A not-so-brief report on our holiday in America...
Got back a week ago from a fantasmagorical holiday in America and I'm finally in the right frame of mind (i.e. not jet lagged and feeling like I'm still in another country) to write about our holiday. The first thing I want to say is, I love America. It rules. Now I know that's a huge generalisation, given that we only saw a tiny part of the country for a short space of time, but tough. This is my (sorry our) blog and that's what I (we) think (I speak for the family of course). Now as usual, I'm using the blog to link to holiday photos, but because this one was a bit special I thought I'd make a bit more effort and actually write down what we did each day (this probably doesn't vary much from what a million other families do when they are in Florida, but please indulge me).
If you click on the link for each day, that will take you to that day's photos (a slideshow). Be warned, there are rather a lot of them. Sorry. NOTE: The brown bear which keeps popping up is Nathan's class mascot.
So here goes.
Day 1 - Arrival and Hollywood Studios
We arrived in Atlanta after a 9-hour flight from Heathrow, good flight, I remember I watched Casino Royale, and that's about it. Met Nana and Grandad who had already been in Atlanta for two days. Connecting flight from Atlanta to Orlando was eventful with funny cabin crew, thunder and lightning outside and a glimpse of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom as we came into land. After an eternal wait for our hire car at the airport we walked outside the airport to collect it, immediately felt the tropical heat. Collected the car (a Dodge something or other, beautiful animal, there's a photo of it somewhere) and drove to the apartment. Struggled to find keys but got there eventually. Into our apartment, very nice and spacious, and straight to bed.
The next day we were up and out to the supermarket (Publix) to get provisions before heading off to Hollywood Studios. Parked, took shuttle bus to the park (these were at most of the parks, always one of the highlights of Nathan's day) and in. First thing we went to was Indiana Jones - a stunt show. Then watched the High School Musical show, very entertaining, and then it was off to a two-hour wait in line for the new Toy Story ride (we learnt very early to get to the parks first thing, and use fastpasses). It was worth the wait - amazing - even better than Buzz Lightyear! Then lunch, and then we split - Nana and Simon to the Tower of Terror (vertical drop in a dark lift - brilliant) and everyone else...watched some puppets or something. (Playhouse Disney). Then we all walked down the Streets of New York, some photos and then back to the apartment for dinner with some friends from the UK who were also on holiday out there.
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Up and out early to Magic Kingdom - I had decided on a plan of action the night before and from then on, every day assumed the role of Commander in Chief of Theme Park Operations (which basically meant bossing everyone about and telling them where to go). It happened to be the busiest time of year for the parks because of 'Spring Break' so to have any chance of doing the decent rides we had to get there early. First stop was TomorrowLand and Buzz Lightyear (good but not as good as the one in Paris), then Stitch's Great Escape (which freaked out Nathan). Then it was on to FantasyLand where we did It's a Small World, and Peter Pan. Then to AdventureLand for the Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain (fastpass), Splash Mountain (this was brilliant) and Pirates of the Caribbean. Lunch, then the Jungle Cruise, Monsters Inc and then the parade ("Celebrate a Dream Come True"). Then it was back to the apartment for a swim in the pool, and the day was rounded off with dinner in the poolside bar. A great start to the holiday.
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom
None of us had done this park before (there's no equivalent in Paris / LA) so its attractions were new to us. It didn't disappoint! The first thing we did was "It's tough to be a bug", a 3D show based on the It's a Bug's Life. This was a brilliant interactive show where you got spat at by bugs and smoked out and all sorts of other stuff. The adults loved it, the kids both cried because they were scared, but hey, who said this holiday was about kids. From that point on Nathan and Sam both refused to go into any rides where you had to wear special glasses. Which was a shame, because there were quite a few of those (we still went on them anyway). Being freaked out it was no surprise then that the kids didn't want to go on Dinosaur, the next ride in the itinerary I had planned. Never mind, I went on it with the fearless Nana while the boys, Katie and Lionel went on Triceratops spin. We then all went to "Asia" where we did the River Rapids ride, on which I got thoroughly soaked and had to buy a new T-shirt. After that we needed something quieter, and so to the Maharajah jungle where we saw everything from bats to gorillas. Following this Sam and I went on the brilliant Everest, a rollercoaster which takes you to the top of the mountain until the track is "broken" and you plunge backwards into the darkness. Enthralling. Sam loved it (fortunately). After lunch we went on the jungle train and the Kilimanjaro safari where the animals paraded before us on cue! Then it was time for another go on Everest, then back to the afternoon parade and then back to the apartment for another swim.
In the evening we ventured out to Kissimee and an Italian restaurant where we needed a big appetite to tackle the generous helpings of pasta and pizza. After that, we did a spot of shopping (caps, T-shirts) and then it was back to the apartment and bed!
Day 4 - Typhoon Lagoon
The next day started with breakfast at Dennys. Dennys is great - it's open 24 hours a day and you can eat whatever you want from the menu, whenever you want. I won't bother listing what everyone ate but suffice it to say there was lots of fried stuff and pancakes.
We thought after three straight days at the parks we'd have a day off and relax at a water park. This was rather optimistic. To describe Typhoon Lagoon as crowded would be an understatement. After half an hour search for spare deckchairs we were beginning to lose hope but patience paid off and we eventually managed to set up camp in an area with shade for the men and sunshine for the girls (see pictures). The main feature of the water park was a huge pool which generated massive waves which people "surfed" or jumped etc. Nathan lasted about 5 minutes in this before being knocked over by a massive wave - luckily Grandad was on hand to pull him out (Daddy was with Sam in the deeper bit - they lasted a bit longer!) The boys went on rubber tubes and played in the little splash areas. High up in the sky a man in a plane was writing the words "Jesus loves you" with his jetstream. In the afternoon we headed back to the apartment and pool which provided welcome respite from the crowds.
Day 5 - Epcot
First ride at Epcot was the brilliant Test Track where you are put in a prototype car which is put through a series of tests (heat, cold, braking!) before going round a racetrack at high speeds. This was Nathan's favourite ride of the holiday. Then it was on to Spaceship Earth (the ride inside the huge golfball for anyone who knows Epcot), a journey through technological progress narrated by Dame Judy Dench. At the end of this our faces were superimposed onto cartoon bodies on the screens in front of us in a world which looked like the Jetsons. My description doesn't do this ride justice so have a look at the pictures Lionel and Jeanette took of themselves! Then we did "Ellen's Energy Adventure", stopped for a coffee break, and went on to World Showcase where we visited Mexico (boat ride), Norway (Viking ride!), China (panorama film), Morocco (which did remind us a lot of Marrakech with a souk and orange trees - have a look at the pictures!) and Canada (funny panorama film). It was at this point where I made the biggest mistake of the holiday and went with my mother-in-law to Mission Space - the ride which simulates a trip on a space shuttle into, well, space. Suffice it to say after the ride we felt unwell for the rest of the day, and it still makes me feel unwell thinking about it! After this ride we visited the brilliant Seas of Nemo and friends with an amazing animated talking turtle (Crush), who interacted with the people in the actual audience - I don't know how they do it. After that we called it a day and went back to the apartment - I slept while everyone else swam! In the evening we went to Denny's and I remember eating a delicious burger.
Day 6 - Universal Studios
Another day, another theme park - change of theme to Universal Studios, where we started off with the brilliant new Simpsons ride, followed by E.T. I then went off and did the "Mummy" (scary rollercoaster) while everyone else did a kiddies ride. Following this we did a photoshoot with the characters from Madagascar (just before us a man proposed to his girlfriend in front of them. She said yes). We then did Men In Black and Jaws, both excellent rides, before doing Disaster, a ride where the audience get to be extras in a disaster movie (called Mutha Nature). This was extra special though because Nana got to play one of the lead roles (see photos!). I then went on the outstanding Terminator ride before doing the 3-D Shrek with the in-laws while Kate took the boys on Jimmy Neutron. Universal Studios was every bit as good as the Disney parks, although perhaps catering for older kids. After this we went to the Florida Mall and dinner was at the California Pizza Kitchen, where I had a superb Waldorf salad. A perfect end to a great day.
Day 7 - Day off! (and Hollywood Studios)
We were in need of a day by the pool, and so had one. In the late afternoon we went to Hollywood Studios to see the Fantasmic spectular which we had been told we should not miss and proved to be unmissable (although we did get a bit wet!) Difficult to describe this - the photos illustrate it better than I can. Before this we went on the Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour, both good rides. At the end of the evening myself, Nana and Grandad went to the Muppet 3D show (the boys refusing to do this at the mere sight of 3D glasses), then it was back to the apartment and bed!
Day 8 - Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure
This was our last full day together which we spent at the more adventurous Universal Studios Park, Islands of Adventure. Together we enjoyed the new Spiderman ride, Ripsaw Falls (the highlight of the day and for me the best ride of the holiday - simply the best log floom I've ever been on), Jurassic Park, Pteranadon Flyers and (Simon only - Duelling Dragons - fast rollercoaster!), eyeing the new Harry Potter ride which opens in 2010. Before lunch we went on Dr Seuss and afterwards I enjoyed a delicious marshmallow chocolatey thingy on a stick from the sweetshop outside. After this the boys (and the girls) went on the carousels and then it was time to go home but not before everyone graciously let me go on the Hulk rollercoaster - simply the best I've ever been on. Then it was back home for another swim, followed by a visit to the local restaurant, Chilli's, for a great final meal together. But not before I'd played hide and seek with the boys outside, of course.
Day 9 - Epcot and Magic Kingdom
Today we said goodbye to Nana and Grandad. Went to another shopping mall in the morning but alas, no bargains to be had. Took Nana and Grandad to the airport in the afternoon, and then returned to Epcot for one final ride "Soarin" (Simon) and Living with the Land (Mummy, Nathan, Sam) and then took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for another go on Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. Then it was time for the evening parade and fireworks, which (and I know I keep saying this) were honestly the best we'd ever seen. Must cost Disney a fortune. My photos don't do it justice.
Day 10 - Goodbye Florida, Hello Atlanta
Today we said goodbye to the apartment and my beloved Dodge. Flew back to Atlanta where we were greeted by our friend Ashley who we were going to be staying with together with her husband Tim and their little boy Crosby. Drove back to their place, chatting the whole way - lots to catch up on. Atlanta looked great in the sunshine. Went to a park in the afternoon, visited Tim's church, 12stone (an amazing place, never seen anything like it), and then went to a baseball game in the evening - Atlanta Braves vs Florida Marlins. This was a brilliant experience, fantastic atmosphere, great company, great food (hot dog, nachos, funnel cake). Absolutely loved it. Check out the photos and video. Then it was back home to bed!
Day 11 - Goodbye Atlanta (Take 1)
Today we spent a relaxing day with our friends, with a trip to a Wal-Mart (we had to see it!) in the morning, followed by a visit to the nearby playground and showhome in the afternoon (just out of interest you understand, not because we'd fallen in love with America and wanted to move there ;-) Reluctantly we packed our bags in the evening and said farewell to our friends after a delicious BBQ. We said goodbye to Ashley at the airport for what turned out to be the first but not final time. We arrived at the gate only to find our flight had been overbooked (common practice on this airline apparently) and we did not have seats on the plane, along with one other family. Cue two upset families with very upset children. We were eventually pacified by the airline's offer of a free night at a hotel and breakfast, and very generous compensation! We would however have to fly to Heathrow via Frankfurt the next day. Nevertheless, we would have one more day in lovely Atlanta.
Day 12 - Goodbye Atlanta (Take 2)
After a bad night's sleep (the airport was opposite our hotel and the rowdy guests kept us up most of the night - for future reference avoid the Ramada Hotel in Atlanta) we contacted Ashley, got the Marta (the airport train) into Atlanta and met her and Crosby at the Coke museum (Coke's HQ is in Atlanta). Bonus! This was great fun, especially tasting all the weird and wonderful drinks the company makes around the world. After a snack break in the park outside, it was time to say goodbye again. On the walk back to the train we saw a high-speed car chase complete with cops (goodies) and white car (baddies). What a way to end the holiday! Caught the train back to the airport, and this time, got on our flight. This turned out to be the best flight we'd ever had (yet another superlative). We each had our own TV's and we could choose what we wanted to watch!!! I watched the Simpsons, Yes Man and The Wrestler. The boys watched Madagascar 2. Kate watched...something girly. All good. The flight went in no time.
At the other end we manoeuvred our way through Frankfurt airport (this airport is no fun) and managed to get to our connecting flight on time. Arrive back in Heathrow midday. Had to stop for a sleep half way along the M40. I've only just got over the jet lag.
To the best of my recollection, this is what we did. I have a memory like a goldfish so I've probably missed some stuff out, but I suppose the photos are the most important things. Hope you've enjoyed them.
Finally, a list of other things which were great about America, in no particular order:
The weather
The ingredient in the water that makes people genuinely friendly
Dennys
It's clean! (relatively)
Big cars. Big everything.
Automatic transmission on the big cars
Driving on the I-4
Rest rooms whenever you need them
Sensor-activated hand towel machines. Nathan loved these
Atlanta airport
The jazz pianist in Atlanta airport which made the seating area outside Burger King feel like Ronny Scotts
The comedy cabin staff on the flight from Atlanta to Orlando
Delta airlines 767, later models - your own TV with whatever you want to watch! Coolio! (sorry I'm sure this is old hat for many people)
Dennys for breakfast
Fox 35 - myfoxorlando.com, the best breakfast news channel ever
Baseball games
Tim, Ashley and Crosby
Those ice creams we had outside the Coke museum with whole pecan nuts embedded in the chocolate
Lucky Charms
Dennys (sorry did I already say that?)
Everything else
All in all a brilliant holiday. We were truly blessed.
Got back a week ago from a fantasmagorical holiday in America and I'm finally in the right frame of mind (i.e. not jet lagged and feeling like I'm still in another country) to write about our holiday. The first thing I want to say is, I love America. It rules. Now I know that's a huge generalisation, given that we only saw a tiny part of the country for a short space of time, but tough. This is my (sorry our) blog and that's what I (we) think (I speak for the family of course). Now as usual, I'm using the blog to link to holiday photos, but because this one was a bit special I thought I'd make a bit more effort and actually write down what we did each day (this probably doesn't vary much from what a million other families do when they are in Florida, but please indulge me).
If you click on the link for each day, that will take you to that day's photos (a slideshow). Be warned, there are rather a lot of them. Sorry. NOTE: The brown bear which keeps popping up is Nathan's class mascot.
So here goes.
Day 1 - Arrival and Hollywood Studios
We arrived in Atlanta after a 9-hour flight from Heathrow, good flight, I remember I watched Casino Royale, and that's about it. Met Nana and Grandad who had already been in Atlanta for two days. Connecting flight from Atlanta to Orlando was eventful with funny cabin crew, thunder and lightning outside and a glimpse of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom as we came into land. After an eternal wait for our hire car at the airport we walked outside the airport to collect it, immediately felt the tropical heat. Collected the car (a Dodge something or other, beautiful animal, there's a photo of it somewhere) and drove to the apartment. Struggled to find keys but got there eventually. Into our apartment, very nice and spacious, and straight to bed.
The next day we were up and out to the supermarket (Publix) to get provisions before heading off to Hollywood Studios. Parked, took shuttle bus to the park (these were at most of the parks, always one of the highlights of Nathan's day) and in. First thing we went to was Indiana Jones - a stunt show. Then watched the High School Musical show, very entertaining, and then it was off to a two-hour wait in line for the new Toy Story ride (we learnt very early to get to the parks first thing, and use fastpasses). It was worth the wait - amazing - even better than Buzz Lightyear! Then lunch, and then we split - Nana and Simon to the Tower of Terror (vertical drop in a dark lift - brilliant) and everyone else...watched some puppets or something. (Playhouse Disney). Then we all walked down the Streets of New York, some photos and then back to the apartment for dinner with some friends from the UK who were also on holiday out there.
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Up and out early to Magic Kingdom - I had decided on a plan of action the night before and from then on, every day assumed the role of Commander in Chief of Theme Park Operations (which basically meant bossing everyone about and telling them where to go). It happened to be the busiest time of year for the parks because of 'Spring Break' so to have any chance of doing the decent rides we had to get there early. First stop was TomorrowLand and Buzz Lightyear (good but not as good as the one in Paris), then Stitch's Great Escape (which freaked out Nathan). Then it was on to FantasyLand where we did It's a Small World, and Peter Pan. Then to AdventureLand for the Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain (fastpass), Splash Mountain (this was brilliant) and Pirates of the Caribbean. Lunch, then the Jungle Cruise, Monsters Inc and then the parade ("Celebrate a Dream Come True"). Then it was back to the apartment for a swim in the pool, and the day was rounded off with dinner in the poolside bar. A great start to the holiday.
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom
None of us had done this park before (there's no equivalent in Paris / LA) so its attractions were new to us. It didn't disappoint! The first thing we did was "It's tough to be a bug", a 3D show based on the It's a Bug's Life. This was a brilliant interactive show where you got spat at by bugs and smoked out and all sorts of other stuff. The adults loved it, the kids both cried because they were scared, but hey, who said this holiday was about kids. From that point on Nathan and Sam both refused to go into any rides where you had to wear special glasses. Which was a shame, because there were quite a few of those (we still went on them anyway). Being freaked out it was no surprise then that the kids didn't want to go on Dinosaur, the next ride in the itinerary I had planned. Never mind, I went on it with the fearless Nana while the boys, Katie and Lionel went on Triceratops spin. We then all went to "Asia" where we did the River Rapids ride, on which I got thoroughly soaked and had to buy a new T-shirt. After that we needed something quieter, and so to the Maharajah jungle where we saw everything from bats to gorillas. Following this Sam and I went on the brilliant Everest, a rollercoaster which takes you to the top of the mountain until the track is "broken" and you plunge backwards into the darkness. Enthralling. Sam loved it (fortunately). After lunch we went on the jungle train and the Kilimanjaro safari where the animals paraded before us on cue! Then it was time for another go on Everest, then back to the afternoon parade and then back to the apartment for another swim.
In the evening we ventured out to Kissimee and an Italian restaurant where we needed a big appetite to tackle the generous helpings of pasta and pizza. After that, we did a spot of shopping (caps, T-shirts) and then it was back to the apartment and bed!
Day 4 - Typhoon Lagoon
The next day started with breakfast at Dennys. Dennys is great - it's open 24 hours a day and you can eat whatever you want from the menu, whenever you want. I won't bother listing what everyone ate but suffice it to say there was lots of fried stuff and pancakes.
We thought after three straight days at the parks we'd have a day off and relax at a water park. This was rather optimistic. To describe Typhoon Lagoon as crowded would be an understatement. After half an hour search for spare deckchairs we were beginning to lose hope but patience paid off and we eventually managed to set up camp in an area with shade for the men and sunshine for the girls (see pictures). The main feature of the water park was a huge pool which generated massive waves which people "surfed" or jumped etc. Nathan lasted about 5 minutes in this before being knocked over by a massive wave - luckily Grandad was on hand to pull him out (Daddy was with Sam in the deeper bit - they lasted a bit longer!) The boys went on rubber tubes and played in the little splash areas. High up in the sky a man in a plane was writing the words "Jesus loves you" with his jetstream. In the afternoon we headed back to the apartment and pool which provided welcome respite from the crowds.
Day 5 - Epcot
First ride at Epcot was the brilliant Test Track where you are put in a prototype car which is put through a series of tests (heat, cold, braking!) before going round a racetrack at high speeds. This was Nathan's favourite ride of the holiday. Then it was on to Spaceship Earth (the ride inside the huge golfball for anyone who knows Epcot), a journey through technological progress narrated by Dame Judy Dench. At the end of this our faces were superimposed onto cartoon bodies on the screens in front of us in a world which looked like the Jetsons. My description doesn't do this ride justice so have a look at the pictures Lionel and Jeanette took of themselves! Then we did "Ellen's Energy Adventure", stopped for a coffee break, and went on to World Showcase where we visited Mexico (boat ride), Norway (Viking ride!), China (panorama film), Morocco (which did remind us a lot of Marrakech with a souk and orange trees - have a look at the pictures!) and Canada (funny panorama film). It was at this point where I made the biggest mistake of the holiday and went with my mother-in-law to Mission Space - the ride which simulates a trip on a space shuttle into, well, space. Suffice it to say after the ride we felt unwell for the rest of the day, and it still makes me feel unwell thinking about it! After this ride we visited the brilliant Seas of Nemo and friends with an amazing animated talking turtle (Crush), who interacted with the people in the actual audience - I don't know how they do it. After that we called it a day and went back to the apartment - I slept while everyone else swam! In the evening we went to Denny's and I remember eating a delicious burger.
Day 6 - Universal Studios
Another day, another theme park - change of theme to Universal Studios, where we started off with the brilliant new Simpsons ride, followed by E.T. I then went off and did the "Mummy" (scary rollercoaster) while everyone else did a kiddies ride. Following this we did a photoshoot with the characters from Madagascar (just before us a man proposed to his girlfriend in front of them. She said yes). We then did Men In Black and Jaws, both excellent rides, before doing Disaster, a ride where the audience get to be extras in a disaster movie (called Mutha Nature). This was extra special though because Nana got to play one of the lead roles (see photos!). I then went on the outstanding Terminator ride before doing the 3-D Shrek with the in-laws while Kate took the boys on Jimmy Neutron. Universal Studios was every bit as good as the Disney parks, although perhaps catering for older kids. After this we went to the Florida Mall and dinner was at the California Pizza Kitchen, where I had a superb Waldorf salad. A perfect end to a great day.
Day 7 - Day off! (and Hollywood Studios)
We were in need of a day by the pool, and so had one. In the late afternoon we went to Hollywood Studios to see the Fantasmic spectular which we had been told we should not miss and proved to be unmissable (although we did get a bit wet!) Difficult to describe this - the photos illustrate it better than I can. Before this we went on the Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour, both good rides. At the end of the evening myself, Nana and Grandad went to the Muppet 3D show (the boys refusing to do this at the mere sight of 3D glasses), then it was back to the apartment and bed!
Day 8 - Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure
This was our last full day together which we spent at the more adventurous Universal Studios Park, Islands of Adventure. Together we enjoyed the new Spiderman ride, Ripsaw Falls (the highlight of the day and for me the best ride of the holiday - simply the best log floom I've ever been on), Jurassic Park, Pteranadon Flyers and (Simon only - Duelling Dragons - fast rollercoaster!), eyeing the new Harry Potter ride which opens in 2010. Before lunch we went on Dr Seuss and afterwards I enjoyed a delicious marshmallow chocolatey thingy on a stick from the sweetshop outside. After this the boys (and the girls) went on the carousels and then it was time to go home but not before everyone graciously let me go on the Hulk rollercoaster - simply the best I've ever been on. Then it was back home for another swim, followed by a visit to the local restaurant, Chilli's, for a great final meal together. But not before I'd played hide and seek with the boys outside, of course.
Day 9 - Epcot and Magic Kingdom
Today we said goodbye to Nana and Grandad. Went to another shopping mall in the morning but alas, no bargains to be had. Took Nana and Grandad to the airport in the afternoon, and then returned to Epcot for one final ride "Soarin" (Simon) and Living with the Land (Mummy, Nathan, Sam) and then took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for another go on Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. Then it was time for the evening parade and fireworks, which (and I know I keep saying this) were honestly the best we'd ever seen. Must cost Disney a fortune. My photos don't do it justice.
Day 10 - Goodbye Florida, Hello Atlanta
Today we said goodbye to the apartment and my beloved Dodge. Flew back to Atlanta where we were greeted by our friend Ashley who we were going to be staying with together with her husband Tim and their little boy Crosby. Drove back to their place, chatting the whole way - lots to catch up on. Atlanta looked great in the sunshine. Went to a park in the afternoon, visited Tim's church, 12stone (an amazing place, never seen anything like it), and then went to a baseball game in the evening - Atlanta Braves vs Florida Marlins. This was a brilliant experience, fantastic atmosphere, great company, great food (hot dog, nachos, funnel cake). Absolutely loved it. Check out the photos and video. Then it was back home to bed!
Day 11 - Goodbye Atlanta (Take 1)
Today we spent a relaxing day with our friends, with a trip to a Wal-Mart (we had to see it!) in the morning, followed by a visit to the nearby playground and showhome in the afternoon (just out of interest you understand, not because we'd fallen in love with America and wanted to move there ;-) Reluctantly we packed our bags in the evening and said farewell to our friends after a delicious BBQ. We said goodbye to Ashley at the airport for what turned out to be the first but not final time. We arrived at the gate only to find our flight had been overbooked (common practice on this airline apparently) and we did not have seats on the plane, along with one other family. Cue two upset families with very upset children. We were eventually pacified by the airline's offer of a free night at a hotel and breakfast, and very generous compensation! We would however have to fly to Heathrow via Frankfurt the next day. Nevertheless, we would have one more day in lovely Atlanta.
Day 12 - Goodbye Atlanta (Take 2)
After a bad night's sleep (the airport was opposite our hotel and the rowdy guests kept us up most of the night - for future reference avoid the Ramada Hotel in Atlanta) we contacted Ashley, got the Marta (the airport train) into Atlanta and met her and Crosby at the Coke museum (Coke's HQ is in Atlanta). Bonus! This was great fun, especially tasting all the weird and wonderful drinks the company makes around the world. After a snack break in the park outside, it was time to say goodbye again. On the walk back to the train we saw a high-speed car chase complete with cops (goodies) and white car (baddies). What a way to end the holiday! Caught the train back to the airport, and this time, got on our flight. This turned out to be the best flight we'd ever had (yet another superlative). We each had our own TV's and we could choose what we wanted to watch!!! I watched the Simpsons, Yes Man and The Wrestler. The boys watched Madagascar 2. Kate watched...something girly. All good. The flight went in no time.
At the other end we manoeuvred our way through Frankfurt airport (this airport is no fun) and managed to get to our connecting flight on time. Arrive back in Heathrow midday. Had to stop for a sleep half way along the M40. I've only just got over the jet lag.
To the best of my recollection, this is what we did. I have a memory like a goldfish so I've probably missed some stuff out, but I suppose the photos are the most important things. Hope you've enjoyed them.
Finally, a list of other things which were great about America, in no particular order:
The weather
The ingredient in the water that makes people genuinely friendly
Dennys
It's clean! (relatively)
Big cars. Big everything.
Automatic transmission on the big cars
Driving on the I-4
Rest rooms whenever you need them
Sensor-activated hand towel machines. Nathan loved these
Atlanta airport
The jazz pianist in Atlanta airport which made the seating area outside Burger King feel like Ronny Scotts
The comedy cabin staff on the flight from Atlanta to Orlando
Delta airlines 767, later models - your own TV with whatever you want to watch! Coolio! (sorry I'm sure this is old hat for many people)
Dennys for breakfast
Fox 35 - myfoxorlando.com, the best breakfast news channel ever
Baseball games
Tim, Ashley and Crosby
Those ice creams we had outside the Coke museum with whole pecan nuts embedded in the chocolate
Lucky Charms
Dennys (sorry did I already say that?)
Everything else
All in all a brilliant holiday. We were truly blessed.
posted by Simon @ 2:36 PM
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