Day 7 - Around the World in Less than a Day

Our friends began to arrive in town yesterday. We picked up Tom and Terri Hodges, fresh off a red-eye from California, to join us at Epcot for the day.

As it was our last day before the show would encompass our days from dawn until dusk, we thought we should hit one last attraction not readily available to us on the west coast.

One of the key areas of Epcot is the World Showcase; a collective of Pavilions that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon. Inside the Pavilions, there are shops, attractions and restaurants that represent the culture and cuisine of 11 different countries.

We made our way through each of the following:

Mexico

We decided Mexico was the right place to stop and eat, particularly when we looked at the next several countries on our path.


The shot of Tom and Terri is in the restaurant - and not to worry, that wasn't a real volcano (the human sacrifice on the adjacent altar was real).

Norway

Apparently nothing says Norway like Gnomes, so John and Vonna took the opportunity to get a snap with the largest one in the gift shop.

China

Vonna added some dolls to her collection, and Terri was pleased to find a keychain with her name, in the correct spelling no less. Only had to go all the way to China...

Germany

Homeland for Stan and Vonna (and beer). Vonna's laughing in this picture because a kid had just walked by with his dad saying, "let's get out of Germany before World War II starts."

Italy

It wouldn't be Italy without art, although who the fish guy is, no one knows for sure...

United States

And nothing says US of A like Turkey Legs and Popcorn!

Japan

Oddly enough, Japan was one of the hottest places in Epcot. Coincidence?

Morocco

A nice band was playing, and there were some interesting shops. John tried to raise a genie from a lamp, much to the disdain of the shop attendant.

France

Oddly enough, John didn't have a snapshot of France. Perhaps that's because France is where we indulged in chocolate/vanilla swirl soft-serve cones.

United Kingdom

Home sweet home for Paul and Athena! In keeping with the true experience of each country, it started pouring. And kept pouring. Stan and Vonna took refuge under an eave, while the rest of folks enjoyed themselves singin' in the rain.

Canada

Mainly due to the rain, we decided to bypass Canada, short of this quick snap.


Another downpour hit us on the way out - Yay! We dropped Terri and Tom off so they could get some well earned rest, and returned to the condo for Vonna's finest:

Lemon Oregano Chicken with baby asparagus; roasted corn, wild mushroom & spinach risotto; brocolli salad - with ice cream and choc chip cookies.

Tuesday is setup! Look forward to the pictures in the next post!