British Adventures

Initially apprehensive about staying in a hostel, I can not recommend Generator Hostel enough.    Don't be put off by the stairs at the entrance. A friendly stranger or member of staff will be nearby to help.    Samantha and I stayed in a room with a bunk bed, sink, desk and small table. (Please excuse the eleven days of mess.)     There's also a little hanging space and enough floor space to do a little Pilates, if you feel that way inclined. We did not. This was our view.    The room was on the Dr Who level. A show in which I have no interest, but I'm sure many others do.        For an increased price you can opt for a private bathroom. Samantha and I decided to save our pennies and go for the shared bathroom. It takes me back to the awkwardness of school camps. Just remember your thongs, a plastic bag for your belongings and a positive attitude about all the money you're saving.  The room was quite stuffy during this heatwave, but so was everywhere else in London. Al

Our second Shanghai Disneyland day began with torrential rain. Our shoes and socks were soaked almost immediately and remained that way for several days.  Tron was the first port of call for Samantha and I.    The hour wait was indoors, plus the ride was unlike any other I've experienced. Inspired by the Tron movie (whatever that's about), you sit as though you're on a bike racing through a grid track.    Next came Space Ranger spin. It's pretty similar to the Disney World one where you shoot your ray to gain points, except I actually did well at this one.    Marvel Universe was next on the list. We saw replica costumes.      I decided I'm going to fight crime with Spidey. I'm taking suggestions for my superhero name.      Also, the husband hunt is over. I'm marrying Captain America.      Invitations will be sent out soon.    We also attended a drawing class completely in Mandarin. Our character was Spidey.   We stepped outside the enclosed Marvel Universe t

On the third day at Disneyland Shanghai I decided to do a little Ariel Disneybounding.    I was born in the year of the dragon, so got a fierce photo with Mushu.    We tried to chase down Chip and Dale in their fabulous outfits.    After our attempts failed we marvelled at the castle.        Who on earth would wait 2 whole hours for ride?   Samantha and I. That's who. We'd already done a lot of the things we wanted to do, the fast pass line looked to be over an hour wait after which they'd probably be out of passes, so we waited.    The ride was pretty awesome, especially flying over Sydney harbour. Obviously if you can wait less than 2 hours that would be even better.  We watched the parade again, but from the other side of the street.          Following a lot of standing around, it was time to get moving with the help of Hiro and Baymax.    Some young assistants joined them on stage for the exercise class in Mandarin.   You only need to know how to follow along to be able