Preconceptions of Mexico

It´s only natural that before you travel to or visit a new place, you will form some preconceptions or notions of that said place.  The media bombards us with information about countries, cultures, people, a lot of which is true but at the same time, a lot of which isn´t.  Mexico is a country that I believe comes off particularly badly when it comes to media portrayal.  I know that before I studied or learnt anything about the country I am living in now, I had a few preconceptions or had formed stereotypes of the culture.  However, after having lived here on two separate occasions for extended periods of time, not everything was as it initially seemed.

1. Violence

Perhaps the most unsettling image of Mexico projected to the rest of the world is that it is a country full of violence, kidnappings, corruption.  Sadly, no one can deny that it is a country that does have its problems, and they are very serious and worrying problems but they are not the be all and end all of Mexico. Living here, I have not experienced any violent drug related crime (touch wood) and I feel just as safe as I do when I'm in any other big city. Of course, there are areas of the country/city that people tell me are fairly dangerous and to stay away, so I do. But again, places in England make me feel vulnerable and uneasy. I take as few risks as possible, don't wear flashy jewellery, or walk alone in the early hours of the morning and involve myself in anything dubious. Once again, behaving how I behave anywhere. 

In addition to this, Mexicans are generally warm and friendly people. They are proud of their country and it hurts them to see such violence here. But as a temporary resident, I think the press is very misleading. You can easily live a peaceful,fulfilling life, full of happiness and enjoyment. I'm not trying to downplay the problems here, nor do I think they should be ignored. However, Mexico consistently receives bad press and taints the reputation of what is a beautiful, warm, fascinating and open country. 

2. Mexicans only eat nachos, fajitas and burritos. 

So many people I have spoken to assume that Mexican food is equivalent to the Old El Paso meal kits you can buy in the UK or Taco Bell. How wrong they are! Mexican food is, frankly, delicious. Mexican cuisine is so wide and so diverse that I come across a new dish when I go to a new restaurant or visit a different state. It's a lot more than just tacos (soft flour or corn tortillas of course, and honestly, amazing) and fajitas and chilli con carne simply don't exist here. Pozole, tamales, mole, tortas ahogadas, chilaquiles... There is a different dish for every occasion and all are bursting with flavour: a spicy kick from the chilli, zingy freshness from freshly squeezed lime, fresh coriander to balance out the intense flavours, or perfectly cooked, melt in the mouth meat, tantalising your taste buds with every bite. Even the Coca Cola tastes better here! Ice cold in a glass bottle, delicious. What's more, you have little food and drink stalls lining the streets where ever you go... Selling chopped fresh fruit pots (with chilli, lime and salt if you are a true Mexican), agua frescas: a soft drink made with different fruit flavours or rice milk, raspados: crushed ice mixed with a syrup made of fresh fruit, sugar and honey, or churros, coated with sugar and cinnamon. I could talk forever about the food, it's so much better than I could ever describe here! 

3. Mexico is full of spring breakers and drunk tourists. 

Cancún is probably the best known Mexican destination for British tourists and it already has a reputation as a party city. If you're an American spring breaker, perhaps you will visit Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta. These destinations conjure up an image of drunk young people stumbling from bar to club to club, partying all night and roasting themselves red during the day. In fact, these tourist laden destinations even have hotels just for the spring breakers. For me, an intimidating thought! Although there is no getting around the fact these cities are extremely popular with tourists, geared towards tourists and is quite different from the "traditional" Mexican culture, you can enjoy these spots for the beautiful places they are. If you want to step off the beaten track, there are plenty of secluded beaches, with hammocks for the sleeping arrangements or plenty of beautiful towns and cities where dollars are not accepted, English is rarely spoken, and show the epitome of Mexican culture. Mexico is a diverse culture that pretty much caters for every want or need, you just have to take the time to look for it. 

4. Mexico is a third world country. 

As I stated earlier, Mexico has a lot of complex issues that are not resolved, and require a difficult to find solution. However, there is also an idea that Mexico is a third world country, complete with no sanitation, no drinking water, no education. There is no denying that the gap between rich and poor is horrifyingly extreme, but that's not to say that Mexico is akin to the out backs of Africa or remote areas of India. I obviously cannot speak on behalf of all the country, I have only visited the smallest portion and I have witnessed heartbreaking poverty. On the other hand, I have seen more Starbucks, exclusive malls and boutiques than I ever come across at home. If you lived in a Mexican city, you could live how you live in Europe (if you wanted to, of course); you could shop at Walmart, get your morning coffee from Starbucks, grab fast food at McDonald's or Subway, shop at H&M, Zara, Forever 21. Of course, if you come to a country as fascinating as Mexico, I'm definitely not suggesting you do that! Guadalajara, for example, has an extensive public transport system, is fairly clean, and has a rich/poor divide like London. Indeed, some parts of Mexico are struggling, some are very affluent, some live like "developed" countries and some live in the indigenous way. But to say that all of Mexico is a third world country? Never. 

Like I mentioned, I'm not by any means an expert, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but these are my experiences from living here. If I could, I would explain to everyone I meet that Mexico is not just what we see in the news or read in the papers. It's so much more than that. 

Birthday magic.

While I was in Disney World I had a 'fake' birthday on April 13th. It was truly one of the most magical and special days that I have had. It's a day that I will remember for a long, long time. To start off my day, we had a breakfast reservation at. Cinderella's Royal Table. This involves having a delicious breakfast in Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom with the Disney princesses. I have been super excited since we made the reservation in January, and it was definitely worth the wait! Once we arrived at the castle, we had our photo taken with Cinderella herself in the entrance hall, inside the castle is, of course, very regal and Cinderella was lovely, telling us we were going to have a girls only breakfast with the other princesses. Afterwards, we were taken to our table... The best table in the house, by a window overlooking New Fantasyland and Prince Phillip's carousel. Our table has been decorated with a wishing star, a magic wand as well as extra special birthday confetti and a birthday balloon, one of my many birthday surprises! I already felt like a princess! As we sat down, the waiter came over with a tiara on a cushion for me (surprise number two...) so not only did I get to feel like royalty, I looked like it too! The menu at the castle is delicious, I opted for the healthy breakfast and the chef came out to speak to me about my special dietary requirements.  Nothing seemed like a too big problem and he was happy to swap things for me. We were served Mickey Mouse pastries to start which was promptly followed by our breakfasts. 

Whilst eating, the other Disney princesses came round, chatted to the guests and took photos. Ariel even complimented me on my red hair. Of course, the whole process was truly magical and it was lovely to see all the little kids looking so awe inspired by the beautiful princesses. After breakfast, I got another surprise... The waiter brought out a birthday cake for me! Dena had so thoughtfully organised all my birthday surprises... The birthday cake was a special fat free, dairy free chocolate cake from Babycakes NYC. Having gallstones, I never, ever thought I'd get to eat a bite of birthday cake this year, let alone being able to eat pretty much all of it. The cake was so yummy and didn't taste at all like a 'special' gallstone friendly cake. 

After breakfast, Dena had another amazing, unforgettable surprise for me. We made our way over to Heritage House in Liberty Square and on the rocking chair on the verandah was a bunch of white roses with my name on it! I had to unwrap the roses from their packaging and inside was a note from Belle, instructing me that the villains had taken my birthday present and I had to find it before the last petal on the last rose fell! We were going on a Disney treasure hunt! I made my way over to Frontierland, following the instructions to the next clue which was hidden in between some sacks. This time the rose told me I had to go to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and look for a canon and the next clue. Off we went, it was so exciting to be running around the park, looking for clues and items that were just for me. Finally the clues led us back to Liberty Square, I had saved the most beautiful gift! The whole treasure hunt was so personal to me, even down to the colour of the roses and the fact that Belle is my favourite princess. I would have never expected such a magical and perfect birthday experience. 

This amazing experience was organised and put in places by Gifts of a Lifetime - I obviously don't know anything about the planning but from a receivers point of view, it really was such an incredible and unforgettable experience and helped to make my birthday one that I will never forget! 

Usually I hate anything to do with my birthday, I would rather downplay it and it makes me sad. But this year, for sure, I was so happy that it was my special day. It was the perfect last day to my already super memorable and enjoyable stay in Florida. 

The Disney experience.

After returning from a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, I wanted to share my on a time-shoestring Disney experience. Most people will agree that you need at least a week to experience and do everything that WDW has to offer and while I whole heartedly agree that you could easily fill that time doing something new in the 4 Disney parks (not including the two water parks), you can also have an amazing experience with a two day hopper pass and a very, very comfortable pair of shoes! We researched and planned a lot before we headed to Orlando, firstly because I needed to make sure I could eat while I was there and secondly because we wanted to make the most of our time there, (my favourite websites: All Ears, WDW for Grown Ups, WDW Info). Because we only had a limited time to enjoy everything, we had a pretty structured but flexible-ish plan for every day: we knew what we wanted to see, do, and didn't want to spend a lot of time pointlessly dawdling round (which can also be a great way to see a Disney park!).  Each day was a long day with a lot of walking, only resting for meals or snacks; going into our first park at rope drop, leaving around lunch time and heading to the second park until we were fit to drop. We also used our free evenings after Universal studios, whose parks tend to closer earlier, to go to Downton Disney. 

Day one! We reserved our fast passes before we arrived at the park, using the new system on My Disney Experience website and app. Although I have read a lot of people complaining about the lack of flexibility with the new fast pass system, it worked perfectly for us. We were able to decide which rides or attractions were the priority for us and cut queuing time dramatically. Of course, if you are only spending a few hours in a park, it'll be physically impossible to do everything but you are able to get a feel for the park. Our first morning we visited Animal Kingdom and we used our three fast passes for the day here.  At rope drop, the park was fairly quiet, we were able to ride Expedition Everest twice (I love that ride...) as well as do a safari and see the other attractions. Africa in Animal Kingdom had a great selection of fruit stalls and low fat snacks for me (hurrah), all of which could be enjoyed in the sunshine watching African dancers. I really loved this park, the theming across the areas was amazing and so intricate, I loved the area around Expedition Everest. I can't wait to go back!

In the afternoon, we used Disney Transportation to head to Epcot. To me, Epcot is almost iconic to WDW, so different to the parks at Disneyland in California and Paris. I could have easily and happily eaten my way around the World Showcase, devouring goodies from France, Germany, Japan, China... Delicious! We ate in the Marrakesh restaurant (food blog to follow!) as soon as we got to Epcot and then decided to hit the rides because we had to queue. Fortunately, the longest queue was for Soarin', a ride we had done in California but totally worth the wait as you swoop across the stunning natural and man made scenery of California. Mission: Space was also super fun... I felt like a real astronaut! Once we had done all the big attractions, we were free to explore the World Showcase. I love how each section is a little, albeit stereotypical, walk through of a country. We had so much fun exploring and recognising different foods and products from each place and finally finding Branstons Pickle, Party Rings and $20 Quality Street in the UK! I also picked a pearl in Japan, you go and choose your oyster and the sweet shop assistants get you involved when they open it, putting on a mini show! The majority of the oysters have one pearl, but If you are lucky, you may get two or a different coloured one. I got a beautiful bluey silver pearl, which, they told me, only 5-10% of people get.  You can then get it set in a piece of silver jewellery or in a little bottle. A wonderful, personal souvenir to treasure! There are loads of opportunities to meet princesses and characters in Epcot and it always feels so magical to see Mary Poppins or Belle when you are strolling round. In the evenings, there is the Illuminations display. Fireworks and music, as per Disney tradition, to end a Disney day. 

Day two! Our second day in WDW was actually our last in Orlando and my fake birthday so I will write a separate blog about my once in a lifetime birthday morning! We spent the morning in the Magic Kingdom and rushed to Hollywood Studios for a few hours in the afternoon before returning to Magic Kingdom for our fast passes and the parades. Hollywood Studios is similar to the theming of Universal studios and also the Studios part of Disneyland Paris. I love feeling like I'm in the golden age of Hollywood, walking down pristine streets and bouncing along to the music that is reminiscent of that age. We didn't quite spend enough time there, we were on a tight schedule but we managed to walk around the whole park and see a couple of attractions. Mickey Mouse also bought me a birthday drink, and it's little things like that that make me adore the Disney experience.

Our afternoon/evening in the Magic Kingdom was magical. For me, the Magic Kingdom is the epitome of all things Disney, from the castle to the Main Street USA and the different lands. The Disney parades are unforgettable and the fireworks are breathtaking. Riding Big Thunder Mountain in the dark will always be one of my favourite memories, laughing the whole way round. We also traded pins with a lot of the cast members and it's such a fun way to pass the time.

All in all, the Disney experience is one that takes you away from the real world, the cast members are always so friendly, polite and willing to help. It seems that they want to make your day better (I realise they get paid to do this but it's still refreshing). Disney, to me at least, equates to happiness, fun, magic and you are away from the normal stresses and strains from the normal life. Yes, it can be expensive, it can make you more tired than before you arrived, but you are always left wanting more and have a smile on your face. 

Facing your fears.

Facing my fear of flying!

I'm writing this 36,000 feet in the air, while I am confronting one of my biggest fears: flying. I hate to fly, I don't find any of the experience pleasant, I get nervous before I fly, while I'm on the plane and really only feel relief wash over me when I'm through passport control, customs and away from the airport. I will say that I am lucky in the respect that this fear, although extremely unpleasant, doesn't paralyse me, I am still able to take a flight without having an anxiety attack, I'm just in a heightened sense of nervousness, nausea and every time we experience  a slight bump or the seatbelt sign is turned on due to turbulence, I panic.

I'm also afraid of heights. I get sweaty palms and butterflies when there are shots of heights on television or in films. When I visited the Grand Canyon, I stayed well away while other people took amazing photos of themselves standing on the edge. I get nervous when I go to the sea side and walk along the pier and I can see the sea underneath me through the spaces in the boardwalk, but the thing that I am most proud of is that I do it. 

When we are afraid of something, we can turn from rational, logical human beings into irrational messes. A fear causes every fibre in our bodies to quiver, fills our mind with improbable and entirely negative thoughts and I know that if you have a full blown phobia of something it can be a very difficult obstacle to overcome. I decided that if I want to make the most of whatever comes my way I have, to a certain degree, face my fears and push myself through those boundaries. I came to the conclusion that what I am afraid of isn't what it seems, for example, I'm not afraid of the height itself, I'm afraid of falling. I know that I am an anxious person, I worry about the consequences and the what ifs, but I also don't want to miss out on opportunities because I'm afraid of a what if. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big life changing opportunity: I will force myself to go on a rollercoaster that has a steep climb or vertical drop (I'm looking at you, The Smiler, Saw: The Ride, Rip, ride, rockit) if it means I get to experience the pure adrenaline rush of the other twists, turns and drops of the coaster. I will take a flight if it means I can travel to far away countries. It doesn't mean that my fears become lesser or overcome, just that I'm choosing not to let them control or dominate me. 

I don't know where my fears originated from. I flew from a young age, my fear of heights developed when in my twenties. I'm a little teeny tiny bit (okay, a lot) afraid of the dark because I don't like the unknown out there but I can't stop the night rolling in every evening so all I can do is be brave and take a step into the dark, close my eyes or find a source of light. When I fly, I step onto the plane, breathe calmly and focus on my destination. If I'm up high, I don't look down, or when I'm comfortable, I allow myself a little peek and say to myself "I'm okay". 

Throughout my life, I know I'm going to face other, currently undiscovered fears and phobias but I have also come to the conclusion that I'm not really going to be able to stop them or life coming at me so if I can, I might as well employ whatever strategy I can to keep them at bay or under control. I am proud every time I go to the doctors, walk in the dark, or see a cockroach and don't scream. My fears make me who I am and make me a little bit stronger when I confront them. Just don't ask me to get a spider out of the bath, I'm definitely not ready for that shit yet. 

Life lately #1

1. Busy April plans! 2. Cooking by candlelight - no electricity!
3. Wise words from Walt.  4. Sunshine selfie.

April is well and truly upon us now and I am so excited for it to be here!  School breaks up for Easter holidays which means that it is time for me to embark on my travels, after months of excitement and anticipation.  First up, as I'm sure you are well aware by now ('cause I haven't really spoken about it much) is my birthday trip to Florida!  Planning for a Disney/Universal trip seems to have to be very meticulous and although I've had the majority of it organised for me, I've enjoyed looking up the different attractions, restaurants, and the local area.  Once we arrive back in Mexico, we have a few hours sleep and then we are off to Ajijic again for a few nights.  It'll be my birthday when we arrive, we decided on a little pick-me-up to help avoid the post-Disney blues and I'm always so grumpy on my birthday!  I really liked Ajijic last time we were there and it's the perfect spot to unwind and chill by the pool.  After Ajijic, the suitcase will be packed again as we are flying to Los Cabos and another few days of beach and pool relaxation!  I am feeling very lucky to have all of these plans coming up.

1. Black pepper chicken salad.  2. Disney princess hair.
3. Getting pin trading ready! 4. Feelin' hot hot hot. 

The past few weeks here have flown by but I have managed to find time to enjoy the soaring temperatures here in Guadalajara.  Spring has very much sprung and each day temperatures reach at least thirty degrees.  It's getting very hot and honestly, the hour commute to and from school is a mission.  Apart from sunburn (I get burnt if I spend 15 minutes outside without suncream), the heat is very tiring and after a day at work, I'm happy to relax reading or watching television.  Not very cultural but sometimes needs must!  The hot weather tends to destroy appetites too, so I have not wanted to eat heavy, big meals.  A fresh, crisp salad is perfect for a light, tasty meal and gallstone friendly too.  Fortunately, my gallstones have been pain-free for a while and I'm hoping that it will continue.  My diet is still pretty much fat free but I have been allowing myself mini treats every now and again to help curb cravings.  We found a fat free froyo place and it's been so nice to eat something that I loved in my pre-diagnosis days!  At times it has been difficult to resist fatty foods but I have learnt a lot of different ways that you can make a meal fat free.  Pinterest is amazing for recipes.

I have less than 100 days left here in Mexico now, which means I have some big decisions to make when I get home.  The time has really flown by and it feels odd to be counting down to my return to England. I'm looking forward to seeing my family and cats but I'm already anticipating the reverse culture shock, I've become very accustomed to the Mexican way of life: transport, food, money... Britain will be a huge shock to the system! All good things do indeed have to come to an end but already, I have some ideas for the next big adventure! If anything, this year has made me realise that I want to have different life experiences, I want to live my life in different places but know that I will always return home to Suffolk and my family. I'm so fortunate to have these opportunities so I fully intend on pushing myself and taking decisions that aren't initially the easiest but pay off in the long run.

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - that's all that matters." Audrey Hepburn. 

Happy April! 

Bikini body? Sure.

I love the summer, long balmy days full of sunshine, warmth, the chance to get my pasty white legs out in denim shorts or pretty tea dresses and sandles. Something that I do not like about the summer is the insane bombardment from magazines, websites, newspapers, and clothes shops, about getting in shape for our bikini bodies. I know this is a topic that has been debated time and time again, but for me personally, as some one who doesn't have the perfect 'bikini body' and feels pressure to try and achieve this unattainable goal, it really upsets and infuriates me.

Firstly, the bikini body pressure isn't about being healthy; isn't about ensuring that our bodies are working to the best of their ability, and isn't about cutting the risk of cancer, heart disease or diabetes. It's purely about looking a certain way, fitting into a certain dress size, or conforming to what we are told is beautiful. It's not even there to make us feel good about ourselves, in our bodies. You are allowed to feel good if, and only if, you meet a certain criteria that isn't possible for a lot of women. It doesn't just affect those who have wider hips, bigger tummies or boobs, but women who are also deemed too thin and too skinny. Of course, I am not advocating being unhealthy, but it is possible to be fit and healthy and heaven forbid, WEAR A BIKINI even if you are not a size X. 

Secondly, maybe this is just me, but all of these articles, tips, "advice" only encourage women to hate their bodies. If our body isn't perfect, it's not good enough and therefore, we are not good enough. We are encouraged to pick flaws in other peoples bodies - "oh, look at her love handles, bingo wings etc" - women are pitted against each other, criticising ourselves and others. It works the other end of the scale too: we are taught to admire those who dare to flaunt their imperfect bodies. Why do we do either? Why can't we just accept every body? Why are we always criticising or admiring other people? Why can't we just be? 

I'm not the first person to have said any of this, I won't be the last, and I probably haven't put it in the most eloquent way; but it is something very personal to me. As I said earlier, I'm far from having the bikini body that is portrayed in glossy magazines or health websites, but if I want to wear one, why can't I wear one without fear of being judged or my body being frowned upon?  I want to wear clothes simply because I like them, not because they make my bum look smaller, my waist slimmer and my boobs bigger. If it's hot, I want to wear short shorts and tiny tops and not be repulsed by my own body because I have a "muffin top".  The horrible and worrying thing is that I do feel this disgust and repulsion at my own body because I feel like I will never compare or compete with the beautiful, stunning models, and to be honest, I don't want to compare myself to them. I'm pressured by anonymous, face less articles written online saying I should being doing this and that, and if I don't I will forever be unattractive. Everyone has their body worries, and for me, it's so sad because in reality we don't need to worry about these things. 

We are all so quick to put labels on ourselves: fat, thin, curvy, boyish, chubby, great body, skinny. Why not label ourselves healthy, happy, comfortable in our own skin, regardless of size or shape? I am still fighting an inner battle with myself and my sense often still loses, but who the hell has the right to say what we should look like? People feel they have the right to criticise or "suggest" ways to improve other peoples bodies, but who put them in charge to think they can judge our appearance? If you want to lose weight to be healthy, or adjust your diet to forge a better relationship with food, fine. But do it because YOU want to, not because you feel you have to. Or worse still, because someone makes you feel you have to. 

Life is too short for us to spend so many years hating ourselves and our bodies. Feel confident in your skin, wear what you want, when you want, what you feel comfortable in: bikini, one piece, tankini... Whatever your size. We are beautiful, we are unique, we are us. 

Disney to-do.

If you know me, you will know that I have an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios this month for my birthday. I have been scouring the many, many planning and information websites and to be honest, I have thoroughly enjoyed mapping out my days and where we are going to eat and when. I have had a 'serious' to do list on my wall for the past few months, full of all the less fun things like insurance, transfers etc (it's still kinda fun for a nerd like me...). Although I am no stranger to Disney parks, it will be the first time that I'm visiting WDW and Universal Studios so I have compiled my mini to do list to get me (even more) in the mood!

1. Dine with the Disney princesses in the Magic Kingdom Castle. 

I am super excited to say that this will definitely be happening! We managed to bag one of the hottest reservations in the Disney parks and on the 13th April (my unofficial birthday!), we will be having breakfast with Cinderella and the other princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table. They even do a healthy breakfast and are aware of my fat-free food situation so I know it will definitely be the best start ever to my unofficial 27th birthday! 

2. Visit Hogsmeade/Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If I wasn't fit to burst with just the Disney parks, the prospect of visiting Universal and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will pretty much do it. Ever since the park opened a few years back, I have been itching to get there and try butterbeer in the sunshine (it was quite chilly when I visited the Warner Bros studio). Also, I have heard so many things about the Hogwarts ride... I will wait however long it takes to get me in there. The roller coaster geek in me cannot wait to get on the Dueling Dragons (Dragon Challenge now it's been Harry Potterified), I have read about that coaster for years. Oh yeah, and the wands, I really want to choose a wand ... (Or let the wand choose me). Can you tell I'm excited yet?

3. Dole whip 

It was only a matter of time before food appeared really, wasn't it? Oh dole whip, fat free delicious dole whip! I can't wait to have this Animal Kingdom pineappley goodness in my tummy. I haven't been able to eat ice cream since I was diagnosed with gallstones, and I love ice cream, so frankly, I will be in my own mini slice of food heaven when I take my first lick of almost ice cream in 6 months. Yummmm! 

4. Pin trading

Although I have visited Disneyland Paris several times and Disneyland Anaheim before, I have never traded pins! To be honest, I didn't really know much about what it involved up until recently but now I do, I can't wait to get started! You can trade pins with any cast member in the park and other guests too. To me, it's another way that Disney make their parks a truly interactive and never-ending-fun experience. Also, although I love all of the Disney souvenirs, literally all of them, I often find them quite expensive for my shoestring budget and I always have to ask myself if I would pay £25 for a t shirt at home, and the answer is no. I have a million mugs and pens and key rings so I often don't worry about buying anything except a fridge magnet. Pins are the perfect compromise! I love collectible things that trigger memories so I will buy a couple of pins and forever be reminded of "that time I was in Disney in whatever year". 

5. Big Thunder Mountain

It may not be the scariest or the most thrilling of roller coasters but it will always be one of my favourites. A good, old fashioned runaway train roller coaster, a few thrills and spills but more often than not, you will just find yourself laughing the whole way round the track, hands in the air and just enjoying the ride. This ride was closed when we visited Disneyland in January so I am extra looking forward to hopping aboard. 

Finally, it doesn't really count as a to-do but I'm so looking forward to taking lots of photos that will be with me forever. To me, photos are a memory that I can hold in my hands so I will probably go snap happy and take hundreds of photos. I haven't even been yet but am already planning my next trip in my mind!