Report of the Whistle-Stop Road Trip
Las Vegas: Awesome. I don't care what anyone says, when you work in a tiny village in the north of England, Las Vegas is exciting. We stayed at Caesars Palace, and it was fab. I lost a grand total of $5 playing the slots - last of the big spenders, me. Had some great meals, including some particularly good breakfasts, although despite living two years in the States I still can't help being a little grossed out when someone gives me eggs and syrup on the same plate.
I embarrassed several people in my family by buying an outsize cowboy hat and wearing it at every opportunity. Like the things they wear don't embarrass me.
Went to the Grand Canyon: highlight of the trip. Flew this tiny, 8-seater Cessna out to the Grand Canyon (certain people in my party were very green around the gills on the flight - I can't take them anywhere) and after a quick tour, got a helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon. That was my first time in a helicopter, and it was amazing. We were supposed to get a riverboat ride, but the heavens opened and they weren't prepared to risk it.
San Antonio: Loved it. It was cooler than Vegas but much more humid, and my dad and I got mosquitoed to pieces. We had a contest as to who got the most bites. I won, 23-16. It was a painful victory. For some reason, we're the only ones in the family who get bitten. Stayed at a lovely B&B, with really fantastic breakfasts (yes, I pretty much judge a holiday by the quality of the food). It's a really nice town; makes me wonder why no-one back here has heard of it. Everyone I mentioned San Antonio to thought I was going to Ibiza.
Took my family to their very first baseball game: San Antonio Missions versus Arkansas Travelers. I was surprised how much they enjoyed it, even if I spent most of the time explaining the rules.
St. Louis: Okay, so when I was ten I saw a picture of the Gateway Arch and ever since, I've wanted to go to St. Louis. It was really great, but we didn't have enough time there. I thought my mother was going to have a heart attack when she saw the little pods you have to ride to the top of the arch.
Went to Six Flags the second day. That Mr. Freeze ride is awesome. As is the new Evel Knievel coaster. I lost my sunglasses on that one.
We had the best food of the trip here. I'd never been in a restaurant that specialises in chocolate before, but I can only hope it catches on in England.
Nashville: Again, nowhere near enough time. I loved it, and could've spent a week there. My family indulged me with a trip around the Country Music Museum. And, again, amazing food.
We drove from St. Louis to Nashville, after picking up a car at St. Louis airport. We got a bit of a surprise when the shuttle dropped us off in front of a lot filled with SUVs and just told us to pick one. Does that happen a lot?
Smoky Mountains: This was where we really, really needed more time. We wanted to go tubing, rafting, riding, and my dad really, really wanted to ride the train. But we didn't have time for any of it. It was really just a stop-off on our way from Nashville to North Carolina. Still, it was really beautiful, and I'd love to go back some day.
We spent the last part of the trip with friends, and it was lovely. I got to drive a boat, and my dad saw some rare birds he's always wanted to see.
The only major hiccup came at 10:45 on the last day, during the drive to Charlotte airport, when we suddenly discovered that our flight to Chicago, where we would pick up the plane back to Manchester, was not at 14:25, but actually at 11:50. Whoops! I've never seen certain people run so fast, and especially not through an airport. We dashed into the last available seats on the plane, praying that our luggage had also made it.
Overall, a fantastic experience, and even though they still drive me crazy at times, it was nice to spend some quality time with my family. Exhausted, though!