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Tuesday was being a proper tourist day. Today we went to Universal studios - islands of adventure. Having only looked at this on the web site and despite much helpful information from our friends, it was still absolutely overwhelming and not at all what we were expecting.
I should mention that it was rather hot, like 94 degrees with about 400% humidity. I don't believe I have ever actually been as sweaty as I was, even my lower legs were slick with sweat. I apologise to any reader who was eating and to whom I have put off their food but that is the serious reality - it was bloomin' baking.
We were there all day and I reckon we only got to really explore a third of the park. Ride queues weren't too bad but there is just so much to see.
The Harry Potter experience was just amazing. The Hogwarts school on the top of the hill was the most wonderful sight as you walk through the dinosaur bit. Plus in Hogsmeade, there is like actual snow and icicles hanging from the roofs which is a bit peculiar in the baking heat.
We had to queue for everything, to get into the sweet shop but it was well worth it and we purchased a chocolate frog and some jelly beans. I was convinced that they were just normal jelly beans wrapped in some packaging and sold at an extortionate markup but the attractive young (oops!) male (should just mention) cashier assured us that although they have removed the 'vomit' and 'ear wax' flavours, there are some unusual flavours such as gravy, cabbage and mashed potato etc.
The butterbeer was one of the loveliest experiences we have had and despite queing (or should I say being in a "line") for some time, the end result was well worth it. It was a bit like a cream soda and fizzy fruit juice mixed with melted creamy marshmallow on the top. The first sip was just like nectar, though I felt by the end it was a bit sweet.
Oscar went on a few rides - his favourite being a spiderman 4d experience thing. Eva had a lovely time on some of the Dr Seus rides, not being brave enough to go for the full roller coaster experience.
We also went to see a stunt show - this would have been one for Rich and Clem - there were many men and the one woman, going around on bmx, skateboards and this girl on inlines, on a half pipe, they also went down the steps in the arena, plus they had a giant iron cage and motorbikes went round and round in it. I was convinced it was going to be a giant bag of cheese but it was actually rather thrilling. I was so overwhelmed, that I did tell Daryl he could have a BMX provided he learned some foxy tricks! Must have been the heat!
Our collective legs decided that enough was enough, though I think the kids would have gone on and on, the rest of our group had really had enough so we left. Daryl and I are saving to come back another time to do the park justice another time.
As we were so melted we all got in the pool and the jacuzzi when we got home and had a lovely cool off.
Eva insisted that she had to have some chips tonight and we needed to go out - Osc wanted a burger so we went to Wendy's for tea at about 8.00 and had the nicest chicken fillet burger I have probably ever had. This was our first fast food experience and it was very very nice.
Its been a very hot and tiring day and a real learning experience. The forecast is for 'unseasonably hot' weather for the next few days - bejesus how much hotter can it get.
Despite all of that we have had a fab day. x
- comments
The Sheltons It sounds amazing, kids are loving the photos and blog.Glad Harry lived up to expectations.Rich is already searching for a good deal for Daryls BMX !After an emergancy appoint for me at dentist yest i am now 1 wisdom less!! (oh so brave )Hows Evas lump doing? we really can't imagine the heat ,think of the pounds dropping off U. Well look forward to reading the next installment .Love to allThe SheltonsWhat r Twinkies??R U feeling skinny yet? You poor thing between the back and the tooth I am surprised you have even got out of bed in the mornings! Eva's lump is still there but we are just keeping going with the anti-bio - I've got a feeling it may need some extra treatment when we get back. I have not put any weight on - to be honest it is too hot to eat very much but I we have consumed lots of chips (crisps). We will be bringing twinkies and jelly beans and other disgusting stuff home. Oscar had one of his every flavour beans today - it was cabbage flavour - he didn't like it - so he is going to bring home the rest for all his friends to eat....thats you guys, sorry! Alls well otherwise, lovely place and lots to do but so hot it can be difficult to function outside for too long blog soon x