Disney Deception

When Marla told me that she was going to Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki bar on Monday after school I invited myself to join.  The plan was that we would all drive up together after school, Marla and the girls would go to the park for a few hours since they have passes while I read in Downtown Disney, and then we would all go out for dinner.  

I walked Marla and the girls to the entrance of Disneyland and turned around to walk to Downtown Disney.  Instead of walking to downtown Disney I accidentally went to the entrance of California Adventure, thinking that I should walk through the sign labeled entrance because it was the entrance to the exit so I could leave.  When I reached the employee at the gate taking tickets (I thought he was stamping tickets for those who want to go back to the park) I told him that 'I am not really there.  I just walked my sister to Disneyland and now I am trying to leave.  I do not have a ticket.'  And I continued to walk through.  He looked thoroughly confused and said nothing.  I did not think about it again, until seconds later when I saw the trolley tracks on the ground.  Then it hit me... I GOT INTO CA ADVENTURE FOR FREE!  I was cracking up, causing people to look at me.  I immediately called my sister to have her join me.  

As I waited I felt like a fugitive; every time I saw an employee I thought 'this is it, I am busted!', even though it never happened.

Craziness.  

"You must learn to choose between right and wrong"... SHUT UP Blue Fairy!  

As I waited I did the bread tour and got a free piece of bread, and went into Ghirardelli for a free piece of chocolate.  Disneyland is a lot more fun when everything is FREE!  

"A fine conscience I turned out to be!"...GO AWAY Jiminy! 

I went on rides that I had never been on before like Mater's Junkyard Jamboree and Goofy's Sky School.  

We then headed over to Trader Sam's.  It was not what we were expecting, although kids are allowed in before 8pm there is not much to entertain them, and the food is just appetizers and overpriced.  But Marla and I were glad that we checked it out.  There are certain drink orders which come with a show.  It was pretty fun.  And you can pay extra to keep the souvenir glass, which we did.  

We ended up going next door for dinner.  It was more like fast food but everyone was satisfied.  Marla was happy because even though the restaurant said they did not usually do anything for birthdays they brought out a cake and a lit candle anyway.  

The birthday wishes continue... 

BINGO Birthday Bash

The birthday flag was flown for Elle who turned NINE this Sunday.  

All Elle wanted to do at her birthday party was play BINGO.

Marla bought a bunch of kid prizes such as bubbles, and for the adults... lotto tickets!

Ruby was the first to win.  

This is what it looks like when men play bingo.

Until the win at least...

Elle won two times.  

Some people just aren't meant to win.

Happy birthday Elle!!  You are growing up way too fast. 

Kumiai basket weaving

My friend Pat joined me for a Kumiai basket weaving class at el museo comunitario de Tecate.  All of the money paid for the class is dedicated to helping local indigenous people maintain their way of life.

Diana (who is not a big fan of pictures) was the teacher at our table.  

The hardest part is to get the junko project started.  Junko is the type of reed used to make baskets, plates and other artisan crafts.  I could not do this on my own.  I had to continuously ask for Diana's help, and after breaking my first one I had to start another (with Diana's assistance).  This took about two hours to make. 

It was time for our catered lunch; delicious enchiladas and jamaica to drink for me.  

We had the luck of experiencing live traditional Kumiai music at lunch time.  

After spending hours working on my piece of 'art' it gives you a real appreciation for their work.  This pot took about a month to make, working 4-5 hours every day.  It has two snake patterns and costs 500$.  If I had an extra 500$ I would buy it.  It is incredible.  Buying Kumiai art is like buying history.  These traditions have been passed down for thousands of years.

The community museum has native plants outside that are used by indigenous people. There are two types of junko, the one being pointed out now is the type used for the 'cola' (the tail) the reed that the 'hilo' is wrapped around.  

This is the type of junko that is used for the 'hilo' (the thread).  Our guide was so impressed by the hilo grown at the museum; that it did not have any flaws.  She said multiple times in awe that is was such pretty hilo.  Although she picked a few pieces to show us how to pull out the roots when picking, according to Kumiai tradition it can only be picked no more than three days before or after a full moon.

She took a few of the pieces of junko and made what I am holding below.  It took her maybe two minutes (probably less).  Kumiai people are incredibly talented.  

Some of us got the hang of the process more than others (me).

This is Pat's bowl.  She is going to use it for her ring when she washes her hands.

The bowls are made out of willow.  They look easier but people at these tables mentioned to me that our task was easier.  I think that both are nearly impossible.  It takes decades to master.  

I joked that maybe in a hundred years I would be able to do it.

This is my piece.  It does not look good (and if you think it does look good it is because Diana did that part).

It would not be a day in Tecate without a visit to El Mejor Pan!

Day 5- Daytona Beach

The weather in Florida seems to change dramatically every hour.  This picture was taken the first day of our arrival.  

I think it is funny that animals are not allowed on the beach but cars are.

We loved our hotel in Daytona (we were south of the more popular 'spring break' crazy area).  Tropical Manor is very 70s.  We got a room with a kitchenette.  

They have shuffle board and bingo here!  It is too bad that we did not spend more time relaxing or I would have been all over it.  

We had an opportunity to spend time with Jeff and Annie at their hotel for the last few days.  

Fred relaxed on the lazy river.

We had such a great time in Florida.  Even though it rained almost every day we still did everything on our list of things to do, including spending time with our too distant Floridian family.  We know we will be back soon.

Congratulations Annie and Jeff!  

And have fun in Jamaica!  (I know we did not get bumped to business class with a bottle of champagne when we went on our honeymoon!)