Globus Competition Winner’s Blog

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Countdown to California!

Well we are on countdown now. All packed, cancelled newspapers, put a hold on mail and arranged a ride to airport.

We received our travel documents from Globus, which also included a pass for airport transfers. We also received a very handy booklet with itinerary and hints for gratuity, how to find our way at San Francisco airport to get to transfers, and lots more, all in a handy folder.

We have had great help from Garth from the GrownUps Team with advice on letting New Zealanders and future Globus travellers know what to expect on tour. We hope our comments will be helpful.

– Barbara and Don

Photo: Barbara and Don with Garth from the GrownUps Team

Entry One

After a long plane flight we arrived at San Fransisco to a fine day of 26 degrees, but a cool wind.

We took so long to get through immigration as there was quite a crowd arriving, and arrived at the hotel Marriott Marquis about 4pm. Our tour director Judi met us in the foyer to help us through check in which was rather nice.

After we freshed up, Judi supplied us with directions to Times Square, and a unique old neighbourhood type hotel for a meal. It was quite rustic, and had a photo gallery of past baseball player.

The Marriott is a lovely older hotel, the foyer is really elegant, and our room has plenty of space, as it has 2 queen size beds. There are coffee and tea making appliances in the room, and we are going to get a buffet breakfast the 2 mornings we are here, which is included in the tour. We have a choice of going to the restaurant, or having room service.

We met up with Judi and some of the other people who are going on the tour. We had outlined what to expect in the days ahead, and some tips on what clothes to wear here, as apparently it is not that hot most days.

Looking forward to the bus trip around the  city that Globus take us on, we have already had a glimpse of the mighty bridge, and we will be driving over it which will be amazing.

The end of the first day in the States, and many more great ones to come.

Barb and Don

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Entry Two

Well the tour has started with a fabulous breakfast in one of the restaurants here. Lovely buffet with cereal,fruit,bagels,bread,cooked dishes and sweet buns. Plenty of choice for everyone. All got together at 8.30am for a city tour. Our bus driver is named Jenni and coped very well with these narrow streets and heaps of traffic, and it being Sunday, heaps of visitors around.

Our tour guide and Jenni allow some flexibility for little extra side trips or if anyone wanted to stay longer at Fishermans wharf and met us later. Went on a cruise around the harbour, right underneath the Golden Gate bridge which was a wonderful experience. Lots of cameras clicking  then.The Pier 39 area, has some great restaurants and shops. Visited the chocolate one!!  Had a clam chowder in a sourdough bread for lunch. The authentic thing!!

Beds very comfortable last night, had a good night sleep, but still a bit slow today. This hotel is so handy to restaurants, shops and just to wander around people watching. We are all heading back to the Pier for a group dinner tonight, sounds like fun, then a ride on the cable car back to the hotel, which is an extra Judi organised  for us on the way home.

Jackets on today, but tomorrow predicting 38C at Sacremento, so have to get the shorts out!!

Barb and Don

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Entry Three

Went out last night for our group dinner, again back to Pier 39 in the coach (Fishermans Wharf) Lovely atmosphere, and the meal was superb. (This meal is included in the tour)

Early start this morning, no lie in for me. Fabulous breakfast again, and onto bus at 8am. No worries with our luggage, left them in room, next thing they are on the bus. Gratuity all included so we don’t need to think about that at all which is great.

Headed over the Golden Gate bridge, but fogged in until we reached the other side and it was clear. Cooler this morning, but is going to heat up. Had a photo shoot and then off to a winery just north of the city. Had a tour of the area and then sampled the red wines!! Very nice too. Received a discount on any purchases so that was even better. Drove across the road to an olive press, lots of olive based products for sale. Another discount here too, great to be on tour with Globus for sure.

Judi fills us in on lots of local information along the way, lots of laughter during the day.

As we were to be passing through Sacramento we stopped for lunch and had a wander. The old original town reminds us of Arrowtown but on a larger scale. Lovely old buildings. Visited the the local museums, very hot here, about 38c. Nice to be warm.

Heading onto Lake Tahoe passed lots of log cabins, Judi told us all about this ski resort town and surrounding areas. Had a paddle in the lake, not as cold as ours back home.

This hotel here, Embassy Suites is real luxury. The atrium has a water feature, and a great happy hour (lasts a couple of hours.) Once again, just off the coach, get our room keys and luggage then arrives about 10 minutes later. The service is so helpful.

We actually have a suite here, plenty of room, 2 beds again, a small lounge, a fridge to put our own food in if required, and plenty of tea etc.

Barb and Don

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Entry Four

Once again after a very comfortable bed and huge breakfast we travelled south and off the main road towards Yosemite. While on this part of the trip we all introduced ourselves, where we were from and family etc. Most of this trip are americans, 4 Australians, 1 from England and us.

An interesting range of ages and occupations. Our youngest member is 13 and the oldest in their 90s. It is great getting to know everyone.

That is one of the advantages on going on a tour like this, mixing with so many different people and having fun.

The tour guide is so organised I’m not sure what time her day would finish, she has the patience that a lot of people would not have.

Another pre arranged tour today was the “tram” ride in the Yosemite valley. It was actually the front of a large truck pulling a huge trailer with seats. We had a fabulous view of all the huge granite cliffs, and managed to see some deer as well. Apparently our tour guide organised us to meet this vehicle instead of going around the area in the bus as we get such a better view with no roof overhead. Certainly made us get closer to nature.

So far we have not had to pay for much in the way of extras at all, only only our light lunches and whatever we felt like for dinner.

Until tomorrow cheers,
Barb and Don

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Entry Five

Hot at Yosemite overnight and still like that this morning. Had another great breakfast. We have been so lucky, or this is probably a normal thing for the tour, but there has been a wide variety of food for everyone. This is certainly an advantage, we just have to get up in the morning, get our bags ready and head down for food.

We had two stops this morning. One at a fruit stall at an orchard, and then for lunch where lovely Californian fruit was available.

We then drove down to Monterey, a pretty town, surrounded by million dollar houses. Then we headed past the Lone Cypress via the 17 Mile Road and viewed the world famous Pebble Beach golf course along with it’s famous deer, and then along to Carmel. Had time to wander here, shopping or admiring the expensive homes.. We then visited the Monterey Aquarium. We veiwed some amazing sea creatures, the displays there really made it all very fascinating. We stayed on there for another group dinner (included in the tour) at the restaurant there overlooking the ocean. We had complimentary binoculars to view the sea otters just out from where we were sitting, swimming in amongst the kelp.

Our faithful driver picked us up, we had a few complimentary wine by then as well, and dropped us at the door of our hotel which tonight is the Hyatt, so you can imagine how lovely that is for us,  and everyone was happy about that as we had a action packed day, on the go and viewing a lot of different things. We are certainly seeing as much as possible in the time we have.

Our bags were already in our rooms waiting for us.

We had an elderly gentleman take ill after lunch today, and Judi took over immedietly to get someone to attend to him, so we are certainly being looked after here. It is very comforting to know there is someone to rely on when something does happen.

Cheers
Barb and Don

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Entry Six

Another good sleep, the beds have been really comfortable all along the way which is pretty good, the bed last night was the biggest I have slept in. It was huge. I must mention that the rooms have all had a clothes iron available to use and most of the hotels have had laundries, and for the ladies a hairdryer, which I am sure everyone wants to know what is available.

Head off going down today to the Hearst Castle which will be a highlight. We enjoy a fantastic drive along the coast on a road which is restricted to vehicles no more than 40ft. as it is winding around the cliff face. Stopped a few times for a break and take photos.Saw elephant seals on beach, could get quite close to them. We arrive at the Castle after lunch and climb on the shuttle bus to the top of a huge hill where William Randall Hearst the newspaper magnate had built his castle plus guest houses,pool and gardens. Lots of gold everywhere, antiques and art collections from all over the world.  We even saw wild Zebras running with cattle on their ranch (liberated after his animal zoo folded), which was pretty unusual. Everyones’ camera was out there for sure.

I must mention that the Nationalities on the trip are Americans, Australians, English and NZ. Just us. NZ is getting talked about by everyone, some didn’t even know where it is. Unbelievable.

Until tomorrow cheers,
Barb and Don

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Entry Seven

After a later start to the day (9.30am) we headed about 10 minutes down the road to the lovely Danish town of Solvang… This is the town of Danish pastries thats for sure. We did sample an Aebleskiver, which is like a round donut, covered in raspberry jam and icing sugar. Lovely, fresh, and tasty. I don’t know how we managed to eat them after the lovely breakfast we had again this morning.

What a fasinating town to wander around, you could just about think you were in Denmark. We bought some soverniers here.

We then travelled down past the beaches leading to L.A. Like Santa Barbara and Malibu. Great to put these names to places.

We also had a very interesting visit to the Mission at Santa Barbara. The age of the buildings, paintings and icons is amazing. The area is beautifully kept, the graveyard area especially, and the fabulous rose garden to wander in.

We got our documents today for our travel after the tour. Judi has checked everyones flight departures, and has got times for pickups arranged, so everyone knows what they are doing. We are going on the train with a few of the other passengers to do the extension to San Deigo, so Judi arranged a cab and times for us. Even those passengers leaving too early to have breakfast here on Sunday morning, will be giving renumeration so they can get breakfast at the airport. I was very impressed with this actually, everyone is getting looked after right to the start of their trips home.

One more day to go, a tour around the sights here in L.A. which we are looking forward to, then the farewell dinner tomorrow night which will be sad, as we have made some great friends.

Until tomorrow cheers,
Barb and Don

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Entry Eight

Unfortunately we have reached the final day of this part of the tour. On a good note, we had a later start in the morning which we needed.

This hotel is Biltmore Millenmium and is in a really convenient position to visit restaurants and stores. We walked just to the next block for dinner last night to the Irish Bar ‘Caseys” and had a tasty meal. It was pretty popular so was really noisy by the time we left.

Today we did a city tour and ended up at the Chinese Theatre where the movie stars have their hand and foot prints. We seem to get an express entry to this which saved us queing up. The temperature was climbing quite rapidly by this stage. Then off to [via Beverly Hills] the J Paul Getty museum, which houses his private collection of antique furniture,art works etc.

We didn’t know this place even existed, what a must see on anyones itinerary in Los Angeles. We had a good 3 hours here, and didn’t see everything even then. The temperature has risen dramatically this afternoon, so glad to get back to the hotel mid afternoon to get ready for our farewell dinner tonight, Judi our tour director and Jeannie our driver will both be there, so we will have some fun, but sad to be saying goodbye to the many people, young and old we have been travelling with.

The tour ends tomorrow morning but we had decided to do the extension to this great holiday prize from Globus and travel on to San Diego tomorrow with about 11 other folks. So Judi has arranged our transport to the train station and to be met at the other end for transfers to the hotel. This is so great, no worries, no phone calls to arrange anything ourselves, so easy.

Until tomorrow cheers,
Barb and Don

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Entry Nine

We have started on our extension to the Globus tour, going with a group of 9 now. Judi safely sees us on our way into cabs for the train station, and we have a relaxing trip. We are on the top level on a double decker train. Heaps of leg room, a table, free wii fi, and a cafe. Real luxury travel. The track runs right along the beachfront as we get nearer to San Diego

We are met at the station by a Globus tour director and ushered into a shuttle to the hotel. We are in the beautiful Hilton Embassy Suites. I have taken a liking to this particular brand of hotels, we also stayed in one at Lake Tahoe.  Huge atrium takes centre stage where breakfast is served. The best part of the day is the lavish “Happy Hour” the hotel does from 5.30 – 7.30 with complimentary drinks, and nibbles. We take that time after our exploring each day to gather with the group which is lovely to still meet up.

We are recommended by Fran the Tour Director to perhaps go on a harbour cruise for 2 hours as our rooms are not ready, so we head off for a lovely relaxing afternoon.

Today we used the laundry in the hotel, which is a great asset, very quick and easy. Our rooms have a separate lounge, and bedrooms are roomy and has 2 double beds.

We are wishing we were staying longer in San Diego, we have found out there is so much to do. Fran has informed us of several activities, and there is a concierge in the lobby to book any tours.

The weather is great, this is the hottest time of the year.  We are thoroughly enjoying it all. We needed the slower pace, as the days were pretty full on.

Looking forward to another good day tomorrow.
Barbara and Don

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Entry Ten

Well we are on the Amtrak (train) travelling towards LA after a very enjoyable stay in San Diego. We went wondering just what was on offer, but to our amazement there are just so much it has.  We finished our extension tour yesterday and the 9 remaining members from the original tour gathered for a farewell dinner. It was so great as we were from 4 different locations on the globe (Florida, Massechusets, Melbourne and Dunedin). All were departing today either home or other tours.

San Diego has so much history and being a US naval base there are alot of naval vessels always in dock and of course there is the USS Midway Museum to look through. This vessel was commissioned in 1945 (one month after World War 2 ceased) and decommissioned in 1992 having served in both the Vietnamese war and desert storm. We also saw the famous San Diego Zoo and it’s Pandas and also travelled around the town in the hop on hop off bus visiting Balboa Park (numerous museums and galleries- you could spend all day here), Little Italy and the Old Town. pure fantastic.

We will give you an overall accessment of the tour when we can type without getting thrown about as now on the train.

Cheers from sunny and warm California,
Barbara & Don

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Entry Eleven

We have just had 2 days at Disneyland, just to satisfy the kid in us. We walked for 6 hours the first day, and today we went early, came back to hotel at 2pm, and went back to park at 4pm. Went on some hairraising rides, and went to some shows. The cost to enter is expensive, can’t imagine the price for families, and the price of food  is terrible, and not too many cafes that sell healthy food.

The weather is very hot, but pleasant at night time to wander around the park. Seems even busier at night.

We are staying in a hotel right opposite the park, (not quite up to the high standards of Globus hotels), which is quite convenient to be able to come back to during the heat of the day.

Until next report.
Cheers
Barbara & Don

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Entry Twelve

Today we travelled north from Anahiem to Santa Monica on the coast immediately west of Los Angeles after spending 3 full on days visiting Disneyland and yesterday Universal Studios. On the way north from San Diego to Anahiem I endevoured to write a column on the train (to take advantage of the free Wi Fi), but due to rocking motions of the train and my computer consistantly rearranging itself it was the bear essentials. We arrived at our hotel (Camelot Inn) immediately opposite the main gates into Disneyland at about noon and decided that we would venture over to the park after 4pm as it would be a lot cooler, and as the park was open until midnight just maybe the crowd would be less. Much to our surprise this was not the case, as many of the locals purchase an annual pass and attend after work to take the family out. Of course one suddening feels young again here and tries many of the rides and as many shows as possible. At 9.30pm the thousands mill about to watch the fireworks over the castle but, much to all surprise these were cancelled at 9.32 due to inclement atmospheric conditions. We arrived home at about 9.45 completely worn out.

The second day commenced at 9am at the Californian Experence (Disney World) and again all go with the simulators and roller coasters. One ride we queued up for 90minutes (unheard off for us) in the heat and humidity (the water got a fair hammering), for a car ride if no more then 7-8 minutes. A break in the middle of the day of about 3 hours and back again at 5pm for another stint. Very enjoyable but the body started to feel the pace.

Yesterday we took a bus north to Universal Studios (about an hour north of Anahiem in the Hollywood area) and spend another very enjoyable day visiting shows and stunts used in movies. We took a tour around the studios visiting many permanent sites used for filming shows such as CSI and Desperate Housewives. Along the way we were subjected to an attack from “dinosaurs” from Jurassic Park. Shaking our vehicle and subjecting us to their wroth. We arrived back in Anahiem at about 8.15pm completely in a state of collapse.  Both venues are very well a visit, but be prepared to have wallets emptied.

We are staying at the Georgian Hotel overlooking the Santa Monica Pier for the next 2 days before our wonderful trip comes to an end, and return to New Zealand, so until next time farewell from Don and Barbara.

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Final Entry

On our final day now. A last word on our Globus tour.  We had tremendous fun, great group of people.Our Tour Director and driver were exceptional. Would we go on another Globus Coach Tour again, we both are unanimous with our answer. Yes, we would. Next time a few hints to others maybe. Arrive a couple of days prior to the tour starting, gives you time to wind down from the flight. Our first couple of days were tiring, and we would have enjoyed it more if we were more relaxed. After talking to others on the tour, they felt the same. Saying that though, we did cover a lot of mileage, and had plenty of activities, and everyone knew it would be full on. We would probably choose a tour next time that included some 2 night stopovers, just gives you a bit more breathing space.

If all the Tour Directors were like our Judi, you will have no worries about transfers and generally taken care of. Our tour did have some folk that got ill at different times, and you couldn’t have asked for more personal care than everyone received. Well done Judi and Jeannie.

We are catching our flight back to NZ tonight, we have organised a late checkout at the hotel here (Georgian Hotel) a beautiful 79 year old hotel. Very elegant. We will send a last message when we arrive home. The flight is 12 hours, overnight, so hopefully we will sleep some.

Cheers
Barbara and Don

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Back Home

Well we have landed back in Dunedin early this morning. We did some last minute shopping on the day we left Santa Monica, and we thankfully had a late check out to 3pm. The weather was superb, so we wandered around soaking the atmosphere and sunshine up to take back to New Zealand with us.

Our flight left 9.45pm. and the overnight flight went reasonably quickly. Managed to sleep a little, and into Auckland just after 5am Wednesday.

We were wishing we could bottle up some of the weather from USA as the temperature at Dunedin at 9am was only 3 degrees.

Talking about our trip on the way home, we both decided we had enjoyed a wide range of activities, met some interesting people, some of whom we hope to keep in contact with.

Once again we would sincerely like to thank Globus and Garth Hill from Grownups website for our unbelievable opportunity to explore California and broaden our understanding of the history and people who live there. This will remain a life long memory and now signing off.

Cheers
Barbara and Don

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