprehensive - I arrived at Manchester Airport at 5.15am, October 9th armed with my travelling companion, Callum; my passport and a stupendously oversized bag - the trip I'd been planning for 18 years was finally about to begin. But planning, as it is, always has it's flaws - especially, apparently, when I do it! A delay at Manchester to Heathrow was a bumpy start which was about to get worse...
'You'll need a Visa if you want to stay for this long' - Maths not being my strong point, a lovely man told me I'd over booked our trip and we'd have to change our return date... Great! Double great when I had to apologise to Callum a million and three times that we'd be flying home on his birthday...oops!
Getting me through were those calming sounds of the waves lapping the beach houses at Jensen's - something I haven't heard for pushing seven years.
Managing to finally get into the U.S after a relatively comfortable 10 hour flight across 'The Pond'... 'There may be a slight delay, ma'am - just a technical glitch with Immigration' - another wait...more calming waves...memories of sunsets...
At last...! Arriving in Downtown San Francisco, finding our first hostel; falling through the door... bunk beds; 'Psycho' style shower; and a patio out side for al and sundry to see our three month luggage count... Calming waves...sunsets...white deserted beaches... maybe a quick call to the Jensen's resort to say we may be early!
I jest - it wasn't too bad! The very fact that the lady at reception gave me a leaflet signalling that we'd arrived during Fleet Week was enough to restore a big smile on my face - that and I was doing something I had been dreaming about since I found out what dreaming was.
So after my bottom lip had been safely reposted to under my top (first time being away from home and all!!); we managed to take a walk around The City and our first evening was taken finding our bearings. San Francisco, being a lot smaller than I had imagined, took care of our daily exercise with the most amazingly steep hills - but did not disappoint. Friendly people, great food, brilliant weather...
Our first full day in San Francisco, after a surprisingly comfortable stay in the 'Norman Bates' Hostel', found us at Pier 39 - apparantly it's well known over here?? I can see why - great place, fantastic for the tourist in you, every souvenier you could need - and a Hooter's for Callum. Great.
So after two nights under Mr Bates' watchful eye, we moved to China Town for our final night in San Francisco. At this stage I must point out that the San Franciscans that we met were all hospitable fellows, however when we arrived at this second hostel, and arrived at a room on a corridor worthy of Stephen King's 'The Shining' - the bottom lip was once again shaking!
Opening, with trepidation I may add, the door in the morning, we made a quick exit and made our way down to the piers again... A quick trip on a boat with a booming voice over telling us about Al Capone and Alcatraz and watching the Blue Angels (That's the US Navy Flight Boys) putting on a show that was so good I'm sure I even heard 'wow' uttered from under Callum's breath - our 'Frisco Fix' was filled.
Next stop, L.A... a 'swift' 8 hour journey from the Greyhound boys and we're here. The sun's already down, but it's warm and the music from the saxophones at Venice Beach are going to send me to sleep - that and those waves at Jensen's...
Jen.
'You'll need a Visa if you want to stay for this long' - Maths not being my strong point, a lovely man told me I'd over booked our trip and we'd have to change our return date... Great! Double great when I had to apologise to Callum a million and three times that we'd be flying home on his birthday...oops!
Getting me through were those calming sounds of the waves lapping the beach houses at Jensen's - something I haven't heard for pushing seven years.
Managing to finally get into the U.S after a relatively comfortable 10 hour flight across 'The Pond'... 'There may be a slight delay, ma'am - just a technical glitch with Immigration' - another wait...more calming waves...memories of sunsets...
At last...! Arriving in Downtown San Francisco, finding our first hostel; falling through the door... bunk beds; 'Psycho' style shower; and a patio out side for al and sundry to see our three month luggage count... Calming waves...sunsets...white deserted beaches... maybe a quick call to the Jensen's resort to say we may be early!
I jest - it wasn't too bad! The very fact that the lady at reception gave me a leaflet signalling that we'd arrived during Fleet Week was enough to restore a big smile on my face - that and I was doing something I had been dreaming about since I found out what dreaming was.
So after my bottom lip had been safely reposted to under my top (first time being away from home and all!!); we managed to take a walk around The City and our first evening was taken finding our bearings. San Francisco, being a lot smaller than I had imagined, took care of our daily exercise with the most amazingly steep hills - but did not disappoint. Friendly people, great food, brilliant weather...
Our first full day in San Francisco, after a surprisingly comfortable stay in the 'Norman Bates' Hostel', found us at Pier 39 - apparantly it's well known over here?? I can see why - great place, fantastic for the tourist in you, every souvenier you could need - and a Hooter's for Callum. Great.
So after two nights under Mr Bates' watchful eye, we moved to China Town for our final night in San Francisco. At this stage I must point out that the San Franciscans that we met were all hospitable fellows, however when we arrived at this second hostel, and arrived at a room on a corridor worthy of Stephen King's 'The Shining' - the bottom lip was once again shaking!
Opening, with trepidation I may add, the door in the morning, we made a quick exit and made our way down to the piers again... A quick trip on a boat with a booming voice over telling us about Al Capone and Alcatraz and watching the Blue Angels (That's the US Navy Flight Boys) putting on a show that was so good I'm sure I even heard 'wow' uttered from under Callum's breath - our 'Frisco Fix' was filled.
Next stop, L.A... a 'swift' 8 hour journey from the Greyhound boys and we're here. The sun's already down, but it's warm and the music from the saxophones at Venice Beach are going to send me to sleep - that and those waves at Jensen's...
Jen.
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