Spring Break Hotel 2011

Since spring break fell during St. Patrick's Day, it was clear that we had no choice but to go INTERNATIONAL!



Guests checked in with suitcases in tow to our melting- pot of a lobby. Each set of streamers above the table were colors of the flags from countries we'd be traveling to. Any guesses?

... Black/White/Red = Egypt...... Blue/Green/Yellow = Brazil..... Red/Blue/White = Australia...
and Green/Orange/White = Ireland



Upon arrival, guests were assigned rooms according to their country and were given corresponding room keys.



It is no surprise the Mons' (and Chloe) had the Brazilian room.

The Murdoch's checked into the green Irish room. The Isaaks (room not pictured) headed down under to the Australian suite.

And the Giles scored with the presidential suite in Egypt.

At check in, guests filled out their requests for pre-departure snacks during meet and mingle time. Popular choices were chocolate dipped strawberries and pretzels.

Guests got out their pre-travel jitters while discussing important topics such as Justin Bieber and arm farts.

The time finally came to board the aircraft. Since we were going international, our guests each had a passport.

It was critical that they made all of their stops and received their stamps. The only way to enter the final party was to show a complete passport. Only the sophisticated and well traveled would qualify for such an event.

With flight snacks on hand and seatbelts securely fastened, we safely landed at our first destination: The Jungles of Brazil. (click on collages to enlarge)

Once we became one with the monkeys, it was time to say good-bye and head across the ocean to...... Australia!!

In Australia (a local art store), we were greeted by a professional who specialized in Aboriginal art.

He gave us an informative, brief education on the Aboriginal dotted-art technique and let our guests loose to create their own masterpieces..... and they turned out to be very impressive!

After such intense effort and concentration, our travelers were ready to deal with security once again and stamp their passports to.... Egypt!

There was no rest for the weary in Egypt. Our tourists found themselves in the middle of the Nile and had to work to get out.

In order to cross the Nile, they had to walk like Egyptians while carrying Egyptian cotton towels on their heads.

Once the Nile was behind them, they were faced with views of sand as far as the eye could see. The next challenge was a relay: Run to the pile of sand, pick up a huge handful, run back to your team and dump the sand you were carrying in a bucket and tag your teamate. I'm afraid our guests may still be washing sand out of their hair.

A few of our guests chose to have souvenir pictures taken in front of the Great Pyramids (thanks Giles!).

You can imagine that such traveling would work up quiet the appetite. We knew exactly where to go to feed such hungry bellies. A stamp to Ireland was in order!

The streets of Ireland were alive in celebration of St. Patty's Day, and green food was in abundance. Among the favorites: Lucky Charms, and Mint Oreo Cookies.

With an impressive day of travel and culture, our guests were ready to hand in their full passports in exchange for currency. Each received a purse (or for gents, a pouch) with money to spend for good eats and entertainment.

Patrons were dismissed to their rooms to change in to more appropriate party attire... pajamas!

They viewed a foreign film (Free Willy) and every purse/pouch was emptied- which meant that bellies were satisfied.

Vacation can't last forever, and alas, it was time to say good-bye. Our travelers bid each other farewell with promises to stay in touch and with memories that they will never forget.