So I've just arrived in Los Angeles (well, about 3 hours ago now).
The flight over was really smooth, hardly any bumps at all. I tried to sleep as much as possible, but its really hard on a plane. Hard to get comfortable. But they give you a big pillow and a blanket which helps!
Food was also actually pretty good, for airplane food! We got dinner and breakfast, and snacks in between.
Going through customs and immigration at LAX was the easiest thing ever. It barely took 10 minutes, and there was no full-body scans, or luggage scans, or anything! They didn't even ask about all my medication or anything! So that was awesome.
Ashley's uncle met us at the airport and drove us back to their house. We're just chilling out now until we go out exploring (because apparently, everything opens late here). The traffic around LA is crazy, and there's freeways everywhere!
I'll try post again once I get to Orlando. I'll try put photos up on photobucket then as well.
Cya!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tomorrow!
I leave tomorrow! 25 hours!
Still haven't fully packed. Haha. Well, I have half the clothes I'm taking in my suitcase, but I have to pull them out because I've forgotten what I put in there =/
I'm worried its not all going to fit (so much for packing light!). My medication is taking up the most room.. grr! Customs is going to think I'm importing to sell it all or something. Hopefully they will believe that I actually require that much medication for 6 months!
I've said goodbye to all my friends and some of my family. Really not looking forward to saying goodbye to my parents at the airport tomorrow though! It's not going to be pretty!
I'm kind of feeling neutral about the whole thing. Not really nervous, not really overly-excited. I think its because it STILL doesn't feel real yet haha. It will all change when I'm sitting on the plane tomorrow. Of course, I am excited to go.. our day out in LA is going to be great! Hoping we get to Santa Monica Pier so I can ride the ferris wheel since its on my America Bucket List!
My next post will be from America! I'll try and update as much as possible, but not entirely sure how often I'll be able to. Defintely check out my photobucket page (Link is on my blog>>>) because I plan to upload all my photos there!
Til next time
xx
Still haven't fully packed. Haha. Well, I have half the clothes I'm taking in my suitcase, but I have to pull them out because I've forgotten what I put in there =/
I'm worried its not all going to fit (so much for packing light!). My medication is taking up the most room.. grr! Customs is going to think I'm importing to sell it all or something. Hopefully they will believe that I actually require that much medication for 6 months!
I've said goodbye to all my friends and some of my family. Really not looking forward to saying goodbye to my parents at the airport tomorrow though! It's not going to be pretty!
I'm kind of feeling neutral about the whole thing. Not really nervous, not really overly-excited. I think its because it STILL doesn't feel real yet haha. It will all change when I'm sitting on the plane tomorrow. Of course, I am excited to go.. our day out in LA is going to be great! Hoping we get to Santa Monica Pier so I can ride the ferris wheel since its on my America Bucket List!
My next post will be from America! I'll try and update as much as possible, but not entirely sure how often I'll be able to. Defintely check out my photobucket page (Link is on my blog>>>) because I plan to upload all my photos there!
Til next time
xx
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Less than a week!
This time next week, I'll be on a plane to Orlando, having just spent the day in Los Angeles!
So many people doing the program are already off on their adventures in the states. I've been stalking all of their facebook photos from their trip so far.. and wow, it's hard to believe I will be in some of those places in less than a week! The weather there also looks so perfect, which will make a nice change.. today, it was hailing, and raining sideways here! Although, I did happen to look at the extended forecast for Orlando, and while temperatures are in the 30s (degrees celcius that is), every day is forecast with storms, and thunder and lightning! I guess its because of the heat.. but I'm still hoping its not as bad as that when we get there!
It doesn't really feel like this is my last week in New Zealand. It STILL hasn't sunken in yet haha!
I've half-packed, but I guess I'll pack properly on the weekend :)
I'm scared I'm gonna forget something important, but hopefully not! And if I do, hopefully it'll be something I can just buy there. I have to make sure there isn't anything I have to buy before I leave too.
I'm really looking forward to LA. Ashley was having a think about what sites we should visit, and I definitely like her list. For me, Santa Monica (to ride the ferris wheel!) and Venice Beach are a must because I probably won't get a chance to go there when I'm back in LA by myself in January.
So it will be the 13th July when we arrive in Orlando, and there will be quite a few others arriving that day. Our group (Keri, Ashley, Jessica T and myself) have planned a day of shopping (Walmart, Florida Mall, Premium Outlets!!) and then we are having a big group dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with whoever else is in Orlando on the 13th :) Of course, anyone else who is in Orlando on the 13th will be welcome to come shopping too!!
I've also set up a photobucket account to put all my photos on, so everyone can see them :)
There is a link on my blog page (not many photos yet!).
Keep checking it from next week.. there'll be hundreds of photos, I can guarantee it!
So many people doing the program are already off on their adventures in the states. I've been stalking all of their facebook photos from their trip so far.. and wow, it's hard to believe I will be in some of those places in less than a week! The weather there also looks so perfect, which will make a nice change.. today, it was hailing, and raining sideways here! Although, I did happen to look at the extended forecast for Orlando, and while temperatures are in the 30s (degrees celcius that is), every day is forecast with storms, and thunder and lightning! I guess its because of the heat.. but I'm still hoping its not as bad as that when we get there!
It doesn't really feel like this is my last week in New Zealand. It STILL hasn't sunken in yet haha!
I've half-packed, but I guess I'll pack properly on the weekend :)
I'm scared I'm gonna forget something important, but hopefully not! And if I do, hopefully it'll be something I can just buy there. I have to make sure there isn't anything I have to buy before I leave too.
I'm really looking forward to LA. Ashley was having a think about what sites we should visit, and I definitely like her list. For me, Santa Monica (to ride the ferris wheel!) and Venice Beach are a must because I probably won't get a chance to go there when I'm back in LA by myself in January.
So it will be the 13th July when we arrive in Orlando, and there will be quite a few others arriving that day. Our group (Keri, Ashley, Jessica T and myself) have planned a day of shopping (Walmart, Florida Mall, Premium Outlets!!) and then we are having a big group dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with whoever else is in Orlando on the 13th :) Of course, anyone else who is in Orlando on the 13th will be welcome to come shopping too!!
I've also set up a photobucket account to put all my photos on, so everyone can see them :)
There is a link on my blog page (not many photos yet!).
Keep checking it from next week.. there'll be hundreds of photos, I can guarantee it!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Two Weeks To Go!
I can't really believe it, but as of tomorrow, it is exactly two weeks until I fly out!
I think it really hasn't sunken in.. still! Even with some participants already in the states, and more people flying out in the next few days, somehow it still doesn't feel real!
Today was a bit exciting because I went in to see my travel agent, Stephen at Flight Centre. He had called to say that my finalised flight itinerary and Contiki travel documents were ready to be picked up! I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Contiki documents more than anything! They came in a cute little travel wallet, and came with a luggage tag, a information book, my detailed itinerary, the actual 'Ticket To Ride' and information about Contiki's calling kit.
Anyways, after doing a bit of research on the 'free' sim card that you can get through Contiki, I've decided agaisnt it. I'm going to stick with my original plan, and get a sim through Simple Mobile for my iPhone. Their prepaid plans seem really good, and they have quite cheap international calling, as well as unlimited local and global texting. So it sounds like the best way to go!
In terms of things for my trip, I think I am all sorted:
I've put all my paperwork (and there is actually a LOT) into a document folder. Good idea so I don't lose anything!
I know two weeks is going to fly by so quickly.. at the moment I'm still really excited, but I know as it draws closer I'm going to be freaking out.. actually, I'm going to be terrified! And I'm REALLY not looking forward to the airport, and the dramatic crying scenes thats going to occur when saying goodbye to my family =/
I suppose thats inevitable really! Eeeeek!
I think it really hasn't sunken in.. still! Even with some participants already in the states, and more people flying out in the next few days, somehow it still doesn't feel real!
Today was a bit exciting because I went in to see my travel agent, Stephen at Flight Centre. He had called to say that my finalised flight itinerary and Contiki travel documents were ready to be picked up! I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Contiki documents more than anything! They came in a cute little travel wallet, and came with a luggage tag, a information book, my detailed itinerary, the actual 'Ticket To Ride' and information about Contiki's calling kit.
Anyways, after doing a bit of research on the 'free' sim card that you can get through Contiki, I've decided agaisnt it. I'm going to stick with my original plan, and get a sim through Simple Mobile for my iPhone. Their prepaid plans seem really good, and they have quite cheap international calling, as well as unlimited local and global texting. So it sounds like the best way to go!
In terms of things for my trip, I think I am all sorted:
- Flights (all of them!)
- Visa
- Insurance (Travel/Medical)
- Pre-Disney Accommodation
- Universal/Island of Adventure Tickets
- Universal Studios Express Passes
- Post-Disney Accommodation
- Los Angeles Accommodation
- Contiki
- Prescriptions/Medication
- Letter from my doctor
- Travel Card (with USD on it!)
- Luggage
- Contact Lenses (6 months worth)
I've put all my paperwork (and there is actually a LOT) into a document folder. Good idea so I don't lose anything!
I know two weeks is going to fly by so quickly.. at the moment I'm still really excited, but I know as it draws closer I'm going to be freaking out.. actually, I'm going to be terrified! And I'm REALLY not looking forward to the airport, and the dramatic crying scenes thats going to occur when saying goodbye to my family =/I suppose thats inevitable really! Eeeeek!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Disney Stuff!
Well, here I am, 25 days out from Disney. It still doesn't feel real haha. I'm sure it won't until I'm sitting on the plane about to leave.
Anyway, I'm stuck home on a rainy Saturday night, and I'm getting my fix of Disney. I pulled out my Lion King video and watched it. I still cried when Mufasa died.. Disney shouldn't make their movies so sad!
Then I got into Disney mode, and decided to spend some time on the online Disney Store. I cannot wait to visit the huge World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, and with a 10% discount, I know some of my paycheck will be going straight there. Buying some classic movies on DVD will be my first priority, since most of them you can't buy here for some reason. The Disney jewellery also looks amazing.. some of it is pretty expensive though!
Continuing on with my Disney obsession this evening, I started looking into Disney Cruises again. A Disney Cruise is a must-do for me. It's even on my Disney Bucket List. If I come away from Florida without having done a Disney Cruise, I will be VERY upset. So I'm going to make it my mission.
Anyway, the cruise that I have my heart set on doing is the 3-Night Bahamas Cruise on the brand new Disney Dream. Take a look at that ship - it looks amazing! It has a water coaster on board! Awesome!!
Another awesome thing about this cruise is that it visits Nassau.. which is the home of the famous Atantis Resort (you may have seen it in movies before, I know I have!). On-shore activities while the ship is at the Nassau Port includes the Aquaventure. This is the huge waterpark at the Atlantis Resort.. one of the waterslides goes through a lagoon filled with sharks.. how cool is that?! Its pretty pricey though, so a cheaper yet also cool option is the Atlantis Beach Day.
Cast members at Disney can get up to 80% off cruises. So I am hoping that I'll be able to get that discount on this particular cruise. We aren't quite sure how the cruise discounts work, but we know that we sign up for them on the Hub at Disney, and I've heard they get snapped up quickly! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until we get there to find out about it.. but as soon as we can get on the Hub, we'll be looking to book this cruise!
Just over 3 weeks to go now! Eek!
Anyway, I'm stuck home on a rainy Saturday night, and I'm getting my fix of Disney. I pulled out my Lion King video and watched it. I still cried when Mufasa died.. Disney shouldn't make their movies so sad!
Then I got into Disney mode, and decided to spend some time on the online Disney Store. I cannot wait to visit the huge World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, and with a 10% discount, I know some of my paycheck will be going straight there. Buying some classic movies on DVD will be my first priority, since most of them you can't buy here for some reason. The Disney jewellery also looks amazing.. some of it is pretty expensive though!
Continuing on with my Disney obsession this evening, I started looking into Disney Cruises again. A Disney Cruise is a must-do for me. It's even on my Disney Bucket List. If I come away from Florida without having done a Disney Cruise, I will be VERY upset. So I'm going to make it my mission.
Anyway, the cruise that I have my heart set on doing is the 3-Night Bahamas Cruise on the brand new Disney Dream. Take a look at that ship - it looks amazing! It has a water coaster on board! Awesome!!
Another awesome thing about this cruise is that it visits Nassau.. which is the home of the famous Atantis Resort (you may have seen it in movies before, I know I have!). On-shore activities while the ship is at the Nassau Port includes the Aquaventure. This is the huge waterpark at the Atlantis Resort.. one of the waterslides goes through a lagoon filled with sharks.. how cool is that?! Its pretty pricey though, so a cheaper yet also cool option is the Atlantis Beach Day.
Cast members at Disney can get up to 80% off cruises. So I am hoping that I'll be able to get that discount on this particular cruise. We aren't quite sure how the cruise discounts work, but we know that we sign up for them on the Hub at Disney, and I've heard they get snapped up quickly! Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until we get there to find out about it.. but as soon as we can get on the Hub, we'll be looking to book this cruise!
Just over 3 weeks to go now! Eek!
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