wicket2005
<font color=deeppink><marquee behavior=alternate>H
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2005
- Messages
- 5,959
15th July 2006
Hiya Dear Friend
I thought I would drop you a line and tell you all about my holidays, I know Orlando is a particularly favourite destination of yours. We couldnt wait for this years holiday as you know 2006 had been quite a stressful one for the family.
It started with losing my father in-law in January, also that month the dog nearly had his leg bitten off by a savage Staffie. Things got worse in March, when a lad decided to drive his car across a central reservation into my lane, hitting my 6 week old car head on. Luckily both Gary and me were okay apart from whiplash.
It took quite a while to feel normal again then I was straight into revising with Craig for his GCSEs whilst Gary revised for his A levels.
In the distance all we could think about was the Orlando holiday coming up, when we could just go away and forget about things for a couple of weeks.
I wished I could have forgot about the holiday the night before we flew. You know that feeling you had when you were a child and it was Christmas the next day? Well that was me. Try as I might I just could not get to sleep. I ended up getting up at 2 am and making myself breakfast.
By 2.30 am I could not wait any longer and I bounded upstairs to wake them all up. By popular demand I sang were going on our holidays to the not so tuneful Thank God for Hollywood tune. X-Factor it definitely wasnt. They looked at me with bleary eyes as I did a good impression of Tigger bouncing.
What seemed like hours later they were ready. Okay! It was only about ½ hour but it did seem a long wait.
I spied my Mam and Dad were up so I gave them a quick goodbye call. They waved us off as we passed at 3.05 am.
The roads were deserted and I still did not spy a fox. I love animals and have always wanted to see one. If you mention this desire, 9 times out of 10, the other person will say oh I saw one just the other day. Anyway, back on track.
We parked up at Newcastle Airport. The lads came in handy for pulling the luggage whilst I carried the hand luggage all lady like. Check in hadnt opened, whilst we waited one of the boards flashed up with the message that the plane was delayed till 10.20 am (from 8 am).
We felt a bit dismayed by the delay but as it wasnt as long as what other people had suffered we didnt feel the need to grumble too much.
Once checked in and through security we had breakfast. I remember having a lovely tuna sandwich but cannot remember what the rest had. Gary was still half asleep. When we asked if he could parallel park (he passed his test in April) he said not in real life. This caused much hilarity, he meant not since his test.
We spent the time waiting for the plane by watching films on the psp and browsing the shops. Our plane was nowhere to be seen for ages, making me think it was going to be delayed longer.
Fortunately, it turned up, with 2 hours to spare, it brought quite a lump to my throat as I watched it land.
Ian has something about seats, he says you choose, so I plonk myself down only to be told it would be better sitting over there. Over the years I have learnt just to say you pick. Anyway, tired as I was I plonked myself down in the gate area, only to be unplonked to another area. It did look more exciting in the chosen seats as they were facing the plane but they were also facing the red hot sun. I felt like I was in Florida already.
The plane journey dragged for me, I think it was because I hadnt been to sleep. For the first time we had split into 2 groups. Usually one of us had to sit by their self but this year we were given 2 sets of 2 seats next to each other.
The plane itself was fine, the leg room was okay for my 6 footers (kids and Ian), food okay, staff fine. The only bad thing was the entertainment but, thankfully, we all had our psps, we just spent the time watching films. We flew with Monarch.
The only part of the journey I dont like is filling in the visa waiver forms. I usually do it because I know what to put in them. For the first time I didnt need another form, perfect! One Brownie point.
Now because the plane was late setting off it arrived at the same time as a few other planes so the line in immigration was huge and I mean huge. However, the Americans had it off to a tee and it doesnt feel too long till we are off to meet our friendly immigration officer.
But he wasnt friendly at all. He didnt like it because I had filled in all the forms even though everyone had signed them separately. He had a big gun and was not afraid to use it I felt. My Brownie points had disappeared. Tiredness made the kids less responsive to questioning but we are soon on alert answering questions.
Last it is me for the spot light. Now I always feel nervous even if I dont need to feel nervous about anything. My poor little fingers were sweating, the scanner wouldnt work but the officer made it sound like there was something up with my prints. Stolen Id flashed through my brain, had they got me mixed up with some high ranking terrorist and not the 44 year old stay at home mum of two I am. In the end my whole hands were shaking along with the sweating. He then tried to trick me with my birthday, he reels it off American like, I instantly correct him and he says thats the way we say it over here. I know that, he knows that but I still felt he was seeing if I would say it the English way.
It was with some relief we headed into the luggage hall. We picked the cases up, then spent another while waiting to get our car from Avis before looking round all the car parks finding our car.
Ian whipped the Tom Tom out. Unfortunately, the Tom Tom wanted to take us via the I4 and as it was quickly approaching rush hour we didnt think that was such a good idea. Though it is only now I realise that Saturday probably didnt have a rush hour! We hit a toll booth straightaway an unmanned one. Ian fiddled around getting change out, the notes we had ready were no good. Horns started blaring, he throws the coins in the pan, nothing happens, he throws some more coins in, nothing happens, the horns are getting louder. Ian starts jumping around in his seat like some explosive cartoon character spluttering explicits along with I hate this country. Still no green light, he hits the accelerator and we blast off through a red light. Two minutes in the country and we feel we have broken the law. We jump off the I4 and very quickly spot the 417, forget the Tom Tom I will navigate.
The roads are quite peaceful and we hit the hotel at 5.30 pm. We stayed at the Rosen Hotel which is at the South end of IDrive. It is a quite a landmark and can be spotted from all the major roads. We stayed there last year.
I am feeling a touch tired after waking up at 6 am the previous day. We try to check in but, of course, problems arise because we dont have a voucher to hand in. I had checked this with the travel agent before and was assured the airline ticket was all we needed.
The trouble was the lass on the desk wanted to keep the ticket. Eventually it was sorted and were given a room facing IDrive at Craigs request. We can see Dr Doom in the distance.
We nipped down to Red Deli in the hotel for some lovely sandwiches before heading off to Sea World. Sea World is only 5 minutes away. As we walk up to the entrance I am a bit wary expecting problems but this time there were none. At last we can relax and start enjoying the holiday.
We head straight to the Kraken, passing the turtles and penguins. I had forgotten how huge this thing was. I had promised myself a ride in the front row and this is what we did. It is also one way to make tiredness disappear! It was fantastic just as we remembered.
Craig wanted to see the sharks so we have a tour of Terrors of the Deep. What are those cute, leaf like sea horses doing in there? They dont look like terrors to me! Perhaps they have some deadly attribute but they still look cute to me.
The whales are our favourite attraction and as it was fast approaching 9 pm we headed off to the Shamu Stadium to catch the new Believe show. Unfortunately, the whales are being naughty and will not play. The new stage looks really pretty and the whales look good when they jump. There are some good effects too, however, all in all not too impressed with this show. I loved the old Shamu Rocks America show.
After the show we head off back to the hotel. Ian and Craig pick up a pizza at the hotels Red Deli. Me and Gary enjoy helping them eat it when they get back up to the room. Then we sink in to bed at 11.30 pm. I have been up for a record 46 hours with one little cat nap in between proper sleeps. I dont deserve a medal but do deserve bed!
Sorry if this letter has been rather long but I just do enjoy telling you all about our first day. Hope you have enjoyed it.
Love
Bev, Ian, Gary and Craig
xxxxxxx
Hiya Dear Friend
I thought I would drop you a line and tell you all about my holidays, I know Orlando is a particularly favourite destination of yours. We couldnt wait for this years holiday as you know 2006 had been quite a stressful one for the family.
It started with losing my father in-law in January, also that month the dog nearly had his leg bitten off by a savage Staffie. Things got worse in March, when a lad decided to drive his car across a central reservation into my lane, hitting my 6 week old car head on. Luckily both Gary and me were okay apart from whiplash.
It took quite a while to feel normal again then I was straight into revising with Craig for his GCSEs whilst Gary revised for his A levels.
In the distance all we could think about was the Orlando holiday coming up, when we could just go away and forget about things for a couple of weeks.
I wished I could have forgot about the holiday the night before we flew. You know that feeling you had when you were a child and it was Christmas the next day? Well that was me. Try as I might I just could not get to sleep. I ended up getting up at 2 am and making myself breakfast.
By 2.30 am I could not wait any longer and I bounded upstairs to wake them all up. By popular demand I sang were going on our holidays to the not so tuneful Thank God for Hollywood tune. X-Factor it definitely wasnt. They looked at me with bleary eyes as I did a good impression of Tigger bouncing.
What seemed like hours later they were ready. Okay! It was only about ½ hour but it did seem a long wait.
I spied my Mam and Dad were up so I gave them a quick goodbye call. They waved us off as we passed at 3.05 am.
The roads were deserted and I still did not spy a fox. I love animals and have always wanted to see one. If you mention this desire, 9 times out of 10, the other person will say oh I saw one just the other day. Anyway, back on track.
We parked up at Newcastle Airport. The lads came in handy for pulling the luggage whilst I carried the hand luggage all lady like. Check in hadnt opened, whilst we waited one of the boards flashed up with the message that the plane was delayed till 10.20 am (from 8 am).
We felt a bit dismayed by the delay but as it wasnt as long as what other people had suffered we didnt feel the need to grumble too much.
Once checked in and through security we had breakfast. I remember having a lovely tuna sandwich but cannot remember what the rest had. Gary was still half asleep. When we asked if he could parallel park (he passed his test in April) he said not in real life. This caused much hilarity, he meant not since his test.
We spent the time waiting for the plane by watching films on the psp and browsing the shops. Our plane was nowhere to be seen for ages, making me think it was going to be delayed longer.
Fortunately, it turned up, with 2 hours to spare, it brought quite a lump to my throat as I watched it land.
Ian has something about seats, he says you choose, so I plonk myself down only to be told it would be better sitting over there. Over the years I have learnt just to say you pick. Anyway, tired as I was I plonked myself down in the gate area, only to be unplonked to another area. It did look more exciting in the chosen seats as they were facing the plane but they were also facing the red hot sun. I felt like I was in Florida already.
The plane journey dragged for me, I think it was because I hadnt been to sleep. For the first time we had split into 2 groups. Usually one of us had to sit by their self but this year we were given 2 sets of 2 seats next to each other.
The plane itself was fine, the leg room was okay for my 6 footers (kids and Ian), food okay, staff fine. The only bad thing was the entertainment but, thankfully, we all had our psps, we just spent the time watching films. We flew with Monarch.
The only part of the journey I dont like is filling in the visa waiver forms. I usually do it because I know what to put in them. For the first time I didnt need another form, perfect! One Brownie point.
Now because the plane was late setting off it arrived at the same time as a few other planes so the line in immigration was huge and I mean huge. However, the Americans had it off to a tee and it doesnt feel too long till we are off to meet our friendly immigration officer.
But he wasnt friendly at all. He didnt like it because I had filled in all the forms even though everyone had signed them separately. He had a big gun and was not afraid to use it I felt. My Brownie points had disappeared. Tiredness made the kids less responsive to questioning but we are soon on alert answering questions.
Last it is me for the spot light. Now I always feel nervous even if I dont need to feel nervous about anything. My poor little fingers were sweating, the scanner wouldnt work but the officer made it sound like there was something up with my prints. Stolen Id flashed through my brain, had they got me mixed up with some high ranking terrorist and not the 44 year old stay at home mum of two I am. In the end my whole hands were shaking along with the sweating. He then tried to trick me with my birthday, he reels it off American like, I instantly correct him and he says thats the way we say it over here. I know that, he knows that but I still felt he was seeing if I would say it the English way.
It was with some relief we headed into the luggage hall. We picked the cases up, then spent another while waiting to get our car from Avis before looking round all the car parks finding our car.
Ian whipped the Tom Tom out. Unfortunately, the Tom Tom wanted to take us via the I4 and as it was quickly approaching rush hour we didnt think that was such a good idea. Though it is only now I realise that Saturday probably didnt have a rush hour! We hit a toll booth straightaway an unmanned one. Ian fiddled around getting change out, the notes we had ready were no good. Horns started blaring, he throws the coins in the pan, nothing happens, he throws some more coins in, nothing happens, the horns are getting louder. Ian starts jumping around in his seat like some explosive cartoon character spluttering explicits along with I hate this country. Still no green light, he hits the accelerator and we blast off through a red light. Two minutes in the country and we feel we have broken the law. We jump off the I4 and very quickly spot the 417, forget the Tom Tom I will navigate.
The roads are quite peaceful and we hit the hotel at 5.30 pm. We stayed at the Rosen Hotel which is at the South end of IDrive. It is a quite a landmark and can be spotted from all the major roads. We stayed there last year.
I am feeling a touch tired after waking up at 6 am the previous day. We try to check in but, of course, problems arise because we dont have a voucher to hand in. I had checked this with the travel agent before and was assured the airline ticket was all we needed.
The trouble was the lass on the desk wanted to keep the ticket. Eventually it was sorted and were given a room facing IDrive at Craigs request. We can see Dr Doom in the distance.
We nipped down to Red Deli in the hotel for some lovely sandwiches before heading off to Sea World. Sea World is only 5 minutes away. As we walk up to the entrance I am a bit wary expecting problems but this time there were none. At last we can relax and start enjoying the holiday.
We head straight to the Kraken, passing the turtles and penguins. I had forgotten how huge this thing was. I had promised myself a ride in the front row and this is what we did. It is also one way to make tiredness disappear! It was fantastic just as we remembered.
Craig wanted to see the sharks so we have a tour of Terrors of the Deep. What are those cute, leaf like sea horses doing in there? They dont look like terrors to me! Perhaps they have some deadly attribute but they still look cute to me.
The whales are our favourite attraction and as it was fast approaching 9 pm we headed off to the Shamu Stadium to catch the new Believe show. Unfortunately, the whales are being naughty and will not play. The new stage looks really pretty and the whales look good when they jump. There are some good effects too, however, all in all not too impressed with this show. I loved the old Shamu Rocks America show.
After the show we head off back to the hotel. Ian and Craig pick up a pizza at the hotels Red Deli. Me and Gary enjoy helping them eat it when they get back up to the room. Then we sink in to bed at 11.30 pm. I have been up for a record 46 hours with one little cat nap in between proper sleeps. I dont deserve a medal but do deserve bed!
Sorry if this letter has been rather long but I just do enjoy telling you all about our first day. Hope you have enjoyed it.
Love
Bev, Ian, Gary and Craig
xxxxxxx
