Exploring San Diego and Las Vegas

Hello Parents,

Lets get you up to date as we finally have internet service!!

After an action packed 4 days in LA, Day 12 was finally time for us to move on to our last stop in California – San Diego. We hopped off the bus with palpable excitement, awaiting one of the most diverse and unique collection of species in North America. Our wildlife exploration at the world famous San Diego Zoo began with a guided bus tour around the premises, traveling from environment to environment.

Molly, Jenna and Samantha R were fascinated by the giraffes, lions and the massive elephants. We were even greeted by a new arrival, Michaela, a young (and oh, so cute) baby giraffe- just a month of age! Everyone then had free time to explore and, if they wished, to visit the Asian pandas- one of the rarest species on the planet. Andrew, Zach, Jameson, Jonathan and Jacob took advantage of the Skyfari, which gives a bird’s eye view of the entire zoo, not to mention the San Diego skyline.

After a quick pit stop at the hotel, and a dinner at the Souplantation, we walked over to the laser tag arena for some friendly competition among the trip members. We crouched, hid and plotted our way through a labyrinth of lights, lasers, smoke and fog to vanquish the enemy- but more importantly, to get the coveted high score. Big winners were Vedant, Gillian, Matt and Jason; their scores consistently blowing out the rest of the field.

A tasty surprise ensued- it was only fitting to reward such tremendous effort. Right across the street was a west coast original: In-N-Out Burger. Giorgia, Peyton, Joey and Reid enjoyed the famous milkshakes, french fries made from freshly cut potatoes and, of course, the ever famous burgers.

Day 13 was our last day in Cali, so it was only fitting to spend the day at the beach and go surfing! We took in the sun, played our share of beach games – ultimate Frisbee, football, volleyball- and just hung out. After doing our own thing for a while, it was time to go surfin’ USA. We started off with training on dry land which included naming parts of the surfboard, paddling out and popping up. Feeling confident and extreme, we grabbed our boards and attacked the waves! While everyone did a great job, trip members who definitely have a future in the sport include Annie, Eli, Kerry, Danielle and Ben.

After our metamorphosis into surfer dudes (and dudettes), we took in the sparkling ocean water one last time and headed back to the hotel. Showered up and looking spiffy, we indulged in a family-style dinner at Red Robin before returning to the hotel once again. It was an emotional night as we said goodbye to Rachel and Sarah, but also an opportunity to reflect on the trip up until that point- all positive memories for the twins and everyone else!

Day 14 was so exciting because the bright lights and heated nights awaited us in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! We checked into the Monte Carlo- a hotel located right on the strip. After dropping off our bags, we walked to New York, New York for dinner and an opportunity to ride the hotel’s signature rollercoaster. Among many others, Jourdan, Joelle, Emma and Brennan had their heads cranked skyward before a series of thrilling drops and heart-throbbing twists and turns- not to mention the breath-taking views of Las Vegas.

Next up, we took a walk to the M&M store and then the Coke Store. Everyone got the chance to sample their favorite M&M colors and coke flavors plus the plethora of merchandise available from each store. Each store featured four floors of fun and innovative architecture, such as an elevator inside a giant coke bottle! Goodies in hand, we walked back to the hotel, taking in the street entertainment and retired for the night.

With one more day in Vegas, it was time for the trip to seize Day 15. We headed off for the posh Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace not fully knowing what to expect. What we got was the opportunity to take in some of the most beautiful artwork, sculptures and architecture we ever laid eyes on. Kaylie, Becky, David and Justin will have memories of talking sculptures and Roman-like beauty.

We came back to the Monte Carlo to frolic in its swimming pool, wave pool and lazy river. After that, it was off to Buca di Beppo for another family style meal but at a truly authentic Italian meal. Our stomachs full, and full of excitement, we were off to the Stratosphere for the highest view in Las Vegas. We were able to gawk at the Vegas skyline, and see the edge of the city where it meets the desert.

Continuing our trek down the strip, we stopped by the Venetian and then all stopped by the Bellagio and stared in awe at the water show. Annie, Jen, Jayden, Sam P and Jillian saw how the fountains timed their spurts with Chicago’s “All That Jazz” to perfection. Heading back to our hotel, we all strolled down the strip one last time and took in the scenic views of fabulous Las Vegas.

We are now in Flagstaff and heading to our last stop in Scottsdale. We will be sure to update you soon on our Bryce and Grand Canyon stops.

Until Next Time,

 

The Westcoast Blogger

The Odyssey does Seattle-Northwest Odyssey

“Call me Ishmael Gabba.”
Where I last left you off, our trip was just arriving in Seattle, having visited Mt. Hood for some camping, mountain biking, skiing, and other adventures.  Since then, we have attended a Baltimore Orioles vs. Seattle Mariners baseball game, kayaked on Lake Union, visited the world’s second most unhygienic landmark, the Gum Wall, situated outside of Pike Place Market, which we subsequently explored, and participated in a hybrid boat/driving tour around this great city!


This week, we, the staff, introduced our trip mascot, Gabba, to the group.  Gabba, a cuddly stuffed creature, will be escorting us on our various expeditions around the Northwest to each landmark we visit and to every event we attend.  A few facts about Gabba, he enjoys long walks on the beach, loves being photographed, and thoroughly enjoys sitting on shoulders and receiving hugs.
Once we arrived in Seattle, we stopped at our hotel, the SpringHill Suites, for some much needed relaxing time and a bit of hanging out before heading to Safeco Field to attend the baseball game.  That game, which happened to be the most entertaining game I’ve ever attended, thanks to the hilarious antics of Tyler and Julian, as well as Ean’s spectacular “dancing.”  Even though we root,  root, rooted for the home team, the Mariners fell to the Orioles 5-4, despite some late inning heroics by Seattle.
The following morning, the trip woke up early so that we could get a full morning of kayaking on Lake Union in.  Lake Union, the link between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, was calm as can be, allowing us to enjoy the morning breeze and get the day started with a leisurely yet energizing paddle.

Following the paddle on Lake Union, we hopped on the bus to visit the world famous Pike Place Market and the Gum Wall adjacent to it. The trip was given free reign of the market, which extends to the very first Starbucks.  Despite the long lines and tiresome wait for their coffee, Noa and Jenna L succeeded in visiting the landmark coffee shop.  With some great music playing in the background and some snakes available for petting and pictures, Pike Place Market was an incredible experience.
Following the Market, we ventured over to the Experience Music Project.  This museum, whose design was based off of a pile of broken guitars, was one that allowed for the trip to enjoy musical history and participate in the creation and enactment of the art.  Whether it was through visiting the AC DC, Nirvana or Jimi Hendrix exhibits, or watching the multimedia art display of music videos on the nation’s second largest screen, or even creating their own music in the state of the art production and recording studios, the trip members really demonstrated that music is more than just art, it is an inspirational part of life!
Following the EMP, our trip walked around the building, past the Chihuly Glass Gardens, to the Space Needle, where we were able to view the sprawling city, the Cascade and Olympic mountain regions, and Puget Sound from 158 meters in the air.  While staring at the jaw-dropping view of the Emerald City, Lee enlightened us with a bit of pop culture trivia, as he taught us that Mt. Rainier, in all of its cloud-enshrouded glory, is the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo.
After a great Italian dinner at Buca Di Beppo, the trip headed to an evening of Whirlyball, which was a fun time for all!  That evening ended with ice-your-own-cookies and some fireworks for the fourth of July.
The 5th was yet another full day, one which we started on hilarious “duck tours” of the city.  The “duck tours” started on land, near the Space Needle and led us through the city, by Pike Place Market, past the building that is used as “Seattle Grace Hospital” from Grey’s Anatomy, by the very first “Skid Road” and was both informative and entertaining!  After driving around for nearly an hour, the bus suddenly pulled up to an entry slip at Lake Union, where the re-formatted WWII D-Day boat slowly entered the water to take us on a tour of the beautiful lake, including a quick stop near the house from Tom Hanks’ and Meg Ryan’s “Sleepless in Seattle,” on which we kayaked the day before!  With two comical tour guides, being Captains Beau Dashius and Phlip Dover, we had a very fun, yet very educational tour of one of America’s most interesting metropolitan cities.  That afternoon, our trip journeyed to Wild Waves Theme Park for an afternoon of fun in the sun with rides, slides and great company.  Without a cloud in the sky, Wild Waves was the setting for Stefan and Sami S helping staff member, Sam T get over her fear of roller coasters, while Sam K and myself, Max, had the pleasure of falling in love with three friendly sea lions.
With some help from Noah M and Macie, our bus rides have been filled with music and entertainment that we will not soon forget.  I’d also like to congratulate Macie on conquering her fear of border patrol agents and making it across the usually docile Canadian border!
The past few days have been busy and tiring but fun has triumphed over all, yet again!
Stay tuned for more about our upcoming stops at Whistler Blackcomb and Vancouver! Special thanks to Stefan and Ryan C for helping write this blog post! Welcome back!

Welcome to Faboulous Las Vegas! – American Voyageur

AmVoy #2 checks in from Las Vegas!