Whistle While We Work: January 2016 Bounceback! page 12 10/15

[natebenma]

That is really great about Nate. It is hard when kids go off to college so it is always nice when they adjust well to college life.

Your weekend sounds nice. We were away for the weekend, too and saw a bald eagle flying around. It was very cool.

Even better than having him home was knowing he is having a good time and is happy.

It was really neat to see the eagle. Mark pointed up and said "What is that bird?" Then when it came into view it was obvious.

Did you know there is a bald eagle that has been seen flying between the Swalfin and the Yacht & Beach Club? I have seen a few pictures but I would love to see it in person!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

So glad to hear how happy Nate is. Such a relief for you and Mark. I love hearing how different countries education systems work. Here if you move into "halls" at university you have your own room and in most cases meals are not provided. 4-6 rooms share a kitchen and living area. Quite often students will rent a shared house near their university which can be cheaper but they are then responsible for utility bills whereas heating and electricity are covered in the cost of halls.
Also you have to be 17 here before you can get your provisional license and then you are an "R" driver for 1 year after passing test. This means you are not allowed to drive faster than 45 mph regardless of speed limit. My son didn't take to driving either but we are doing a lot of practice now in preparation for starting university at the end of the month and already I can see he's gaining confidence

 

[natebenma]

So glad to hear how happy Nate is. Such a relief for you and Mark. I love hearing how different countries education systems work. Here if you move into "halls" at university you have your own room and in most cases meals are not provided. 4-6 rooms share a kitchen and living area. Quite often students will rent a shared house near their university which can be cheaper but they are then responsible for utility bills whereas heating and electricity are covered in the cost of halls.
Also you have to be 17 here before you can get your provisional license and then you are an "R" driver for 1 year after passing test. This means you are not allowed to drive faster than 45 mph regardless of speed limit. My son didn't take to driving either but we are doing a lot of practice now in preparation for starting university at the end of the month and already I can see he's gaining confidence

I enjoy hearing the differences between your universities and ours. I think I have mentioned that one of our friends just started at Limerick University.

We also have restrictions on junior operators as well. New drivers are restricted from driving between the hours of midnight and 5 am, I think. They also are not allowed to transport anyone other than family members for 6 months after getting their license.

 

[natebenma]

Lunch in the Land of My People

I did not have a dining reservation for lunch after the Behind the Seeds tour.

For one, I didn’t know I was coming to EPCOT until the previous day. And I didn’t know when I would be finished with the tour. And finally, there are a number of quick service places that appeal to me- Sunshine Season, Tangierine Café, the French bakery, the Japanese quick serve.

But I decided I would try something new- Spice Road Table in Morocco.

The first challenge was getting there.

I took my time and first stopped by Imagination because I think it is a beautiful area and then I wandered through majestic Canada.

The marathon was still going on in EPCOT, so the journey between the Land and the World Showcase was somewhat restricted. I was held up at the UK pavilion for about 10 minutes while they changed the course route and allowed groups to cross. If I remember correctly, I may not have made it the first time they let people through.

But that gave me a chance to see watch some of the runners and the people cheering them on:

Continued in Next Post

 

[natebenma]

Continued from Previous Post

When I arrived in Morocco, there was a problem.

I was on one side of the path, the restaurant was on the other side and there were a lot of runners in between.

I found a race official and asked her if she knew if the restaurant was open. She said yes, and that she would help me cross the street. She grabbed my hand and when there was a small break in between runners we dashed across.

I really liked the décor.

I was seated in the middle of the restaurant, not at one of the waterside tables with a view of the World Showcase, but I was able to face out and watch the runners go by. I was impressed with some of the clever costumes people wore. I took out my phone and camera and set my string bag down in an empty seat.

I did walk over and took this picture Mexico when table had cleared out

I looked over the menu, but since I would be dining with friends at the Cape May Clambake later that night, I didn’t want to fill up on a big meal.

Here's the full menu

I ordered a drink and two appetizers:

Moroccan Sunrise (Pineapple Juice, Strawberry and Orange Water)

Hummus Fries with Cumin, Cilantro and Preserved Lemon Aioli




Spicy Garlic Shrimp- Sauteed Shrimp with Dried Chilies and Fried Garlic







Everything was great.

When I was finished, I paid my check and crossed the street to go over into the Moroccan plaza. I don’t remember having an issue crossing this time.

EEK!!! It was just about here that I realized that I left my string bag behind at the table!

I crossed back over to the restaurant and went over to the table where I had been sitting.

No bag!

I then stopped at the hostess desk and described what I left behind and they had it.

Phew!


As I was crossing the street (again) I spotted Aladdin. I don’t normally do character greetings, but as some of you may recall, my monkey identity during the Antics of the Orange Banded Monkey trip was Abu. So of course I had to get my picture taken with him. What I didn’t know is that the characters were there for the marathoners. I asked if I could have a picture and they told me yes, a quick one, as long as there were no runners stopping for a picture. I think I waited for a few runners to stop and get pictures and then I had my chance:





With all of the criss-crossing my way across Morocco, I didn’t have any time to further explore the World Showcase. I had Fast Passes scheduled at Hollywood Studios, so I needed to make my way over. I exited through the International Gateway and boarded one of the Friendship boats.

Next Up: I love the sights on this ride and Christmas still lives at HS

 

[Wood Nymph]

then I wandered through majestic Canada.

I love the garden in the Canada Pavilion. I never realized that there was a gorgeous garden down the path until we went to our first Flower and Garden Show about five years ago. I just thought the restaurant was all there was.

The food at Spice Road Table looks good. What kind of bread was that?

That is a very nice picture of you and Aladdin. It was nice of him to pose with you even though you weren't in the race. We were in Animal Kingdom on marathon day once and we had to wait for runners to pass by. I enjoyed watching them go by.

 

[natebenma]

The gardens really are beautiful! Although I didn't know it at the time, we may be visiting Butchart Gardens next summer. We have a cruise to Alaska booked for August and Victoria BC is one of the stops. Carnival, not Disney, but as MikeyT wisely said "Same Alaska"

I don't know what the bread was. It was ok- I prefer a Syrian or crusty bread. If I recall correctly, this was a little dry for my taste. Still ate it though.

I didn't realize until the photo handler told me that the characters were there for the runners. Duh! She explained nicely that the runners have priority access and I appreciated them fitting me in. They didn't take photopass pictures. Just one shot with my camera. I ended up adding that picture to the intro in the Antics report.

 

[annie170]

I love your pictures from Canada and the UK. That's such a beautiful area. Actually, I love all of WS and never get enough time there.

The menu at Spice Road Table sounds really good. We are big fans of Tangierine Cafe, too. Epcot has so many great options for dining.

I'm glad you got your string bag back. That's such a frightening feeling.

Cute picture of you and Aladdin!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Loved strolling the Epcot with you. Mind you its my favorite thing to do any time ever
Aren't the Canadian gardens beautiful. Your cruise sounds fabulous and MickeyT is right - same Alaska
I was surprised how lovely the menu was at spice road table and it's definitely on my "to do" list. I reckon even my fussy family can all find something to eat there
Glad you didn't get far before remembering your bag and hey you and Aladdin take a great photo

 

[chunkymonkey]

What a great "light" meal at Spice Road Table! I stopped there for drinks a few years ago and had a good time.
Wonderful pics from the World! It's funny because I really missed World Showcase when at DLR because they just don't have anything like that.
Can't wait for your clambake post! Been wanting to try that for a while!

 

[rteetz]

Canada is one of my favorite WS countries. I will finally get to experience Le Cellier in January.

There are some amazing signs along the courses. I am so thankful for the spectators and cheerers. They make it so much easier than it is.

Thats funny that the CM ran you across like that. Usually they are very against that. Spice Road table is a very low rated restaurant and never seems to be busy. You would think with its location it would get more people but I think a lot of that has to do with the menu. Glad they had your bag!

 

[pas130]

Love the pic of you and Al! And crossing the runners in Morocco is like a race for lunch World Showcase is awesome!!

 

[SarahDisney]

Being run across the course by a CM, stopping for a picture with a character ... it's almost like you ran the race!

I love your pictures of Canada! It's such a beautiful pavilion, and I rarely spend much time there (we tend to start at Mexico and don't always make it to Canada).

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I still have not made it to spice road table. It is always on my to do list.
Someday I'll make it there.

 

[hill6]

The garlic shrimp looks delicious.

 

[natebenma]

DIS keeps freezing on me, so I am doing replies a little at a time.

I love your pictures from Canada and the UK. That's such a beautiful area. Actually, I love all of WS and never get enough time there.

The menu at Spice Road Table sounds really good. We are big fans of Tangierine Cafe, too. Epcot has so many great options for dining.

I'm glad you got your string bag back. That's such a frightening feeling.

Cute picture of you and Aladdin!

I love walking through the Canadian area. So pretty with the gardens and waterfall.

Tangierine is one of my favorites. I had lunch there on my last trip to EPCOT. I thought being solo, it was a good chance for me to check out Spice Road for a change.

I was really panicking when I left my bag, but if you are going to leave behind something, a restaurant at Disney, especially one that is not very crowded, is the pl to do it.

Thanks! I am so glad I got the picture.

Loved strolling the Epcot with you. Mind you its my favorite thing to do any time ever
Aren't the Canadian gardens beautiful. Your cruise sounds fabulous and MickeyT is right - same Alaska
I was surprised how lovely the menu was at spice road table and it's definitely on my "to do" list. I reckon even my fussy family can all find something to eat there
Glad you didn't get far before remembering your bag and hey you and Aladdin take a great photo

It would be lovely to stroll EPCOT with you. We would have such fun. You could show me how to authentically enjoy and English pub.



Speaking of drinking- I tried to tell my guys "Hey, in Victoria, we can go see the gardens like the ones in EPCOT" They have countered with bar hopping since Nate will be able to legally have a drink in Canada.

There were some highs and lows in Morocco!

What a great "light" meal at Spice Road Table! I stopped there for drinks a few years ago and had a good time.
Wonderful pics from the World! It's funny because I really missed World Showcase when at DLR because they just don't have anything like that.
Can't wait for your clambake post! Been wanting to try that for a while!

I was tempted by a sampler plate they offered, but I really tried not to ruin my appetite for later. What I had was good.

I agree. In a WDW vs. DL throwdown, World Showcase helps propel WDW to a win.

Spoiler Alert... Cape May was awesome, but I don't have as many pictures as I normally would dining out. I was with a large group of friends, some who I was meeting for the first time, so it was more about being together than eating.

Canada is one of my favorite WS countries. I will finally get to experience Le Cellier in January.

There are some amazing signs along the courses. I am so thankful for the spectators and cheerers. They make it so much easier than it is.

Thats funny that the CM ran you across like that. Usually they are very against that. Spice Road table is a very low rated restaurant and never seems to be busy. You would think with its location it would get more people but I think a lot of that has to do with the menu. Glad they had your bag!

Oh, wow! We have always loved our meals at Le Cellier. We haven't been since they became a signature restaurant, though.

I loved seeing everyone cheering on the runners. So much support.



They didn't have any choice- there was no other way to get there, so they had to run me across, but that reinforces your comment- the restaurant was so deserted they didn't feel they needed a way for guests to get there that day.

I was thankful to be reunited with my bag!

Love the pic of you and Al! And crossing the runners in Morocco is like a race for lunch World Showcase is awesome!!

The picture was a nice bonus to my time in Morocco.

Yes, WS is awesome! I didn't spend any more time there, but I can't wait to stroll there with Mark in a few weeks!

Being run across the course by a CM, stopping for a picture with a character ... it's almost like you ran the race!

I love your pictures of Canada! It's such a beautiful pavilion, and I rarely spend much time there (we tend to start at Mexico and don't always make it to Canada).

I like the way you think! Where should I pick up my medal?

I can't remember- have you seen the movie there? It is my favorite WS movie- Martin Short is hilarious.

I still have not made it to spice road table. It is always on my to do list.
Someday I'll make it there.

I doubt that you need ADRs there. Do they take ADRs there? I don't even know!

The garlic shrimp looks delicious.

Everything was good. The shrimp was tasty and very tender. The hummus fries were really interesting (in a good way). The taste and texture combination was unique.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

So funny you mentioned Nate being of drinking age in Canada. My eldest son started university today and just came home to tell me he's signed up for his first pub crawl tomorrow night I'm only thankful that they've organized a route and a bus to take them to each pub and that he has class at 9 am on Thursday so that should rein them all in ( possibly this is wishful thinking on my part- ask me on Thursday )

 

[SarahDisney]

I can't remember- have you seen the movie there? It is my favorite WS movie- Martin Short is hilarious.

I don't remember if we did it this past trip, but I know we've seen it once or twice. Martin Short is awesome, always cracks me up.

 

[natebenma]

So funny you mentioned Nate being of drinking age in Canada. My eldest son started university today and just came home to tell me he's signed up for his first pub crawl tomorrow night I'm only thankful that they've organized a route and a bus to take them to each pub and that he has class at 9 am on Thursday so that should rein them all in ( possibly this is wishful thinking on my part- ask me on Thursday )

Hope your son made it ok on his pub crawl.

Nate came home again this weekend. There was no home football game and it was a weekend when 5,000 high school seniors- prospective students- were on campus for a college tour.

As I suspected he had laundry to do. Or rather for me to do.



We just dropped him back at school. Man, his dorm room was a pig sty! 3 18-year-old boys! I was shocked that Nate's desk was the most organized of the three of them. Their recycling needed to be emptied, including the empty vodka bottle! Nate says everyone comes to his room to hang out/watch football games because they have a large tv and a couch. At least it didn't smell in there. At least I don't think it did. I have a bad cold today and Mark's sense of smell is compromised.

 

[natebenma]

I don't remember if we did it this past trip, but I know we've seen it once or twice. Martin Short is awesome, always cracks me up.

My first visit to EPCOT was April 1983, a few months after it opened. The original movie in Canada was good and that is what Mark and I saw for many years, but the "newer" version with Martin Short is fantastic!