Disney is constructing a new hotel complex called the Art of Animation Resort on the Walt Disney World Property that will house approximately 2,000 guests. The hotel will bring to life four animated movies from Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar: those films include Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Cars and The Lion King. The hotel rooms will be able to accommodate families with up to six members. From the preview pictures the hotel will truly be a one of a kind experience!
The Space Shuttle Enterprise named after the widely popular show Star Trek has landed at JFK International Airport where it will be temporarily housed until it is permanently stationed aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. I personally have not been to the U.S.S. Intrepid but I plan to visit it once the Space Shuttle Enterprise is there! Did you know that the Enterprise was the first space orbiter built and was originally going to be named the Constitution?
In September 2003, my mom and I found out that one of our closest friend’s daughters was selected to play softball in the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. It was at this moment when my mom decided that we too would make the journey to not only watch her play on the worlds stage but also to experience something that people only dreamof, the Olympics.
Preparations began and before I knew it we were on a plane destined for Athens, Greece. Upon arriving with my mom and family friends we first went to where we would be staying. Fortunately, my uncles’ wife if from Greece and has family that lives there. Having the ability to stay with Greek nationals allowed us to experience the culture first hand. Their way of life is drastically different from the “American” way in that food is purchased daily from fresh local markets, meals are always with family and friends, siestas or day time naps occur midday and nightlife is active because dinner only starts at around 9 or 10pm. I would have never learned these valuable cultural differences if it weren’t for staying with people that actually lived in Greece.
Traveling to the sporting complex daily and watching someone I personally know fight to win a gold medal was truly amazing. Kelly Kretschman an outfielder for the USA softball team and whom my family personally knows was a major asset tothe overall success of the team. I still remember vividly watching the gold medal game, which is when the only run was scored against the USA Team throughout the Olympic games. The team went 9-0, which is an astonishing task.
Greece is a breath taking country with a rich culture. Walking through the ancient ruins of the Acropolis is something I will never forget. The food was delicious and this is where I fell in love with tzatziki sauce. My mom’s favorite dish was the fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, virgin olive oil and seasonings. On a twelve hour cruise to three different islands off the coast of Greece, we got to enjoy fresh sea food coming off the boats and jump off a cliff into the crystal clear water. Dolphins swimming along side of our cruise ship and just enjoying the company of my family and friends are memories that I will never forget. 
James Thompson 