Thompson Holiday USA 08

Day 6

Tuesday 26th August 2008 10:56 PM

Disneyland...

Steve says, 'WOW! Today was fun! We have waited a 'few years' for this day - 'Disneyland' - 10 hours went by so quickly. As all the USA children were back at school, we did not have to wait the estimated 45 minutes for each ride, but between 15 - 20 minutes. Still can't believe we have actually done Disneyland now as a family! It was quite surreal!'

Lisha says, '.... we went to Disney Land and spent the whole 10 hours going on exciting and fun rides and also watched a few shows. There was one particular ride that we all went on; it was a water ride! I decided to volunteer to sit right at the front of the carriage not realising I was going to get completely soaked; from head to toe! The day was really fun as a whole.'

Esther says, '… we went on so many rides but the 3D show was scary, especially when the cat & snake came really close to your face. I enjoyed all the rides with my family, especially inside the 'House of Innovation'. There were so many cool things in there. Dad and I were ridding these cools bikes and stuff.'

'USA has such enormous talent! The Mardi Gras band were incredible - as they performed, it was like a West end show on the streets.'

'As for the futuristic gadgets - this part of Disneyland was 'of the charts'. The Indiana Jones skit was awesome - very entertaining indeed! Everywhere you went, there was something happening!

'I am a little concerned how many muffins and Crispy creams I am eating. So, all I will need to pay a few trips to the Gym when we get back to the UK!' says Steve.


Velveta says, 'Disneyland was the experience of my life - I have always wanted to go to Disneyland, like Steve, it felt surreal being there. The rides were amazing and the atmosphere was invigorating.'

'My favourite ride was the very first ride in a dark tunnel. Just before the ride, Steve told me to change places and sit with Esther - a VERY GOOD IDEA as the ride was very dark and the dips and turns were very fast. My second favourite ride was the Star Wars assimilator - wow!

'We actually felt like we were in space. I also loved the 'Futuristic House' with the talking kitchen computer that beamed all the recipes unto the worktop. It was exciting watching Steve getting excited over the computer games, being a gadget man - as you all know!'

'Tomorrow we go to Universal Studios - another fun day lies ahead! LA rocks!'

Posted 10:56 PM | 0 Comments | Permalink

Day 5

Monday 25th August 2008 10:30 PM

Bowling ...

Vel writes..'The girls and I went bowling today. We played two games for an hour whilst we ate good ole fashioned BBQ chicken wings southern American style with French fries - hmmm - lovely they were.'

'I won both games although my two girls were worthy opponents...lol'
Velisha needed reminding that you have to roll, not throw the ball!'

'We then went on to Starbucks, then Crispy Creams - hmmm. We all need to hit the Gym on our return! We settled into our guest home to watch movies for the remainder of the day. 'Meet the Browns' by Tyler Perry and 'College Road Trip' with Martin Lawrence, - great evening.'

On return from the bowling alley, Velisha decided to play jumping from one bed to another whilst taking photos of her reflection in the mirror

Steve had an incredible day with the singers before joining Vel and the girls.

The studio session today was a huge success - now only on song remaining! We have been having a call in the studio recording and simply enjoying each other's company.

Steve says, ''The vocal team are an absolute pleasure to work with - they all have an incredible sense of humour. When not singer they all have interesting jobs, from lawyer, buyer to sellers.'

'Anyhow, tomorrow we are all looking forward to - DISNEYLAND! We have waited a while for this - until the girls were old enough to really enjoy it!' says Steve.

Posted 10:30 PM | 0 Comments | Permalink

Fourth Day

Sunday 24th August 2008 10:30 PM

Fourth Day

'Well, this day, before going to the studio, I spent some time with Vel - today being our 17th Anniversary, I ordered some beautiful Chinese flowers for Vel. A total surprise as I told her that I needed to go sort out some fresh towels (this actually was true - but came back with more than just flowers!) - thanks for your flower tips Francy!'

Whilst Steve spent some time with singers and engineer in the studio, Vel, Velisha & Esther spent some time shopping.



During shopping, Velisha tried on a few hats before Velveta took them to buy some new swim costumes - growing girls - so, they needed new swimsuits! 'Well, that's what they told me…' said Steve.


This is Steve's second day in the studio recording the vocals on the Chinese album. Today was a good day, the singers and Steve bonding as they enjoy the 'regular' Chinese meals.

Today was a little sad for Ming, one of the singers, as she lost her voice due to lack of sleep the previous night! She mentioned that she was so excited about the vocal session, so much - she did not sleep!

After shopping, Vel and the girls joined Steve in the Studio.

As Steve bonds with the team, Velisha bonds with the studio dog (Only six weeks old)!

Great day and Steve continues to comment, 'Wow, what a privilege to be able to serve the Chinese community in this way…'

Posted 10:30 PM | 0 Comments | Permalink

Third Day

Saturday 23rd August 2008 10:25 PM

First recording day...

Well, this is Steve's first day in the studio recording the Chinese vocals. He has quickly settled in the studio in a beautiful part of LA, 'the home' of many well-known artists.

The recording kicks of to a great start with the six singers, along with Pastor Paul and Francy praying and committing the day to the Lord. The atmosphere is electric, filled with anticipation & excitment.

As the singers have spent a few days rehearsing prior to Steve's arrival they are very prepared and sounding great!The recording kicks of to a great start

Steve and Robert (the studio owner and engineer) also quickly find a common ground to start the recording of. Every studio is different and the equipment, though relatively standard, has its differences.

But both Steve & Robert have been working in the industry for many years with a total of 50 years experience.

Francy has spent a considerable amount of time with the team so they are very prepared for what lies ahead. Let the music begin!

Posted 10:25 PM | 0 Comments | Permalink

Family takes holiday with Chinese friends

Thursday 21st August 2008 7:17 PM

On 21st August, the Thompsons flew to Los Angeles for a part work/holiday. They were invited to spend time with Pastor Paul & Francy in their beautiful community in Hacienda, a small town in Los Angeles.

'We took a BA flight with great seats watching every movie possible (well at least we tried!)'

On arrival at LA Airport, they were met by their host who whisked them of to a beautiful suite - out decked with all the comforts. '.. Thanks Paul and Francy!'

This must be at least the 25th trip to the USA for Steve & Vel - Velisha & Esther have probably travelled to the states 6 times, but this has to be the hottest it has ever been in the States.

'On arrival our host told us that the weather was much cooler as the previous week, it was over 100 Fahrenheit At the moment we are experiencing 90 Fahrenheit.'

'We are so ready for this holiday ... having worked continuously for the last three months (probably more)'
For the first few days we will be acclimatising at there is an eight hour time difference.'

Posted 7:17 PM | 3 Comments | Permalink