Sea World Thurs 6th Nov

Today was sea world day as it normally is on our first day. I was awake at 6 so I decided to potter around, make a coffee and read some of the coupon magazines. It was a lovely sunrise so I also took pictures of the wet n wild lake and the clouds while I waited for Nicky to wake up.
We got dressed and went and bought I ride tickets. $5 each for a day pass. We were the only ones on the trolley and within 20 mins we were at Seaworld.
We went in and saw Shamu was having pictures with people so we joined the line. From here we went to guest services where we checked in for the behind the scenes tour. We were given the meeting point and made our way over.
The lady taking our talk was Jenna we started off getting to grips with all of the rescue equipment they use and then went up to where they have rescued sea turtles. They were small ones, two were blind and one had a bubble on his back where he had a shell infection and now it's hard for him to come up for air.
We heard some facts about the main reasons the turtles get brought in and we then moved up to the manatees. One large and 3 babies again got to find out the main reasons they have to be rescued. From here we got on a bus and we were taken over to the sharks. We were taken into a room and the sharks were in a tank. Jenna talked about the main reasons sharks attack us and that when we are on surfboards we look like seals or turtles their main prey. We got to touch the sharks they were slimy and like sandpaper the other way. From here we got back on the bus and went over to the penguin interaction. We entered this tiny room and had a talk from a penguin keeper. She then sat with one on her lap and we had a chance to touch it. Rubbery feathers is how I'd describe it. Once we had finished here we went over to Shamu stadium as the show was about to start. Not as good as it has been in the past its not the same now the trainers don't get in the water. From here we then started exploring the park. We did our tradition of feeding the sharks, sealions and rays. Had lunch in Voyagers 1/2 chicken and chips, coffee and cookies. Chicken was a bit on the pink side for me so we left quite a bit.
Once out we did turtle trek walked straight on, went to Empire of the penguin. There was technical difficulties first time, 2nd time queue was massive.
We rode journey to Atlantic us with 5 young school kids and their teacher. As good as I remember but we got soaked.
Spent the rest of our time wandering around the various animal exhibits. We finally managed to get on Antarctica with no wait around 5:15 so worth trying to get on, we rode the wild experience and it was amazing.  The area with the penguin colony was so cool. It was great to be so close to them. When we came out it was 6pm and dark and the park was closed so we made our way out via the manta aquarium. The lighthouse and Christmas tree were all lit up at the entrance it looked amazing.
Back to the hotel as our feet were sore, we soaked them and chilled for a bit. Had to buy adapters as I brought European ones and had to take one back as it wouldn't charge. Couldn't be bothered with tea so we went to the burger van and brought it back to eat. Day 1 done.

Highlights for Ange
1) Antarctica
2) Behind the scenes tour
3) Turtle trek

Highlights for Nicky
1) kids merry go round
2) Behind the scenes
3) Journey to Atlantis

Airport & Flight

We arrived at the airport at 8am. This has been the easiest check in process ever. We dropped the car off at T2 meet and greet and after a few formalities we were parked up. Straight through to the reception and we were in the queue waiting to drop off the suitcases. Once we had dropped the bags off we went and got the money sorted and straight through no queues and made our way through duty free to Frankie and benny's .

New England breakfast and Mimosa's just what we needed although we came away quite squiffy.

Snacks and magazines purchased in whsmith and then time to get a coffee and chill.

Funny bits about waiting were the sign in boots that said hand  & body and depils, we were laughing (probably due to the alchohol) and were trying to figure out what depils were. We also saw a waterproof pouch which I called a waterproof couch. Note to self do not during alcohol that early ever again.

We went to gate 206 to board the plane and the queues were mind boggling. We took the obligatory pictures of the plane and saw that the plane was called Hot lips . We boarded and found our seat and got seated ready for the 9 hour haul. Once on board we got our first round of drinks with pretzels. I started off playing games while Nick went straight into watching films.I watched Begin again with Kerry Knightly and Mark Ruffle 5/10 I turned it off half way through. I then watched Blended with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler 9/10 plenty of laugh out loud moments. I followed this with the other woman. Nicky watched x-men, Spiderman and Blended on my recommendation. Food and drink was plentiful. We got given a menu showing our lunch choices. I opted for lasagne and Nicky had chicken the plate came with a side salad and a bread roll. Pudding followed which was a passionfruit mousse. Halfway through the flight we got given a fab ice lolly which was refreshing. For afternoon tea we got a cheese and sundries tomato sandwich, plain crisps, millionaires shortbread and we also got mile high mints which were in great packaging :-D. Some scary areas of turbulence which had me having sweaty palms but overall it must be getting easier.

The night before

Well all of the packing has now been done and I have coloured Nicky's hair so the only thing left to do now is have a bath and paint my toenails.
My clothes are laid out ready for getting up in the morning and the only thing left to do now is change the bed ready for Cashy.
We are up early in the morning and straight to get Diesel then on our way to the airport sooooooo excited see you then

Tuesday 4th November

Being awake at 6-15am can only mean one thing. I'm too excited to sleep arrgghhhh. Lay in bed having Tinker snuggles whilst posting my 1 more sleep status on Facebook

3rd November 2014

Sooooo excited. Finally been and done the last minute shopping including Tinkers food for the fortnight. So tired but I just can't sleep thinking about everything that still needs to be done.
Lay in bed having Tinker cuddles and making the most of them, who knew you could miss an animal so much.