Last day in Tahiti

It has rained all day on and off :-(

We still managed to get some exercise in the gym room, a stroll around the resort, eat breakfast, snorkelled in the lagoon - which was really great (some beautiful fish and coral), eat lunch, nap, cloud bathe! in between showers, nap a little more and hopefully I will get a go on a canoe later this afternoon and do some more exercise in the gym (goodness I need it after all this food we've eaten this holiday).

We have booked a table for two in the restaurant tonight to watch some more live Tahitian traditional dancing.  I look forward to that.

As this is our last evening, and the porter will be collecting our bags at 3.30AM! we are planning an early evening.  Our Internet runs out in about an hour, so I will not be able to blog, unless there is WIFI in the airport.

Therefore, I say goodbye for now.... This will either be the last blog for this holiday or there will be some small notes added in either Tahiti airport, Auckland airport or Sydney airport when we arrive.

It is sad to know this is the end of three and a half weeks of holiday.  What a fabulous time we have had.  I hope you have enjoyed reading each day's activities from us.

Last look at our overwater bungalow :-(

Tahiti Day 2

What can you do all day in a resort in Tahiti?  Well sleep and eat of course!

That's what Glenn and I have done all day... almost.  Exercised first, then ate a continental breakfast, swam off our balcony, then laid by the pool and slept.  Woke up for lunch, then lay by the pool and slept.  Exercised again, and got ready for dinner.

Dinner was a romantic dinner for two on our balcony.  The hotel sent someone to decorate our balcony, and a lady server waited with us during the entire meal.  Each course (there were four!) was delivered by a Tahitian waiter, who had to walk from the restaurant each time.  By our second entree, Glenn and I were full - where were we going to put the main and dessert?  We ate it all though of course, but feeling rather fat and bloated, we went for a romantic stroll around the resort.

Did I tell you all that we love Tahiti.  I am secretly hoping the Qantas strike allows us to stay here a few more days.

Tomorrow is our last day :-(

our bedroom

view of our bungalow (2nd from left)

View of pool and beyond

Glenn & I on our deck

the lagoon outside our room

Me at romantic dinner on balcony



Beautiful Tahiti

It has now been more than 15 hours since our last post, and this is my second attempt at this one - just lost everything I wrote :-( We have been to the pool twice, swam in the ocean by jumping off our private balcony - twice, walked around the hotel grounds (which are beautiful), had at least 5 naps! Checked out the pool guy (not Glenn that was me!). We did a one hour work out at the gym. And I got SUNBURNT ! We had a late night swim by jumping off our deck again in the dark this time. This evening we are being entertained by traditional Tahitian dancers while we are enjoying a romantic dinner for two by the pool. I was invited up to learn the Females bird dance with other female tourists. Very embarrassing - I couldn't keep up!! Glenn was too chicken to go up with the men. They r all very fit! Tahiti really is an amazing place. I would like the kids to come next time. (not sure if we can afford to bring all 9 though!) We spoke to Page This evening on facebook. She warned us about Qantas strike. We hope we make it home on Sunday. Perhaps Qantas could Let us know early, and we could extend our stay here in Tahiti a couple of days :-) Well goodnight again. Enjoy pictures :-)

Glenn taking a dip fully clothed!

Wet after a jump off our balcony into the ocean.

Tahitian dancers

This could be our son Rhys!

The entire cast of performers

I fit right in!

This is me (front LHS) attempting the bird dance ;-)

Los Angeles to Tahiti

I feel I am now a day behind... We haven't told you about our day in LA!

We drove from Running Springs in our huge Lincoln car down the mountain and into the Big City.  Amazingly, the GPS found exactly where we needed to park and it only cost $10US for 24hours.  We grabbed a hop-on hop-off bus for the day $35US each.  Glenn not too enthusiastic.

The bus took us all around Hollywood Boulevarde and then down Rodeo Drive and on to Santa Monica Beach and its pier.  Then all around the streets where the rich and famous shop, eat and live.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  It was the longest four hours of Glenn's life. :-)

Glenn had organised in advance that we were to leave the city no later than 7pm, so with me dragging my heels and kicking and screaming, we left the hustle and bustle of LA and drove to the airport - bumper to bumper (lucky Glenn made me leave when we did or we would have missed the plane).

Car rental return went like a dream and they drove us to the airport, where upon completion of check-in we visited the QANTAS lounge (so very happy Glenn wanted to join this).

The flight left a little delayed, but we arrived exactly on time in Tahiti this morning at 5am.  Glenn and I were greeted by a muscly Tahitian with Leis for both of us and a mercedes to drive us to our hotel.  When we arrived at the hotel, we were chauffered down to our OVERWATER BUNGALOW and didn't have to touch a bag or a door - the porter did it all for us.

I AM SOOOO EXCITED WITH OUR ROOM.  It is gorgeous - it has it's own balcony, swimming deck with shower, King bed, bathroom with separate double vanities.  Bath robes, beach towels, etc etc.

Glenn has already dived into the water, but I wanted to catch up on this blog.  We shall go off to breakfast soon, then spend the rest of the day sleeping in the sun on our own PRIVATE deck.
p.s. We even get to order the pillows of our choice from reception !!!

shopping district

hollywood sign

Beverly Hills Sign

Some characters! I thought MJ was dead

my foot with Nicole's star.

3W - I missed the school day SORRY!

Hey there class, Glenn and I have been traveling around Los Angeles today sightseeing and didn't have access to any WIFI. We are now at the airport waiting for our flight to Tahiti. I wonder if you can find out where Tahiti is using a globe or the Internet? It is very small... We will be there for the next three days. I hope we can get WIFI in our hotel. When we arrive it will be 5.00am. It is now 9.30pm on Tuesday night. Good luck with your homework to find Tahiti. Love mrs w x

Californian mountains

Our morning began with Belgian Waffles, which were delicious.  It was at a place where Andy and his brother Alex works in Lake Arrowhead.  It was a great little place, which looks a lot like the lake that is used in the movie "Grown ups".  Actually, everywhere we have been here on the mountains, looks like it has been used in a movie - so picturesque.

Andy had a great idea for what to do today... the plan was to visit an old western town, with pirate cowboys, apple orchards, period dress costume, quaint shops, freshly made produce... It was a great idea - except when we arrived, most of the place was closed (that's what you get for visiting out of season).

So, we decided to find somewhere that was open... Town! ha ha

Although, Andy's idea turned pear-shaped, we had a great time together today.  Now to plan tomorrow's Beverley Hills expedition.

3W = Lake Arrowhead, Oak Glen & Redlands

Hey there 3W,  I started this morning with chocolate Belgian waffles and ended the day with a chocolate cake and icecream sundae.  Mmmmm what a day!
Are you working hard?  Have you found where I have been on the map in the classroom? Are you being good?  I hope so!
We went to an old western village today which had a petting zoo - guess what was there? Emus!!! funny huh?
I saw an eagle, and I've been keeping my eye out for bears, but haven't seen any today. :-)
Talk to you again tomorrow xx

California - Running Springs

I had such a long sleep last night, it was nice to catch up on some very needed rest.  In the morning, we went to church with the Hunt family, who we are staying with.  We drove back down the mountain in our 'tank' - but made it there safely, even though I was driving again.

After church we met up with Andy's big brother and looked around the temple at "Redlands".  Then we came back to their home for lunch.  Andy cooked us a lovely BBQ and Michele had prepared lovely salads.

Following a short rest, we went for a walk up in the mountains.  See the photos below.  Great views and I am sure I saw a bear and a snake, some chipmunks (for real), and just simply beautiful landscapes.

All of us on top of the mountain

Andy & I in front of a dam at the top of the mountain

Arrowbear Lake

Richard falling into Arrowbear lake!!

It has been nice to enjoy a quiet evening in tonight.

3W first day back!

Hey there class! I am thinking of you today, as I am enjoying a walk in the Californian mountains and you are all working hard back at school :-) I hope you enjoy reading my journal, because I am definitely looking forward to hearing and reading about your holidays. Be good while I am away. Missing you much. Love Mrs W. xxxxxxxxxxxx

Las Vegas to Los Angeles

We said goodbye to Las Vegas this morning by catching a shuttle bus to the airport and flying "Spirit" airlines to Los Angeles (weren't sure if the aeroplane would fly, as we had never heard of them).  It turned out to be a great flight - only an hour long, and the flight attendant was the funniest I have ever seen and heard.

When we arrived in Los Angeles, it was sunny and warm.  We caught a shuttle bus to the car rental station, where we picked up our car for the next four days...  We ordered a large car, but got a TANK!  It is called a Lincoln - it is probably twice as long as a Ford Falcon, and you need to send an email to the person sitting next to you (well not that bad, but it is quite wide).

It was my turn to drive, so I got to learn how to drive a TANK through the streets and highways of Los Angeles... not fun!  I think it was about a three hour drive to Michelle and Richard Hunt's house, which I need to mention is up in the mountains.  Picture a TANK driving up 'Macquarie Pass' near Albion Park - and that's what you get with me driving up this mountain.  Very steep and bendy.  Scary as the car takes up the entire lane, and to the edge of the road is a sheer drop of 6,000 feet.

Thankfully, we arrived safely and it was a relief to get out of the car.  It has been so good seeing Andy again and meeting his wife Michele and their beautiful baby Sawyer.  Also, we met Andy's dad Richard and his brother Alex.  This is where we will be staying until Tuesday.

Mexican was the order for dinner - we all journeyed out to their village township "Running Springs" (California) - Google it and you will notice how there is simply nothing around except mountains.

The evening was spent talking about Australia; getting to know the family; and the things that we will be doing over the next few days.  My eyes were closing before 8pm - I think the lack of sleep is catching up with me.  Good night :-) xx

Last day of Las Vegas

Bob, Marie, Glenn & I started our day with a trip to the temple in Vegas. We had lunch at Taco Bell where I ate my first Chicken Burrito. Then we came back to our room and found out that it was already nearly 3pm. Where are our days going???

We realised that we didn't have car hire to California, so we did a bit of 'Googling'. It seems that it is extremely expensive to hire a car in Vegas and drive to California, so we decided to fly to Los Angeles then hire a car for our stay. This whole process took such a long time, that I missed out on visiting the pool on a gorgeous sunny day.

Marie and I went to watch "Menopause" live on stage - very very funny :-)

We met Bob and Glenn, and all decided to go back out for the evening. We went to a place called 'Fremont Street', where there is a laser light show above the street, with street performers, bands and fancy-dressed people wandering around. It was very unusual. We then travelled back down the Vegas Strip, to have dinner and watch an open-air show at the 'Treasure Island' hotel.

After the show was finished, we trudged back to our rooms. Another busy day finished at 11.30pm.

Farewell Vegas!!!!

Flying fox ride above the street!



Glenn under the laser show above the street



another view

Marie & Bumblebee

Glenn, Bob & Marie on Fremont Street

Las Vegas daytime...

Well it certainly is not as pretty by day as it is by night.  However, we still had a very funfilled day. After 6 hours sleep, we dragged our bodies to the ticket booth to see if we could buy cheap tickets to a show.  We got 50% off to see Cirque De Soleil (if that's how you spell it) "Ka" performance.

We all then headed off to breakfast - stacks of pancakes for me mmmm.  Then we had to go to where the performance was to select our seats - we got good ones!

Next, we all jumped on a monorail to visit the other end of Las Vegas Strip... The Stratosphere hotel, which has three thrill rides on the very top of the building.  The building looks like Centrepoint Tower, Sydney - and is just as high.

Glenn and I were the only brave ones, we travelled up to the top in the fastest lift in the northern hemisphere.  When we got out, I remembered I was afraid of heights.... I have no idea why I suggested we go on a thrill ride, which was 885ft high!  The rides you could choose from where: a sudden drop ride, a car that shot over the edge of the building only to stop obviously then reverse back; and a free fall skydive all the way to the bottom.  Glenn and I chose the first two, but after hearing the screams of people on the car one, we decided (well I decided) that we would only go on the sudden drop one. IT WAS VERY SCARY :-(  Glenn made me do it twice, so we wouldn't waste our second ride ticket.

We all then ran back to the monorail station in the rain - yes it rains in Vegas!  Got back to the hotel cold, wet and tired.  So we had an afternoon nap, only to revitalise ourselves for another evening in Vegas.  Glenn and I went on a rollercoaster ride at the NewYorkNewYork building - that was fun!

The evening show was absolutely unbelievable and we all recommend EVERYONE seeing Ka.  Unexplainable on a blog.  Fantastic, impressive, unusual, amazing etc etc.  Then we had dinner (well Marie and I had chocolate brownie and icecream).  Then got a few more souvenirs, before heading back to the hotel for an early night (11pm).

Bumblebee (transformers)

The skytower we were on top of!



See how high we were!

our hotel - Luxor



inside our hotel

a copy of the photo we got from thrill ride!!!!!

Salt Lake City to Provo to St George to Las Vegas

We met Bob and Marie this morning at 8am, who then drove us to Provo, to meet Brock Brimhall (but we didn't get to see him :-( ..) We did get to see the Provo Temple, and have some brekky.  We then travelled on to St George, which was a long drive.  When we arrived in St George we all visited the Tabernacle, Brigham Young's winter home and stopped to take a photo of the St George Temple.

Thousands of kilometres further on, (well not that many, but it felt like it) we arrived in Las Vegas.  Before I tell you about Vegas, I must say how amazing all the rock formations were, and we wished we had our son Andrew with us to tell us all the different rock types.  They were canyons and mountains, and caves etc etc. 

When we arrived in Vegas, we dropped into a friend of Bob & Marie's first, so they could deliver Tim Tams... Everyone here in America LOVES Tim Tams.  We then drove to our hotel.  It is called the "Luxor"  it is Egyptian in design, it is the shape of a pyramid with a sphynx out the front.  All the decorations inside are heiroglyphics and Egyptian pharoahs and the like.

We dumped our bags and set off for Vegas at night (it was 9pm already).  We walked from one end of the Vegas Strip to the other.. stopping to look at all the different displays each hotel offers.  It was certainly an eye opener, a lot of fun, loads of bright lights and lots and lots of people.  We have finally returned to the hotel at 1am and we have yet another early start in the morning, so I am quickly typing this blog and apologise for any mistakes.

Provo Temple

St George Temple

A view from the car of the canyons

You won't believe this is at 11pm!
That's how lit up it is and painted to look like daytime.

Me freezing outside Caesar's Palace

Freezing outside the Mirage hotel

The Venetian hotel

Idaho to Kaysville

We were able to start the day with a temple session at Rexburg with the Robinson's.  What a lovely start to the day :-)

Drove our upgraded car back to Kaysville, Utah...  Through a terrible storm.  Had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with Alan and Sue for the last time, before heading out to the Hart family's home for a bbq dinner.

Dinner was rack of ribs, and loads of sides.  We have eaten so much, I will be double my size when I get home.

We are now packing our suitcase once again, because this is our last night in Utah.  It will be very sad to say goodbye.

Glenn, Kaloha & Thaine

Patriotism - American flag

The storm is acoming oh yeah!

Me Johnny & Glenn :-) (all the same height!)