New Acquaintance

While in the airport grabbing some grub I passed by this younger gentlman.  He was tall and thin, about  six feet three or four.  He was wearing business clothing - shirt and slacks but had a light blue sweater tied around his neck.  This caught my attention as it is so reminiscent of the 80's prep style dress.

The plane was an MD88 with three rows on the left(A,B,C) and two on the right(D,E) as you face towards the cockpit.  Our seats consisted of B, C, D, and E thus dividing us two by two.  Ryder and Jane Anna took the two sided with Ryder choosing the window seat.  Carson sat in B and I in C.  In seat A was the younger gentleman I had noticed from the airport.  His legs so long his knees were pressed against the seat in front of us.  He was mannerly and worked on his laptop throughout the first leg of the flight.  The Flight Attendants made their journey dishing out drinks, peanuts, etc.  The gentleman in seat A asked for Cranberry juice then struggled somewhat to request only a few pieces of ice be added to his drink.  He definitely had an accent but I was unsure what type.  I then proceeded to inquire as to where he was from.  France, he replied.  Then being more specific, Northern France.  A city called Lille, France.  It is located 2 hours NNW of Paris near the Belgium border.  He's been in the U.S. for 2-3 months working for a company in France that produces instruments for medical procedures.  His job is to review the technical drawings of the parts and instruments then meet with Sales Reps and review.  He said his job was really demanding right now as he was learning English and his job.

Carson had the opportunity to ask several questions on the first half of the journey as did Ryder on the latter half as did I.  We asked about school and how it was laid out compared to U.S.  He said similar but the wording was different for example "College" begins at age 12 thru 16 or 18 then you go to a University.  His degree was in Science, taking 5 years he stated.

Spanish, English, and of course French were the languages he studied in school.  Spanish he said he stopped practicing thus loosing the ability to speak it.  English he had continued to study but was struggling somewhat with all the different terms like "ratchet" for example and the constant abbreviations in email and text for U.S. terms.

Several times during our conversations we almost just stared as I struggled to think of how to ask a question a certain way to make it easier.  He was very bright but the slangs of English always seem to get in the way.  Ryder was on a roll at one point asking questions and asked if he knew what tap dancing was.  I have no idea why he asked that but we were unable to communicate that question as apparently that is not a term translatable to French maybe.  Who knows.  We moved on.  He asked Ryder about his favorite foods and favorites things to do.  He showed us a picture his brother, still in France, sent him while biking.  It was a beautiful picture of a farm on a rolling hill with trees in the backdrop with sheep grazing in the pasture near the road.

The boys said he was real nice and we all enjoyed the conversation.  It would be very interesting to spend more time talking with someone like Nicholas from another country and discovering the differences in our cultures.

Home Sweet Home! 9:30pm CST

On the ground and now in the car in Memphis

Sent from Jeff's iPhone

Boarded and ready. Liftoff in 6 mins.

They are really workin on some kinda drawing.

Near miss

We arrived back at the Polynesian around 2:15. Purchased a few snacks from Captain Cook's to finish off those remaining on our dining plan. Made a last min pit stop in which Ryder looked toward the large stall and said he didn't think there was a toilet so he was gonna check it. He opened the door and let me know it was a good so he thought he'd go. 15 mins later he's still there and I fear our bus to the airport has arrived. JA and Carson await outside. After several words back and forth and some tension Ryder completes his mission, rushes, to wash and we sprint to the front entrance. Thank goodness the bus is heading our way and not away.

Made it the airport safely. No issues going thru security except they pulled one of our backpacks due to me failing to realize a partially filled water bottle slid to the bottom. JA and Ryder grabbed a snack at Burger King while Carson and I split a cheeseburger from Outback. Made to gate 76 and now awaiting our 5:46pm EST departure to Memphis Int Airport.

On the Magical Express ready to depart . Checked our luggage with the service offered as part of out pkg this morning before heading to the park. Apparently they transport any checked luggage ahead of time rather than load it on the bus. No hassles for us with luggage.

Looking back across the lake towards theMagic Kingdom and the Contemporary resort

Looking in at our resort from the dock

Caught the launch back across the lake to our resort. Beautiful day....not too warm and not too cool.

One last performance with Mickey and Minnie.

Main Street USA

Lunch at Tony's Restaurant just inside Magic Kingdom entrance to the right. Ryder and I had pizza while Carson had Mickey shaped Ravioli and JA shrimp scampi.

Carson just completed the terms of surrender.

Caught the train to the other side of the park from Fantasyland to Frontierland. Ryder wanted to ride Pirates of theCaribbean again as we'll as Big Thunder Mt RR.

I let Ryder it the teacups with JA as he really likes to spin

Gaston's Tavern and pub. They offer pastries, pork shanks and a water, sprite, milk, etc.

Back to the Magic Kingdom. They are headed to Voyage of the Little Mermaid while I power walk to Space Mt for fast passes. Then meet at Gaston's.

Final Day (1/2 day)

Boys are a little sad about leaving our room and the resort. We are making our way to check our bags at the main entrance then catching the tram to Magic Kingdom. Park opens an hour early today for those staying on the resort. Cool morning but gonna hit 70 by lunch. Plan to be back at the resort before 2:30.

Plan for Thursday

Depart resort at 2:40pm
Flight to Memphis 5:40pm

Weather for tomorrow looks as like today's but low wind. Today the wind gusted at 20mph out of NW. Wind was very cool at times. I wore pants and s long sleeve shirt for the majority of the day except for tonight. Tonight I addenda pullover as it became quiet chilly. Yesterday was near perfect.

Recap of Wednesday:

Star Tours
Light Motor Action Stunt Show
Toy Story Midway Mania
Voyage of the LittleMermaid
Rockin Roller Coaster 2x
Tower of Terror
Jedi Training
The Great Movie Ride

Lunch:
Sci Fi Drive In (boys favorite)
Dinner:
Moma Melroses'

This one was enormous.

We took the bus back from Hollywood this evening nd just caught the last few mins of the fireworks from Acronis the lake. Notice how broad compared to the castle.

My almond cheesecake was really tasty......topped with choc and a Oreo type cookie crust

JA chose the choc lava cake filled with dark choc. It was really good.

JA handsome type of flatbread . Looks like a pizza.

Tonight I wanted something simple and with lots of marinara sauce....Spagheti and Meatballs.

Moma Melrose's Italiano Restaraunte - Crispy Cakamari to start us off (squid deep fried like onion rings, tasted kinda like shrimp). The boys are sittin across from us Carson saying "touch me one more time, I dare you!"

Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular

Lights motors action stunt show

Ryder's in the driver's seat. Better buckle up.

Lunch at the Sci Fi Drive In Theatre for lunch. 50's Sci Fi movies or the best clips and intros play while sitting in your convertible.

Vader tries another

Youngling takes on Vader

The walk over to the stage

Preparing for Jedi training at 2:20

Conquered the Tower of Terror

Signed up for Jedi training, rode Star Tour - Hoth, just rode Rock n Roller Coaster and in line again. We hold fast passes for Toy Story Mania.

Lots of fresh fruit and quiches along with pastries. Carson had pancakes and Ryder had Mickey shaped waffles.

Carson had trouble gettin outa bed this morning.

Wednesday

Up early and headed to the Contemporary Resort for breakfast with Mickey then off to Hollywood. Our goal for Hollywood today is to complete our top three priorities: Jedi Training, Rock n Roller Coaster and Toy Story Mania.

Recap of Tuesday - Magic Kingdom

Breakfast at the Crystal Palace
Lunch - Liberty Tree
Dinner - Cinderella's Castle

Rides:
Jungle Cruise
Aladdin Magic Carpet
Pirates League - Pirates of Caribbean
Big Thunder Mt RR 2x
It's a small world
Peter Pan'sFlight
Mickey 's Philharmagic
Barnstormer
Space Mt
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Stitch'sGreat Escape
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor

The show was spectacular and the number of people great. Nothing like it would be during peak times. On the way out it was elbow to elbow. JA made a quick call to catch a launch back across the lake to our resort instead of the monorail. 25 mins and we were back in our room. Probably saved us an hour. The line to the monorail was staggering.

Just before the finale.

You can see Tinker Bell in the upper right corner. A person connected to a cable soars from the top of the castle and out of sight.

The Electrical something parade down Main Street USA is unbelievable. We are a little far to see but perfect for the fireworks.

Round two

Desserts???

Our view from TomorrowLand Terrace for the fireworks. Buffet full of scrumptious desserts as well.

Aurora asked if they were dragons layers. They are really really liking this female attention.

Snow White may have dubbed Carson "Bashful".