paiging_jen

Another thing to think about with the family's "calmness"...they had obviously already been through the full gamut of emotions with his injuries in the war and subsequent rehab. I'm not saying that it's ever easy to say goodbye when someone dies, but they have been through hell and back emotionally already I am sure. That may play a factor in how "calm and collected" they appear in the interview. Just a thought from someone who watched a grandparent basically die twice due to Alzheimer's....once with the loss of all memory and then finally succumbing to the disease.

Reamining? Great report, as always.

What a horribly sad story.

I'm going to have to disagree with this comment. This coaster, as well as the Grover coasters at BGW and BGT are amazing from the female perspective!

That's the new Animal Care and Nutrition Center they are building. BG Animal Care Center

Looking forward to the pictures and I must say Griffon's crew is one of the best I've seen in my travels from the last couple of years, even on multiple visits to BGW. Efficient beyond words! I wish Tampa would take note.

My cat hissed at me tonight when I picked him up. It happens. And I'm sure the cats are still adjusting to their surroundings. I still enjoy seeing their natural instincts come out with things like hissing, charging babies in the windows (which I witnessed the day Cheetah Hunt opened), etc. Can't take the wild out of the animals!

Amazing! I can only imagine what that tour must have been like, even in a language you do not speak. Italy is number one on my places to visit, and it's for things like this. I just can't even imagine walking down the street and seeing the Colosseum. When I finally get there I'm sure I'll have tears in my eyes just standing in that place. Thanks so much for sharing!

Even though I grew up about 30 minutes from Disney, I have no real help for you there. But, in regards to your free day in Tampa I have a few suggestions. One big suggestion would be the new Salvador Dali museum which is just across the bay in St. Petersburg. It's very easy to get to and is definitely something to see, even if just the building alone. Plus it's one of the largest collections of Dali works anywhere, including most of the famous pieces (Dali Museum website). It's also right on the bay, a block or 2 away from the Pier and downtown which has some pretty decent restaurants. You could probably spend a couple of hours in the museum and be good. They do have docent tours as well as self guided audio tours which are included with admission. That time of year shouldn't be too horribly crowded. As far as the Tampa area itself, there is the Florida Aquarium if you like that sort of thing. It's not the biggest or best aquarium but it's still nicely done and is geared towards Florida waters. It's down near the port and they have added a lot of shops and restaurants to the area. You could also check out Ybor which isn't too far away from the port. If you went to Ybor I'd highly recommend eating at The Columbia. It's Florida's oldest restaurant and some seriously awesome Cuban food! And for something out of the ordinary but still fun, the Yuengling Brewery is extremely close to Busch Gardens and features tours with beer tasting at the end! Pretty interesting and free beer is always a bonus! Sounds like you've got the makings of an awesome trip! Enjoy! Here's the Dali Museum....simply awesome!

Deal. It really is awesome!

Time to pop another bag of popcorn to watch more fun in this thread!

^Very well done.

Awesome....let the complaining about arm guards begin!

^That's actually not a bad little tour if you like beer. And the free samples at the end is icing on the cake!

Well that makes Winter Haven sound like Satan's armpit. It's not glorious but it's not that bad. The park isn't even anywhere close to the "ghetto" area of town. And coming from Tampa or Orlando, you barely have to go through much of town to get to the park, just saying.

Ummm. Wow. There are no words for some of those pictures.

^Sadly didn't make it up to Virginia last weekend. Saving up extra cash for the NE Trip.

^Probably helps that every seat is full and it's not on the shore of a Great Lake with different wind patterns, but sure, it's automatically better.

Loving the updates and really enjoyed seeing a video of the enclosed water ride! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip.

These pictures are absolutely beautiful!

That is specrapular! Best bag of crap I've ever seen!

If TPR Italy happens, I'm there in a heartbeat.

The theming looks great, especially the supports. I'm really looking forward to riding this on the NE trip!

QFT

Boardwalk Bullet.