Description of your blog http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk/ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:43:34 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk/ http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=361
There are so many things that I want to say today that trying to put them in some sort of sensible order is impossible so here goes a disjointed ramble-

One thing I won't miss from the trip is writing this blog. It has been amazingly difficult at times to motivate myself to do it but I felt I'd made a commitment - probably at times not very good, not interesting, not inspiring but its here. For Ali and Maisie - that’s why I wrote it. If in the future they forget or they want to share it with anyone they can. Perhaps they never will but they can if they want.

I have had the chance to think about all the best times over the past few days on all those long journeys through Arizona. So many to think about and of course our ideas of the best all vary. It's probably easier to think about experiences rather than places although I did have my favourite places. As our first destination India was amazing- I would go back there in a heartbeat and do it all again, the colour, the gentle people - it entranced me and like the first time we went there I know we'll go back again at some point.

I fell in love with Cambodia almost as soon as we stepped foot over the border, the Khmer people were fantastic and the history and beauty of the land were awesome. What a fantastic place - I really hope one day to return there to do some volunteer work and give a bit back to the country that captivated us all.

And America- What an awesome country it is. I always wondered why a reported nearly 90% of Americans haven't got a passport. Well now I know! Despite only visiting 4 states I feel like we have got a bit of a feel for the US and we loved it. From crazy Vegas to beautiful San Francisco, coming back here will be high on our list of places to visit again.

I suppose my favourite places were often the obvious ones, seeing the Taj Mahal and the River Ganges, having a drink at Raffles Hotel, staying on the Khao San Road in Bangkok, the temples of Ankor Wat, walking on the Great Wall in China, the Hong Kong skyline, swimming at The Great Barrier Reef, the beautiful Opera House, skiing in New Zealand and spectacular Las Vegas. These have been amazing experiences that we will remember forever.

We have learnt a lot on the trip and seen the kids grow in more ways than one. How amazing to hear them talking confidently and knowledgably now about places they have visited to so many people. We wanted them to know there's more to life than Disneyland well that’s been achieved for sure.

I had some personal goals for the trip, things I wanted to do and achieve. I always thought I never had any time to think and having the time to think what I want out of life has allowed me to make some plans for the future to do what I want. I have rediscovered lots of things that I used to love like reading and learning about world history and done some things I thought I was too scared to do- paragliding, walking the through the canopies of the trees in the rainforest, ski lift etc.

I've read some great books on the trip the best being The Kite Runner and Half of a Yellow Sun. I'm going to join a library when we get home and try and spend some time each day reading.

Another thing I have learnt is to do stuff when you want to and don't put it off. (Until you've got more money, kids are grown up etc) Watching some people around us dealing with terminal illnesses gave us the push to go and do this trip instead of putting it off until Ali and Maisie were older. I'm so glad we did as we have now experienced all this cool stuff with them and yet when we get home and they go back to school on Wednesday everything will be much the same and their lives will continue as they did before. I'm not going back to work until Oct 1st so I'm lucky and will have the space to sort things out at home for a few weeks. Simon has got his job back with the same company and will starting work again next Monday.

We have decided this isn't the end of The Bowmans Travels webby. Looking back over the diary entries and photographs is for us really good and as we are already planning a trip to France next year we're going to try and always update with our holiday destinations. I hope this will mean at least 3 travel updates a year but we will have to see if our finances will stretch to that! Luckily we think the airmiles we have racked up on the trip may at least get us a flight to Europe hurray!! Could be off again very soon. My stars today said I would soon be experiencing unexpected travel!!

We've been so lucky and met the most amazing people around the globe. A few stand out in our memories- Dan and Sam in Malaysia, Jon, Toby, Barney and Lois in Langkawi - what a lovely week we spent with them, the girls we spent time with in Southern Thailand in the jungle, Lou in Cambodia- inspirational and back in SE Asia now. (Didn't take long!) Tracey- we followed each other around China, OZ, NZ and Fiji, Lovely Maggie and the students in China, Toni and Bill in Australia - so kind to us,The McCabe family in Fiji and our fellow Malolo Sliders especially Caroline and Lydiane- what a fab time we had with them.

A few people have said to me this blog is like a book! Hmmm! Not too sure about that! Maybe I'll end up on a best sellers list! Or maybe I won't - I don't care I only wrote it for the kids. But on the other hand this could be my one big chance to be an author so in true literary style here goes.

My thanks to these guys (amongst others) in no particular order- you have been my friends on this trip and made all those long journeys go so much quicker -
Athlete, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Coldplay, Faithless, Foofighters, Greenday, Jack Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers, The Kooks, The Libertines, Lost Prophets, My Chemical Romance, Nivarna, Pink Floyd, Powderfinger, Razorlight, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Silverchair, Snow Patrol, Stereophonics, The View, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Zutons.


Nicky - My fantastic mate. Thank you so much for everything from us all you've been really great and we appreciate it so much.

My love to-

Our families- can't wait to see you all. Despite some initial reservations about us going everyone supported us and did everything they could to help out and make things easier for us.

Our friends- get the beers in cause we're too skint to ever buy another round

And lastly I dedicate this diary to Simon, Alister and Maisie my inspirational and lovely family and fellow travellers. Respect to them all, through loads of laughs and rows and a few tears and hysterics. ( Mainly from me) We really have had the time of our lives.
]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=361 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:42:20 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=360
Arriving at Heathrow was a miserable experience, massive queues and the most unfriendly immigration people ever. We had more conversation with the border guards in China (Who only spoke Mandarin) and it looks so dirty. On a more positive note- hmmm! Our car hire thing screwed up, and after a further 3 hours milling around the various terminals and Heathrow Sheraton Hotel we were at last on the M4 and on our way home.

2am- Just got in house all looks nice - thanks Mum and Paul. Off to bed now .Knackered. ]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=360 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 01:30:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=359
We get on the ferry which is a round trip of about an hour and sit back and admire the view. It’s a bit hazy today but very warm and we get a spot right on the front of the ferry. It’s a bit strange looking at the famous Manhattan buildings, our most vivid memories are of course from Sept 11th 2001 and like everyone we will never forget the sight of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre blazing with fire. We chat to some New Yorkers standing around us but while the consensus seems to be that something is being built at the Ground Zero site no one seems too sure of any details.

We pass the Statue of Liberty, it isn't as big as I thought it would be but very good to see and the kids enjoyed seeing something they instantly recognised from films.

From there we walk through Central Park towards 5th Avenue. The park is lovely, loads of people cycling, roller blading, jogging and just chilling out on the grass and we amble along peacefully. I could have spent ages there but the pull of Bloomingdales is too much and I chivvy everyone along! It's very busy along here with loads of street sellers and stacks of shoppers with huge bags full of stuff. I like looking at all the women, they are very chic and smartly dressed and it's only the thought of a little spending spree that keeps me going in my scruffy well worn clothes.

I want to buy a pair of boots and a handbag but when the most beautiful pair of calf length, softest black leather, pointy toed stiletto boots get my attention I'm just smitten. I can't say how much they were because I'm too embarrassed as I probably should have bought some other more practical things. (Especially as I have precisely one set of underwear, one coat, one pair of trousers, one t-shirt and one second hand jumper to my name) but I leave happy with the gorgeous boots, some Clarins magic skin cream and a red MAC lippy. The lovely yellow leather Chanel handbag I also liked will have to wait!

We have a good chat with the dragon ladies of Clarins who do absolutely everything in their power to extract every last dollar from us and they recommend a good, cheapish, restaurant just around the corner. After recommending I need god knows what to improve my "wrinkled, sun damaged, greasy, dry, spotty skin." I took no notice though and they eventually gave up, it made me laugh though, wow what a hard sell! If we hadn't just bought the boots I probably would have ended up with $600 dollars worth of stuff from them!

We have a lovely dinner in the most amazing little restaurant they suggested. Called Cinema - there are lots of pictures of famous old Hollywood stars and reruns of Charlie Chaplin footage being shown on the projector on the wall. I have salmon with mashed potatoes and asparagus and Simon and Ali have steaks whilst Maisie chooses nachos. We have a little toast to ourselves and to our trip, we agree it's been an awesome experience to share and I'm pleased when the kids say how much they have enjoyed it.

We walk from there to Broadway and Times Square, it's so busy just teeming with people and after looking at the lights by 9pm we're all ready to go back to the Crown Plaza Hotel. It’s a really lovely place and a great bargain. We have used our final Priority Points and have a suite on the executive floor for two nights for a grand total of $37.

Getting back turns out to be a night mare, we catch the dreaded subway to an area called Jamaica but when we reach the street level I'm not happy at all. Although New York is supposed to be quite safe it doesn't feel safe here with no signs of taxis and lots of scary looking people milling around. After a lot of running around and a few panicky moments we eventually make our way back to the air train area where some fella herds us into his (unlicensed) cab. We have read not to use these (Only yellow cabs) but by now its 1030 and we're desperate and feeling more than a bit apprehensive about being out and about loaded down with shopping bags in a clearly dodgy area.

When we see the Crown Plaza I'm so relieved and back at the hotel its cheers all round, when we phone JFK they have located my rucksack. Simon goes off to get it and we sit in bed having a beer and mulling over our exciting and interesting last day in the city that never sleeps.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=359 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 22:59:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=358
We take some photographs and have a look around before heading back towards the airport. We have to drop the car back first and we say a sad goodbye to it. We have had a great time driving around America in this car and are truly sorry to see it go.

We board an American Airlines flight to JFK airport in New York at 4.15pm and are lucky enough to meet an angel flight attendant called Terri. She takes a shine to us and gives us all our food, drinks, kids' packs, earphones and badges for free. This saves us quite a bit of money and we are so pleased, when we start to descend she turns up with some cookies from business class for us!

Despite the good flight it all goes downhill from here. When we arrive at baggage collection it appears my rucksack has disappeared. Oh my god what a nightmare, it is absolutely packed with my entire life and some things that are irreplaceable including all my jewellery (Wedding ring and silver necklaces Simon bought me in Australia and New Zealand), plus loads of new toiletries, all my cosmetics, hair straighteners, hair dryer, $200 worth of new clothes we bought for Maisie, books I have been lugging about, clothes etc etc. I'm just heartbroken and even more upset when we go to lost baggage to hear they haven't even managed to trace it yet.

This delays us at the airport for 2 hours and by the time we arrive at the hotel its 2am. Feeling very upset and not too reassured that I will eventually get it all back. Off to bed now miserable at the thought of wearing the same clothes for the next 2 days and having to use some crappy airline toothbrush.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=358 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:59:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=357
We don't have to go too far as we are staying on Lankershim Blvd a few blocks up from Universal. We arrive about 1030 and park up. Before entering the park we walk along the food and shopping strip and have a quick look at a few places.

The first ride we chose to go on is the House of Horrors. Oh my god what a mistake that turned out to be, it seemed fairly tame at first but was so scary that poor Maisie was absolutely terrified. The final straw was when a 3 foot high, murderous Chucky ran out from behind a gravestone and chased her. Maisie was just hysterically crying and frozen with fear. Chucky tried to help by standing still and then beckoning us forward towards the emergency exit but I virtually had to drag her along, although I stroked Chucky's arm to show her he was ok it ended with us both sat outside crying. I felt so bad for taking her in there.

Luckily her best friends in the whole world The Simpsons were close by and along with Scooby Doo, Spiderman, Woody Woodpecker and Curious George they managed to cheer her up and bring a smile back. We decide to do something definitely safe and go on the 45 mins backlot tour of the studios. It really good fun and informative and we can see where loads of different films and TV shows have been shot. The effects are so cool, loads of fire and explosions etc plus we see Jaws and where Desperate Housewives is currently being filmed.

We go on all the attractions and they are mostly really good. I liked The Mummy Returns the best but Maisie wouldn't go on it and we had to take it in turns- so I went on with Ali after him and Simon had already been on -this was good because he told me where the scary bits were!

We get back about 7pm and have a merciless cull on our rucksacks, I know there isn't any point in taking half the scruffy old gear we have been wearing for months home as we won't be wearing it again. Plus I want lots of new stuff when we get back!

1100 off to bed now we're flying to New York tomorrow for our final leg. Can't wait to see "The Big Apple" but also excited about going home so all is good. Goodnight. ]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=357 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:00:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=356
It is as fantastic as I imagined, apparently one of the worlds most expensive streets and we have the car valet parked before heading off. We don't bother going in De Beers. (I have enough huge diamonds) and amble along window shopping at Chanel, Tiffany's, Dior etc. Lots of the shops are appointment only and as good as it is we get bored quickly as we have precisely no dollars to spend!

Next we drive to Beverley Hills and the more exclusive Bel Air, we want to see a few stars homes and it's such a gorgeous area. We have a look at Elvis Presley's house and a few others including Rod Stewart, John Wayne and The Incredible Hulk. I don't really know if people like Brad and Angie and Posh and Becks live around here but we gave up after a while, hunger got the better of us and we decide to go and see Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach and get some lunch.

Santa Monica is quite an interesting area with lots of quirky little shops. Apparently the place to buy a leather studded hat for your dog if that what it wants! We have lunch in a lovely restaurant on the seafront overlooking the pier before driving a couple of miles up the road to Venice Beach where Baywatch was based. The kids hire two buggy things and spend an hour with the bikini roller skaters and cyclists racing along the path while Simon and I lie on the sand soaking up the warm sun. The weather is lovely here just the right temperature and it feels good to be able to enjoy the sun without frying.

We end the afternoon with a shopping spree in Macy's. We get Simon some stuff and I buy some nail buffer thing before we head home. Its 10pm when we get in and we sit watching trash TV for an hour before getting off to sleep.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=356 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:45:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=355
At lunch time we decide to stop off at Palm Springs for something to eat, this desert oasis has been popular with Hollywood stars for years and it is obviously a rich place. Despite the fact that the surrounding desert is almost completely devoid of all colour, a white, rocky barren land, Palm Springs is green and leafy with palm trees and long straight boulevards lined with hotels, golf courses and expensive deli's.

We get some lunch and get back in the car. We drive past the Joshua Tree National Park where U2 wrote and recorded their album of the same name and try and decide whether or not to make the 3 hour detour around to the park entrance. It is tempting to go and see the Joshua Trees but in the end we decide it's too late in the afternoon already and carry on to LA as planned.

We arrive in North Hollywood around 7pm and check into the Comfort Inn. The area is ok and the place is nice and we have a quick shower before heading out again. We want to go to Hollywood and Sunset Blvd and after driving round in circles for half an hour eventually find a place to park at the Hollywood and Highland shopping mall. There is a jazz concert taking place and we stand and listen for a while before getting dinner.

Ripleys Believe It Or Not Museum grabs the kid's attention and we decide to go and have a look around. It's really good with loads of interesting and weird exhibits that the kids love including a life-size model of Marilyn Monroe made of shredded dollar bills, a shrunken head, part of the Berlin Wall, instruments of torture, a two headed lamb, a human hair bikini and photographs of a double eyed man amongst loads of other crazy stuff!

We walk along Hollywood Blvd and look at all the stars along the pavement. We see loads we have heard of and more we haven't, it’s a really busy lively place with street entertainers, tourists and homeless people all crowded together. By now its 1130 and I think its time to leave, I don't feel really unsafe but I'm glad when we get back in the car.

Back at the hotel we plan for tomorrow, we want to have a good look around but another late night means we're not going to rush out in the morning. Off to bed now.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=355 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:15:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=354
After porridge and pancakes (Maisie) we set off south towards Phoenix. Our map driving distance thing says it will take us about 1 hour 30 mins but soon it becomes clear that it will in fact take much longer. Today is Labor Day and the road is so busy. As the general speed limit is 60 we're surprised to see a few people racing along including pops who Simon is getting ready to ram after he cuts us up for a second time!

The road is very beautiful, the town of Sedona is famous for its spectacular red rocks and we pass some wonderful scenery on the way. We have both been awed by the sheer size of Arizona - it's really massive and although driving here isn't unpleasant we are all feeling a bit uncomfortable due to the heat. We have our aircon on full, but it makes my eyes so dry we have to stop and buy some eyedrops. A thermometer showed the temperature to be off the scale at over 120 degrees (Not sure what that is in degrees c but damn hot!)

By the time we get to Phoenix its past 1pm and we have to make a decision. Our plan has been to travel further south to the town of Tucson and then back to LA tomorrow. From Tucson to LA will take about 8-9 hours according to our map and we decide we just can't face another long journey this afternoon and then again tomorrow especially after yesterdays mammoth trip. Arizona has beaten us and we sadly decide that the amazing saguaro cacti of Tucson will have to wait until another time.

Once our decision has been made we can relax a bit and we stop off just outside Phoenix for lunch before heading west towards Los Angeles. It takes us a few hours to reach a halfway point at Blythe and we are all so relieved when we find a lovely Best Western Motel with a gorgeous pool, free wifi and complimentary breakfast for 70 dollars a room. As we are all feeling a bit frazzled we get 2 rooms and I lie on the bed nursing my pounding headache whilst Simon takes the kids swimming.

9.10pm- we've just got in from dinner. We had a look around and having discarded the choice of McDonalds, Taco Bell, Mexihitas, Jack in a Box and Wendy's we decide on Sizzlers. They offer a salad bar dinner for $5 and as we have all noticeably gained weight in the past week we're desperate for something a bit healthier.

Half way through our salads we are surprised when the waitress appears at our table with a huge plate of thick sliced white bread, soaked in melted butter and grilled and two large plates of fried chicken dinosaurs and fries. We start to tell her we didn't order it but she explains it's free and comes complimentary with the kid's salads! Oh my god- no wonder there is an obesity problem in America. We really have tried to make healthy choices but unless you have exceptional will power its very difficult when food is placed in front of you to refuse it.

With that in mind - I give up!]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=354 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 21:30:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=353
We drive through downtown Las Vegas and look at all the wedding chapels on the way, it is the bank holiday Labor Day weekend and Vegas is packed with brides and grooms. We laugh when we see a drive through wedding- how mad is that -they don't even get out the car!

We take the 93 out to the Hoover Dam. This huge and famous dam of the Black Canyon on the Colorado River was completed in 1935. It’s a strange, wild, bare and rocky looking place and so hot it's unreal. We drive over the dam and take a quick photo of the short side, there wasn't really anywhere to stop and we are in a rush to get onto the freeway. Heading towards Kingman we have the choice of getting on the freeway to Williams or taking Route 66. The longer way is of course on Route 66 and we decide due to lack of time to take the freeway. (Definitely the most sensible option)

10 minutes later and Route 66 it is - getting our kicks-yeh! How could we possibly take the freeway when we have discovered today we can plug our MP3's straight into the car stereo and listen to all our favourite tunes on the way. It's amazing, as I always thought it would be- miles of long straight road cutting through the Hualapai Indian Reservation, we pass tiny Peach Springs on the way. Good job Dad told us to fill up with gas before taking this road; we hardly see any other cars let alone anything else. Except the mirages, shimmering across the road, it looks as though there's water lying across it.

At Williams we take the 64 to Tusayan and The Grand Canyon. Its getting quite late in the afternoon and we're hoping to catch the sunset here. We pay our park fee- $25 and head in. Parking the car, I feel excited and as we walk towards the South Rim of the Canyon it feels a bit unreal to be here. Sort of unexpected for us over the past couple of months, we didn't expect to even be in America.

It's awesome- as amazing as anything I have ever seen and a truly stunning view. Nothing can prepare anyone for the vastness of the canyon in the flesh. Over a mile deep in places, around 277 miles long and ranging from 4-18 miles wide it is known for its overwhelming size and intricate and colourful landscape. Today the rocky outcrops seem to glow a deep, dark red in the late afternoon sun. We take a stack of photographs from every angle, but trying to capture the hugeness of it is impossible.

We walk around the rim and in the end sort of give in to it. There is no way that we will be able to experience even a fraction of what the canyon is so we just sit together, watch the sunset and gaze at what we can see in awe. It is truly an inspiring and beautiful place.

Back in the car, we take the 180 to Flagstaff where we plan to stop for the night. By now it is getting dark and the hour long journey is eerie in the dusk. We put the roof down, turn up Pink Floyd - loud! and watch the nightime drawing in. Behind us the sky is deepest orange, the tall skinny trees silhouetted against the clouds and ahead a scary looking inky blackness. Lightening illuminates the sky completely; every couple of seconds and the electric forks crackle in the distance. It was almost an other worldly experience, partly thrilling, partly nightmare- like some kind of strange hallucination.

At 8.30pm we finally reach Flagstaff, exhausted! Today has been tough but amazing and I know we haven't spent enough time here. Off to bed now- had some pizza - more junk. Oh god.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=353 Sun, 02 Sep 2007 22:00:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=352
We decide to take the car as it's so hot here walking around, even a mile, is almost impossible and we are tired from yesterday. Wynn is absolutely beautiful inside; imagine the most ostentatious, gilded palace, full of light and with an artificial lake and waterfall and only the most expensive designer stores alongside a more exclusive looking casino area where the gamblers all sit in rooms with craps, roulette, poker and blackjack being played alongside the rows of fruit machines.

We have lunch there; the food is excellent and then walk back to the car. We were supposed to be leaving this afternoon but we decided to stay. I think 3 days is perhaps perfect for Vegas and will give us time to see a few more things. We go shopping for clothes and get the kids some new stuff. Ali is so pleased to have some new jeans and insists on wearing them in the evening despite the heat. One of the best shops we go in has loads of signed rock memorabilia- the Jimi Hendrix guitar was my favourite, me and Ali just stood looking at it for ages going "wow Jimi signed that- cool!"

Around 8pm we head back out again, this time to TI, the old Treasure Island pirate show has been recommended to us by Shirley and Adrian but when we get there we realise the "swash buckling buccaneers" have been replaced by the "Sirens of Pirates Cove!" We get some dinner first and then manage to snaffle a good spot on the bridge. The show is good, kind of a stripper show really but we enjoyed it anyway!

Back at Circus Circus we get some Krispy Kreme donuts. Pretty bad at midnight I know! The kids have been, at times, completely evil since we have been in the US and I can only think that the deterioration in their behaviour must be due to a combination of such late nights and eating crap. The food is actually really delicious, but although we have ordered salads with every meal they invariably come smothered in some fattening (scrummy dressing) and I am a bit worried about the lack of vegetables and fruit. With so much on offer they have also asked for things non stop- mardigras beads, candy floss, chocolate covered strawberries, snow globes, badges, laser pens, ice creams etc etc - the list just goes on and on!! We have bought them loads of bits and pieces but somehow here what ever you buy wouldn't be enough!

Tomorrow we have another massive drive ahead, we are going to the Grand Canyon and then onto Flagstaff. Not nearly enough time here but hey better then being in Tahiti any day!!]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=352 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 22:45:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=351
We wake up fairly early but don't go out until late morning; we have to sort out some laundry first. A very boring task but necessary as we're all running out of underwear!
We take the car and park at The Venetian, the hotel is really beautiful. For anyone who hasn't visited Las Vegas, the hotels are all basically huge casinos and have been built with increasingly grand architecture. My idea of Vegas as a nostalgic place with loads of Elvis impersonators running around actually couldn't be farther from the truth. For a start it's massive, bigger than I thought and ultra modern in many ways.

The Venetian is awesome, with a river and gondolas inside and beautiful Roman figurines and living statues, it's in a great location and I would definitely think about staying here for a future visit. We spend the afternoon in one hotel after another, we manage to see loads, just too much to describe but my favourite hotels were the city themed ones. New York New York with the Statue of Liberty, skyscrapers and rollercoaster, Paris- So amazing, inside a whole stretch of French Boulevards with an artificial sky that even staged a storm with rain, thunder and lightening at one point. We also visited The Flamingo, a kitsch pink palace and Mirage complete with tigers and a dolphin park.

We do some shopping in the Miracle Mile and buy a few clothes for Maisie. We are all going to need a complete new wardrobe when we get home and I figure we may as well buy some gear here where it’s a bit cheaper than in the UK. The shop assistants are unbelievably helpful and shopping here is a real pleasure in comparison to in England where I always like the idea of it but end up finding it a fairly stressful experience.

In the evening we set off late (1030) to try and spot Britney, she is opening a new club LAX at The Luxor this evening but not a chance! The one thing I have really missed since being here is looking glam. In the evenings lots of people get dressed up in all their best threads and there's no way that we are going anywhere near a new club with our year old traveller clothes and 2 kids in tow!!

We settle for dinner at Mandalay Bay, another huge casino/hotel. This one is a bit quieter though and we share 2 meals. We have realised that this is more than enough food for us four and although it's relatively cheap, even with the 18-20% expected tip I don't want to leave loads of food because we've over ordered.

Driving back along the strip we see a few people being arrested and stopped in their cars. Vegas feels like a very safe place, there are too many lights and people to feel unsafe here (On the strip anyway). Despite this though it isn't really a family destination, primarily of course are the casinos and if we had been on our own we would have undoubtedly spent some time gambling. As it is, Ali and Maisie are exhausted and we decide after such a busy day that 1am is probably late enough.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=351 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 22:59:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=350
Calico was once a silver mining town established in 1881 and we learn that $86 million worth of silver was mined here until the price of silver collapsed and the town eventually closed. We're lucky, when we arrive there isn't anyone else here and the place truly looks as deserted as we would hope and expect. We look around the saddlers, saloon, barbers and small museum before heading up the hill towards the ice creams. We put some Elvis on the Wurlitzer and enjoy a few moments of complete nostalgia.

Back on the road we drive for a couple of hours and suddenly sooner than we expect we have arrived in Vegas. Oh my god! How fantastic! Almost too much to take in we pass the famous casinos that we have read so much about -New York New York, Paris, The Venetian, Flamingo, Bellagio, Caesar's Palace to name a few. The strip is just completely amazing, far bigger than I imagined and we gaze around drinking it all in, all talking at once as we each spy some new astonishing thing.

We check into Circus Circus where we have reserved two nights and are thrilled when we go to pay to find that Dad and Pauline have paid the remainder of our bill. Thank you so much- what a lovely surprise! Our room is great- quite luxurious and we chuck our gear in before heading downstairs to explore. This place is massive, the huge casino areas almost dwarfed by the Adventuredome and circus area. There are also loads of shops, boutiques, a wedding chapel and restaurants. I think we could probably spend all day in here and never even go anywhere else.

At 7pm we decide we are going to walk along the strip and set off in the still boiling heat. Its dark by now and the lights are nothing short of unreal. Blazing away, the millions of watts light the strip like an overloaded fairy grotto. Although the temperatures are almost unbearable I take my jumper as the air-conditioning in the hotels is fierce. We walk for what seems like miles, passing Treasure Island and MGM Grand as we want to see the famous fountains of Bellagio. Oh wow! It's absolutely beautiful, the gorgeous fountain display is elegant, moving and really out of this world. Ali and Maisie love it and it makes me cry it's so good.

We have dinner in the Harley Davidson Restaurant; the Harleys are moving all around the roof on a sort of pulley system- awesome! We get 3 meals between us but should have really only got 2 as they were so big and we didn't eat everything even though we tried. We get a cab back to Circus Circus around midnight and although I didn't feel tired we completely flake. ]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=350 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:45:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=349
We leave around 9.30 and drive across the absolutely huge Bay Bridge, skipping Oakland and joining the 580 East towards Stockton. We stop for gas and food and then head inland slightly, driving south through the Central Valley of California. We drive for hours, the kids are so good and don't complain about anything other than eventually the heat. We have to put the roof up on the car, it's so so hot, a dry, crisping heat that seems to suck every bit of moisture from the air. I love it but its even way too hot for me and when we stop for lunch at Jack in a Box (More fast food) and I try to sit on the kerb outside, the ground literally burns my bum through my shorts. We have to have our aircon on full and even then the sun fries us through the windows.

After miles of flat, dry and brown land suddenly we reach the Tehachapi Mountains- wow! So beautiful and not even a well known American geological landmark (Not to us anyway), we drive straight through them before entering the Mojave Desert, a burning desolate area that I would love to stay and photograph. We have failed to make it to some (Relatively) close national parks including the famous Yosemite and Sequoia but as we have all fallen completely in love with America over the past few days we're not too worried as we'll definitely be back really soon.

We stop off at Walmart and buy some CD's. We were divided and limited with our choice but eventually settled on James Brown, The Bee Gees, some 60's compilation thing including The Monkees, The Drifters and Otis Redding and The Police Greatest Hits for good measure. We wanted to get some music to suit our drive and I love it. Especially the Bee Gees album. ( The sound of America I reckon !!!!)

423 miles and 9 hours later and we arrive at Barstow, it's very close to the ghost town of Calico recommended by our friends Shirley and Ade and we plan to stop off there in the morning before driving the remaining 150 miles to Vegas. We book into a motel and me and the kids strip off and dive into the pool whilst Simon goes in search of a few beers. How fantastic! He returns with a few tinnies and a giant Corona! Yeh!

We make our way next door at 8pm and order some Chinese food. It makes a good change from the junk we have been eating since we arrived here and we wolf it down. We get back to our rooms and the kids go off to watch Mythbusters whilst we crash out. I'm feeling really excited about Vegas, everyone seems to love it and I reckon we'll have the best time.

10pm just sat chatting together and I said its only 11 days until we go home. Usually it's me complaining about having to return to the UK but Simon suddenly looks completely gutted. He mutters it feels like a sick joke- I know how he feels.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=349 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 21:17:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=348
We go out for breakfast before getting the car and driving down to Pier 39. We have booked a 90 minute tour of the bay which includes a ride under the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. We get on the boat and as we're first on make a run for the top deck. The first sight of this trip is the famous sea lion colony. These massive, big, fat beasts slob out in the sun and occasionally make a huge splash as they dive into the water. Just at the end of Pier 39, they are huge in comparison to their relatively small New Zealand cousins.

We head out to sea and towards the Golden Gate Bridge, exactly as we have seen it on the TV; we learn from the commentary that it is painted continuously in "International Orange". When it was completed in 1937 it was the world's longest suspension bride and has been described as "possible the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed bridge in the world". Well its definitely one of the most beautiful things I've seen, graceful and almost mystic looking with San Francisco's famed mist swirling around it, its an awesome sight that even has the kids impressed. We spend ages taking photos and are pleased the information on the tour is so interesting and informative. Sadly I read later on the internet that one person every 15 days jumps from the bridge. Most successfully committing suicide.

Next stop is the infamous Alcatraz Prison. I always wanted to go here and although we couldn't get any trip taking us onto the island we go close enough in the boat. As we near the island the wind picks up and within minutes it is really cold and chilly. Maisie cuddles close and says it's scary and despite the bright sunshine it is an intimidating looking place.

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary started life as a lighthouse before becoming first a military and then a federal prison. Because of its position in San Francisco bay and the surrounding freezing waters and strong currents "The Rock" came to the notice of the US government as an ideal location for holding criminals. The Great Depression and Prohibition gave rise to increasingly violent and organised crime and Alcatraz was the answer to the problem of where to house well armed gangsters terrorising the law enforcement agencies. The prison housed the nation's most dangerous men and was genuinely feared by most of them.

We learn the names of some of the more notorious inmates, Al Capone, The Birdman (Robert Stroud) and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. I find it fascinating and it’s a good if gruesome learning opportunity for Ali and Maisie who lap it up!

We've seen some crazy things here today- a homeless guy with a sign saying "dollars needed for penis extension", some mad fool on a skateboard being dragged up one of the steepest hills by a car and some interesting and strange looking characters. Although I haven't felt unsafe here I have been more safety conscious than in any other city we have visited on our trip.

We check out the area of Russian Hill and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge before getting an early dinner. More delicious Italian food and red wine, we spend the evening sorting ourselves out for tomorrow. We will be driving towards Las Vegas and had hoped to stop off at Sequoia National Park but have realised it will mean two days of about 6.5 -7 hours of driving each day. Too far for the kids (And us) so instead plan to not take that detour and just head straight to Vegas. Hardly an entirely bad thing I think! ]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=348 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:15:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=346 Tahiti http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=346 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:00:47 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=345
Simon]]> Cook Islands http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=345 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:57:06 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=347
We head north along HWY 101 for about 4 hours, stopping a few times for some lunch and to stretch our legs on the way. (I pinch some flowers out of the pot pourri in the restroom so Maisie and I can put them in our hair and we sing the song about going to San Francisco)We keep passing things that look so familiar and yet we've never been here, from small, tall thin windmills, to rusty "nodding donkey" oil pumps, to massive trucks that dominate the roads and completely dwarf us in our Mustang. The landscape is green and scrubby brown, it's hot, with a dusty blue sky and we zip along with the roof down, my hair blowing everywhere.

As we come into San Francisco it looks exactly as I knew it would, the beautiful bay on our right and the busy narrow streets of "Little Saigon" as we head for Chinatown where we are staying. We check in the hotel, a decent enough Chinese run place (For 100 dollars) and park the car. A quick coffee and we head off out to buy a guide book. We reach the most amazing bookshop, full of arty titles and reading tables, its dark and trendy and we end up with The Rough Guide to USA. We wander all through Chinatown and then head towards Fisherman's Wharf. It's quite a long walk, up and down steep hills but so much to look at I don't know where to start.

We pass through the Italian district of North Beach and gaze around at the numerous pavement cafes, the food looks just awesome and we decide we will eat here later. Past an emporium of American symbols and memorabilia , licence plates, Coca Cola stuff, a life-size Elvis, Harley badges, Route 66 anything's ( Bottle openers, fridge magnets etc) its like stepping into America heaven!

At Fisherman's Wharf we have a quick look at the boats before getting a drink next to the hawker food stalls, with a huge choice of seafood including clam chowder, fresh crab and shrimps it’s a lively, noisy area with crowds of people. We see a saxophonist playing jazz, the quintessential cable cars and horse and carriages.

We catch the cable car back up a few blocks and hang off the sides of it like in the movies! I wanted to just jump off but we had to tell the guy so he could stop and we make our way to a gorgeous Italian café where we have some amazing food. Ali and I had salmon with aubergine relish and Simon and I shared a bottle of red wine.

We walk back to the hotel, full of it; our guide book describes San Francisco as the gayest city in the world, once the literary capital of America, a city of hills where poetry meets porn. What a fantastic introduction to the US, today has been everything I dreamed it would be and better.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=347 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:00:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=344
We clear immigration and collect our gear before setting of on the free shuttle bus to Thrifty car rental. We have booked a salon type car but when we go towards the car park Simon steers us towards some big beast of a car. Oh my god - how cool!! I'm shrieking at this point! For the next 10 days we will be driving a Ford Mustang Convertible! It is awesome!

We head out kind of North West towards Santa Monica, on the way passing legends such as UCLA, The Getty Museum, Sunset Blvd and Beverley Hills. We will be spending some time in LA when we come back here prior to our flight to New York but for now our plan is to get out and drive up the coast towards San Francisco where we will be spending the next few days.

Its just awesome- driving along the freeway with the roof down and some hip hop music blasting out I feel like we've been thrown into a scene of a film and everything feels very familiar and comfortable. We drive for a about 3hours passing Ventura and Santa Barbara on the way. This is Californian Wine country and we are tempted to stop at one of the vineyards and buy a couple of bottles but keep going. Due to time restraints we know we will have some heavy driving ahead over the next few days and are going to have to concentrate on seeing the places we want to see the most.

We stop off at a Best Western Motel for the night and pay 115 dollars for a big room. Its luxury to have a bath and although we don't want to watch any TV whilst we're here the kids are pleased to see about a million different channels.

Well we're fairly exhausted now its 11pm and we've so far managed to eat McDonalds and Taco Bell. Tomorrow we are going to be driving the rest of the way to San Francisco- about another 4 hours; we have booked accommodation there and also 2 nights at Circus Circus in Las Vegas later on in the week.]]> America http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=344 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 21:30:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=343
On the other hand for us the Cook Islands have been a huge disappointment. The weather hasn't been very good and it has rained on and off for the last two days, this has made it difficult and we seem to be one of a lot of families dragging bored looking children around. We had heard some very good reports prior to coming here and I wouldn't want to put anyone else off as I'm sure if it had been sunny and dry we would have been happier here. Despite these thoughts though I wouldn't come back, although the coastline is lovely its only as pretty as Fiji ( maybe not quite as good) and the islanders seem more jaded towards travellers. It is also quite expensive for what you get, the meal we had last night although ok cost 120 NZD and just wasn't worth that.

We spend the day sorting out our rucksacks for what will probably be the last time. I get really nostalgic and I cry a bit when we leave half of our first aid kit stuff behind. We don't want to carry needles and syringes to the US to avoid any awkwardness at immigration and thankfully haven't needed any more than paracetamol, strepsils and one lot of antibiotics. I figure that if we need it now we are going to the country with the world's best healthcare so no worries.

It's so sad though, unavoidably today we have had to face the fact that we'll be home in two weeks and the thought makes me feel sadder than I could have imagined. Although we always knew there was a time limit for us and we're looking forward to seeing all our family and friends I can't help wondering if we'll ever experience again that total thrill of anticipation, excitement, nervousness and freedom that we felt when we left 9 and a half months ago.

On a much lighter note we have had an email from Dad and Pauline today and they have sent us a fantastic itinerary for America based on what we told them we wanted to do. So exciting! They have suggested some other places to see and visit that we hadn't thought of and we can't wait to get there and see it all for ourselves.

Our flight is at 11.50 tonight - just sat watching Dreamgirls and then off out for dinner before getting a taxi at 9pm. Next blog will be from LA - yeh !!


Midnight- oh my god what a nightmare experience we have just had and now I really have turned against the Cook Islands. Sod it - I wouldn't recommend the place to anyone. At 9.30pm (half an hour late) our taxi arrived to take us to the airport. When Simon booked it at 6pm he waited by reception and asked the receptionist to ask the taxi company how much it would cost as a previous taxi to the airport (when we went to change our flight) ended up costing 30 dollars instead of the 15-20 we had been told and we need to ensure we have enough cash to pay.

The company relayed the information that the taxi would cost 20 dollars but when we get out and Simon hands over the money the woman says the cost will be 60 dollars. Oh my god- what a rip off that's nearly 25 quid for a 4 minute taxi ride and I'm not surprised when Simon refuses to pay up.
The woman goes mad and stalks us around the airport, after telling the check in guy all about it she eventually reports us to the police who to our amazement and horror completely take her side and tells us we have to pay. A huge row ensues and once it starts to get really heated I back off with the kids leaving Simon to deal with it. I have to laugh when he virtually accuses the policeman of extortion but it gets a bit more worrying when the guy then appears to put his hand on his gun. In the end Simon pays an extra 10 dollars and just walks off - a scary experience that I wouldn't want to repeat.]]> Cook Islands http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=343 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 22:00:00 +0100 http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=341
Simon and Ali decide to get the bus to the town and go and get some money and in an effort to improve my miserable self I head to the gym with Maisie in tow. She's completely contented sat reading her book and when I ask if she's bored she tells me not at all. I cycle madly for 50 minutes and then we have a game of tennis. Simon and Ali have been playing every afternoon for a few hours but it's as much as we can do the get the ball back over the net in this particular court!

When the fella's come back we go and lie by the pool and Ali has some drumming and ukulele lessons from the entertainment chap. I satisfy my unhappy feeling self by writing a long and nasty email of complaint about the resort staff. (Didn't send it) - but I might tomorrow with a few alterations.( In retrospect it did sound a bit harsh although true) Some of the staff here are really bad and the entertainment guys- Mr Hopeless and Mr Useless ( Their names they said) could also be known as Mr Arsehole and Mr Fuckwit amongst other things.

The day improves massively in the evening. Whilst out today Simon met a fella from Plymouth he knows who used to play rugby for OPO's and arranged for us to meet him and his wife and children for dinner. Ian, Donna, Emily and Garen have been on holiday fro 6 weeks in Singapore, OZ and New Zealand and Ian tells us he is in the Navy. Coincidentally they also know the McCabe family we met in Fiji and Nick who we stayed with in Auckland. (A small world indeed!!).We have a lovely evening with them and for the first time since we left home I think it's great to hear some English voices. I reckon I must be feeling a little nostalgic for home now as we're so close to it.

Off to bed now and really looking forward to leaving for America.]]> Cook Islands http://www.thebowmanstravels.co.uk//index.php?entryid=341 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:00:00 +0100