I AM IN TUMACÁCORI!

I am finally, after 35 days, in Tumacácori!

Here's as picture of my first view of Tumacácori, in Mexico :)

Photo: Google Maps

It's been 35 days since I went on this road trip, trough USA. It's been a real experience and I've tried out a lot and I've visited a lot of places. I am very happy that I got to do this road trip, and it's all thanks to school and, of course, my parents who let me get some experience. It's been an amazing experience and I will never, ever forget it! I've been at so many different hotels, places, restaurants and tourist-places, it's unbelievable. I've slept in the car and lived on noodles for some days, to save some money, but I've also slept at the best hotels(like Las Vegas) and I've eaten at some really good restaurants. I've actually really enjoyed all of this road trip! It's given me a new view of the world, and it has shown me that the world is huge. I hope to visit some more places and to do another road trip in the future.

But, for now, I am going to take it easy and just relax. I am going to look up a nice restaurant and spend this day without any stress. I've reached my destination, and this have been the best 35 days of my life so far! This was my road trip, from Jasper to Tumacácori! 

Source
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/

I went to the zoo, in Phoenix!

I know that I don't have that much time left until I finish my trip, but I thought I'd go to one last place - the Zoo, in Phoenix! I heard about it on the way to Phoenix. I didn't think that I would have the time, but I made some ;) I'll continue the trip later today, without any further stops, until I reach Tumacácori, Mexico.

The zoo's name was Phx Zoo and it had over 1300 animals, divided in five different trails. I couldn't believe that they had so many animals! In Sweden they only have about 10 different animals, when they had around 40 different species at this Zoo. Except the animals, they also had bike renting, which I also tried out, and cycled around and watched the different animals. I also ate in one of their food venues, which had some different foods, like pizza, salads, Mexican food, different sandwiches and some other foods. I took a sandwich with salad and tuna, which was delicious!

A picture of the Zoo's entrence:

Photo: Phx Zoo

The entrence to the Zoo costed 20 $, the bike renting costed me 10 $ + the food for 5,89 $. So it all costed me 35,89 $(≈ 250 swedish kronor), which was a great price :)

Wellwell, now I am going to get in the car(again..) and finish this trip! I am almost at the finish line now! :D I am just doing a stop at the grocery-store to buy some food and snacks, and then I am on my way again! 4 more days until I reach Tumacácori, in Mexico! :D

Source
Phx Zoo: http://www.phoenixzoo.org/
/1300 different animals: http://www.phoenixzoo.org/learn/animals/
Food: http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100100
Entrence:http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/hours_rates.aspx

I'm so sorry for not updating

My computer have ben shut down and I haven't got it working until now. I had to go to the electronic store, Best Buy, to get it fixed. I actually didn't know what was wrong with it, but they told me that I had got some virus that they had to get rid of, for the computer to work again. The bad news, except the virus, was that it cost me 149,99(≈ 1050 swedish kronor). I thought that the prize was outrageous, but they told me that they installed an online virus och spyware removal, so that the computer automatically removes unwanted virus, to keep the computer clean. So, I hope that the price was worth it all, and that my computer works as it should now.

In another, much more fun, note; I'VE BEEN IN VEGAS!
I am currently in Phoenix, but I was in Vegas just four days ago, and it an was amazing experience! I checked in at one of the hotels looked up, called MGM, which was the cheapest I could find, for 113 $/night(≈ 800 swedish kronor PER NIGHT!!). Not cheap at all, but it was all I could find, so I took it! And, I couldn't complain when I finally came into the hotel and saw everything. It had a casino, a huge pool, spa, some different shops, restaurants, nightclub and everything else you think of when you hear "Las Vegas". I felt like I was in a movie, haha! I can't think of one place in Sweden where they have a place like this, especially not this big and with so many casinos. This is Vegas, and nothing can beat this!

When I had checked into the hotel I went out in the city right away. I didn't want to waste a single minute! When I came out, the sun hit me right away and the weather was just beautiful, just as everything else there, in Las Vegas. The buildings and the different casinos, the lights and posters on the walls, and everything else. During the daylight, it almost felt like any other city, but it didn't at night.
Here's a picture of LV during the day;

Photo: Google Maps

And here's a picture of LV during nighttime; 

Las Vegas by Frankphotos CC A-NC-SA

As I said, it was just as in the movies, and I almost felt like a moviestar, walking around in the city. I believe I walked around for about 2 hours when I first arrived, and then I went back to the hotel to check it all out. In the hotel, I visited the casino and gambled for about 20 $, then I stopped myself(haha), so I wouldn't use to much of my money. I also went and ate at the restaurant, which was included in the hotel-price, so it was quite nice! The food was really good, but I didn't waste more than 15 minuter on eating, just because I didn't want to stay at the same place for too long. After I had spent a little time on the hotel and checked it all out, I went out in the city again, and just walked around, visited some different casinos and looked at all the girls, working in the casinos. I could imagine myself working in Vegas, serving people drinks and keeping an eye on all the visitors. I think that it would be an amazing job, and you probably get a lot of money ;)

I believe I went back to the hotel too sleep around 2 am, after a long day in the big Vegas. I fell asleep right away and the next morning I ate breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and continued on my road trip. As I said, I am currently in Phoenix and this trip is almost over. I've been in Jasper and at the Jasper National Park, Calgary and at the Banff National Park, a quick visit in Salmon(just stayed for the night, because I arrived so late, and continued the trip the next morning). I've also been in Las Vegas and in all kinds of casinos, and now I am on my way to my last big stop, in Tumacácori, Mexico, which my finish-line. In about 7 days, I will reach my final destination, and will done with this road trip, trough USA. I can't believe that the time has gone so fast already!

But now, I am going to pack my stuff and go to bed. This is my first night in Phoenix, and I am going to stay here for tomorrow too. Then, I am going to continue my way to Tumacácori, which I plan to reach next tuesday. Goodnight!

Source

Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&id=cat00000

/spyware removal: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Geek+Squad%26%23174%3B+-+Online+Virus+%26+Spyware+Removal+(OS+Service)/3650558.p?id=1218446012992&skuId=3650558

MGM hotel: http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/mgm-grande.sv.html?aid=311094;label=mgm-grande-76ZbaZfRrHvm2ibZt1zPJwS6139717577:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap1t1:neg;ws=&gclid=CK6zl9OMjrYCFUx6cAodIj0Aew

Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/

Photo of Las Vegas: Las Vegas by Frankphotos CC A-NC-SA

Fishing, mountain climbing and 50 bucks!

Today, a quite funny thing happend! I was on my way back to the motel in Calgary(I'm a few days back on schedule by the way, I'll catch up tomorrow!) and I really had to use the toilet. I looked for the nearest gas-station and got to use the toilet for 1 $. But when I got in to the toilet there was a wallet on the sink! I took it up too have a look inside and found 200 $ and lot of credit-cards, and I panicked. I didn't know what to do, so I closed the wallet, and then I opened it again to look for an ID. Luckily, I found one. The wallets owner was named Phil Hubbard and looked to be about 50 years old. I was still in need to use the toilet, so I did. When I got out I didn't tell them about the wallet but thanked them for letting me use the toilet. I just went to the car and drove back to the hotel and looked up Phil on the internet.

Luckily Phil had his number on the internet, on a page for theatre. Obviously he's an actor, I thought. I didn't wait longer and used the motels phone to call him. He answered politely with his name and a "may I ask who this is?" with a voice reminding me of Sideshow Bob. I told him that I've found his wallet, and I can't even tell you how happy he got! He told me that he had been searching for it everywhere and started to get desperate. I told him to meet me at the motel I'm staying at, Canadas Best Value Inn, and he didn't even hesitate. 10 minutes later he was outside to meet up with me. I waved at him when he came driving and he looked really happy. When he had parked the car and met up with me he thanked me a thousand times and insisted on giving me something for the trouble. Even though I didn't wanted anything, he didn't take no for an answer. He took up his wallet and handed me 50 bucks, thanked me one more time and got in his car. Then he drove away, waving and smiling at me.

And that's how I got 50 bucks(= 350 swedish kronor), haha!

In another note, like I wrote in the beginning, I'm a few days back on schedule. I'm currently staying at a motel that only costs 63 $/night(≈ 440 Swedish kronor, CHEAP!) and they have nice people, a great cafe and restaurant and just a cosy view, so I haven't really felt like driving away from here, haha. But I promise, tomorrow I will continue on the road trip!

While I've been here in Calgary, I've been at Banff National Park and gone fishing(can you see ME fishing?) and it was quite fun! You had to have a lot of patience, but I at least got one! :D They threw it in the water again though, haha, but I got one!

I've also been mountain climbing, and it was probably one of the scariest things I've ever done. I think I got up to 10 metres and then I wanted to go down again, haha!  It was kind of a  waste of money, but I wanted to try! I've got the 20 $ back now that I've got 50 from Phil for finding his wallet ;)

Now, I am going to the café to get some snack and maybe a cup of warm tea. It's going to be a long day tomorrow, so I'll probably look up a near food-store to buy something and stack up for tomorrows long driving. I think I'll aim at driving to Kalispell, Montana, tomorrow, even though it's about 200 miles driving. If I've got some good snacks and some good music I can sing to, I think I can make it! Let's go!

Source
Hotel/Value Inn: http://reservations.calgaryhotels.org/hotel/?refid=4129&rs_hid=9562903
Banff National Park: http://www.banffnationalpark.com/
Fishing: http://www.banffnationalpark.com/activities/fishing-in-banff-national-park-canadian-rockies.html
Mountain climbing: http://www.banffnationalpark.com/activities/mountain-climbing-in-banff-national-park-canadian-rockies.html

Today, I arrived in Jasper! I arrived early in the morning so I checked in at the hotel right away, to make it easy with my bags. I'd chosen the cheapest hotel I could find which was about 78 $ per night(≈ 550 swedish kronor). It was not as cheap as I thought it was going to be, so I'm hoping the next hotel is a bit cheaper. But, it's good for now! Here's a picture of the hotel, Astoria Hotel, and one of my room:

I've got a HUGE bed, all to myself, my own TV and a refrigerator(you can't see it in the picture) where I've already put my breakfast. I went to Wal-Mart after I'd checked in at the hotel to buy some groceries. I bought some fruits, yoghurt, bread, milk and some ham, so I have for breakfast tomorrow and I also bought some different snacks. I found some cookies called "Mr. Fudgey" and thought they looked yummy, so I thought I'd try some! I've tried one already and they were delicious! It's chocolate cookies with chocolate fudge cream in between. It's as good as it sound, I'll tell you!

When I had left all my things at the hotel I took the car and drove to Jaspers National Park. I had planned to go to Jaspers Tramway to go with a tramway over to the National Park, but I found out that they had closed for now and doesn't open until April. So it was just for me to drive directly to their National Park instead! But it worked as well ;) The way there was around 6 miles so I arrived after about 15 minutes of driving and went to book a canoe. I had never went on a canoe before so I was a bit scared at first, but when I had gotten in the canoe I calmed down. I was going with three other people and a guide who told us about the Maligne Lake we were sailing on. She told us about Spirit Island and that it was the most photographed location in the whole world! I really understand why, because it was probably the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. It was such a beautiful place! I didn't even really pay attention to the guide while she talked because I was so paralyzed of the view of the high mountains, clear blue water and perfect shadows from the trees on the side of the water.

The ride cost 35 $(≈ 250 swedish kronor) and it was totally worth it. One of the greatest things I've ever seen!

When the ride was over, which took about two hours, I was so hungry I could eat a cow. I had checked out a stand close by and I couldn't wait to get some good food. 

The name of the stand was Cap'n Jaspers and their meny was packed with bacon! They had burgers with bacon, bread with bacon and salad and different salads with bacon. Luckily, they also had food without bacon, such as "North Atlantic", which was a burger, a lot of lettuce and North Atlantic prawns. I thought it sounded really good so thats what i choose. And while I was waiting for my burger and prawns to be ready I read on their meny, which told me about the restaurants history. It was actually built for charity! In 1978 John Dudley wanted to raise money for charity and thought that a few dabs would do the trick. From the beginning, he only had a small stand, no bigger than 6' x 12'. But still after 10 years, the stand was still there and had become very populair, so he increased it to 20' x 12'. Now, 19 years later, the stand is still populair, and they definitely serve more than just dabs! ;)

I got the food after about 10 minutes and the prawns were smoking. Luckily I sat outside in the cold(sometimes cold weather's good!) so it cooled down pretty quickly, so I didn't have to wait too long to eat it. And I'll tell you, I wouldn't be able to wait for it. When I took the first bite of the burger I was done. It was so damn good! And the prawns, they were perfect! Together with the lettuce it all balanced together. A really good and filling first meal in Canada! Unfortunately I couldn't find a picture, so you'll have to imagine it yourself!

Now, I've laid in bed for about 2 hours watching Canadian TV. I've sapped around and checked out a few movies, which they show a lot of, but nothing really interesting. So, now the clock is 10 am and I'm going to bed! I have a whole bed all to my self, so I guess I'll sleep quite good ;)

Today I've spent 78 on the hotel, 9.8 on Wal-Mart, 35 on canoeing and 3.4 on the Cap'n Jaspers. Total I've spent 131.2 $(≈ 900 swedish kronor), which was more that I had planned. I'll have to scrimp a few days now, until I reach Salmon in the US. But now, I am going to jump into bed! Have a good day, all of you! (Now, when it's friday night for me, it's early saturday morning for you, haha!) 

Sources

Astoria Hotel: http://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/astoria.sv.html?aid=311094;label=astoria-AEgOm1RWKleUIUQOscJtMgS6099991097;ws=&gclid=CNnZoqSFjrYCFat7cAod0FAAQQ

Maligne Lake: http://www.jaspernationalpark.com/sightseeing/jnpmalig.html

Cap'n Jaspers: http://www.capn-jaspers.co.uk/menu.htm

Plan

I've started packing for my road trip from Canada to Mexico, through USA. I've gotten 5 weeks off from school to make this trip and this is going to be my weekly blog about how I am going to get there. I am going from Jasper in South Canada to Ambos Nogales in North Mexico. I've saved up to 3800 $ and got 800 $ from my parents, so I've got 4600 $ for these 5 weeks. I am planning to spend about 30 $ per day on food plus the cost for the hotel. I've also put away some money in case something happens. I know that the health care isn't like it is in Sweden so I am very careful. If I am getting sick I wanna have enough money to get medicine and such things. I want this trip to go perfect so I've planned a lot already. First of all, when I've driven for about 3,5 - 4 weeks I'll be around Las Vegas. I know that I am a too young to be drinking so I am just going too walk around, look at the city and all the things and maybe play a little. I've always wanted to go to Vegas so I am looking forward to it a lot.

I've planned to go to a few places like Banff National Park, Salmon River, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Tumacácori in Mexico. I know that things don't usually go as you planned, but I am going to go to at least these five places. Also, I am a very spontanos person so there's probably going to be some detours to places near by, but I'll see about that when I get going on my road trip. I am so excited. Just a few days left, then I'm on my way, all the way from Canada to Mexico!