April 23: Moving On

Clare made a quick dash down the road to Target for a couple of last minute things and it's another pack up and squeeze to get our bags sorted. We are a little bewildered that all bags seem to have gained a couple of kilos from their stay here. We are a little nervous to get through check in but manage to scrape through. We each have a large case which is supposed to be 23kg max but they are all around 25kg.

Our flight to London is all good. Ten hours later we arrive to a London morning weary but relaxed. The challenge in front of us is to manouver our family and belongings to the home of Tony's lovely cousin Patria and Fraser who have so kindly offered us a place to stay right near Paddington Station. Somehow we manage the Heathrow Connect train and find our way to the surface at Paddington Station to secure a cab the short distance to Warwick Avenue. The cabbie is a bit gutted to have squeezed us in with precision to discover we are taking only a very short trip.

We make ourselves at home then take a wander. It's a lovely area... 'Little Venice'. There are canals that meander nearby. The girls enjoy the doubledecker buses, black cabs and bustle of London.

We meet Patria and Fraser for the first time and share a meal at their local. A lovely spot which looks out over the canal. We are so very grateful to them for their hospitality. They even go so far as moving out of thier one bedroom apartment for the night and we have it to ourselves for the next three nights. It does not take much for all four Palmers to be sound out!

April 22: Disney Day Two

The photos say it all. Another great day at Disneland, too many highlights to mention. Tears when we left at the end of another huge outing... Sad to see the end of another magic day out. 

On the walk home

 at 11 pm we realised we were 

not sure what time of day our flight to London leaves the following day. We were relieved to confirm an afternoon checkin. Four weary folk hit the pillow at the end of our last full day in the US.

April 21: Do You Like Cheese?

We planned on a quieter day today. A few hours in the pool followed by a bus trip to Walmart. Highlights of the day have got to include the discovery of 'Eazy Cheese' cheese in a can. Sure to be appreciated by other 'Fast Show' viewers.

 

We found goldfish prepackaged for sale and stacks of other items never seen before. Got to love trips to the local supermarket. Pretty gutted to discover that this Walmart does not sell guns. Only ammo. We would have to travel to a more rural store if we wanted to purchase a gun. It's a whole different world.

Favourite moment of the day has got to be the surprise encounter with a gorgeous hummingbird while we were leaving the Walmart carpark. He stopped in mid-air and stared at us for a few moments before darting off to continue his business at the mall.

April 20: Disney Part one

The stuff of childhood dreams. Such an amazing opportunity to be here. Pretty sure I'd find it hard to part with the $1000 NZD it cost for the four of us to spend the two days here but this really was a wonderful day for everyone.

We had met a kiwi woman on the plane who gave us a guide to making the most of the day... and it did really help. Disneyland is split into two parks. It is overwhelming to come into 155 acres jam packed with rides, shows and experiences. Thankfully we found that Easter Sunday was actually pretty quiet and we didn't have to wait longer than 30 mins for any ride. Armed with snacks purchased elsewhere we weren't subjected to fairyland prices on much of the food on offer in the park.

We didn't quite appreciate that the park was open so late. We found ourselves still around 12 hours on waiting for the fireworks display. Who else used to love settling to watch Disney on TV? ...I think it used to be on late Sunday afternoon. Watching the opening sequence which had a the Disney castle with fireworks going off all around.

Might have taken me straight to my childhood, but it was all a little overwhelming for a very tired Francine.  After watching the first 5 mins of the display we walked back to the hotel after 10 pm. All a little weary but definitely caught up in the magic that is Disneyland.

The photos speak for themselves.