Monday, 3 September 2012

New York New York

Oh hi there,

This may be my final blog, I'm not sure if I will have a final final blog about the PDD ( post Disney depression )

We arrived in NYC on Thursday, obviously slept the full 5 hour flight because we had had no sleep after the whole money debacle, once we arrived we then had an absolute mission to he baggage pick up, then once we got there it was the smallest carousel with about 4 flights on, and we had to wait ages despite it taking about 30+mins to walk there in the first place. Anyway we got all of our luggage, I then located the luggage storage and left my suitcase on JFK so I didn't have to lug it around, the best $40 I have spent!
Emily then worked out how to get from the airport to our hotel, which was the AirTran then one subway for 40 mins. We then had to walk about 5 blocks to our hotel which once ER got there was very nice. Had a nice view of the roof top pool and the skyline. We were in between central park and times square.
That night we had quick showers to freshen up then headed out on the hunt for NY pizza and times square, both of which we found. Times square is an amazing place, so busy and bright. There was a cool thing that filmed the crowds and put it up on the wall so we have officially been on a billboard in times square. Then you tweeted and it showed mine and Kirsty's tweets, we have officially made it!
That night we decided we would buy a bus tour trip, not something I have ever done but it was worth the money, we blagged our way to getting a free day so it wasn't bad value and meant we didn't have to think about navigating the subway. So we then did our first trip, the night time tour which was really pretty, it took us over the bridge and we saw the full skyline in the dark which just looked beautiful. By the time the tour had finished we were more than ready for bed. We had decided we would have an early night so we could make the most of the day.
We started with one tour, went via all the famous landmarks, including he new world trade centre, which is already the tallest building and it's only half built. Being there really put into perspective how devastating that event was.
We then went on to do our boat tour which also gave some amazing views and we got a good look at the statue of liberty. We decided not to go to the statue of liberty. I feel will be back ad do it again properly at some point.
After that we went on another tour, basically saw everything there was to see. Then went to 5th ave to check out if the Abercrombie guy was fit enough to be the 5th ave store front guy, and e was NOT! Disappointing to say the least.
So that evening was a bit of a melt down, we had decided that Emily would go to the US open tennis and we would go to the shore, however it being labour day weekend, all hotels were booked and expensive and just getting there seemed to be impossible, America really need to sort their public transport out. So we spent a lot of time googling, and concluded in that we were homeless for the next night. Which sucked. We asked our hotel, we googled all hotels in surrounding areas, it appears everyone goes to NYC for labour day! However we were telling this to the young tour guide and he offered to take us on a night out haha. Anyway I digress, so we ended up messaging Chris ( Alex's friend from SUNY New Paltz) who had offered to out me and 1 friend up in his tiny apartment, so we basically begged him and he said yes, so the next day we left our luggage in the hotel, Emily went to tennis, we wandered around upper east side, chilled in central park and had a nice meal then re grouped in times square. Emily was very happy, she enjoyed the tennis, Murry won and she got her flag signed. We went to get our bags, Chris wasnt finished work until 11:30 so it was a long day then we had to walk about 10 blocks with all our luggage because the stupid taxis didnt understand the concept of putting in two people and 4 bags and the other two walking! So that was not an enjoyable walk. But we got there and Chris was like OMG this will never fit! We dragged all our stuff up all the 4 flights of stairs ( where's your Mexican maid when you need her ) it actually all fit in just nicely. Three of us slept on the pull out bed and emily slept on the chair.
So that morning Emily got up early to go present shopping, where as we had previously been shopping in the labour day sales, buying more stuff we didn't need! Whilst we arranged with Chris how to get theatre tickets and then meeting up with him after. So on our way to get tickets we saw Emily and said goodbyes, she went off and got all her flights and got to work on time. We successfully got Bring It On the musical tickets, so then went for brunch on a cool street that Chris had reccomended, then went to bring it on, which was so so good! We all absolutely loved it! It was like a cross between Legally Blonde the musical and Step up ( the dance films) it was so funny as well. I will be going to see it again when it goes to west end.
After that we met Chris at the Mary Poppins stage door because that's where he works as a dresser and he took us back stage and stuff, it was soooo cool! I have officially been on a west end stage.
After that we took us to a really cool mexican restaurant that wasn't real Mexican food but it was a decent price for frozen margaritas and the food was good so we bought Chris his as a thank you for having us!
We then went to a bar where it's $10 for a manicure and cocktail so we all got one, it was such a cool bar, had all the old hair dryers and like everything else in NYC it was just too cool.
We then went for a walk around union square, Chelsea, and then around the NYU area, it was so nice, lots of cool people and cool eateries and cool buildings, basically it was really cool! So a really nice night, being with a local that knew the not al touristy spots.
FYI we did not get drunk in NYC, that is a first!!
Today we just got up, got ready, got a taxi to the train station, got the train, got the AirTran, checked in, they let Kirsty off her 5 kg over weight, had lunch, said goodbye to Nicola and now we are waiting to board.

I'm not too sure how I feel right now, if I had been leaving straight from Disney I'm sure I would be a state, however this travelling has been an amazing end to an incredible summer so it's kind of popped the Disney bubble and I'm excited about going home.

Next stop Amsterdam xxx

Ps happy birthday momma! Mwah xx

Sunday, 2 September 2012

Vegas part 2

Oh hi there,

So from where I left off, we stuffed our faces at the buffet which was amazing, stocked up on fresh fruit and veg which was a nice change from all the greasy American stuff. We all felt soooo full after it was not good. However Nicola, Emily, shawana and myself went out that night. Kirsty couldn't handle another night. We went to LAX and Cathouse inside the Luxor, it was free drinks until midnight, the after that we found some rich guys from Dubai to sit at their table and drink their absolute vodka! Obviously we don't buy out own drinks!
The next day we went out and about on the strip again, followed by buying tickets for two evening events.
The first evening event was a personal dream of mine; A DINNER SHOW!! Yes it was in the Excalibur called 'tournament of the kings' it was epic. We eat with our hands, cheered on the knights, it was just funny! For one ticket for 2 shows it was $80, which for what we got wasn't bad! So after that Emily and shawana went to bed and we went for a wander, which resulted in the coyte ugly bar in New York new York! We went in for a casual look around, then Kirsty went to the bar and turned around Nicola and I are on the bar getting free shots from the coyte ugly girl! It was amazing, we danced on the bar all night, sober! The highlight of the night was an old woman, maybe 68 years old gettin up on the bar and shaking her boooootyyy it was amazing. Good for her!
So after that we went back and got a good sleep, woke up totally refreshed and ready for another day! Just chilled by the pool, then got ready because we went to see our second show 'THUNDER DOWN UNDER' which is like male strippers, we had some pre drinks so we were a bit rowdy. Omg it was like the best night of my life, they were all quite hot but too short. It was just like the movie 'magic Mike' it was honestly so good. They were all supposed to be Australian but defs weren't! So after that we all went to cathouse back in Luxor because there were free drinks there, then the rest of the night is a blur! We went back to coyte ugly, danced on the bar, fell over, went and gambled! I had a religious debate with this super Christian guy because he was super Christian and saying he didn't believe in sex before marriage but my point was surely he should not be in Vegas partying and gambling! Then lost everyone, then Emily found me and I was at the bar with like 3 drinks and some random people, obviously I didn't pay for these drinks. I also won $7! Woo! So think we went to bed about 7am. Got up and went to the outlets, which was a short bus ride away. Bought a few bargains then the hangover started to strike. So we all headed back but only Emily and I headed back to have a nap! We then all went to watch the fountains and want out for food.
So once we got back the drama started, so we needed money off shawana but she was avoiding paying, like even though she'd spent $70 shopping she was saying things like well it's not a lot of money, you didn't know I was coming so youd have had to pay it anyway, I stayed at a boys one night so I shouldn't pay that night etc etc etc. it went on alllll night until Nicola and Kirsty marched her to the gas station, where she was getting picked up and was blatantly going to do a runner, and got $60 when she owes $80. Supposedly she will give it to Nicola when she sees her again. But we were all soooo shocked at her behaviour, you just don't stay in a hotel then expect not to pay. So we don't like her anymore! Shocking behaviour.
So at 5 am after no sleep we went to the airport and went to The Big Apple!
Xxz

Sunday, 26 August 2012

Viva las Vegas

Oh hi there,
So we left Mexico, we were two hours delayed but standard nobody told us, there was no announcement about the gate change or anything but anyway we made it! Then we went back in time so it was only about 6:30 when we landed. Got through security / immigration fine, despite one of them asking for another ID from me, I deffo look like my passport. We also didn't get fined for having massive amounts of luggage on the 15 kg limit!!
So we arrived in the hotel, and we're. Checking in and Nicola was like 'do you know that girl?' haha it was Emily running over, so that worked out well. We then basically started drinking, we were supposed to be set up with VIP, free drinks, queue jump however the guy was friends with the Mexican, the Mexican has broken his foot so he wasn't there. So we had to queue for ages and then missed the free drinks so that was annoying but we managed to get boys to buy us many drinks because obviously we don't pay for drinks.
Then Emily was so drunk she was sick , so Kirsty took her back, she nearly was sick in the taxi!! What a clip, but good effort considering she was majorly jet lagged!
So obviously Nicola and I stayed and played, we met a group of cool Australians. We then went into the casino and saw this guy win $4000 on the slot machines he then got a suite but we left! So that was fun, got in at 6am. Got up at 9:30 to get mcdonalads breakfast!! Emily has stayed in bed allllll day, well Kirsty went to a class to learn how to gamble and Emily went but left 3 times to be sick! Whilst Nicola and I went for a stroll up the strip, watched the fountains, died in the heat and spent a fortune in Ross's! And now we are by the pool at the Excalibur because our pool is gettin maintenance done and in about an hour we are going to stuff our faces at a buffet woo!
Shawana flys in tonight so we will be going out again! Wooo!! Xxxx

Saturday, 25 August 2012

I'm in Acapulco bitch

Oh hi there,

Well well well what a few days! Let's just start with arriving, we headed into the private gates, then up and down the windy hill until we reach our destination, then the boys dropped us off and went on an alcohol run. We met Mario, the cousin, who's is very sweet but English wasn't as good so a bit shy! We then got changed into or bikinis and hit the pool! Obviously we had a massive snoop around the house, well mansion. It was simply incredible, like nothing I've ever experienced. The infinity pool looked out onto the sea, no other houses were visible. It had a private path down to the rocks. The only thing we decided it was missing was a jacuzzi, which obviously once the boys returned they switch it on and suddenly we had a jacuzzi. Saying that we later found one of the ensuites has a massive jacuzzi bath and Marios room had one on the balcony, obviously.
The house was actually built for Mario and his brothers, so it's just a perfect amazing party house that they only go to, once a year maybe. So that staff and the house are all there all year for maybe one visit a year. What a waste! However Mario said it was my home too and also offered us his private jet. What a life!
So anyway that night we just got really drunk in the pool, I mean we even had one of the staff basically like a bar man. I think alcohol and pools don't mix, everyone had at least one bruises or scratch the next day! Including mario with a deep cut on his finger from tryin to open a glass bottle and kirsty split her lip on the pool floor.Also whilst we were drinking the staff made us burgers, they were just exactly what we needed!
The next day the sun was shining so when we all woke up we sunbathed / recovered, then went into Acapulco for sea food, which was very tasty. Then the boys wanted to watch football so we went off on our own ( for 30 mins, don't think we would have been lowed any more than that) and we went to the beach, it was pleasant! However we got sooo much attention it was a bit scary.
So that night we just chilled and drank at the pool, obviously drinking Moët, the got ready and headed out. There was 7 of is squished in one car, nobody cares about drink driving, so it was hilarious. We went to a really cool club, Mario requested we had security, and angel told Nicola and I to calm our dancing down because we were drawing too much attention and if someone came to steal us with a gun security would back down pretty quick. However we said we weren't drawing the attention maybe it was Mario doing champagne showers with two bottles of Moët! It's okay though because we didn't pay for any drinks. It was funny though, security even followed me to the toilet. It is really a different world! Also Nicola broke her camera so night time photographer is no longer on duty!
Before we went out we were doing shots of tequila that was given to Marios grand father, who by all accounts is a very important man, it was probably the most expensive drink I have ever had, or will ever have. I cannot get over their life! The grand father has met the queen and stuff, it's just crazy. Apparently were invited to the royal wedding but didn't go!
So next day we all woke up at some point and were cooked Mexican breakfast, which was yummy! Then also we were cooked Mexican lunch which was also tasty then we just sunbathed and packed, and then went to a really nice Italian restaurant. So nice way to end the Mexico trip.
It really has been amazing! We had a panic over luggage as its a really low limit on this flight so we all have heavier hand luggage then luggage luggage!
So now we are waiting to get on the plane to Vegas, and the Mexicans have put us in touch with a Mexican who works in Vegas ( for clubs ) so tonight we are going to where prince Harry recently got a bit naughty! Shame he wasn't there still!
Will update soon!!
Xxxx

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

More mexico

Oh hi there,
So after our day of scrabble we just chilled in our hotel room, watched the hangover and got excited for las vegas! Not a very eventful night but it was nice all the same.
The next day one of the Mexicans guys picked us up for lunch, we went to the place we had been drinking at the other night, which is in the city centre by the city hall. We had loads of food, it's a good job we are not in Mexico for a long long time or we would be fat! We then went to Angels house and dropped our stuff off, as he wasn't there because he had to go to some award thing. So we got manicures and pedicures, as you do when you're a rich Mexican lady! It was really fun! We then came back and got ready and Diego picked us up and we went for cocktails, where lots of the boys joined us. We then went for tacos, Angels favourite ones in the city, I only had one, didn't want to risk it! By this point angel had returned, so it was nice to see him again.
That brings us to today, we got up, or ready, went to pick his sister up from school, the school is really posh, like the OC one or something! Then we went for a drive around all the houses, omg I've never seen houses like them, they are incredible! Huge huge huge and they all belong to this group of 50 guys, and obviously the cars match!
We then came back to Angels and the maids had cooked lunch, enchiladas and soup, yum it was gooood!
We are going out tonight but not going crazy because we are going to Acapulco tomorrow at 8 am and it's a 5 hour drive. We will be staying in Angels cousins house which is situated on 'millionaires hill' hmmmm quite excited to see this.
The name of the place we are currently in is Chordoba but as I say we are leaving tomorrow.
It's really nice to see the real Mexico, and eat where they eat and do what they do. I just wish I spoke Spanish!!
All accommodation is booked for NYC and Las Vegas Wooo!
Xxxx

Viva la Mexico

Oh hi there,

Now are are in Veracruz, it's really nice. Yesterday we arrived, got dropped off at the hotel, got showered and ready. Got picked up, went to Angels home, met his family and his dogs, they are so cute. His house is amazing, so posh! We then went to antonios bar, which we had heard about but were just expecting like a garden shed type bar, but no this was an actual fully stocked bar, it was about the size of my apartment at home! It had every alcohol type under the sun, proper his and hers toilets, a massive BBQ area, and unlimited coronas because antionios family are the supplier of corona for the whole area, so they get unlimited. We asked why you would have such a bar, the answer was that they have lots of family events. So obviously dinner at a table is not good enough!
We then went out to a bar in the city centre by the city hall, we had mariachis singing, they bought us roses, it was so cute. They are a really nice group, consists of 50 guys, no idea how many we have met! We then went to a club which was cool, they had a band and we had more vodka! It was a cool night. Angel left early because he had to go to this graduation thing so needed to be up early, so Antionio became chief child minder. We got food after - a local delight. It was lovely. However whilst in there these guys were discussing that they were going to beat Antionio up because he was only one guy with us three girls, so he called another guy to join us, which was good, so no trouble.
We woke up today at 11/12 ish then Antionio picked us up, and brought us to his house. Everyone lives really close but nobody walks. Obviously his house is amazing too. We have just chilled and played scrabble, got food, and it's sunny so it's a really nice day
We are not going out out tonight so that's good!
No idea what the plan for tomorrow is!
But we love Mexico!! Xxx
Xxx

Saturday, 18 August 2012

Reflective statement

Oh hi there,

Just wanted to talk a bit about my highs and lows of my summer spent as a Disney Icp participant.
I would love to say I loved every single minute, but there were minutes when a guest would shout at you or you would get told off for not having a top button done up in 100 degree heat or they would make you die your hair because it's not Disney look policy. So those minutes I did not enjoy. But it may sound cheesy, everyone other minute I was so happy!
I have met some truly amazing people who I hope I will see one day again, I have memories that I will never forget. I want to do it all again, I was not ready to leave.
The downside is having a room mate, who for the record never unpacked, not being able to choose who you live with and all the rules on property about not having other people in past 1am, which just seems stupid! Also not having a car is really hard, but if you make friends with someone with a car it's not so bad. I will miss Laura car parties after work with DJ Ginge.
My job was amazing, literally think I had one of the easiest jobs in the whole of Disney, the people were great, the actual job was easy. Parade was fun, just love animal kingdom, it's so chilled compared to other parks.
Of course there are a lot of things I didn't get round to doing but the things I did do made up for it.
I'm sure there's more I need to say but right now I need to sleep, I've not had more than 5 hours sleep for a long time!
Xxx