I like to travel and write so I created this blog to share my travel experiences with family, friends and anyone else who's interested.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A Day at the Orange County Fair
It's that time of the year once again, it descends on Orange County every July and threatens to drain your wallet of all its contents, the OC Fair is in town. Our family is somewhat divided on the fair, there are things we like and dislike. The likes? Junk Food, Rides, more Junk Food.... The dislikes, it's crowded, the parking is terrible, the traffic in or out is unbelievable and it's expen$ive.
This year, my wife Betsy was on a work trip and already expressed her desire not to go this year so on impulse I decided to take Brad and Brooke in the middle of the week (which I thought would be a "light" day as opposed to the weekend). This particular day you could also get in to the fair free by bringing 5 cans of food for the local food shelter (help the shelters restock the food shelves and free admission to the fair, I am winning already).
After the 15 minute drive to the fair grounds, followed by endless circling and rerouting through Costa Mesa's road cone maze and fair parking lot, we finally arrived after 1 1/2 hours (yes :15 minutes to get to the fair grounds and :75 to enter the parking lot and exit the car).
We did get in free although, any thought of Wednesday being a "light" day was a joke. Apparently everyone in Orange County prefers to pay for the fair addmission in canned goods as opposed to real currency.
Once in the fair, Brad, Brooke and I took care of the first order of business, testing the fried foods. We started with:
1. Fried Kool Aid
2. Fried Twinkies
3. Fried Oreos
After trying all three, I have to say that Fried Kool Aid is not the best thing I've tried, however, a fried Twinkie is pretty good followed by a close second, the fried Oreo.
In an effort to "pace" ourselves and not eat or spend ourselves to death, we decided to check out a few fair exhibits. Brooke wanted to see the decorated cakes (she's obsessed with Cake Boss on TV). Impressive was the cake that looked like a hamburger and one that also looked like a house (apparently a good cake should look like anything but a cake).
We also stopped by the photography and visual arts exhibit. I always enjoy this. I found the picture below very moving. Obviously it portrays a view from inside one of the twin towers on 911, where employees are starting what would seem like another normal day at work. We should never forget 911.
Next we ventured off to the carnival zone to see how far 100 ride tickets can go. I advise those with real interest in carnival rides to purchase the unlimited ride pass. 100 tickets (for $50) doesn't go very far these days.
Most rides (the good ones) are about 10 tickets each, so with three people do the math.
We did ride the zipper which while is fun, seems to try and extract more money from your pockets while flipping you upside down in circles. You can hear the change falling from everyones pockets. I had to decide what I wanted to save, my phone, and sunglasses or my spare change. The zipper received all my spare change (I managed to keep the car keys though).
We did ride this swing thing, which didn't try to steal any remaining change and provided a nice view of the fair and orange county coastline.
This year, my wife Betsy was on a work trip and already expressed her desire not to go this year so on impulse I decided to take Brad and Brooke in the middle of the week (which I thought would be a "light" day as opposed to the weekend). This particular day you could also get in to the fair free by bringing 5 cans of food for the local food shelter (help the shelters restock the food shelves and free admission to the fair, I am winning already).
After the 15 minute drive to the fair grounds, followed by endless circling and rerouting through Costa Mesa's road cone maze and fair parking lot, we finally arrived after 1 1/2 hours (yes :15 minutes to get to the fair grounds and :75 to enter the parking lot and exit the car).
 |
| Searching for a parking spot! |
Once in the fair, Brad, Brooke and I took care of the first order of business, testing the fried foods. We started with:
1. Fried Kool Aid
2. Fried Twinkies
3. Fried Oreos
 |
| Fried Twinkies and Oreos...mmmmm. |
 |
| The experts test the fried goodness |
In an effort to "pace" ourselves and not eat or spend ourselves to death, we decided to check out a few fair exhibits. Brooke wanted to see the decorated cakes (she's obsessed with Cake Boss on TV). Impressive was the cake that looked like a hamburger and one that also looked like a house (apparently a good cake should look like anything but a cake).
We also stopped by the photography and visual arts exhibit. I always enjoy this. I found the picture below very moving. Obviously it portrays a view from inside one of the twin towers on 911, where employees are starting what would seem like another normal day at work. We should never forget 911.
Next we ventured off to the carnival zone to see how far 100 ride tickets can go. I advise those with real interest in carnival rides to purchase the unlimited ride pass. 100 tickets (for $50) doesn't go very far these days.
Most rides (the good ones) are about 10 tickets each, so with three people do the math.
We did ride the zipper which while is fun, seems to try and extract more money from your pockets while flipping you upside down in circles. You can hear the change falling from everyones pockets. I had to decide what I wanted to save, my phone, and sunglasses or my spare change. The zipper received all my spare change (I managed to keep the car keys though).
We did ride this swing thing, which didn't try to steal any remaining change and provided a nice view of the fair and orange county coastline.
Now one thing Betsy does like about the fair, is the abnormally large horse and steer.
On our way to visit the Giant Steer, we stumbled on this years newest addition, the giant Alligator (sorry no pictures allowed). Yes, it's big too. Betsy would have approved.
We bumped into some friends who were also at the fair to see Chris Issacs play so we joined forces for some addtional rides.
 |
| Brooke and Jennifer |
 |
| Katie and Bradley |
One of the funniest things we enjoyed watching this year was Brooke playing in the human Hamster Ball. This is a large ball that floats on a bed of water. It's quite amusing to watch, see for yourself.
Brooke, the Human Hamster
The other surprising thing was the Aeorsmith tribute band which we watched for over an hour. These guys were pretty good, they even looked like Aerosmith. Check it out...-> actually sounds like "Love in an Elevator" right?
All and all, this year's trip to the fair was pretty fun. In addition to the fried foods we tried earlier, we also consumed some chocolate covered bacon, cinnamon rolls, a few international beers (just dad), and some tasty barbecue. Yes we all felt sick by the time we got home and yes I will be in trouble with Betsy after she reads all the stuff the kids and I ate.
Yes, I know better.....
I won't do it again (that's a lie)
:)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Costa Rica Trip Re-Cap
Well I've returned from our 10 day trip to Costa Rica and had an incredible time. I'd love to tell you everything we did in one post but it would be too much for anyone to absorb in one sitting so I will just summarize each day and provide the high level overview and links to places we visited.
The worst part of this vacation is the travel, our flight left at 1:40 AM from LA and arrived in Costa Rica about 9:00 AM (we had an hour layover in El Salvador). Although the departure time was late/early it did result in a full, first day in Costa Rica.
Here is a break down of what we did each day, I will provide more later:
Friday, June 24-
Depart LAX to San Juan Costa Rica- Check into The Springs Resort near the foot of Arenal Volcano. This is a beautiful resort and I have to say that of all the hotels I've stayed at, this property ranks among the top one or two. It was used as the site for filming ABC's the Bachelor. Every room has a clear, unobstructed view of the Arenal Volcano. The prooperty has over 40 hot pools of different temps, a small zoo that has monkeys, puma's and other wild cats. A river which outlines the property and can be used for swimming, rafting or kayaking and rooms that are over the top beautiful. We had a two story villa with 2 master suites, each with their own balcony and 2 hammocks overlooking the jungle.
![]()
![]()
Saturday, June 25-
Today was very active. We went zip lining waterfall rappelling and horseback riding near the Arenal Volcano, this was a blast! The longest zipline of about 12 lines is 1/2 a mile and is the second longest in Costa Rica, you can see several waterfalls and rivers below. This was a great combo tour put together by Arenal Mundo Aventura's. I will warn you though, once you rappel down the face of the waterfall you have to climb a 200ft ladder back up to the top, this is not for everyone but sometimes it takes a little work to see something incredible.
![]()
![]()
Sunday, June 26-
Today was a full day at The Springs Resort which included lounging by the resorts river, visiting the monkey's and pumas, and testing the water in some of the over 40 thermal pools around the resort which are heated by the volcano. At the river, Brooke and I decided to do some tubing in preparation for white water rafting later in the week.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Monday, June 27-
We departed the Arenal Volcano area today for our condo, located in the Central Pacific coast resort area known as Los Suenos. Los Suenos is a large resort area which is anchored by the Marriott. The 3 hour drive passed through several micro climates and included stops for locally grown coffee and to observe the Crocs that sit at the banks of the rivers.
Tuesday, June 28-
This was mostly a "chill" day at the resort, getting used to the property, hanging out at the pool and driving the golf cart to and from the marina, pool, and restaurants.
![]()
Wednesday, June 29-
We ventured south along the coast to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica's national park and home to Sloths, Howler Monkeys, White Face Monkeys, Reptiles, Bats, Snakes, Frogs and much more. This is a remarkable park and you are guaranteed to see a lot of wildlife. Manuel Antonio also has beautiful beaches and lots of lush jungle. We also had lunch at a restaurant called El Avion that is built from the wreckage of an old Contra airplane which crashed in the 80's (remember that whole Oliver North fiasco?)
![]()
![]()
Thursday, June 30-
Today we went river rafting on the Sevegre River with a company called Amigos Del Rio, near Manuel Antonio. This was probably my favorite day. Rafting was about 4 hours with stops at some beautiful waterfalls and a great lunch on the banks of the river. I am happy to say we only tipped our raft over twice (which was two more times than everyone else, but hey, we were pushing the limits).
![]()
![]()
![]()
Friday, July 1-
Today we took a trip to Tortuga Island (Turtle Island) with Calypso Cruises. This was another great day. Our boat (with on deck pools) sailed over to the Tortuga Island where we spent the day snorkeling, horseback riding, lounging on the beach and riding the banana boats. Lots to see on the island: flamingo's, crocs, boar, turtles and more. Although my daughter Brooke and I swam through a group of jelly fish, it didn’t' slow us down for long.
![]()
Saturday, July 2
We spent Saturday with our trusty driver, Giovani who took us to the Poa's Volcano to get a better look inside the crater. We arrived about 20 minutes before cloud cover completely hid the crater for the remainder of the day. We also had a great lunch of terrific Costa Rican food (this is where knowing a local really helps). It was one of the best meals and cheapest. From here we visited the Peace Lodge and Waterfalls for someone one one time with the animals. We handled Toucans, butterflies, monkeys, sloths and more. On our way back to Los Suenos, we stopped to look at some furniture and buy souvenirs. The day ended with a great diner at a local Costa Rican favorite.
![]()
Sunday, July 3-
We spent Sunday chilling back in the resort area at Los Suenos enjoying our pool time and the great weather. Our timing for all activities was perfect. For dinner and a great view of the sunset, we went to Villa Caletas which sits high on a cliff overlooking the pacific ocean.
![]()
Monday, July 4-
Happy 4th of July for most Americans but we are heading home today. However, after working on my wife the entire week, my son and I finally convinced her to let us stop on the way to the airport and do a little "buggy jumping". Now, when I say bungy jumping, I am talking about a jump off a 300 ft high bridge. Bradley (my son went first) then me. They actually added a bigger buggy for me to make sure my weight didn't carry me 350'. It was a blast. You can see my jump by clicking the linke below. There are a couple of bungy companies on the Old Colorado bridge 15 minutes from San Jose airport, but I recommend Xtreme Waves Bungy. They provide the latest equipment, a video of your jump and a T-Shirt. Everyone if very professional and this is a safe activity (it just feels crazy)
![]()
Our travel home was slow....TACA airlines in Costa Rica processes passengers very slowly so arrive early....we stood in line to check luggage for 1 1/2 hours, departed an hour late and almost missed our connection home in El Salvador. As I started this post.....the low points were getting to Costa Rica and returning home but everything in between was a blast!
The worst part of this vacation is the travel, our flight left at 1:40 AM from LA and arrived in Costa Rica about 9:00 AM (we had an hour layover in El Salvador). Although the departure time was late/early it did result in a full, first day in Costa Rica.
Here is a break down of what we did each day, I will provide more later:
Friday, June 24-
Depart LAX to San Juan Costa Rica- Check into The Springs Resort near the foot of Arenal Volcano. This is a beautiful resort and I have to say that of all the hotels I've stayed at, this property ranks among the top one or two. It was used as the site for filming ABC's the Bachelor. Every room has a clear, unobstructed view of the Arenal Volcano. The prooperty has over 40 hot pools of different temps, a small zoo that has monkeys, puma's and other wild cats. A river which outlines the property and can be used for swimming, rafting or kayaking and rooms that are over the top beautiful. We had a two story villa with 2 master suites, each with their own balcony and 2 hammocks overlooking the jungle.
 |
| Yes, the view is that good in person! |
Saturday, June 25-
Today was very active. We went zip lining waterfall rappelling and horseback riding near the Arenal Volcano, this was a blast! The longest zipline of about 12 lines is 1/2 a mile and is the second longest in Costa Rica, you can see several waterfalls and rivers below. This was a great combo tour put together by Arenal Mundo Aventura's. I will warn you though, once you rappel down the face of the waterfall you have to climb a 200ft ladder back up to the top, this is not for everyone but sometimes it takes a little work to see something incredible.
 |
| The 1/2 Mile Zip Line |
Sunday, June 26-
Today was a full day at The Springs Resort which included lounging by the resorts river, visiting the monkey's and pumas, and testing the water in some of the over 40 thermal pools around the resort which are heated by the volcano. At the river, Brooke and I decided to do some tubing in preparation for white water rafting later in the week.
Monday, June 27-
We departed the Arenal Volcano area today for our condo, located in the Central Pacific coast resort area known as Los Suenos. Los Suenos is a large resort area which is anchored by the Marriott. The 3 hour drive passed through several micro climates and included stops for locally grown coffee and to observe the Crocs that sit at the banks of the rivers.
 |
| Check out the Croc's in the video, they are everywhere! |
Tuesday, June 28-
This was mostly a "chill" day at the resort, getting used to the property, hanging out at the pool and driving the golf cart to and from the marina, pool, and restaurants.
Wednesday, June 29-
We ventured south along the coast to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica's national park and home to Sloths, Howler Monkeys, White Face Monkeys, Reptiles, Bats, Snakes, Frogs and much more. This is a remarkable park and you are guaranteed to see a lot of wildlife. Manuel Antonio also has beautiful beaches and lots of lush jungle. We also had lunch at a restaurant called El Avion that is built from the wreckage of an old Contra airplane which crashed in the 80's (remember that whole Oliver North fiasco?)
Thursday, June 30-
Today we went river rafting on the Sevegre River with a company called Amigos Del Rio, near Manuel Antonio. This was probably my favorite day. Rafting was about 4 hours with stops at some beautiful waterfalls and a great lunch on the banks of the river. I am happy to say we only tipped our raft over twice (which was two more times than everyone else, but hey, we were pushing the limits).
Friday, July 1-
Today we took a trip to Tortuga Island (Turtle Island) with Calypso Cruises. This was another great day. Our boat (with on deck pools) sailed over to the Tortuga Island where we spent the day snorkeling, horseback riding, lounging on the beach and riding the banana boats. Lots to see on the island: flamingo's, crocs, boar, turtles and more. Although my daughter Brooke and I swam through a group of jelly fish, it didn’t' slow us down for long.
 |
| Bradley with the Island's Pig mascot |
Saturday, July 2
We spent Saturday with our trusty driver, Giovani who took us to the Poa's Volcano to get a better look inside the crater. We arrived about 20 minutes before cloud cover completely hid the crater for the remainder of the day. We also had a great lunch of terrific Costa Rican food (this is where knowing a local really helps). It was one of the best meals and cheapest. From here we visited the Peace Lodge and Waterfalls for someone one one time with the animals. We handled Toucans, butterflies, monkeys, sloths and more. On our way back to Los Suenos, we stopped to look at some furniture and buy souvenirs. The day ended with a great diner at a local Costa Rican favorite.
| Betsy and Tucan Sam (I wanted to take this bird home) |
Sunday, July 3-
We spent Sunday chilling back in the resort area at Los Suenos enjoying our pool time and the great weather. Our timing for all activities was perfect. For dinner and a great view of the sunset, we went to Villa Caletas which sits high on a cliff overlooking the pacific ocean.
 |
| Sunset at Villa Caletas |
Monday, July 4-
Happy 4th of July for most Americans but we are heading home today. However, after working on my wife the entire week, my son and I finally convinced her to let us stop on the way to the airport and do a little "buggy jumping". Now, when I say bungy jumping, I am talking about a jump off a 300 ft high bridge. Bradley (my son went first) then me. They actually added a bigger buggy for me to make sure my weight didn't carry me 350'. It was a blast. You can see my jump by clicking the linke below. There are a couple of bungy companies on the Old Colorado bridge 15 minutes from San Jose airport, but I recommend Xtreme Waves Bungy. They provide the latest equipment, a video of your jump and a T-Shirt. Everyone if very professional and this is a safe activity (it just feels crazy)
Our travel home was slow....TACA airlines in Costa Rica processes passengers very slowly so arrive early....we stood in line to check luggage for 1 1/2 hours, departed an hour late and almost missed our connection home in El Salvador. As I started this post.....the low points were getting to Costa Rica and returning home but everything in between was a blast!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)