Itinerary USA Adventure 70 nights
23/7/12 -1 Monday Hilton Los Angeles
24/7/12 -2 Tuesday Affinia Manhatton New York
25/7/12 -3 Wednesday Affinia Manhatton New York
26/7/12 -4
Thursday Affinia Manhatton New York
27/7/12 -5 Friday Super8 Harrisburg Pike
Carlisle
28/7/12 -6 Saturday Super8 Roanke Virginia
29/7/12 -7 Sunday Super8 Gatlinburg TN
30/7/12 -8 Monday Ramada Nashville TN
31/7/12 -9 Tuesday Ramada Nashville TN
1/8/12 -10 Wednesday Best Western West Memphis ARK
2/8/12 -11 Thursday Best Western West Memphis ARK
3/8/12 -12 Friday Villa Inn Lawerenceburg TN
4/8/12 -13 Saturday Chattanooga Choo Choo Chattanooga
5/8/12 -14 Sunday Quality Inn Tullahoma TN
6/8/12 -15 Monday Super 8 Jackson MS
7/8/12 -16 Tuesday
Quality Inn & Suites New Orleans
8/8/12 -17 Wednesday Quality Inn & Suites New Orleans
9/8/12 -18 Thursday Baymont Inn & Suites Tallahassee FL
10/8/12 -19 Friday La Quintia Inn & Suites Daytona Beach FL
11/8/12 -20 Saturday La Quintia Inn & Suites Daytona Beach FL
12/8/12 -21 Sunday Days Inn Fort Bragg/Wade NC
13/8/12 -22 Monday The Churchill Hotel Washington DC
14/8/12 -23 Tuesday The Churchill Hotel Washington DC
15/8/12 -24 Wednesday Knights Inn Niagara Falls Canada
16/8/12 -25 Thursday Knights Inn Niagara Falls Canada
17/8/12 -26 Friday Courtyard by Marriott Ann Arbor Michigan
18/8/12 -27 Saturday Courtyard by Marriott Ann Arbor Michigan
19/8/12 -28 Sunday Courtyard by Marriott Ann Arbor Michigan
20/8/12 -29 Monday Super 8 Chicago IL
21/8/12 -30 Tuesday Ramada Milwaukee Wisconsin
22/8/12 -31 Wednesday Super 8 Wisconsin Dells
23/8/12 -32 Thursday Super 8 Wisconsin Dells
24/8/12 -33 Friday Super 8 Rapid City South Dakota
25/8/12 -34 Saturday Keystone Boardwalk & Suites Keystone South Dakota
26/8/12 -35 Sunday Moose Creek Lodge Cody Wyoming
27/8/12 -36 Monday Moose Creek Lodge Cody Wyoming
28/8/12 -37 Tuesday Super 8 Midvale Salt Lake City Utah
29/8/12 -38 Wednesday Super 8 Battle Mountain Nevada
30/8/12 -39 Thursday Rodewy Inn San Francisco
31/8/12 -40 Friday Rodewy Inn San Francisco
1/9/12 -41 Saturday Rodewy Inn San Francisco
2/9/12 -42 Sunday Rodewy Inn San Francisco
3/9/12 -43 Monday Walker River Lodge Bridgeport CA
4/9/12 -44 Tuesday Super 8 Barstow CA
5/9/12 -45 Wednesday Best Western Premier Tusayan, Grand Canyon, Arizona
6/9/12 -46 Thursday The Lodge Williams Arizona
7/9/12 -47 Friday The Lodge Williams Arizona
8/9/12 -48 Saturday Best Western Holebrook Arizona
9/9/12 -49 Sunday Copper Queen Hotel Bisbee, Arizona
10/9/12 -50 Monday Best Western Tucsan, Arizona
11/9/12 -51 Tuesday Best Western Wickenburg
12/9/12 -52 Wednesday Wigwam Motel Rialto
13/9/12 -53 Thursday Annabella Hotel Anaheim
14/9/12 -54 Friday Annabella Hotel Anaheim
15/9/12 -55 Saturday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
16/9/12 -56 Sunday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
17/9/12 -57 Monday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
18/9/12 -58 Tuesday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
19/9/12 -59 Wednesday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
20/9/12 -60 Thursday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
21/9/12 -61 Friday Anabella Hotel Anaheim
22/9/12 -62 Saturday Hotel Carmel By The Sea Santa Monica
23/9/12 -63 Sunday Hotel Carmel By The Sea Santa Monica
24/9/12 -64 Monday Hotel Carmel By The Sea Santa Monica
25/9/12 -65 Tuesday Tropicana Resort & Casino Las Vegas
26/9/12 -66 Wednesday Tropicana Resort & Casino Las Vegas
27/9/12 -67 Thursday Tropicana Resort & Casino Las Vegas
28/9/12 -68 Friday Tropicana Resort & Casino Las Vegas
29/9/12 -69 Saturday Tropicana Resort & Casino Las Vegas
30/9/12 -70 Sunday Tropicana Resort & Casino Las Vegas
1/10/12 -71 Monday Fly Home Los Angeles - Auckland - Christchurch - Invercargill
Saturday 13 October 2012
Tuesday 9 October 2012
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Home Sweet Home - The Final Blog
After leaving Las Vegas on Monday 1st October at 4pm American time, 4 flights and approx 17 hours flying time we arrived back home at 2pm today, Wednesday 3rd October safe and sound (raining here and a bit colder than we are used to I might add).
What a journey, what great memories, what a lot of photos to print and most important - what fun.
It was awesome to share our adventure with 10 family and friends at different locations throughout America. Plus the American people we have met on the way - we sure have learnt a lot about their respect for their fellow men and their country.
To you all who have enjoyed reading our blogs (8500 hits) and positive emails we received - thanks. It's been fun sharing and we hope we have inspired you to take your own adventure no matter how long or short or how close or far. Life is to be lived and enjoyed. It's not a dress rehearsal - its the real McCoy.
Mum & Dad - we couldn't have had such a successful trip without your support and holding the fort for us. To come home to dinner made, baking in the tins, fridge stocked, accounts and mail sorted, JayDee happy and welcome home cupcakes on the table - we are truly grateful. Parents like you both are one in a million and we sure are lucky you are ours. Xxx
3 countries, 25 states, 39 motels, 70 nights and 18,000kms driving - this particular adventure has come to the end. BUT it is only the beginning of the next one.
What a journey, what great memories, what a lot of photos to print and most important - what fun.
It was awesome to share our adventure with 10 family and friends at different locations throughout America. Plus the American people we have met on the way - we sure have learnt a lot about their respect for their fellow men and their country.
To you all who have enjoyed reading our blogs (8500 hits) and positive emails we received - thanks. It's been fun sharing and we hope we have inspired you to take your own adventure no matter how long or short or how close or far. Life is to be lived and enjoyed. It's not a dress rehearsal - its the real McCoy.
Mum & Dad - we couldn't have had such a successful trip without your support and holding the fort for us. To come home to dinner made, baking in the tins, fridge stocked, accounts and mail sorted, JayDee happy and welcome home cupcakes on the table - we are truly grateful. Parents like you both are one in a million and we sure are lucky you are ours. Xxx
3 countries, 25 states, 39 motels, 70 nights and 18,000kms driving - this particular adventure has come to the end. BUT it is only the beginning of the next one.
Monday 1 October 2012
Farewell Vegas
President Obama has made us check in early at Las Vegas airport. But in reality it was a good thing. Last minute browsing at all the shops and just in case you have any money left - you can gamble your last bucks away. Only in Vegas baby.
Leaving a moderate temperature of 36 degrees. What's it like at home people?
Will blog again from Los Angeles before we board our 13 hour flight homeward bound.
Leaving a moderate temperature of 36 degrees. What's it like at home people?
Will blog again from Los Angeles before we board our 13 hour flight homeward bound.
Chopper ride, roller coaster ride and almost the end of the ride
Early start to the day today - 7.15am and a date with a bus to take us to the waiting helicopters.
What a ride. Did the tour which took us over the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and The Strip. Landed in a private area in the Canyon and had champagne and pastries. Incredible scenery and a very cool couple of hours in the chopper. Lots of talk about the change of flight plans due to President Obama and his family arriving today for 4 nights. Perhaps he took his kids to Justin Beiber who happened to be in concert at the MGM Grand tonight?
Nice coffee with Siggi and Margit afterwards then back to the Tropicana for a swim and relax. Us 3 girls decided to walk to a couple of shops for a last minute look. Don't know why as I have zilch room in my suitcases! Thank goodness for our very nice Crumpler bag that will be used to its capacity on way home.
Boys chilled by the pool, missing us I'm sure, and drunk bourbon!
Off to dinner to Buca a nice Italian restaurant located in The Excalibur. 3rd time at this particular chain and just as good!
Si and I being the crazy ones decided to complete our adventure with a rather large roller coaster ride at New York, New York. Agree after the ride - we are mad!
Back to home base to gamble the night away.
Said Auf wiedersehen to Siggi & Margit. Safe travels and lots of good wishes for a relaxing time on the remainder of your journey! Miss you both already. Xxx
It's 3.15 am and I'm not long home from spending my winnings. Was trying hard for the 1.7 million, but lady luck wasn't there. Lots of fun however. I did find out tonight that if you are gambling, they serve you free drinks! How come we didn't know about this 5 nights ago I'm not sure. Perhaps they had been warned about us Kiwis.
So lights out - the ride is almost over but it has been one heck of a trip!
What a ride. Did the tour which took us over the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and The Strip. Landed in a private area in the Canyon and had champagne and pastries. Incredible scenery and a very cool couple of hours in the chopper. Lots of talk about the change of flight plans due to President Obama and his family arriving today for 4 nights. Perhaps he took his kids to Justin Beiber who happened to be in concert at the MGM Grand tonight?
Nice coffee with Siggi and Margit afterwards then back to the Tropicana for a swim and relax. Us 3 girls decided to walk to a couple of shops for a last minute look. Don't know why as I have zilch room in my suitcases! Thank goodness for our very nice Crumpler bag that will be used to its capacity on way home.
Boys chilled by the pool, missing us I'm sure, and drunk bourbon!
Off to dinner to Buca a nice Italian restaurant located in The Excalibur. 3rd time at this particular chain and just as good!
Si and I being the crazy ones decided to complete our adventure with a rather large roller coaster ride at New York, New York. Agree after the ride - we are mad!
Back to home base to gamble the night away.
Said Auf wiedersehen to Siggi & Margit. Safe travels and lots of good wishes for a relaxing time on the remainder of your journey! Miss you both already. Xxx
It's 3.15 am and I'm not long home from spending my winnings. Was trying hard for the 1.7 million, but lady luck wasn't there. Lots of fun however. I did find out tonight that if you are gambling, they serve you free drinks! How come we didn't know about this 5 nights ago I'm not sure. Perhaps they had been warned about us Kiwis.
So lights out - the ride is almost over but it has been one heck of a trip!
Sunday 30 September 2012
Casino hopping & Cirque Du Soleil
Everyone enjoyed a late start today. Caught the Deuce bus up to The Venetian for a buffet breakfast and walked through their amazing resort. Never been to Venice but looking at the photos you would think we had.
Visited Treasure Island to exchange our vouchers for tickets to the show tonight. Another big resort/casino. Honestly you could spend weeks here just going through each place visiting their lobby's and checking them out! Forget about eating at all the restaurants - it would take a year!
Found a mall and we all split up and did some browsing. Back to the Tropicana for a dunk in the pool and catch some sun.
Caught the bus back down to Treasure Island for the Mystere show and had some delicious pizza with Wayne and Kathryn.
Jo & Craig went to see Rod Stewart at Ceasars Palace. Looking forward to hearing tomorrow how the old crooner went.
Our show was fantastic. It's the original Cirque Du Soleil with new mind blowing acts. What a strong, athletic cast they had with some great costumes. Great stage performance and would go to one again.
Bus home at 11.45pm. Bit late for one who needed a nana nap on the journey! We have to be up at 6am for our big adventure tomorrow which we are all pretty excited about!
Visited Treasure Island to exchange our vouchers for tickets to the show tonight. Another big resort/casino. Honestly you could spend weeks here just going through each place visiting their lobby's and checking them out! Forget about eating at all the restaurants - it would take a year!
Found a mall and we all split up and did some browsing. Back to the Tropicana for a dunk in the pool and catch some sun.
Caught the bus back down to Treasure Island for the Mystere show and had some delicious pizza with Wayne and Kathryn.
Jo & Craig went to see Rod Stewart at Ceasars Palace. Looking forward to hearing tomorrow how the old crooner went.
Our show was fantastic. It's the original Cirque Du Soleil with new mind blowing acts. What a strong, athletic cast they had with some great costumes. Great stage performance and would go to one again.
Bus home at 11.45pm. Bit late for one who needed a nana nap on the journey! We have to be up at 6am for our big adventure tomorrow which we are all pretty excited about!
Saturday 29 September 2012
Viva Las Vegas - ah ha!
You think to yourself that life can't get any better - then it does!
We had the best time with our renewal ceremony. For some reason we didn't feel as nervous as 21 years ago!
The day was very relaxing starting with a buffet breakfast at Luxor. If I didn't eat anything else for the next 24 hours I would have been happy. So much food. But very nice.
The girls and boys split up and they went to a shark display at Mandalay Bay and us girls were on a mission to finish the outfit shopping.
First find was my bling ring for the ceremony. Big, gaudy, cheap and as it turned out - not required! Great little shop that we purchased the head bands and all in. Met up with everyone again in the pool and relaxed the afternoon away.
Got ready and drinks in the room until our limo arrived.
Let the fun begin!
Si and I had chosen a F650 stretch limo to take us to the wedding. This would have to be the biggest limo currently on the streets of America. It would have seated 20 people with ease. The look on everyone's faces when 'The Kong' opened its doors was priceless.
This set the seen for what was one of the best nights.
The wedding went better than we could have wished for and my darling husband even managed to WOW me once more. Our bling rings were not the ones we had purchased, but he had organized 2 beautiful new bands for this special occasion. My reaction when he opened the box was something I'm so happy we have on video as he surprised me entirely.
Rode in Kong to the Stratsophere where Roxys Diner is. Typical 50s style including singing waiters/waitresses. Everyone enjoyed and got into theme. Was the perfect choice - we were in our element singing, dancing and lots of 'kisses'.
Back in Kong to take us home where we enjoyed the band at the Tropicana and more dancing and entertainment.
To celebrate like that with 6 of our best friends is something we will treasure and remember for the rest of our lives.
Simon - you truly are my hunka hunka of burning love.
We had the best time with our renewal ceremony. For some reason we didn't feel as nervous as 21 years ago!
The day was very relaxing starting with a buffet breakfast at Luxor. If I didn't eat anything else for the next 24 hours I would have been happy. So much food. But very nice.
The girls and boys split up and they went to a shark display at Mandalay Bay and us girls were on a mission to finish the outfit shopping.
First find was my bling ring for the ceremony. Big, gaudy, cheap and as it turned out - not required! Great little shop that we purchased the head bands and all in. Met up with everyone again in the pool and relaxed the afternoon away.
Got ready and drinks in the room until our limo arrived.
Let the fun begin!
Si and I had chosen a F650 stretch limo to take us to the wedding. This would have to be the biggest limo currently on the streets of America. It would have seated 20 people with ease. The look on everyone's faces when 'The Kong' opened its doors was priceless.
This set the seen for what was one of the best nights.
The wedding went better than we could have wished for and my darling husband even managed to WOW me once more. Our bling rings were not the ones we had purchased, but he had organized 2 beautiful new bands for this special occasion. My reaction when he opened the box was something I'm so happy we have on video as he surprised me entirely.
Rode in Kong to the Stratsophere where Roxys Diner is. Typical 50s style including singing waiters/waitresses. Everyone enjoyed and got into theme. Was the perfect choice - we were in our element singing, dancing and lots of 'kisses'.
Back in Kong to take us home where we enjoyed the band at the Tropicana and more dancing and entertainment.
To celebrate like that with 6 of our best friends is something we will treasure and remember for the rest of our lives.
Simon - you truly are my hunka hunka of burning love.
Friday 28 September 2012
Good friends, great food and lots of laughter...
Shopping yesterday morning with Craig and Si to get jeans for the rock and roll wedding. Wayne, Kathryn and Jo found a Macy's and we didn't see them for hours. Craig got a tuff sticker for the occasion.
All rendezvoused at the pool and made plans for the evening.
Si and I went out for dinner with Siggi and Margit. Japanese - was bloody incredible. A real taste sensation and very enjoyable. Just a small walk there and back - aye Margit?
Back to the resort and met up with the team to go to the Laugh Factory. Great idea Craig - we all had tears and more (Wayne can tell that story).
No one has made a million yet - maybe today!
All rendezvoused at the pool and made plans for the evening.
Si and I went out for dinner with Siggi and Margit. Japanese - was bloody incredible. A real taste sensation and very enjoyable. Just a small walk there and back - aye Margit?
Back to the resort and met up with the team to go to the Laugh Factory. Great idea Craig - we all had tears and more (Wayne can tell that story).
No one has made a million yet - maybe today!
Thursday 27 September 2012
Happy 21st Wedding Anniversary
This time 21 years ago in New Zealand I was getting ready to marry the man of my dreams. This time tomorrow we will be getting ready to do it all again in America and he is still the man of my dreams. Xxx 
Wedding Dress Shopping
What a morning yesterday. Started off finding a laundromat to do the final wash and make use of the very sexy cars we had to get there. I love green I've decided! 2nd best colour to electric orange!
After that taxis to a costume hire shop to dress us. What a bloody couple of hours we had. Although it was fun I almost turned into bridezilla as the picture in my mind wasn't turning out!
BUT - thanks to my good friend Kathryn it is all sorted and we really are going to look the part! Thanks girls, couldn't have done it without you both. Xxx. Remember it's Vegas, no one will recognize us, only the 100's of people viewing wedding online.
On the way back to resort we pass the stratosphere. Now I've watched the rides on you tube and thought crazy buggers but decided what the heck I wanna do one of them! Mum - where did I get my adventurous gene?
Off Si and I went up the tower. Madness, and that was just the elevator ride. 109th floor at speed of approx 22 miles/hr.
4 rides of choice and mine was called Insanity. In-bloody-insane it was! After strapping in, the boom swings you out and you are hanging over a 109 story drop. View is amazing. Then you start spinning and the claws open to give you a full frontal view of the ground below. There were only 3 of us riding (no wait like Disneyland - wonder why???). 2 boys and me. Yep I was the noisiest one! Si took an awesome video. I even got nervous again watching it!
Back to hotel then meet our friends Siggi and Margit in the bar. So great to see them after 5+ years. Just seems like yesterday. Yes Siggi - you are giving me away!
Had another adventurous ride - the bus down the strip to Caesars Palace for dinner. Dined at Bejing No 9. Delicious and great atmosphere. Goldfish tanks as decoration (not for human consumption).
Walked home and watched the fountain display at the Bellagio. What a sight. I'll say it again - everything here is huge and they know how to do things well! Only wish I had was it was nighttime always in Vegas as during the day it doesn't look much at all!
Nightcap and almost the best sleep ever!
What's today going to bring?
After that taxis to a costume hire shop to dress us. What a bloody couple of hours we had. Although it was fun I almost turned into bridezilla as the picture in my mind wasn't turning out!
BUT - thanks to my good friend Kathryn it is all sorted and we really are going to look the part! Thanks girls, couldn't have done it without you both. Xxx. Remember it's Vegas, no one will recognize us, only the 100's of people viewing wedding online.
On the way back to resort we pass the stratosphere. Now I've watched the rides on you tube and thought crazy buggers but decided what the heck I wanna do one of them! Mum - where did I get my adventurous gene?
Off Si and I went up the tower. Madness, and that was just the elevator ride. 109th floor at speed of approx 22 miles/hr.
4 rides of choice and mine was called Insanity. In-bloody-insane it was! After strapping in, the boom swings you out and you are hanging over a 109 story drop. View is amazing. Then you start spinning and the claws open to give you a full frontal view of the ground below. There were only 3 of us riding (no wait like Disneyland - wonder why???). 2 boys and me. Yep I was the noisiest one! Si took an awesome video. I even got nervous again watching it!
Back to hotel then meet our friends Siggi and Margit in the bar. So great to see them after 5+ years. Just seems like yesterday. Yes Siggi - you are giving me away!
Had another adventurous ride - the bus down the strip to Caesars Palace for dinner. Dined at Bejing No 9. Delicious and great atmosphere. Goldfish tanks as decoration (not for human consumption).
Walked home and watched the fountain display at the Bellagio. What a sight. I'll say it again - everything here is huge and they know how to do things well! Only wish I had was it was nighttime always in Vegas as during the day it doesn't look much at all!
Nightcap and almost the best sleep ever!
What's today going to bring?
Welcome Siggi & Margit
So great to be together again. Only seems like yesterday. We all haven't changed one bit! Look forward to enjoying our last few days in America with y'all.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Wedding Invite - Vegas Style
Si and I are renewing our wedding vows on our 21st wedding anniversary this Friday - 28th September at the Doo Wop Diner!
If you want to share this with us, feel free to load the below link and watch live with us online.
https://webcams.vivalasvegasweddings.com/
If you want to share this with us, feel free to load the below link and watch live with us online.
https://webcams.vivalasvegasweddings.com/
O.M.G. - Vegas!
It's spectacular. We have done nothing but walk around with our mouths wide open and attempted to take in some of the sights. It's party and lights central for all ages.
After we checked in and found our room (just about needed a map for that) we had a swim and spa in the awesome pool area. Great bar, can buy buckets of buds! There are ONLY 1375 rooms here and this is one of the smaller resorts.
We then headed out in the cars again to Freemont Street which is in old Vegas. The area has a huge roof over the mall and every hour they have a light and music show projected onto it. We saw Queen first then The Doors. Bloody great.
Drove through the strip in the mustangs with the tops down and soaked up the atmosphere on the way back to resort. It's a adults playground I tell ya. Never seen anything like it in my life! It's on such a grand scale.
Couple of drinks, small gamble and calling it a night.
Looking forward to seeing Siggi & Margit tomorrow night! Plus I have a wedding renewal to organize! Crikey who needs sleep anyway!
After we checked in and found our room (just about needed a map for that) we had a swim and spa in the awesome pool area. Great bar, can buy buckets of buds! There are ONLY 1375 rooms here and this is one of the smaller resorts.
We then headed out in the cars again to Freemont Street which is in old Vegas. The area has a huge roof over the mall and every hour they have a light and music show projected onto it. We saw Queen first then The Doors. Bloody great.
Drove through the strip in the mustangs with the tops down and soaked up the atmosphere on the way back to resort. It's a adults playground I tell ya. Never seen anything like it in my life! It's on such a grand scale.
Couple of drinks, small gamble and calling it a night.
Looking forward to seeing Siggi & Margit tomorrow night! Plus I have a wedding renewal to organize! Crikey who needs sleep anyway!
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