Kiwi Visit 2013 - Blog
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The COTW Ambassadors keep a journal during the stay in the USA The adults selected an ambassador's entry to share each day, and the webhost added links to the text and posted it as a web log. |
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October 3: Camp River Ranch
- By COTW Ambassador Isaac
Today we went to Camp River Ranch. When we got there our Instructor told us we were going to walk up the hill to the archery place. It was really steep!! It only took us 10 minutes. When we got to the archery, Will shot an arrow so high in the net the instructor needed a chair to get it down.
After archery we had lunch and then we played some games. The first game we played you had to flip over two cards and find similarities with the other persons card. Then they made it harder by adding extra rules.
We then went into our chaperone groups and played another game where one person was blindfolded and they had to pick up some toys by listening to the other team members instructions.
We did two more activities in the bush, one where we you swung from one platform to the next and if one person touched the ground everyone went back to the start. It took a while for us to complete the activity.
Our last bush activity was two ropes tied off the ground between two trees, they spread further apart as you went along them. You and a partner had to slowly walk out as far as you could go balancing one another.
We walked back to the fire pit and made “s'mores.”
Most Memorable Moment (MMM) - Walking on the ropes with my partner.
- By COTW Ambassador Isaac
Today we went to Camp River Ranch. When we got there our Instructor told us we were going to walk up the hill to the archery place. It was really steep!! It only took us 10 minutes. When we got to the archery, Will shot an arrow so high in the net the instructor needed a chair to get it down.
After archery we had lunch and then we played some games. The first game we played you had to flip over two cards and find similarities with the other persons card. Then they made it harder by adding extra rules.
We then went into our chaperone groups and played another game where one person was blindfolded and they had to pick up some toys by listening to the other team members instructions.
We did two more activities in the bush, one where we you swung from one platform to the next and if one person touched the ground everyone went back to the start. It took a while for us to complete the activity.
Our last bush activity was two ropes tied off the ground between two trees, they spread further apart as you went along them. You and a partner had to slowly walk out as far as you could go balancing one another.
We walked back to the fire pit and made “s'mores.”
Most Memorable Moment (MMM) - Walking on the ropes with my partner.
October 2: School Day
- By COTW Ambassador Baylee
Today was my birthday! Yay! In the morning we went to school with 2 boxes of donuts. I did my presentation in front of some classes and I answered questions about New Zealand. There were some funny questions like, do you have TV and did you get trained to sit on the plane for that long? They were pretty cute.
At lunch time people sang happy birthday to me and also we got to eat the donuts. After lunch we went to science as well as Spanish and in Spanish the teacher spoke fluent Spanish so I didn't understand very much of what she was saying. After school we went to Kat and Dayna's house and played Wii then we went out for dinner - It was a great birthday!
- By COTW Ambassador Baylee
Today was my birthday! Yay! In the morning we went to school with 2 boxes of donuts. I did my presentation in front of some classes and I answered questions about New Zealand. There were some funny questions like, do you have TV and did you get trained to sit on the plane for that long? They were pretty cute.
At lunch time people sang happy birthday to me and also we got to eat the donuts. After lunch we went to science as well as Spanish and in Spanish the teacher spoke fluent Spanish so I didn't understand very much of what she was saying. After school we went to Kat and Dayna's house and played Wii then we went out for dinner - It was a great birthday!
September 30: Seattle Overnight
- By COTW Ambassador Kirsten
I woke up at 6.45 so that we could meet to catch the train at 7.30am. Once on the train, we travelled to Seattle. For breakfast we went to the Grand Central Café. I had a blueberry muffin - yum!
After that, the day really got started. We were off to the Underground Tour where I learned a lot about what went on in Seattle after it was first established. Next we went to Pike Place Market and the Pacific Science Center where we got to look around and have a go at some of the hands on activities. We also went on the Great Wheel, had lunch at Ivar's and visited the gum wall, we even got to stick some gum on the wall. It was yucky but very cool.
For dinner we went to GameWorks where we got to have some time playing arcade games after having tacos for dinner. After dinner, we went up the Space Needle and could see some of the places we had been at during the day. At the Space Needle we looked at the gift shop before heading back to our hotel for the night.
- By COTW Ambassador Kirsten
I woke up at 6.45 so that we could meet to catch the train at 7.30am. Once on the train, we travelled to Seattle. For breakfast we went to the Grand Central Café. I had a blueberry muffin - yum!
After that, the day really got started. We were off to the Underground Tour where I learned a lot about what went on in Seattle after it was first established. Next we went to Pike Place Market and the Pacific Science Center where we got to look around and have a go at some of the hands on activities. We also went on the Great Wheel, had lunch at Ivar's and visited the gum wall, we even got to stick some gum on the wall. It was yucky but very cool.
For dinner we went to GameWorks where we got to have some time playing arcade games after having tacos for dinner. After dinner, we went up the Space Needle and could see some of the places we had been at during the day. At the Space Needle we looked at the gift shop before heading back to our hotel for the night.
September 27: Browns Point Elementary Assembly, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
- By COTW Ambassador Ben
Today we met at Meeker in room 201. This time our hosts stayed with us. We had the flag salute and a quiz about the day before. Then we went to Browns Point Elementary School and did our performances.
We went to the Point Defiance Zoo. We spilt into groups of six kids and one or two adults. We looked at fish, sharks, tigers , elephants and so many more animals. I got to touch an armadillo. It felt weird. We headed to Meeker and went home.
My host family took me to indoor skydiving. My heart raced as I fell forward trusting a complete stranger. The air whizzed past my body lifting me up. I was flying!
- By COTW Ambassador Ben
Today we met at Meeker in room 201. This time our hosts stayed with us. We had the flag salute and a quiz about the day before. Then we went to Browns Point Elementary School and did our performances.
We went to the Point Defiance Zoo. We spilt into groups of six kids and one or two adults. We looked at fish, sharks, tigers , elephants and so many more animals. I got to touch an armadillo. It felt weird. We headed to Meeker and went home.
My host family took me to indoor skydiving. My heart raced as I fell forward trusting a complete stranger. The air whizzed past my body lifting me up. I was flying!
September 26: Pioneer Farm Museum, Northwest Trek, Stadium High School
- BY COTW Ambassador Kieran
Today I got up at 6.30 an had the usual cereal for breakfast and got ready for the day. We had our quiz from yesterday about Washington capitol I got a prize for answering how many counties there are in Washington which is 39. We then set off on our field trip! After an hour's drive we got to experience the life of a Pioneer. We got to try many things like grinding coffee beans, pioneer shaving, dressing up, milking a cow, picking up chickens, cutting wood, going to pioneer school and even riding a carriage pulled by a horse!
After we did all this cook stuff we were off to Northwest Trek. We had lunch here and then got to look at some enclosures. We looked at 2 Bobcat enclosures and a Cougar (Go Cougs!) enclosure. These were very cool to see. We then walked to the tram where we went on a tram tour of the area.
They had a fence around here so no predators can get in. We saw heaps of cool animals here like Bison (one of which was only a metre from the tram) deer, elk, geese, moose and much more. We looked at bear enclosure and saw Grizzly and Black bears. We also saw a squirrel and the biggest slug I'd ever seen. The slug was probably 10cm long.
After the Northwest Trek we went to Stadium High School which was really huge! It was like a castle both in size and design (at least on the outside) and had its own football stadium, not to mention an indoor swimming pool, theatre, gym, library and many other awesome things.
After the High School we went back to Meeker and from Meeker back to our host families. At night I got Booed for the first time. Booing is where you have to sneak to someone's house and leave sweets at their doorstep and sneak way. What a fun day!
- BY COTW Ambassador Kieran
Today I got up at 6.30 an had the usual cereal for breakfast and got ready for the day. We had our quiz from yesterday about Washington capitol I got a prize for answering how many counties there are in Washington which is 39. We then set off on our field trip! After an hour's drive we got to experience the life of a Pioneer. We got to try many things like grinding coffee beans, pioneer shaving, dressing up, milking a cow, picking up chickens, cutting wood, going to pioneer school and even riding a carriage pulled by a horse!
After we did all this cook stuff we were off to Northwest Trek. We had lunch here and then got to look at some enclosures. We looked at 2 Bobcat enclosures and a Cougar (Go Cougs!) enclosure. These were very cool to see. We then walked to the tram where we went on a tram tour of the area.
They had a fence around here so no predators can get in. We saw heaps of cool animals here like Bison (one of which was only a metre from the tram) deer, elk, geese, moose and much more. We looked at bear enclosure and saw Grizzly and Black bears. We also saw a squirrel and the biggest slug I'd ever seen. The slug was probably 10cm long.
After the Northwest Trek we went to Stadium High School which was really huge! It was like a castle both in size and design (at least on the outside) and had its own football stadium, not to mention an indoor swimming pool, theatre, gym, library and many other awesome things.
After the High School we went back to Meeker and from Meeker back to our host families. At night I got Booed for the first time. Booing is where you have to sneak to someone's house and leave sweets at their doorstep and sneak way. What a fun day!
September 20: Disney in the Morning, Tacoma in the Evening...
- By COTW Ambassador Renee
We got another rush hour this morning because we forgot to turn our alarm clock on so we ended up sleeping in till 8.10 am and we were supposed to be at the meeting place between 8.15-8.30 so it was chaos.
But this morning we went to Goofy's Kitchen for brunch and that was amazing, it was an all you can eat buffet plus some characters came to meet us including Chip, Dale, Goofy, the Fairy Godmother, Mad Hatter etc.
I meet my host and her family in person tonight! I am so excited!
When we got home.... I got to know them a bit more....then straight to sleep I couldn't believe I was so tired! But I guess we had been busy in L.A. so that tired me out.
- By COTW Ambassador Renee
We got another rush hour this morning because we forgot to turn our alarm clock on so we ended up sleeping in till 8.10 am and we were supposed to be at the meeting place between 8.15-8.30 so it was chaos.
But this morning we went to Goofy's Kitchen for brunch and that was amazing, it was an all you can eat buffet plus some characters came to meet us including Chip, Dale, Goofy, the Fairy Godmother, Mad Hatter etc.
I meet my host and her family in person tonight! I am so excited!
When we got home.... I got to know them a bit more....then straight to sleep I couldn't believe I was so tired! But I guess we had been busy in L.A. so that tired me out.
September 24: Meeker Welcome Assembly, Crescent Heights Elementary Assembly, Great Wolf Lodge
- By COTW Ambassador Megan
This morning we had our Meeker welcome assembly, the Meeker kids sang our national anthem so well!!! We also visited Crescent Heights Elementary this morning.
At the Meeker assembly my host Claire and I did the teddy bear exchange because she is coming over in February. At the Crescent Heights assembly one of the kids asked if we ate chicken and had Internet. They were so cute.
After assemblies we headed off to do some shopping in an outlet mall. We also had Quiznos for lunch there. Quiznos is like Subway but better. After lunch we headed off to Great Wolf Lodge, it is a water theme park inside a hotel, there were lots of scary rides to go on including a water slide with a drop into a tornado bowl. As well as water activities there is an arcade, shops and a spa to get your nails done.
- By COTW Ambassador Megan
This morning we had our Meeker welcome assembly, the Meeker kids sang our national anthem so well!!! We also visited Crescent Heights Elementary this morning.
At the Meeker assembly my host Claire and I did the teddy bear exchange because she is coming over in February. At the Crescent Heights assembly one of the kids asked if we ate chicken and had Internet. They were so cute.
After assemblies we headed off to do some shopping in an outlet mall. We also had Quiznos for lunch there. Quiznos is like Subway but better. After lunch we headed off to Great Wolf Lodge, it is a water theme park inside a hotel, there were lots of scary rides to go on including a water slide with a drop into a tornado bowl. As well as water activities there is an arcade, shops and a spa to get your nails done.
September 23: SkyMania and WhirlyBall
- By COTW Ambassador Nepia
A nice 6:30 AM wake up call for school , I tried oatmeal today it wasn't too bad, Angelo and I caught the bus to school, I love the yellow school buses! The first stop was SkyMania, a place with wall to wall trampolines!!! I loved it!! I could do flips and all dunks into a basketball hoop!
For lunch we stopped in to Buca di Beppo, on offer was spaghetti, chicken marinara and Alfredo served alongside bread, and a garden salad. My favourite part of the meal was the chicken marinara.
To continue the fun we spent the afternoon playing WhirlyBall! It is a game consisting of two teams travelling around a court in bumper cars, holding a long handled net catcher. To score a go you have to catch the ball in your net and fire it at a board which is a similar height to a basketball hoop. The challenge is avoiding being bumped into!!!
A huge, fun filled day!!!!
- By COTW Ambassador Nepia
A nice 6:30 AM wake up call for school , I tried oatmeal today it wasn't too bad, Angelo and I caught the bus to school, I love the yellow school buses! The first stop was SkyMania, a place with wall to wall trampolines!!! I loved it!! I could do flips and all dunks into a basketball hoop!
For lunch we stopped in to Buca di Beppo, on offer was spaghetti, chicken marinara and Alfredo served alongside bread, and a garden salad. My favourite part of the meal was the chicken marinara.
To continue the fun we spent the afternoon playing WhirlyBall! It is a game consisting of two teams travelling around a court in bumper cars, holding a long handled net catcher. To score a go you have to catch the ball in your net and fire it at a board which is a similar height to a basketball hoop. The challenge is avoiding being bumped into!!!
A huge, fun filled day!!!!
September 19: Los Angeles and Hollywood Tour
- By COTW Ambassador Will
Today we went on a city tour of LA. We drove through and past some awesome sights, such as the Olympic Stadium, the oldest street in LA, the markets and Hollywood. We had lunch at the Farmers Market in our chaperone groups. We went to Hollywood and walked along the stars. There were some random people dressed up in costumes ready to have their photo taken with you. Our teachers told us not to get our photos with them because they expect a tip.
As we made our way home, we stopped at Venice Beach. They had 3 basketball courts and a heap of shops. After a long drive in LA traffic we went swimming for an hour then went to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and we ate dinner at the House of Blues.
- By COTW Ambassador Will
Today we went on a city tour of LA. We drove through and past some awesome sights, such as the Olympic Stadium, the oldest street in LA, the markets and Hollywood. We had lunch at the Farmers Market in our chaperone groups. We went to Hollywood and walked along the stars. There were some random people dressed up in costumes ready to have their photo taken with you. Our teachers told us not to get our photos with them because they expect a tip.
As we made our way home, we stopped at Venice Beach. They had 3 basketball courts and a heap of shops. After a long drive in LA traffic we went swimming for an hour then went to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and we ate dinner at the House of Blues.
September 18: Disney California Adventure
- By COTW Ambassador Faith
Wow! Yay we are finally at California Adventure park!
I was filled with excitement. I had nerves rushing down my spine. I didn’t know what to think.
The first ride we went on was so amazing! It felt so real! (It was called Soarin' Over California).
The scariest ride was definitely the “Tower of Terror”. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. It went down so fast I couldn’t catch my breath.
The Cars ride “Radiator Springs Racers" was the coolest ride ever. It was fantastic.
I was so amazed by all the rides.
At the Grizzly Bear Park we went on this water ride and Miss Grice and Miss Wilson could not stop laughing.
After our amazing day at California Adventure there was this fabulous water colour show and it showed a ton of Walt Disney Movies.
Most Memorable Moment:
I had the most amazing day ever. I don’t think there was one particular thing or ride that stood out from all the cool rides.
- By COTW Ambassador Faith
Wow! Yay we are finally at California Adventure park!
I was filled with excitement. I had nerves rushing down my spine. I didn’t know what to think.
The first ride we went on was so amazing! It felt so real! (It was called Soarin' Over California).
The scariest ride was definitely the “Tower of Terror”. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. It went down so fast I couldn’t catch my breath.
The Cars ride “Radiator Springs Racers" was the coolest ride ever. It was fantastic.
I was so amazed by all the rides.
At the Grizzly Bear Park we went on this water ride and Miss Grice and Miss Wilson could not stop laughing.
After our amazing day at California Adventure there was this fabulous water colour show and it showed a ton of Walt Disney Movies.
Most Memorable Moment:
I had the most amazing day ever. I don’t think there was one particular thing or ride that stood out from all the cool rides.
September 17: Disneyland
- By COTW Ambassador Aisling
Today was the day we went to Disneyland. I've been excited about this ever since I found out I was coming. The first ride we went on today was Indiana Jones then we went on Splash Mountain. Indiana Jones was my favourite. Another of my favourite rides was the Buzz Lightyear ride - we sat on a mini cart that spun around and we shot at the targets. Disneyland also had heaps of awesome shops - my favourite one was the magic shop. The magician showed us some unreal tricks. I also spent a little too much money buying badges as a souvenir after all the rides.
After a long day we sat down and ate some (massive) ice creams, before walking to Rainforest Café for dinner. When we got there the first thing I saw was 3 big fish tanks with pretty colored fish in them including a unicorn fish. Then we ate, the food was yummy and filling. Over all it was an awesome day!
- By COTW Ambassador Aisling
Today was the day we went to Disneyland. I've been excited about this ever since I found out I was coming. The first ride we went on today was Indiana Jones then we went on Splash Mountain. Indiana Jones was my favourite. Another of my favourite rides was the Buzz Lightyear ride - we sat on a mini cart that spun around and we shot at the targets. Disneyland also had heaps of awesome shops - my favourite one was the magic shop. The magician showed us some unreal tricks. I also spent a little too much money buying badges as a souvenir after all the rides.
After a long day we sat down and ate some (massive) ice creams, before walking to Rainforest Café for dinner. When we got there the first thing I saw was 3 big fish tanks with pretty colored fish in them including a unicorn fish. Then we ate, the food was yummy and filling. Over all it was an awesome day!
September 15: Universal Studios
- By COTW Ambassador Tate
Woke up, showered and we were down for breakfast at 7.15. We traveled by bus to Universal Studios. It was very hot! We got photos by the Universal Studios globe. When we got to the entrance a man asked us what the World's Fastest Indian was.
When we got through the gate there was an extraordinary sight of shops, props and mannequins. We picked up our front of line passes and walked to the escalators. First we packed our bags into lockers and went to our first ride - the Mummy. One person was scared but still went on the ride. We hopped in our seats and it went really fast froward and then backwards. Next we went to Transformers - it was the best ride ever! The last ride as a group was Jurassic Park and we knew we were going to get wet but we didn't know we were going to get drenched! It was worth it even though we got soaked.
We split into our chaperone groups to have lunch and do other activities. We had some free time in groups of three to do whatever we wanted and we met back up at 4 pm. We went out to look through CityWalk where most people were fascinated in the sock shop. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. We had a starter, main and dessert - it was YUM!
We caught the bus back to the hotel and spent some time swimming and watched the fireworks. We all got a hot chocolate as a treat because Miss Wilson said we were FANTASTIC!
- By COTW Ambassador Tate
Woke up, showered and we were down for breakfast at 7.15. We traveled by bus to Universal Studios. It was very hot! We got photos by the Universal Studios globe. When we got to the entrance a man asked us what the World's Fastest Indian was.
When we got through the gate there was an extraordinary sight of shops, props and mannequins. We picked up our front of line passes and walked to the escalators. First we packed our bags into lockers and went to our first ride - the Mummy. One person was scared but still went on the ride. We hopped in our seats and it went really fast froward and then backwards. Next we went to Transformers - it was the best ride ever! The last ride as a group was Jurassic Park and we knew we were going to get wet but we didn't know we were going to get drenched! It was worth it even though we got soaked.
We split into our chaperone groups to have lunch and do other activities. We had some free time in groups of three to do whatever we wanted and we met back up at 4 pm. We went out to look through CityWalk where most people were fascinated in the sock shop. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. We had a starter, main and dessert - it was YUM!
We caught the bus back to the hotel and spent some time swimming and watched the fireworks. We all got a hot chocolate as a treat because Miss Wilson said we were FANTASTIC!
September 14: Arrival Day
- By COTW Ambassador Dayna
Today we landed in Los Angeles at 12:45 pm. I managed to sleep for three hours on the plane which was better than most people. The LA airport was massive and almost like a city itself. When we were leaving we saw the LAX sign and it was really hot. 32 degrees. We arrived at our hotel, the Howard Johnson, about an hour later. It is really clean and big, we got changed and settled into our rooms and then headed to McDonald's for lunch. Most people had burgers but I had chicken nuggets.
I am so excited to be in America and face the challenges and experiences this place has to offer. I enjoyed relaxing in my room with Ranui, It is awesome with air conditioning. Tonight we also got to watch the Disneyland fireworks they were so loud and amazing. Everyone is close together in the hotel. It is a fantastic experience staying in rooms of our own. We have cards to unlock the doors and have to be careful not to lose them. I can't wait to go to Universal Studios tomorrow and see the rides and studio tour. Goodnight all!
- By COTW Ambassador Dayna
Today we landed in Los Angeles at 12:45 pm. I managed to sleep for three hours on the plane which was better than most people. The LA airport was massive and almost like a city itself. When we were leaving we saw the LAX sign and it was really hot. 32 degrees. We arrived at our hotel, the Howard Johnson, about an hour later. It is really clean and big, we got changed and settled into our rooms and then headed to McDonald's for lunch. Most people had burgers but I had chicken nuggets.
I am so excited to be in America and face the challenges and experiences this place has to offer. I enjoyed relaxing in my room with Ranui, It is awesome with air conditioning. Tonight we also got to watch the Disneyland fireworks they were so loud and amazing. Everyone is close together in the hotel. It is a fantastic experience staying in rooms of our own. We have cards to unlock the doors and have to be careful not to lose them. I can't wait to go to Universal Studios tomorrow and see the rides and studio tour. Goodnight all!
