My Birthday Trip To Planet Hollywood

 My son's senior class decided on a class trip instead of a prom as their end of the year activity.  And just by chance, they chose Planet Hollywood,  a resort I'd had my eye on for a while.

I'd been too thirsty to check out Planet Hollywood so I was all too excited to tag along on the trip and make it a birthday celebration event.

Planet Hollywood is a little pricey normally,  but we got a pretty good price and as per the group contract, we were able to pay in installments instead of all at once. Sign me up because I love a good payment plan, especially for vacations. 

It is a very aesthetically pleasing resort. The idea of being treated like a star is very appealing and you get the celebrity treatment right away. As you enter, you're greeted with a refreshing drink and a rousing round of applause.  However,  that's where the star treatment ends and it just becomes a regular all inclusive after that. There isn't anything truly special to set Planet Hollywood apart that much except for the movie memorabilia scattered around the hotel.

The views are immaculate though.  And the staff, food, drinks, and room all get a good rating from me.  The a la carte steahouse was also very good. I was pretty impressed with my meal and extremely satisfied. The trouble to get the reservation is another story all together as we lucked out and got our spot from another couple. Securing a reservation for any of their seven restaurants on property can prove difficult if you're only there for a short amount of time.

The beach was a sleeper surprise however, blowing me away with how it's set up. It's calm, lake like almost because it's in a bay. And you can walk out as far as the eye can see and not get completely submerged.  That blew my mind.

The vibes were definitely giving with the nightlife and entertainment and that was mostly due to guest participation.  The melanated Americans did not come to play. karaoke was so lit, I felt like I had been transported to a freaking concert. And my first silent dance party and disco was fun.

All in all, it was a really good birthday trip and I know my son had a blast with his classmates. 

When Age 17 Hits, We Shoot Paint

 My 'middle' born son turned 17 on the 16th, and I was too geeked to throw him a party. I was going to stick to the usual dinner out and cake at home, but he has friends now and I thought it would be a good idea to celebrate his special day in a more epic setting.

So, paintball it was. We found a spot nearby, booked the day and I planned out the menu according to the birthday boy. Subway sandwiches,  chicken wings, cheese filled puff pastries and pizza. The kids were in food heaven. I even bought a slice of sugar free cake for my son, so he could have cake on his birthday. 

The day was practically perfect. Just a little rain right before the paintball session began and then the boys were off, shooting each other into oblivion and having the best time. 

It was an amazing way to ring in his 17th year

Another Parade Day

 As an honorary Costa Rican, of course I celebrate independence with the rest. This year, both boys were in the parade, so I had to go. But I love a parade so I was going to attend one regardless.  Here are the image captures from the day.