Durango, Alburquerque & Amarillo

After the Grand Canyon we did a whirlwind trip from Arizona, detour through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and finally into Texas. 

On the way to Durango, Colorado we detoured through Monument Valley in Utah and stopped for a photo op at the point Forrest Gump stopped his cross country run. I'm loving that every day we go through some place or it's specifically detoured too by our tour guides, because they want to show us where some famous site is or a movie was set. It's very cool. 

Durango, Colorado is a small town in Colorado, which really is a beautiful and rocky as it's portrayed. It's also 7kms above sea level and my feet are really suffering in the heat and altitude. 

In Durango we went to a Brew House for a good dinner, with vegetables even! Then we headed over to a local bar and proceeded to drink our body weight in beer. The next morning while the majority of the group went off to do rafting and horse riding, I joined a few girls for an indulgent manicure/pedicure. My feet sure did need the attention. 

Then it was back on the road to Albuquerque. We had a so-so meal at the hotel and an early night. Our wake up call was 4.30am, for a 5.15am Hot Air Balloon ride over the city. 

We helped with the set up, boarded for an amazing hour flight, then helped with the pack down once we landed. I had wanted to do a Hot Air Balloon ride since I was about 10 years old, and it was on my bucket list. It was much smoother than I had expected, all though I wasn't prepared for the heat. Afterwards we enjoyed a glass of champagne (a Hot Air Balloon tradition) and even got certificates for the rise. 

Later that morning we drove to Amarillo, Texas. Stopping at Cadillac Ranch just outside of the city. Some Farmer bought 10 different era cadillacs, cemented them in to the ground tail down and called them art. When people started graffiting them he made it part of the artwork. So naturally we got spray cans at took to work graffiting cadillacs in the middle of the desert. (Who thinks up this shit?!)

Once in Amarillo we stayed at the Big Texan, which is a quirky side of the road motel with cool facades and is home to the '72 oz Steak Challenge'. Four of our group attempted the challenge in a battle of nations. Braden (USA & our tour manager), Tiaan (South Africa), Gary (Australia) and Nathan (New Zealand) were the brave souls to attempt it. Although, to be fair Braden only did it because our group bribed him in to it. They had one hour to eat a 72oz (2kg) steak, Shrimp cocktail, roll, salad, baked potato and a beer. If they did it they got it for free. The whole group chipped in so that they didn't have to pay for it all if they didn't. They sat up on a platform in the middle of the restaurant, being on a live webcam and had the largest hall of Texans watching too. While none of them finished, they made a pretty good effort of it. Tiaan got the furtherest with only a small portion of steak left at the end. 

After dinner and few drinks we hopped on over the pool for a midnight swim. With the temperatures in Texas averaging in the late 30's a swim was in desperate need. The boys got rowdy and we called it a night. 

After 3 days on the road with only quick stops in cities, we were all hanging out for our 2 day stop in Dallas up next. 

Grand Canyon

We left Vegas and headed to the Grand Canyon for an evening peek at the Canyon itself.

We spent two nights in the National Park lodges, just a three minute walk from the south rim of the Canyon. We had a whole day there and my roommate and I took advantage of that by walking along the rim and checking out the gift shops, art galleries and of course, take lots of photos. 

The morning had started with a 45 minute Helicopter ride over the Canyon. It was spectacular! 

*Please note that these photos are completely unedited! 

That night our entire group grabbed a picnic dinner and bused about 2 kms up the road to a beautiful spot on the rim. From here we had champagne and watched the sunset. It was a very magical evening. 

Las Vegas Baby!

My San Francisco flight was late and I barely made it to my pre-Contiki meeting at the hotel in the lobby, but I did and managed to meet quite a few of my fellow travellers. 

We left LA early on Thursday morning, heading across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas, Nevada. Of all the places on this tour Las Vegas was not a big deal for me, but it seemed to be a huge deal for most of my fellow travellers. That's ok, I'm old enough and ugly enough to not really mind to much what others do and what they think of me, so I rolled with it. 

Once we arrived in Las Vegas we went straight to the famous Las Vegas sign for a photo op. This was another of my "see, I really am in Las Vegas" photos :) 

Our hotel rooms weren't ready yet so we had three hours to kill and I made the silly mistake of deciding to walk down Las Vegas Boulevard (aka "The Strip") in the 40 degree heat. Luckily I recognised the signs and got myself inside to eat something and drink a bottle of water before I fainted in the heat. It was pretty brutal. 

Turned out that I'm sharing a room with a girl from Masterton, whom was joining our tour here in Vegas and I could have come up to the room when the bus arrived anyway. She's a cool, like-minded chick and already we get along really well. Yay :) 

That night we had a family style Italian dinner followed by a tour of the strip. Call me and oldie, or a geek, but I'm really loving the history and info about each place we visit. Meanwhile, the lights in Vegas are beyond amazing, I can't even begin to describe them. Our tour manager told us a story about how he'd accidently gotten married on a boozy boys night and did we want to see his photo on the wall of the chaple?! We all piled into Graceland Wedding Chapel on the Strip - yep, it was definelty one of those small chapels you see on all Vegas bound, drunken movies. Next thing you know, Elvis is sereanading us all and pulls up the only couple on our tour to 'Contiki Marry' them. Turned out it was a stunt by Contiki and we loved it! 

After the chapel we went to Fremont Street. I'd never known anything about Fremont street so I was awestruck by the giant LCD screen that covered the entire street (above the buildings), for four blocks. Along the street were people dressed in every kind of costume you can imagine, and for a tip you could pose with them for photos. On the hour they placed a Queen Montage on the LCD screen, it was incredible. Las Vegas does nothing by halves that's for sure. It was after this that everyone headed to the clubs and I headed home. I know my limits and I just wasn't fussed with a club. 

Friday was a good day for exploring. Sarah (my roommate) and I went down to the Bellagio Casino and Hotel. We went to the Andy Warhol exhibit and checked out the amazingly beautiful art instillations in the foyer, lobby and all over the hotel. This time I was smarter and bought a pass for the Monorail, rather than walking in the searing heat. Smart huh!! In the afternoon we chilled out and I wondered around our hotel checking out the shops and the Casino. 

Tonight we went to see the fountain show outside the Bellagio before seeing a Variety Show at the V Theatre. The host was a juggler - he juggled ping pong balls out of his mouth and played the keyboard with juggling balls. Embarrasingly he called on me to stand up as one of four people in the audience to throw a ring to the stage for him to catch. Of course you all know I have terrible aim and managed to throw it everywhere but to him. Needless to say it was damn hilarious and everyone in the group was laughing at me or with me, I'm not sure which, but it was fine by me  :) 

Tomorrow we have a late meeting time for the bus as we head off along Route 66 to the Grand Canyon. I have booked a helicopter ride which I'm looking forward too. Should be yet another amazing  experience. 

I arrived in Las Vegas not fussed at all with the city, but it's won me over a little. The shear opulance and granduer of this city is crazy. The people are crazy. And for those things alone, it really is pretty impressive. I can really see why people come here for boozy, crazy weekends. Anything goes here. You can do anything, see anything, wear anything, drink anything, be anyone you want to be. Basically, you can go crazy and that's ok, in fact that's encouraged. 

Although, why people bring their kids here for family holidays I'm not too sure. It's a little sad to see small children wandering around the casino floor at 11.30pm at night. There are some cool things for kids to do during the day, but really parents, casinos at night? Come on! 

Las Vegas is something you just have to do and see, at least once. I don't really need to come back, I'm not really a Las Vegas girl, but I wouldn't say no either. :) xxx

San Francisco - I'm a little bit in love.

I'm so pleased I decided to go to San Francisco first. I was nervous as hell about doing it alone,about getting used to tipping, about navigating a totally foreign city and about being in a country alone, so far away from home and all you guys. But it was totally worth it. 

Firstly, American's are way friendly, cheerful and so willing to help. Sure there are the odd few that are jerks, but you get that everywhere, lets be honest. They fact that everyone was willing to help a stranger, a foreigner at that, and do it with a smile, made my experience in San Francisco so much better. 

San Francisco has been a city that I've dreamed about going to since I was a teenager. The city itself, it's touristy icons and the artistic vibe really appeals to me. And now, I can honestly say that it was everything I had thought it would be - I wasn't disappointed. My only one gripe is that I wasn't there long enough! 

I bought tickets with a Sightseeing company that did four different loops around the city. They covered all the major sites and had great commentary along the way. I cashed in my tickets on the second day there as I arrived at 6pm the night before, but the company had booked me on the Alcatraz tour for the day before, so I was placed on standby for Alcatraz the next day. A word to the wise, book ahead! The next available tour wasn't till the end of June. I did three of the four tours that day, seeing all the major sites. 

Two of the tour guides pointed out the best chowder place on the wharf, so I tried it that night. Holy shitballs, it was amazing. I had a class of wine and New England Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bread bowl. It was soo good I had to have a second bowl, didn't finish it mind you, but it was amazing. 

I checked out Pier 39 where the sea lions live as well as being a tourist meca for California. I bought souviners, and so many of them in fact that I had to post a box home before flying back to LA! I also had to buy a jersey. Here's something I didn't realise about San Francisco - it's bloody cold in the summer! One guide told me that it's the water and fog coming in through the bay, yarda yarda yarda. Basically it's cold in Summer and warm in Winter, go figure. 

On day two I did the second tour again, cause I just hadn't had my fill of the Golden Gate Bridge and I wanted to stop at the Walt Disney Family Museum, only it turns out that it's closed on a Tuesday, and what day was I there? Tuesday of course. In the afternoon I got on the last boat to Alcatraz. Alcatraz fascinates me, I'm intrigued by it's history and the many stories you hear of it. It was surreal being there and walking down the halls and listening to the guided tour (which in itself was full of history and details and really, really good!). I could have stayed there listening to the tour several times, but I had to get that last boat back. I stopped myself from buying several books about Alcatraz, on the proviso that I order them from Amazon when I get home. 

That night I wanted to check out The Cheescake Factory which was at the top of the Macy's across  the road from my hotel. It's the second largest Macy's in the country- an entire city block and 9 stories tall. Anyway, The Cheescake Factory was so packed that I had a 2 hour wait for a table for one, so I left. And FYI, it looked nothing like it does on The Big Bang Theory and the waitress uniforms are not the same either. 

Day three I went shopping at Macy's, buying quite a few clothes. Mainly because I'm not entirely sure when I can get some washing done next, and the variety is amazing. 

After the shopping I managed to quite easily get everything in my bag (more shopping to be done it seems!) and was time to head off to the airport. 

I already know I'll be back to San Francisco, hopefully as part of a West Coast adventure, but I'll definitely have to be there for longer than a few days next time. There was still so much to see and explore. I managed to see the main touristy things and see alot as it was, but not to any great detail like I would like too. Oh what a shame that I'll just have to come back!

24 thoughts on the first 24 hours in the USA.

(in no particular order):

1. Why are the hamburger buns soooo yellow?

2. The currency notes are the same colour and size. Who's stupid idea was that?!

3. The toilets are different shape, but I can't work out if the water swirls the other way or not. 

4. Tour companies are cheesy, but an awesome way to see a lot and learn a lot too. 

5. Clam chowder is amazing. I like New England Clam Chowder in particular. 

6. Fried Eggs are 'sunnyside up eggs'. 

7. Tipping is not as difficult to grasp as I feared. Besides, they can't make you tip, but somehow you want too to show your gratitude. 

8. American's are friendly and really helpful. 

9. San Francisco is like Wellington with it's dedication to public art. 

10. The Golden Gate Bridge is really as amazing as I thought it would be. 

11. I was corrected on my pronunciation of my own last name. I'm told American's would say it as 'Brownie'. Ummm, no. . . 

12. Wellingtonian's love San Francisco. Everyone I talk to says they've met lots of other Wellingtonian's here and the other Kiwis on my tour today were from Wellington too. Small world.

13. The price on the sticker is not the actual price. They add GST on once you go to pay. 

14. They bring the cheque to the table. 

15. Taxi's are wayyy cheaper than home. 

16. There are lots of art galleries in San Francisco - with some amazing modern art and photography. 

17. America is not nearly as far away from home with modern technology. 

18. How do they make their Strawberries so sweet and succulent?!

19. There are homeless people on every street. 

20. Pre-book your Alcatraz tour - or at least book for a day you're in the city, not just the country. 

21. The TV adverts are almost more interesting to watch than the TV programs. 

22. I'm proud of me for coming all this way alone and enjoying my own company as well as getting out and doing the things I wanna do. 

23. I become really patriotic when I'm away from NZ. I love my home. 

24. I'm a little bit in love with San Francisco and will definetly be back one day. 

Rarotonga, The perfect Island holiday

After a blissful week I sit by the pool, just a little bit lonely. Most of you will think that's ridiculous, to be on a tropical island on a saturday afternoon with the warm sun beating down and endless hours with nothing to do but read and play on my ipad. But, it didn't occur to me until it happened that having spent this last week with some of my very best friends, and made many new ones too, saying goodbye to them and staying for an extra day would make this magical place lonely. We've shared so much while here, always in somones company. And when you got tired of one activity or one person, another was just around the sandy corner. 

Over the last few days since the wedding I have made the most of sitting on the beach, reading, cocktail hour, exploring the island and hanging out with friends. Paul and I drove around the island, stopping at art galleries and souviner shops. The whole trip takes only 40 minutes, but we stretched it out to an afternoon, even exploring some of the inner roads where the fruit and flowers grow. 

It rained heavily on Thursday, rain that the locals were so greatful to see. After 3 months of no rain they were nearing crisis point, luckily for them it is no longer a concern. But this meant we spent a couple of days doing non-beach activities. 

This morning at 6am all my friends met in reception to board their bus to the airport. I padded out in my PJ's to say goodbye. They were all on the same flight home to Auckland and most flew on to Wellington. They should be walking in their front doors around about now as I type this. Meanwhile, I slept in, relocated to the beach for a smoothie and then lunch. It was slightly windy on the beach, but I stayed there for several hours. Seeing as the room charges hadn't been nearly as high as I thought I splurged on a little internet time and loaded blog posts and photos. I also managed to chat to my sister, brother and best friend back home, which was just what I needed as I thought about being all alone on a tropical island. Again, I imagine sympathy is not forth coming at this point and in the grand scheme of things it's not at all warranted. I'm just excited and a little nervous, ok, a lot nervous, about my next part of this grand adventure, and it seems so strange not to have someone even remotely close to share it with at this point. 

Right now, I'm sitting in the sun beside the pool, watching children jump in and the sunlight scatter between the palm trees to dance across my feet. I have my sunglasses, book and water handy, along with my camera, passport and the credit card I thought I'd lost, but turned out it was only in a super safe place. My bag is packed (with plenty of room to spare thanks to Paul for taking my wedding and souviner items home with him) and I'm ready to go. My bus to the airport will pick me up at 9.30pm and my flight to LA is at midnight. Now the question is, which book do I read next? and what should I do for dinner? It seems so very close, but so far away, I'm just dying for this next part to get started! 

I think I'll definetly be back to Rarotonga, it really is the most amazing tropical island getaway. I highly recommend it to anyone even remotely considering a holiday away. The weather is beautiful but not unbearable, there are things to do for those that need them, and the beach is the most amazing thing you've ever dreamed. I'm already wondering when I can come back.

Once you read this I'll be in the USA somewhere. I arrive in LA at 12.30pm Sunday (local time) and fly to San Francisco a few hours later, to arrive their at 5pm (local time). Being terrible at maths as I am, I assume this is around 11am on Monday NZ time. Please comment on my blog and or on FB, or send me an email. Despite the amazing adventure, I am all alone, so any friendly thoughts are warmly appreciated. 

XXX

PS: If I wait till I upload photos to my ipad, these posts will be few and far between. Please check out my Facebook and Instagram pages for photos to go along with the posts :) 

PPS: I've arrived in San Francisco. I'm pretty sure I was in the same clothes for 36 hours. I didn't see any of LA, just the airport before I flew up here. Once I finally made it to the hotel and brushed my teeth (if felt so good!) I went for a walk around the area I'm staying in. Just down the road is Macy's, Cheesecake Factory, Tiffany's and about 20 Pizza places. I knew San Francisco was hilly, but the map is flat, nevertheless it was good to go for a long 45 minute walk up the crazy hills after spending so much time sitting on airplanes. I wanted to see the harbour, but I also didn't want to get caught out late and in the dark when I didn't really know where I was, so I turned around and got some dinner. It was awesome to chat with John, Rach and Lu over Skype when I got back to my room. It was nice to share the things I'd seen and actually have a conversation with people I knew. In saying that, almost everyone I've spoken to so far has been really friendly and helpful. Let's not mention the immigration officer that couldn't get her head around the idea that I would willingly travel overseas on my own. Yep lady, I'm an adult and not afraid of the world. Bite me, I'm here to travel! Note, I didn't actually say that, cause if I had, I doubt I'd be here right now. hehe. 

Tracy and Candy's Wedding

The 11 June came and went, faster than any of us would have liked. It's the day that we have all been planning for, saving for and looking forward to for nearly two years. It was the perfect, tropical day for Tracy and Candy to get married. 

The evening before Jo and I babysat Ginny so that Ness and Chris could have a romantic dinner together. Ginny was very good for us, even waiting patiently while we spent 15 minutes trying to work out how to get the pram up. We gave up and carried her in the capsule to dinner. 

Wedding day started for us girls in the Salon across the road from the Resort. With plenty of time we all had our nails redone as well. While the mani/pedi the day before was relaxing, the paint job had left a lot to be desired. But, the wonder that is Shellac saved our nails for the wedding. 

I was slightly concerned when the hairdresser teased my hair so much that I thought I might end up as Marge Simpson for the ceremony. Needless to say, I didn't of course. 

The champagne started flowing and I started on my duties as the bridesmaid that will drink twice as much as the bride so that should she fall or embrass herself at all during the day, I would fall twice as hard or embrass myself twice as much, pulling focus from my friend. It was a sword I was willing to fall on, but I'm pleased to say I was not called on to perform such tasks. A debate has since be had about whether I would have done so if required. I say yes of course I would, but now we'll never know. . . 

Lunch was the only hiccup in the day, having ordered room service, it took it's time getting to us, missed a meal completely and as a result we had hungry bridesmaids and no one in dresses when they should have been. 

Once the photographer arrived we got Tracy into her dress, taking about three of us to get her in and tie her up. 

At this point I should mention that Tuesday was the hottest day on the island so far at 30 degrees. Being wedged tightly into dresses, full makeup and running around like blue arse bridesmaids made for a hot and sweltering day. 

Tracy was beautiful. She looked simply stunning and I was so proud to be her bridesmaid. You'll have to see the photos to see what I mean, because there are not enough words to express what a gorgeous bride she was. 

Candy's nieces Selina (9yrs) and Johanna (7yrs) were flower girls. They were incredibly well behaved and so very sweet. They loved getting ready with the big girls and watching their Aunty Tracy get into her dress. They didn't mind being told to jump out of the way, as long as they got to be part of the special day they were happy. 

The ceremony was beautiful. I watched Candy watch Tracy come down the aisle and I'm sure there were almost tears. I myself had a few tears when they exchanged vows. Not only was it one friend getting married, but two amazing and close friends getting married. 

The wedding photos were a laugh, with all four of us girls attempting to eat without spilling and everyone trying to stay hydrated in the heat. The Photographer and his assistant were very good at pointing everyone at ease. We tootled around the island to various locations and once again found ourselves climbing into weeds for dramatic photos. We ended up in the water and jumping on the beach. I won't even mention the mankinis the boys wore as a result of a dare. Tracy's face was priceless. 

On a side note, check our Nior Photography on Facebook for a few sneak peeks of the beautiful Wedding Photos. I have no photos of my own - for had I had my camera handy I would have spent all day behind it rather than enjoy the day and be the best bridesmaid possible for Tracy. 

The reception was lovely, amazing food and great speeches. I was most impressed by Selina's welcome to Tracy to their family and by Candy's speech that had him and everyone else in tears. He spoke so eloquently about his love for his family, friends and Tracy. I've never heard such beautiful words expressing the love he feels for Tracy and it really did make me cry. Tracy is lucky to have found such a wonderful man that loves her so much. (Candy, that's the last time you'll hear me say that, as we can't have you getting a big head now - I'll never hear the end of it!)

After the music stopped and the tables were packed away the bridal party finally walked back to our rooms, but the night was not quite over. We headed down to the beach and went for a midnight swim. After the hottest day, in the hottest makeup, tightest bra, fitting dress and about 75 jammed in hairclips, a midnight swim was the perfect ending to a fairytale day. 

Rarotonga

This first update comes from an international airport somewhere in the USA (despite being written half way through week one in Raro). The internet access fees at the resort are astronomical and frankly rather than spend the fees I have used it as a good excuse to put down all electronics and just enjoy the sun, beach and cocktail hours. Yes, two cocktail hours!

It was so hard to fathom that after months and months of planning, dreaming and saving I was actually on my way. Tracy and Candy had always said that if they ever got married it was be a destination wedding. We said they had to give us plenty of notice so we could be there with bells on. Two years ago they got engaged and 6 months later they announced a Rarotongian Wedding. We had 18 months to save and save we did. 

The last few months have been busy with moving and big job changes, leaving the excitement build to a minimum. 

After a week staying with Rach, John and Lu, I finally managed to pack my bag to a healthy weight with plenty of room for shopping and left the cold, dark Hutt Valley behind. At 6am I was checked in, snubbed my friends down in the cafe and followed Paul like a black sheep into the Koru Lounge. Holy smokes, what a good way to wait for a flight! 

The flight to Auckland was fairly non-eventful and just when you're about to finish a magazine it's time to land. I had a lovely surprise waiting for me as we got out of the terminal in the form of my Dad, brother Lexi and future sister-in-law Toni. They walked with our crowd over the International Airport, gooing over the gorgeous 5 month old Ginny the whole way. 

Our international flight was fine. Sitting next to Mark in cattle class meant we got very cozy. Rather than sitting all together we formed a nice neat line. I walked Ginny up and down the plane a couple of times to give her other people to stare at and she was the perfect wee flyer. The same could not be said for the large group of 20 somethings sitting across the aisle from us. They took full advantage of the wine and by the end of the flight were climbing over chairs, throwing pillows and shaking seats. 

I got laid at the airport - take note Anna! - as did we all. The resort is amazing and the staff are all so friendly and helpful. I'm sharing a room with Jo and Mark, which is working out well. We generally are only in the room to sleep and shower so it's no drama to be all together. The resort has set up a tab for us which is awfully convenient if not a little dangerous as I just keep spending. That's what holidays are for though right?! There are two cocktail hours which our entire group is present for. How could we not be when the bar is on the beach and cocktails are half price?! They do a special cocktail of the day which just begs for trying. Plus, it's warm, the waters right there and there's nothing else to do much socialise and drink cocktails. Ahh this is the life!

We've been to market day, lounged by the pool with books, swam in the ocean and been on a sunset cruise for Tracy's bridal shower. It's awesome being here with such great and close friends, we just relax together, eat good food and swim. Oh and the cocktails. 

Ginny has been a great traveller, although there has been way too much to see and do for her to consider napping. She's happy to go with anyone and everywhere as long as she has someone to smile at. Tracy's Mum has been enjoying playing Grandma and Jo and I are baby sitting tonight so Chris and Ness can have a romantic dinner. If everyone got their way they wouldn't see their daughter for the entire week away. 

Tracy and Candy have been busy playing host to all 32 of their guests, but hopefully they will stop and relax soon. The girls and I have been to the spa today for some relaxing time before the primping starts for tomorrows big day. The ceremony will be on the beach around 3pm (about 1pm Weds for you NZers). 

After the wedding there are three more days of relaxing and cocktails before my friends head home at some ridiculously early Saturday morning flight. Meanwhile, I'll be sleeping in and spending the day here at the resort before flying at midnight to LA. Strangley, despite being here in Raro, the USA part of trip still sees like some pipe dream. I'm sure once I touch down in LA and head to San Francisco, I'll be a giddy with excitement.