Kiwi Visit 2014 - Blog
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The COTW Ambassadors keep a journal during the stay in the USA The adults select an ambassador's entry to share each day, and the webhost adds links to the text and posts it as a web log. |
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29 September - School Day
- By COTW Ambassador Gemma
Today I went to school with Emiley. It was really different because she had six class periods and so doesn't have one home room teacher like JHC.
First period we had PE - I watched instead of doing the activities. Then we went to advisory, which doesn't count as a period, but advisory only happens on Monday. After advisory it was second period and we had choir. Kaytlin and I shared our speeches and PowerPoint. We also shared our speeches in in fifth period, which was history class.
Lunch is after fourth period and lunch only goes for 30 minutes. Meeker does not have a rec shed. Students can go out in front of the school. Unlike us, we can go everywhere at lunch time.
After school we came home and had a snack. We met the rest of the ambassadors and host students at laser tag. It was really fun. Then we had pizza for tea. After laser tag we went on FB to say Happy Birthday to my sister because it is her birthday in NZ today!
Most Memorable Moment: Getting to see what Emiley's school was like. And playing laser tag. And wishing my sister a happy birthday!
- By COTW Ambassador Gemma
Today I went to school with Emiley. It was really different because she had six class periods and so doesn't have one home room teacher like JHC.
First period we had PE - I watched instead of doing the activities. Then we went to advisory, which doesn't count as a period, but advisory only happens on Monday. After advisory it was second period and we had choir. Kaytlin and I shared our speeches and PowerPoint. We also shared our speeches in in fifth period, which was history class.
Lunch is after fourth period and lunch only goes for 30 minutes. Meeker does not have a rec shed. Students can go out in front of the school. Unlike us, we can go everywhere at lunch time.
After school we came home and had a snack. We met the rest of the ambassadors and host students at laser tag. It was really fun. Then we had pizza for tea. After laser tag we went on FB to say Happy Birthday to my sister because it is her birthday in NZ today!
Most Memorable Moment: Getting to see what Emiley's school was like. And playing laser tag. And wishing my sister a happy birthday!
26 September - Aerial Adventures
- By COTW Ambassador Ruby
Today we went to Adventura ropes course. When we arrived at the course we played lots of different games on the ground. One of them was trying to get as many balls as we could down the the buckets using pipes. After we finished playing the games we learned how to correctly put on our harness and attach the carabiners to the ropes.
After that we climbed up the net to get up on the course and we did all the obstacles. Once we were done we had lunch and jumped in the cars and drove back.
- By COTW Ambassador Ruby
Today we went to Adventura ropes course. When we arrived at the course we played lots of different games on the ground. One of them was trying to get as many balls as we could down the the buckets using pipes. After we finished playing the games we learned how to correctly put on our harness and attach the carabiners to the ropes.
After that we climbed up the net to get up on the course and we did all the obstacles. Once we were done we had lunch and jumped in the cars and drove back.
24 September - Northeast Tacoma Elementary, Capitol Tour in Olympia, Great Wolf Lodge
- By COTW Ambassador Kayla
This morning I woke up and made sure everything was packed. Once everything was done we met at Meeker, and then we drove to Northeast Tacoma Elementary. We performed our Kapa Haka, answered some questions and taught the kids some of the Haka. They were actually really good! We also visited some classrooms.
After that we drove to Olympia and the Washington State Capitol We had a tour around the Governor's mansion and the capitol.
Then we went to the Great Wolf Lodge, and once we were all ready we got into our togs and went to the WATERPARK! It was so fun! There was a ride where you went on a raft in tubes and go down a drop into a huge funnel shape thing. I went on it with Danielle, Sophie, and Savanya. It was my favourite.
Most Memorable Moment: The water rides were really fun.
- By COTW Ambassador Kayla
This morning I woke up and made sure everything was packed. Once everything was done we met at Meeker, and then we drove to Northeast Tacoma Elementary. We performed our Kapa Haka, answered some questions and taught the kids some of the Haka. They were actually really good! We also visited some classrooms.
After that we drove to Olympia and the Washington State Capitol We had a tour around the Governor's mansion and the capitol.
Then we went to the Great Wolf Lodge, and once we were all ready we got into our togs and went to the WATERPARK! It was so fun! There was a ride where you went on a raft in tubes and go down a drop into a huge funnel shape thing. I went on it with Danielle, Sophie, and Savanya. It was my favourite.
Most Memorable Moment: The water rides were really fun.
23 September - Seattle
- By COTW Ambassador Kayla
This morning, Jack's host mum, Jack, Me, Jo, Sophie and Ruby went to meet everyone at the train station. We all go on and then the train arrived in Seattle.
Once we got there we walked to the Pike Place Market, and went to the gum wall first. I put gum on the wall. Then we went to the market, I could really smell the fish.
Then we went to the Ride the Ducks, I got a cool beak thing that makes a noise. Then we went to the aquarium. There were really cool fish and mammals there. Then we went on the Seattle Wheel. It was very interesting but too short!
Most Memorable Moment: Ride the Ducks - I enjoyed learning things from the Captain.
- By COTW Ambassador Kayla
This morning, Jack's host mum, Jack, Me, Jo, Sophie and Ruby went to meet everyone at the train station. We all go on and then the train arrived in Seattle.
Once we got there we walked to the Pike Place Market, and went to the gum wall first. I put gum on the wall. Then we went to the market, I could really smell the fish.
Then we went to the Ride the Ducks, I got a cool beak thing that makes a noise. Then we went to the aquarium. There were really cool fish and mammals there. Then we went on the Seattle Wheel. It was very interesting but too short!
Most Memorable Moment: Ride the Ducks - I enjoyed learning things from the Captain.
22 September - Meeker Welcome Assembly, WhirlyBall, iFLY
- By COTW Ambassador Danielle
Today we went to Meeker Middle School and we did our performance in front of the grade 7's and 8's. I was a little nervous - I wanted to do well in front of the Americans.
After that we went to WhirlyBall, and then lunch at this Italian food. It was quite nice! We then went to iFLY and it was so much fun. We went to the very top of the roof.
Most Memorable Moment: Going to the very top of the iFLY. It was very fun.
- By COTW Ambassador Danielle
Today we went to Meeker Middle School and we did our performance in front of the grade 7's and 8's. I was a little nervous - I wanted to do well in front of the Americans.
After that we went to WhirlyBall, and then lunch at this Italian food. It was quite nice! We then went to iFLY and it was so much fun. We went to the very top of the roof.
Most Memorable Moment: Going to the very top of the iFLY. It was very fun.
19 September - Los Angeles to Seattle
- By COTW Ambassador Laura
In the morning we went to Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. After breakfast, we got into a group of three. My group went to the Disney shop. I finally bought something. I bought a onesie for my sister's baby.
Then we met up with the others and walked back to the hotel. We packed our bag and put then in a storage room. We got to spend a llittle more time in the pool. After we got dressed, it was time to go. We got to the airport, got checked in, then got some lunch. At 4:50 PM we left LA and went to Seattle!
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing my host family!
- By COTW Ambassador Laura
In the morning we went to Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. After breakfast, we got into a group of three. My group went to the Disney shop. I finally bought something. I bought a onesie for my sister's baby.
Then we met up with the others and walked back to the hotel. We packed our bag and put then in a storage room. We got to spend a llittle more time in the pool. After we got dressed, it was time to go. We got to the airport, got checked in, then got some lunch. At 4:50 PM we left LA and went to Seattle!
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing my host family!
18 Septembe - LA City Tour / Downtown Disney
- By COTW Ambassador Libby
Today was my birthday! I turned 13!
We went on a tour of Los Angeles on a bus and we got out at Olvera Street. I bought a dream catcher. We went to Hollywood! It was really busy.
When we came back, we stayed at the hotel and I was in Kiisharn's room with Gemma and Kaitlyn. For tea we went to a restaurant and I got chips and then I had a REALLY nice brownie that was triple chocolate. Then it was back to the hotel and starting to pack for tomorrow.
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing the HOLLYWOOD sign!
- By COTW Ambassador Libby
Today was my birthday! I turned 13!
We went on a tour of Los Angeles on a bus and we got out at Olvera Street. I bought a dream catcher. We went to Hollywood! It was really busy.
When we came back, we stayed at the hotel and I was in Kiisharn's room with Gemma and Kaitlyn. For tea we went to a restaurant and I got chips and then I had a REALLY nice brownie that was triple chocolate. Then it was back to the hotel and starting to pack for tomorrow.
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing the HOLLYWOOD sign!
17 September - California Adventure
- By COTW Ambassador Sophie
Today was awesome! I went on the ride California Screamin' that I have wanted to do for ages, We all also went on Soarin' Over California, the Monsters Inc. one and my fave, the Hollywood Tower!
We didn't get a lot done, but it was cool! For tea, we went to Denny's and me and Kayla for mozzarella stick and fries. YUM!
Most Memorable Moment: Hollywood Tower ride.
- By COTW Ambassador Sophie
Today was awesome! I went on the ride California Screamin' that I have wanted to do for ages, We all also went on Soarin' Over California, the Monsters Inc. one and my fave, the Hollywood Tower!
We didn't get a lot done, but it was cool! For tea, we went to Denny's and me and Kayla for mozzarella stick and fries. YUM!
Most Memorable Moment: Hollywood Tower ride.
16 September - Disneyland
- By COTW Ambassador Emily
It was so cool going to Disneyland for the first time. I saw Goofy but I didn't talk to him, which I regret. As a group, we went on Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion.
We split into our chaperone groups and did some more rides and had ice cream. I bought hand lotion, I made a teddy and bought it clothes, a necklace, and a bracelet pack. Ms. Bradshaw bought the group Mickey Mouse hats and got our names embroidered on the back.
I also got a strawberry smoothie and bought a Starbucks mug!
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing Goofy and seeing how different Disneyland is compared to what is shown on TV.
- By COTW Ambassador Emily
It was so cool going to Disneyland for the first time. I saw Goofy but I didn't talk to him, which I regret. As a group, we went on Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion.
We split into our chaperone groups and did some more rides and had ice cream. I bought hand lotion, I made a teddy and bought it clothes, a necklace, and a bracelet pack. Ms. Bradshaw bought the group Mickey Mouse hats and got our names embroidered on the back.
I also got a strawberry smoothie and bought a Starbucks mug!
Most Memorable Moment: Seeing Goofy and seeing how different Disneyland is compared to what is shown on TV.
15 September - Knott's Berry Farm and Medieval Times
- By COTW Ambassador Kiisharn
So today we went to Knott's Berry Farm and Medieval Times and it was amazing!
There were so many big roller coasters and awesome rides!! My favourite ride was definitely... just kidding I can't choose! I didn't think I would like the high roller coasters, but they were so much fun!
I love Knott's Berry Farm and Medieval Times!
Most Memorable Moment: When the person at Medieval Times won the tournament and he was the Green Knight, who we were supporting.
- By COTW Ambassador Kiisharn
So today we went to Knott's Berry Farm and Medieval Times and it was amazing!
There were so many big roller coasters and awesome rides!! My favourite ride was definitely... just kidding I can't choose! I didn't think I would like the high roller coasters, but they were so much fun!
I love Knott's Berry Farm and Medieval Times!
Most Memorable Moment: When the person at Medieval Times won the tournament and he was the Green Knight, who we were supporting.
14 September - Universal Studios
- By COTW Ambassador Jack
Today was the (Editor's note: it used to say "best" here, but Jack has lined that out and replaced it with "second.") day ever!!! We went to Universal Studios. We first went to the Simpsons ride which was fun. My Dad was laughing his head off. Then we went to the Revenge of the Mummy which was all right, but then we looked at the photos and I was blinking.
After we did that we went to Transformers where Bumblebee and Optimus Prime were standing outside. When we went inside it looked like it was a real military base. When walking inside it was like someone would jump out at you. The ride was 3D and it was my second favourite thing to do.
Then we went to Jurassic Park where we did a boat ride. I was in the front and we got soaking. After, we had lunch at the Jurassic Cafe. Then we did the tram tour around Universal Studios, seeing where "The Voice" is held.
- By COTW Ambassador Jack
Today was the (Editor's note: it used to say "best" here, but Jack has lined that out and replaced it with "second.") day ever!!! We went to Universal Studios. We first went to the Simpsons ride which was fun. My Dad was laughing his head off. Then we went to the Revenge of the Mummy which was all right, but then we looked at the photos and I was blinking.
After we did that we went to Transformers where Bumblebee and Optimus Prime were standing outside. When we went inside it looked like it was a real military base. When walking inside it was like someone would jump out at you. The ride was 3D and it was my second favourite thing to do.
Then we went to Jurassic Park where we did a boat ride. I was in the front and we got soaking. After, we had lunch at the Jurassic Cafe. Then we did the tram tour around Universal Studios, seeing where "The Voice" is held.
13 September - Arriving in Los Angeles
- By COTW Ambassador Liam
Today we continued with our journey to L.A. We got through about nine hours of movies and games as well as the occasional snooze. When our flight landed we drove to the Howard Johnson hotel before leaving for lunch.
After lunch we jumped in the pool and swam around for a couple of hours. After the swim we watched some amazing Disney fireworks before heading to bed.
- By COTW Ambassador Liam
Today we continued with our journey to L.A. We got through about nine hours of movies and games as well as the occasional snooze. When our flight landed we drove to the Howard Johnson hotel before leaving for lunch.
After lunch we jumped in the pool and swam around for a couple of hours. After the swim we watched some amazing Disney fireworks before heading to bed.
