February 20

   We headed then for the Millennium World Showcase - absolutely stunning, we all enjoyed this so much, we began in Canada with the Rockies, each country is like a little village which goes back a fair way, so that you get an inkling of what the traditions are. It was all done surprisingly tastefully, and fairly accurately, [judging by the ones we've visited.] 

   England was next with a castle, a pub, a fish and chip shop, twinings tea shop etc. 

   On to Gay Paree, very briefly, Eiffel Tower, French restaurant, French shops etc all accurate again.

   Morocco was next, saw the Genie (from Aladdin), lovely little markets, djellabah shop, beautiful mosaic tiling. Stopped there at the Marakesh restaurant for the Sultans Banquet - a little sample of everything, included a lovely salad, lamb, chicken kabobs, couscous, veg. and a fresh fruit salad, Moroccan coffee - all delicious!!!! The restaurant was very similar to the ones we visited in Egypt, and we had the belly dancer to watch whilst eating.

   Reluctantly moved on [only a day to see it all] to Japan, where we were entertained by girls playing the huge traditional drums -  perfectly - you could feel the beat through your whole body. Lovely water gardens of course, and we wandered through the Japanese museum too, some historical stuff and, would you believe a new robotic dancing dragon!!!!

   America was next, afraid we didn't spend much time there, we were going to watch the show, but found a notice saying that it was so patriotic it would make you cry, we decided that it might, so we left!!

   Italy was next, stopped there for tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake and wonderful coffee [cappo for me] again very pretty lots of shops etc. and pierrots bowing and waving to us, weird but lovely people on stilts a bit like Archaos.

   Germany next, Oktoberfest every day! Cuckoo clocks, glass and Hansel and Gretel, teddy bear shop too. Thigh slapping? - no we couldn't find any.

   Onward to the Congo where there were dancer and drummers, markets and outposts, thatched buildings galore, I should mention that all the people in all the countries are in traditional dress. 

   China next, children performing the girls doing the stuff involving getting into amazing positions and twirling the mats that look like spinning plates and boys doing acrobatics. The dome there is incredible, the ceiling a wonderful mosaic, the museum well worth visiting, the shops were great too and we found Mulan there, but Andrew wouldn't pose for a photo with her. All so beautifully done, apparently each  "country" has been designed and built by it's own architects etc.

   We arrived at Norway next, with a waterfall [which had a water ride at it's summit, but the queue was too long] a Stave Church, wooden and 18th century, there are still 29 originals left in Norway, again lovely little shops, and of course the trolls everywhere.

   Mexico is next, but it's time for the Grand Parade, so we are herded into position for that. It is spectacular, a must if you go to Epcot!!! You will have to see the pix, as I can't describe it.

   Mexico is superb, the markets are outside and inside the huge Incas building, which changes colour intermittently. There is a restaurant which has a backdrop depicting the mountains and a volcano erupting. Andrew refused to buy himself a Mexican hat!! 

   We had to stop then as there was just enough time to go on the Spaceship Earth ride, which is the huge golf ball at the front of Epcot, which takes you through time from cave men to modern technology - again brilliant!! We grabbed a hot dog each and went to watch the fireworks which end each evening there. The show is on the lake, it is spectacular, we've never seen a display like it. Laura is lost of words, now there's a thing!!!! Stunning, brilliant, amazing???? much much more.

   We went home tired, but very happy, a wonderful day out, we all enjoyed today so much......and so to bed, goodnight from the happy Intrepid Explorers.