Day 13 and 14: Pictures

Vernal Falls

Goodbye and Thank you

I really need to say thank you to all of you guys. Ruby, Caroline, Maria, Ela, Jasmin, Birdie, McKiwi, Phinn, Lorelai, Crazyhorse and el presidente: you guys were the best company anyone could wish for. I'm really happy we all got together in this group. I had so much fun during these two weeks and I bet I'm not the only one wishing today was Sep. 4! I really hope we'll meet again.

Our smelly-group probably would have sucked though if we hadn't had Mike. It was either him making suggestions to pack this trip with even more great adventures or us throwing our spontaneous wishes at him. But he was just always super flexible and super patient with us. Thank you Mike!

I think during the next few days every one of us will appreciate beds, showers and clean dishes even more. And when we get to the point to take these for granted again, it will be time for the next adventure!

I hope you guys have a good time getting back home!

Rayla

Day 14: Yosemite National Park

You can't say you've seen Yosemite National Park if you haven't at least done one of the hikes. Today's goal is to make it up to Vernal Falls. If you do this hike during the months of the snow melting, you will for sure get soaked. Now however, you can enjoy a nice mist when you get close enough to it. In the late afternoon we also give bear-hunting a shot, unfortunately though none of them are willing to be seen today. Or maybe they could just smell the fear inside the van. Treat of the day: Mike is cooking tonight, and although many wish they'd have milk instead of soda, I have to admit it was the best dinner during the entire trip. I think everyone goes to sleep with very mixed feelings: anticipating getting their bedrooms back, but sad that they'll not be sharing them with one another. 

Day 13: Yosemite National Park

The motto of the night: BE THE BEAR! On our ranger-lead night hike - no lights allowed except for whatever is provided by the moon - all of us are forced to trust the senses we usually neglect in favor of our sight. A few games of catch-the-prey-while-blindfolded proves that we can't even catch someone within the limits of a 2 meter circle. On top of that most of us also fail the scent-challenge: while our noses can't even detect a cup of coffee ... from a distance of 3 feet, any Yosemite black bear could smell it from 3 miles away. In face of these facts we should hesitate the next time we so willingly declare ourselves superior to animals. The truth is: we need to hide everything that has a smell - food, shampoo, chapstick - from these super- noses whereas the only reason we  know we even have all of this stuff is because we've seen it while checking our bags. 

Day 12: Pictures

"Devils Golf Course"

Day 11: Pictures

the Venetian

McKiwi, Maria (bottom), Birdie (middle), Phinn (top), Ella, Andrea and Jasmin

Day 10: Pictures

drinking game 101

Lorelai, Ruby, party bus driver "Monty", Birdie, Phinn and Werner (left to right)

Hotel "Paris"

Day 9: Pictures

Grand Canyon

McKiwi and Birdie becoming one with nature

Pizza Party at the edge of the Canyon

Day 12 - Death Valley

110 Degrees F, an evaporation rate of 100%, and nothing but mountains sand, salt and the occasional sign along lonely roads. You wouldn't believe the Valley of death offers any life in terms of water, but it does - it's just well hidden from the human eye, buried under thick layers of salt. At the valley's lowest point, you stand at 86 meters below sea level. And while we look forward to getting out of this hell of heat, there's actually animals that manage to survive in this environment. 

Day 11 - Las Vegas

Vegas - Round 2! Whoever said this city is boring during the day was wrong! Every major hotel is so extravagant, it's an attraction itself. Riding a gondola at the Venetian or watching the amazing fountains at the Bellagio - that's Vegas during the day, without the bright lights flooding your senses. After dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe we realize that 2 days in Vegas also call for 2 party buses. Good thing there's a few other suntrek groups in Vegas that are happy to take in some extra girls. With 32 people going crazy, the bus - even when not in motion - is bouncing back and forth. That's Vegas dreamin'! 

Day 10: Las Vegas

Do you think a city in the middle of nowhere is just about the most boring place you could end up in? Think again - think Vegas! After getting up at 5:30 to watch the sun rise over the Grand Canyon we head to the Capital of the Casinos. Not to mention how excited everyone is about staying at a hotel. After cooling off at the hotel pool we get ready to party Vegas Style. For tonight we have our very own nightclub - on wheels. In between stops at the Light Show and the famous Las Vegas sign, people fight for turns at the dancing pole. It's a wild night, but you know what they say: what happens in Vegas....

Day 9: Grand Canyon

It takes 12 hours to hike from the top of the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River and back up (you need to calculate twice as much time for the hike up as for the hike down). You'd need to carry at least 12 liters of water in order to avoid dehydration. It's highly recommended not to attempt this hike within one day due the stress your body suffers. Because the Grand Canyon is literally breathtaking! While Maria decides to go for a 7 hour hike, the rest of us take it easy. The path, which turns out to be wider than I'd imagined it to be, takes you down into the Canyon in zig-zags. Since we're in a National Park there are no railings meaning you walk right along the edge the entire time. The canyon offers many things to marvel at while hiking: rocks sticking out of the face of the Canyon looking like they might fall any minute; cacti blooming in the most beautiful colors and other never before seen plants; squirrels so used to tourists they'll just climb into your backpack and help themselves. The hike down is pretty relaxing and we only need about an hour to Cedar Ridge. The way up however is a real strain with the midday sun not making it any easier. In spite of many stops it only takes an hour and 15 min to get back up. Our feet covered in Canyon sand, which actually gives you quite the nice tan look, this is probably the shower that has been most looked forward to during this entire trip. Tonight's sunset we enjoy with a pizza party at the edge of the Canyon. Of course the thought of possibly falling any second is a little scary, but it's definitely worth the view. Afterwards we head to the sports bar for a football 101 and a game of bowling. 

Day 8: pictures

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London Bridge

Hackberry

Day 8: Route 66 - Grand Canyon

Today's drive fron Lake Havasu to the Grand Canyon would probably be pretty boring and uneventful if it wasn't for all the oddities we see along the way. In the state of Arizona you can for example find the original London Bridge, disassembled, shipped and reassembled for several million Dollars. Driving along historic Route 66 we stop in the town of Hackberry, whose entire population could just about fit into our van. At the 50's diner we stop afterwards you need to be prepared for all the ways you will be messed with. In the late afternoon we arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park. While Caroline, Ruby, Phinn, Mila, Ella, Birdie and Werner get to know the Canyon via helicopter ride, Jasmin, McKiwi, Lorelai, Maria and me get the Canyon introduction a la Mike. Making our way to the rim with paper bags over our heads, we don't get to see the Canyon right until we get to the edge of it. 

Day 6: Pictures

Joshua Tree National Park

Salvation Mountain

Day 7: Joshua Tree National Park - Lake Havasu

Today we're leaving California and head towards Arizona. We first stop at a Super-Walmart, which is like a combination of a grocery store, department store, pet store, pharmacy and body shop. After a year of being in the States the size of the store surprisingly doesn't even shock me anymore, but once I return home I'm sure I'll feel somewhat claustrophobic.   Afterwards we drive to Salvation Mountain, a huge art monument dedicated entirely to the Bible. It has been built by just one man, who has been living in his car in the middle of nowhere ever since his truck broke down in this exact spot a few decades ago. Today we also visit the first National Park during our trip: Joshua Tree. Dominated by these odd looking trees, which technically are flowers and only grow in this area and climate the orange tinted rock structures create a beautiful hiking spot. Tonight we set up camp at Lake Havasu. Most of us decide to go for a midnight swim - you can just float and enjoy a clear and beautiful view of the stary sky.

Day 6: San Diego

It's our second day in San Diego and we decide to split up, meaning some visit the world famous San Diego Zoo while others enjoy Balboa Park with it's various Museums (e.g. the Museum of Photographic Art) and beautiful gardens. It actually turns out to be our lucky day since Governor Schwarzenegger arrives at Balboa Park to sign Chelsea's law, putting sex offenders behind bars for a longer time.  It ends up being a very touching ceremony in memory of Chelsea King, whose death has sparked this bill. In the afternoon we enjoy the really nice weather at the beach and for many of us this is the first time swimming in the Pacific Ocean. For me it was about ten times the amount of waves and salt that I am used to. For tonight we actually managed to get tickets for the San Diego Padres vs the San Francisco Giants baseball game. 

Day 5: Pictures

San Diego sunset

USS Midway

Day 5: San Diego

As we're heading to San Diego, one of the richest cities in the U.S., we stop at "In and Out Burger" for lunch. Their burgers are so famous, people from all over the States drive across the entire country just to have one. Our San Diego  camp site is kind of spoiling us: not only do they have free showers (which we have come to really appreciate), but they also have a pool and a hottub. So all of us spend the afternoon relaxing in the hottub and sharing stories of our experiences as camp counselors, au pairs or just about our home countries. When travelling alone or with family this is definitely the part you'll miss out on. This kind of group travel allows you to meet all those people fron all over the world. Before heading to another secret place of Mike's we stop to see the USS Midway, an enormous aircraft carrier. It was sunny and hot today. Perfect Southern California weather.

Day 4: Pictures

Frisbee at Santa Monica beach

Walk of Fame

Day 3: Pictures

Mission church in Santa Barbara

Elephant seals

Day 4: Santa Monica - Beverly Hills - Hollywood - Venice Beach

Today we're touring L.A. meaning we get to see all these famous sights everybody knows from TV. After a morning stroll through downtown Santa Monica, we head to Beverly Hills to walk down Rodeo Drive, which has the most expensive stores that even require an appointment to shop. We continue to drive into Hollywood to see both the Walk of Fame and the handprints of famous celebrities. Thanks to our tour leader Mike, who knows all the secret places, we get as close to the Hollywood sign as possible for tourists. Afterwards we drive to Venice Beach to have dinner while watching skateboarders of all ages (starting at 6 years!) show their skills. In the evening we head back to Santa Monica to watch the sunset from the pier. The day ends on an athletic note: while the guys play football, Caroline, Ruby, Birdie, Maria and I enjoy a game of frisbee. 

Day 3: Pismo beach - Santa Barbara - Malibu

As we're heading down South in search of the Californian sun Hollywood promises on TV we stop to take a peak at the elephant seals hanging out at the beach. We also stop at the Madonna Inn, one of the most extravagant hotels you'll ever see. Every room is furnished and decorated according to it's very own theme. And even the bathrooms are anything from ordinary. At Pismo Beach, a cute California beach town, we actually see surfers for the first time during our trip. By the time we get to Santa Barbara the coastal fog has cleared away and  it's actually really warm in the city where each new building has to match the Hispanic architecture. Palm trees, sandy beaches and vacation feeling! Afterwards we make our way to Malibu to set up camp and end the day with an all-American dinner: burgers and mac&cheese!

Day 2: Pictures

Make your own Burritos bar

Monterey

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Santa Cruz Beach

Day 1: Pictures

Exploratorium

Cell block at Alcatraz

Cell

Day 2: Santa Cruz - Monterey - Big Sur

Today I met my Intrepid Suntrek group and tour leader Mike in the morning. We've got a few au pairs, some camp counselors and people that just came here for this trip from around the world. Not many Germans like me! We've got British, Australian, Belgian and Czech travelers as well, and Mike is American. We loaded our luggage into the trailer and took our seats in the nice van. We left San Francisco and started our journey towards the California Coast. Stopping in Santa Cruz on our way South we had lunch on the boardwalk. Our next stop Monterey Beach, famous for canning sardines during WW II, now invites you to have a seat next to Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates. The most extraordinary part of the day was our dinner: at the make-your-own-burrito bar you can enjoy your own creation while sitting on huge Adirondack chairs positioned in the water. Before heading to the Big Sur beach for sunset we set up our tents, which only takes about 5 min! I think at least one person is going to challenge the record, which right now is 2:35 min. It was a great first tour day and I am so lucky to be spending the night at one of California's beaches. The sunset was awesome. Talk to you tomorrow!

Day 1 - San Francisco

I finally arrived in San Francisco, ready to start my California Dreamin' tour. Today was "arrival and explore on your own day" and that's exactly what I did. San Francisco is an amazing city, but as I learned today it's also one of surprises and challenges. Being spoiled by the ongoing heat in Baltimore, San Francisco's cooler temperatures just reminded me of how soon it will turn fall. San Francisco is known for its morning and evening fog during the summer months.  Today's challenge: figuring out the public transportation system. First stop: the exploratorium. It's just about the perfect science museum since it's 110% interactive - everything can be touched and explored. The heart of the exploratorium is the Tactile Dome, a completely lightless tunnel you need to walk, crawl and slide your way through. You want to make sure you touch everything so you don't risk missing the hidden items such as rubber chickens, marbels and boots. But I was even more excited about visiting Alcatraz. The audiotour leading you through all the cellblocks while providing detail on escape attempts and prison life was equipped with shockingly realistic background noises. Everytime I heard the sound of the metall doors closing I felt like one of them could trap me within a cell. A little scary but I think no San Francisco visit can possibly be complete without experiencing "the Rock"! Exploring on your own is exciting, but there are other options to spend this arrival day a little less challenging, for example on one of the Urban Adventures city tours that Intrepid Suntrek is offering. Tomorrow all au pairs will be getting together and we'll dive into the adventure.



(pictures of today will also follow tomorrow)

The Countdown

It's Thursday already, and it feels like my to-do-list just won't get any shorter. Things are piling up to be packed, while I keep thinking of other things that I should take. But then I tell myself that packing a suitcase really can"t be that time-consuming, right? I'm excited about the first day in San Francisco, because I got a super early flight out of Baltimore and thanks to the fact that I'll gain 3 hours when going to California, I'll be there at 10 am. That gives me basically the entire afternoon in San Francisco. Of course I've already made arrangements to see Alcatraz, as well as the Exploratorium. I'm very happy that I get the opportunity to explore the West Coast. Being an East Coast Au Pair I've seen New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Ocean City several times. But like all other Au Pairs around here I was hoping I would make it to the "other side" as well. I really enjoy the fact that I get to go on vacation right at the end of my Au Pair year. That's just going to make it an even better experience! Thanks so much to Intrepid Suntrek for this free trip!

This is my house in Brooklyn Park, which is located South of Baltimore.

This is the Inner Harbor, one of Baltimore's major sights.