Breakfast with Shamu - or a Killer Whale a lot like Shamu

On the 21st of May, Scarlett, my stepdad Craig, my mum and myself went to Seaworld in San Diego. At Seaworld we first went to have breakfast with Shamu. Unfortunately Sahmu is dead so they have another Orca there called Courtney, she is the biggest and oldest Orca Whale at Seaworld. She is over 40 years of age. So at breakfast with Shamu, we had a table next to the rope gate, on the other side of the gate was a gigantic pool in width and length. So while you ate your breakfast you could see the giant Orca Whale doing tricks with a tiny human.

Once we had finished breakfast we went to look at the dolphin exhibit but that was closed down as was the shark exhibit. 30 seconds later, Scarlett my sister threw a tantrum. She really wanted to see the sharks and dolphins.

We all then hurried off to see the Manatees to stop Scarlett from crying. Craig had gone off to explore and Scarlett had stopped crying. When Craig came back he said that Mum and I were going swimming with a white artic whale at 1.30. My mum went white in the face with excitement and I was so happy I could faint. Scarlett said , Mama, Elmo. There was a Sesame Street play area. When we got there it was a wet area so we got Elmo Swimmers. We played there for about an hour. P.S., it was great.

Finally the time came to swim with the Beluga Whales. The trainers came to pick us up. Then they led us to a room in which we could interact with a real Walrus. Then they said to feed the Walrus, he had very poor table manners! Anyway, I fed him a fish, it was pretty cool.

Then we went to our change room to put on our Wet Suits. When everyone had put them on we went for a swim with the whales. When we got in , I discovered how cold the Artic water can be, it was freezing. They live in water that is about 5 degrees Celsius. I patted them and played with both the whales, I fed them some fish, and it was just amazing. The trainer taught us some hand signals, and I learnt how to get the whale to make noises through it's blowhole and also how to splash people. I managed to get the whale to splash mum. It was amazing. I think that that was the best day ever for me and my family

Universal Studios

As the car doors opened I saw the Red Carpet. It was like a dream as I walked down, no I'm kidding, it's like a walking down a plain red carpet, because, well,,, that's what it is. But it does lead to the Ticket Box, so it counts for something.

Once we had finished getting our tickets we went to see the rides. First we saw the Simpson's ride, remarkable how similar Craig is to Homer. Craig and I started the 5 minute wait. We came early so the queues were short. As we walked through the small queue we watched numerous scenes from the Simpson's TV Show. After 10 minutes of waiting - clearly the timetable was wrong - never trust the timetable! The ride began, we were told a crazy murderer was on the loose and we were all about to die because he had destroyed the track. Now even though we were just bouncing around in the same spot in front of a big screen it felt really real. Very cool! Worth a 20 minute wait, no more than that you understand...

Then we found the Jurassic Park Riverboat ride. This ride had no wait at all, but worth at least an hours wait. We were very lucky. Mum and I went up a giant hill in a hard plastic/ rubber riverboat. Then we entered the Jurassic Park, the first dinosaur was a friendly herbivore. Next we saw numerous smaller baby herbivores dinosaurs. Next we made a wrong turn saw about 50 scary dinosaurs and then there was a gigantic Tyrannosaurs Rex. That was really scar!. Lucky for us we got away!

After the Jurassic Park Ride, we found the Mummy's Revenge Ride. AS soon as I told Craig, we were off, there was no wait so were pretty happy. That ride though isn't worth going on at all, it is a bad copy of the Indiana Jones ride. So that was all the rides we could find, so Craig, Mum Scarlett and myself went for a walk. Then Craig found the Curious George play area then Scarlett saw it and she was off. So Mum and I went to look at the stands. Then Craig and Scarlett came out of the play area. So we went to on the Tours of the Stars, we went through tons of movie and tv show sets, including King Kong and Desperate Housewives. Skull Island was only about 20 metres max in size. After it was over we found Curious George wandering around and Scarlett ran over to give him a big hug. Next we saw Dora the Explorer and Diego, Scarlett hugged Dora and gave Diego a kiss, then we left for the Hotel. Scarlett and I fell asleep in the car. I think Universal Studios needs to make some new rides and some more places for Toddlers.

Disneyland

On the 18th of May it was the first day of my Disneyland experience .All my family were awake and ready to go so walked down to Disneyland . We were all very excited, especially Scarlett and me. I told Scarlett about Mickey Mouse and Minnie, and for some reason, for the rest of the holiday she kept calling Mickey, "the Mouse in the House", but then she's only 2.

We got our tickets and started our adventure for the next three days.

Because it was going to be crowded, we had planned to attack the rides separately,
Mum and I raced for Splash Mountain, which is a water roller coaster based on Braer Rabbit. The ride was great and both Mum and I got wet.

We then went on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which was filled with real pirates, dogs and treasure....just like the movies. We moved along in a pirate boat in the water, falling down waterfalls into the dark with the voices of pirate ghost saying "Dead men tell no tales".

Scarlett was a bit scared but we all got out OK.

Craig and I then ran to the Haunted Mansion. Where you are locked in a room without windows and doors. There are 4 pictures which begin to stretch toward, and realise that they are dead.

A voice echoes around the room saying "there are no windows, and no doors, and that there is only one way to get out, by doing it my way".....becoming a ghost!

Suddenly a wall slides open and we move along a scary hallway and jump into a moving lounge and explore the Haunted Mansion. But we are not alone.... We are joined by a Ghost hitchiker...eee...owww...ooo.!

The next day we get up early and hurry back. We decide so I can ride the fast rides that
Scarlett and my Mum would ride the smaller rides, like Dumbo and the tea cups. While Craig and I went on all the roller coast rides.

Craig and I raced to the front of the queue for the Indiana Jones ride, which was exciting, bumpy, dark and mysterious. You ride in Safari car in search of gold and treasure, driving really fast, as scary props drop in front of you.

we then ran to Splash Mountain, and Craig Lost his hat when we went over the waterfall. It was so funny.

We then ran to Big Thunder. Craig was a bit upset because he lost his hat, but we only had three more rides, to go. The queues were getting longer. But finally we climbed aboard Big Thunder which was like an old fashioned steam train, except it was a roller coaster. And as you went round corners you could wave your arms in the air. Weeeee....!


The next ride was the Matterhorn. Even Craig couldn't remember which Disney movie this ride was in (and he should know because he's so old). We queued for what seemed like hours, and the ride was a bit boring except for the Yeti which kept trying to jump on our bobsled.

The final ride was Space Mountain, we queued for 55 Minutes. However this was the best ride.

You climb aboard a rocket ship and fly around the mountain in the dark, except for small shining stars off in the blurred distance. You go round and round swiftly and fast. It was definitely worth the wait.

We joined up with Mum and Scarlett to go back to hotel for a swim and some lunch. We later went back to Disneyland that night and had a Western BBQ dinner with Woody and Jessie from Toy story where we had Ribs, Chicken, Corn and Baked Beans.

Our last day at Disney I swapped Craig For Mum and we set out to do the Roller coasters.

Mum gets a bit scared, that's why I took Craig. But Mum said she could handle it.

So we went on Big Thunder which Mum loved.

We did a few more rides, and finally went to Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Where we bought Scarlett a Princess Dress, with Shoes, sceptre and crown to match.

Then we we had to go, because we had to drive to San Diego. I was sad, these were the three best days of the holiday and my life.

My birthday in the states

When I woke up that on the 12th of may 2009 I really didn't know it was my 9th birthday. Until Mum said Happy Birthday. 5 minutes later I got a call from my Dad and his girlfriend Eilish .Dad and Eilish sang me "Happy Birthday"and wished me happy birthday then said goodbye.After that Mum and Craig sang me happy birthday and gave me my presents.I got some body cream and perfume,a new pair of runners from Gap,headbands more!Then we all got dressed for breakfast .We went to a cafe at Stimson Beach called the Parkside Cafe.they have lovely food there but the down side it's an hour away from San Francisco.Once the long drive was over .We walked into the cafe then found a table. We all looked at the menu a waitress came by then we ordered our breakfast. When it came out I bolted for the bacon on my plate it's delicious there.After we had finished breakfast we went to the park across the road it was a small park with old and rusted metal.I played on the monkey bars because Scarlett my sister can't play on she's to little.So Scarlett happily played on the slide.
After we all got bored of the park we went in the car and started the drive to the Jelly Belly factory. Scarlett and I fell asleep in the car about 1/2 an hour later, when we woke up we were in a small shopping centre in the middle of nowhere. Craig returned to the car and said to me that the Jelly Belly factory was still a hour a way so he proposed an alternative - going to the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory. So he got back into the car and we drove to the Chocolate Factory. When we got there, it was just a nice chocolate shop and an Ice Cream Shop - Ghiradelli. So we went into the Chocolate Shop and bought a couple of things and then we left to go to the Cupcake Shop. Scarlett and I got a cupcake each then we left for the Hotel and relaxed for the rest of the day.









































.

oh no matching mumu's

Aloha

Hanging with Shamu

Disneyland and the Tale of the Hotel change and expensive Car park

The Coastal Road - 17 Mile Dr, the Big Sur & Southern California

Rising early we leave Monterey after a full day at the aquarium and an early dinner at the smokehouse. We had a moment of confusion in filling the tank, until we realised we had to pay inside.

The mist swirled around the silver baest, as the dulcide tones of "shirley" the GPS system guided us along Cannery Row, past the bemused bust of Steinbeck toward 17 Mile Road.

Scarlett had drifted back to sleep, Chelsea feigning. We stopped at the Guardhouse and Tollway that marks the begining of 17 Mile Drive.

Lou had a moment financial responsibility and questioned the need to pay $10.00 to drive along a private road. We coughed up the money, and proceeded along the winding drive amongst palatial homes of ex ceos and rock stars, and a series of wind swept golf courses. Lou poses in front of the lone cypress pine.

We stop at Pebble Beach Golf Course. I aprk adjacent to the club house and Lou indulges in some early morning retail therapy. Now prepared for our journey with $4.00 take away coffee that tasted suspiciously like international roast.

Quick Note to let you all know we are OK - Earthquake

There has been a brief earthquake here, registering 4.7 in South LA.

We were all in bed, I was working on the blog. the Room shook for about 12 seconds, nothing horrendous Chelsea experienced much worse on the Mummy's Revenge ride at Universal studios.

Importantly we are all OK. I can here the fire works at Disneyland going off behind me, Scarlett is sound asleep, so is Lou and Chelsea is watching the Pink Panther

Monterey and the Aquarium

Up early and in the silver Brick, working our way through San Francisco's peak hour, before giving way to strip malls, and industrial blocks all the way from San Francisco to Stanford and San Jose.

About forty minutes out of Monterey the urban sprawl gives way to the Salinas setting of Steinbeck's Novels. Lots of farm lands and hills finally the sandunes of Monterey. And our home for the night the Garden Hilton of Monterey.

Luggage is hastily unpacked. We jump back in the brick and head towards the Aquarium built on the site of Cannery Row's Sardine factory, a gift of the "Packard family" to help their daughter get a job. The Aquarium paid off its loan within two years, and it has expanded to twice it size. The Monterey Bay area is itself now the largest marine protection area in the United States. Disappointed that they don't have a Great White Shark in captivity. They've had three, one at the other exhibits, the other two wouldn't eat, and the aquarium are about to catch another one this "Northern" Summer.

We make do with Seahorses. This exhibit was amazing with so many varieties. The outer Ocean tank also holds large Tuna, and Sharks. The girls are intrigued by all particularly the Otters.

Muir Woods and Goodbye to San Francisco

Its Chelsea's birthday and our last day in San Francisco we load aboard the silver brick, clinging to the far right hand lane of the Golden Gate Bridge. Accompanied by early morning tension that comes from driving in peak hour and a veering to the right.

We have breakfast at Stinson Beach, at the Parkview Cafe Chelsea's Birthday request. Both Girls eat well and Scarlett climbs above the booth to geta better view.

The girls play in the park for a hour, Stinson Beach is a

lovely town, quiet before the summer rush, with only a cafe, a surf shop, a post office and Market Shop. Everyone is fiendly and relaxed. We will miss this part of Marin County, and vow to stay here next time we return.

Muir Woods is only a short drive away. Lou and the girls were unsure what to find, but at the conclusion everyone agrees it was a highlight of our time in San Francisco. Silent and majestic the forest is shrouded in morning coolness. Scarlett is determined to find a Skunk. We find a deer but no Skunk thank goodness. The rangers also comment that Muir Woods has also had Mountain Lions and Coyotes, Skunks are also prevalent but not during our visit.

Scarlett and Chelsea just enjoy running around in a forest without shops or commercialism just enjoying their company.

The Presidio, Alcatraz & Muir Woods

Mother's Day
Sunday was Mother's Day which Lou woke up to a room of presents from the girls. We left early and had breakfast on Chestnut St. Before driving across To Chrissy Field, part of the parkland strip that stretches along the bay. We walked the length of Chrissy Field along the Bay into the Presidio, to Fort Point (probably about a 4 km walk ) which sits just below the Golden Gate Bridge.

We climbed the 3 storeys and fired our cannons across the bay, before walking back along the Park to have a delicious hot dog. Hundreds of people, families having picnics and BBQs. The weather was sensational warm and clear despite the breeze. Lots of dogs, especially one black pug that took a shine to the girls.

Lou has also now started driving, and she drove us back to Union Square, exploring in turn areas of the city, coming across a much needed Chinese Laundry.

I should note there seems to be a national hierarchy of laundry or cleaning services. French Cleaning, followed by American and then Other nationalities. We were simply happy to find a Laundromat open on a Sunday, even if it was on the rough side of town.

Quiet night in

Alcatraz
Monday Morning we have arranged an early morning excursion to Alcatraz. Missing our 8:30 trolley bus we pile into a taxi and have breakfast at Pier 39 before boarding the ferry to Alcatraz.

We were all rugged up, however the wind and weather has been incredibly benign. Things have changed the island no longer has large bottomed Rangers in Bell Bottom trousers that guide you through Broadway, Michigan Ave and the Recreation Yard. Instead all new arrivals to the"Rock" are greeted by tanned and fit Rangers, who I suspect are loan from Disneyland animitronics department, as the don't move. Your Guide is an audio headset that has the collective effect of herding tourists around specific cells. As the voices of inmates and wardens past recount the Battle of Alcatraz in 1946, and the famous 1962 "escape from Alcatraz".

Chelsea was mesmerised by the eeriness of the Rock. She was particularly nervous looking in the old mortuary, haunted by by the ghost of Nicholas Cages film career. However it walking from reception into the cell blocks, but was the escape that really interested her. From the chilsing holes with spoons, scaling the three storeys to roof, but she was particularly taken with the paper mache heads stuck with real hair from the prison barber shop.

Which we should note we now claim a prize for tackiest souvenir. We have in our possession a set of three paper mache head fridge magnets based on those used in the 1962 escape.

Scarlett simply enjoyed running amuck within the prison.

By 1pm we were all pardoned for Good Behavior, and to celebrate our release we had lunch at Bubba Gumps Shrimp house.

Made famous by Lieutenant Dan and Forrest Gump this Restaurant that serves, Shrimp, Shrimp and More Shrimp is a shrine to the memory of "Jennay".

Chelsea was given a Bubba Gumps Birthday song by all the waiting staff, much to her embarrassment. Who organised that.

Another quite night in....

Chinatown and the Explanitorium

Yesterday was a quite day. Plans were put aside as the girls were feeling the pressure of their global jetset lifestyle. Besieged by the Paparazzi and plagued by calls from Justin and Beyonce the girls were able to slip out unnoticed spending more quality time in Macy's, GAP, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrum and Walgreens. All are contained neatly in a new Westfields Complex that borders Union Square. The girls returned triumphant, brandishing their bags of booty like a Sex and the City Prequel.

For Dinner we decided to venture forth to Chinatown. Wrapped up in our coats and scarves we hopped on the Cable car and started the crunching climb up Powell st . Scarlett who feels the same affinity for the cable cars as she does for Thomas the Tank Engine clung to Lou in nervous excitement. We hopped off and began our walk along Grant St trying to decide which restaurant. We passed the celestial Chinese garden restaurant which had been used for an episode of the Streets of San Francisco and the Love Boat, and had served Butterfly King Prawns and Snow peas to President George Herbert Bush. We pushed on. Then guided by a very persistent Hawker we found a nice place off Grant that served lovely Mu shu Pork, Peking Duck Fish Dumplings (in the shape of Goldfish) and as Lou has remarked really nice green tea ice cream. The excitement proved too much for Scarlett and we ventured back to the Handlrey by taxi.

Today was spent enjoying the Sunshine along the Marina District, Aquatic Park and Chestnut St a hip and trendy area similar to Bondi. We drove from the Hotel driving along Powell St dodging the cable cars and terrify Lou with an imminent collision with the parked cars on our right side. Forgoing the bike ride (that's for Mothers Day) We had a late Breakfast a Fort Mason. Home of The San Francisco Roller Derby Girls, Artists and Poets in residence, and Greens Vegetarian Restaurant all with sweeping views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz.

We sat by the dock of the bay munching on croissant chocolate and peanut and jelly sandwiches, having our first semi decent coffee. Chelsea refuses to recommend Green's Hot Chocolate, and has reserved judgement on American Hot Chocolate till we've tried Ghiradelii.

We experienced our first American Supermarket, not easy to find since arriving, not quite sure where everyone in San Francisco does shop. Safeways has a lovely view of the Bay, and a extensive selection of baby wipes and formula. 5 stars for the view and speed of the checkout chick.

With the rise of Obamaism the American preoccupation with service seems to have died, no more have a nice days, no more complimentary glasses of water. Most service industry people seem on a permanent go slow, or it will take 1 GAP shop attendant 15 minutes to fold and ring up 12 items of clothing, ably assisted by 4 supervisors. The only people who have retained the service culture are the homeless of Union Square, who are more polite than the folk you may find at Sydney's Town Hall Station.

But I digress back in the car and dodging the parked cars and head toward the Explanatorium, found in the grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, built as a temporary structure for the 1915 Panama American Exhibit only to be retained and used as backdrop in Sean Connery's the Rock.

The Explanatorium is great fun lost of hands on science experiments that Chelsea, Lou and Scarlett all got into of particular note was the large bubble maker, and various smoke machines. After a few hours we leave the girls feeling peckish, we walk around the lake filled with seagulls and surrounded by Japanese tourists and small dogs.

We board the Jeep and we discover, by accident Chestnut St. We lunch at Becilli's Diner, while Chelsea gets her haircut, more glamour shots to come.

We all walk along Chestnut, Lou buying a stylish sloppy joe from "Lucky" Jeans. We hop back in the Jeep and drive along Lombard St, narrowly missing more parked cars. We drive along Lombard finally climbing the 70 degree incline before reaching the summit pausing for a moment to look at the view across to Coit Tower and to dodge a tourist standing in the middle of the road. we pass through the STOP sign (still hazy on the give way rules here) and wind our way down San Francisco's most famous street. Pausing once again to have an action photograph of "the driver" "whilst turning down one of the hedged bends.

Back at the Hotel we all chill out. Scarlett and Lou nap before we use Skype for our first Video Mothers Day call to Ganma. Everyone very excited, with Scarlett even jumping out of the bath in the nu nu to talk to Ganma and Nonno Lou who enjoying a warm bath to herself remained discreetly out of view.

For Dinner we walked up Powell St to Uncle Vito's for a great Pizza and Pasta meal Chelsea giving this one 4 Star rating.

Tmrw is Mothers Day, and Chelsea has carefully hidden Lou's bountiful supply 0f presents.

More later.