Onward to the land of Disney!

Having followed the hordes of pilgrims to the amazing spectacle, which was the Olympic Park, I was mesmerized by the display that unfolded in front of me thanks to another new technology – giant rectangles which play out real life happening in a place you cannot see – mind-boggling! I believe they are called plasma screens.

I simply could not believe what I was seeing  - huge golden rings, an army of drummers and of course who could forget those magnificent explosions, bigger and brighter than I ever saw during my time on the high seas. It really was a tremendous battle, although I am not entirely sure who won – it all seemed very acrimonious. Not like in my day that’s for sure.

Of course, being an explorer at heart I awoke the next morning with one thing on my mind – travel. Luckily for me adventure was well and truly on the horizon.

 After scoffing a muffin and skinny latte at St Pancras Station (it seems the rumors of those magical coca beans were true, and who would have thought they could be ground into such a tasty, low calorie brew!) I was on my way to France.

I had traveled to this difficult and dismal land many a time during my previous explorations and have to say I found the French less appealing than most. However, I was willing to give it another shot after careful research on travel guide website Toowist had led me to another discovery - an exciting and quite unbelievable way to get to French soil – an underwater train! Who ever would have thought! Similar in concept to London’s nifty Underground yet this contraption travels under the sea for miles on end. My mind went into over drive thinking of the places and treasures I could have found had I been the captain of the Eurostar.

I have to say, the journey was far superior to navigating the wild and wily seas, and not one of my fellow crewmates succumbed to scurvy. In fact my limes remained safely tucked away in my jacket pocket. Despite this it has to be said I did miss the homely smell of sea breeze and the cry of gulls from above.

Having glided into the Gard de Nord in a miraculous three hours the wondrous Eurostar was in no time off again. You see the city of Paris was not my destination today. No, I had heard of a magical and mystical land where anything and everything was possible. A land ruled by a giant mouse and home to more princes and princesses than anywhere else on this fine earth. Yes, I was off in search of the land of Disney.

 Well all I can say is that explorers of today have it far easier than in my time. Finding the mysterious land of Disney was, well, far from a mystery. All I had to do was remain in my seat for a little while longer and my underwater vessel, which had by this time become an over ground vessel, dropped me off at the edge of this ‘promised land’.

And what a place it was! Just where to go first? I was confronted with an abundance of choices – Main Street USA, Frontierland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland, Adventureland…it was like discovering the New World afresh, only this time with burgers, French fries and the most wonderful invention of all, carbonated soft drinks…bliss.

 After a hearty lunch to build my strength I set off in search of Adventureland. I had heard of a nasty fellow who goes by the name of Hook who rules this land with an iron fist. This I had to see.

What a place it turned out to be! Not only did I survive my trip aboard Hook’s pirate ship I also rode a run-away train through Indiana Jones' temples of perils and was a fearless teammate throughout the journey to the Caribbean, defying cannonballs and pillaging pirates.  It was clear that I was victorious in my voyage. In fact, when I met the main man Hook he gave me a big hug and ruffled my hair – he clearly knows who is boss.

Well, one land down and four more to conquer…not bad work for one day. Now, where is that delightful burger stand?