Chapter 17.
Monday
Monday morning, I awoke without Jennifer next to me. The whole night I missed her, but I felt she was getting excellent care, and I just needed to trust what they were doing. After all, what more could be done? Her cancer had gotten worse, and there wasn’t any other treatment that could be done back in Orlando. I also knew why I was here, and I had to move forward. So today, Sally and I had reservations to see The Continents.
After eating breakfast together in our suite, I called to check in on Jennifer with the medical staff. They said she had slept soundly all night and was doing fine. Sally and I then took the Zipvator to the Complex.
The Continents were recently added two years ago. This section is laid out just like Show Town, in a rectangular shape, but instead of having one large building, like the Comedy Co. in the middle, it has two 12-story towers, with each housing an attraction.
Each Continent (except Antarctica and Australia) represent multiple countries from that region that reflect the taste, sights, and sounds of each country. You are completely immersed and will feel like you are actually there. Each three-story Continent hosts the countries food and drinks on the first floor, education, entertainment, and their identity (how they dine, their clothes, how they live, etc.) on the second floor, and art on the third floor. I’ve never been in The Continents before, and I was really looking forward to it.
As Sally and I arrived at the Family Hotel Station at the Complex, we took the escalator down and walked up to the archway that led to the Continents. Since you need reservations to enter the Continents, we scanned our fingers and were let in for the full day slot. It is recommended that you reserve the whole day for your first visit and then you can reserve half-days afterwards. The half-days allow for you to reserve times for other shows outside The Continents during the day. You can book another full day in advance, but only if you’re staying more than one week on the property. The reservations keep the crowds low and allow the guests to really enjoy their experience, without bumping into each other or waiting in long lines.
As we entered, we felt like tourists who were immediately transported across the world, with Asia on the right and Antarctica to our left. We headed right and moved into Asia. The lighting over the street was illuminated with Chinese lanterns, just like you would see on the street in Beijing. To the right of the street was the Chinese Market, featuring fresh food from all over China. We meandered through the different stations, some selling food, and some selling other goods from China. You have the choice of paying $10 for a multiple sample card or use a meal credit, like lunch or dinner, from your meal plan. You can sample all you want in any country, for up to a four-hour time allotment for each meal bought or used from the meal plan. Of course, drinks from each country are free. This allows you to sample many countries unique beverages, including soda. Alcoholic beverages are only sold in the sit-down restaurants for a small charge and are monitored.
Sally and I used our lunch credit and received a card to get our samples for a four-hour period. We walked around and sampled the different foods, and each time, our card was scanned. We sampled many foods and desserts from multiple countries, sharing many so that we didn’t really fill up so quickly.
We walked through China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and others, sampling many different tastes and delicacies. The portions are only a few bites each, enough to get an idea of what each taste like. But you can go back for more if you wish. One of the tips I’ve heard from those who have visited in the past is to pace yourself. You can quickly fill up before you make it to the next Continent. Most countries also have sit down restaurants. You can sample beforehand, and if you find items you like, you can then order full portions off the menu the next time you go. Of course, the restaurants do charge more, but again, you can use your meal plan the next time or just pay for it yourself.
Once we finished our Asian noshing, we headed upstairs to the education and entertainment floor and watched a few street performers before riding the Asian Express. This immersive sight-seeing attraction is designed to make you feel like you’re seeing all of Asia’s top sights in a flying theater. You sit down in seats that lift and then thrust you into an enormous laser projection screen, which surrounds you. The seats move as you turn and go up and down like you’re floating through each area of Asia. The 45-minute show is incredible and takes you on a tour like no other. You can hear, smell, and really feel like you are there.
The third floor features the art and culture of Asia. This area is divided into each country. You can easily see the differences between the clothes and art of each. Sally and I took the Artmobile. This is a 12-person vehicle that travels around the third floor on every Continent. Each vehicle has a transparent dome cover that keeps the vehicle quiet for the other guests who are walking around the exhibits. Inside the vehicle, a recorded narration describes many of the exhibits as you go by. Of course, going by foot will allow you to see more, and in greater detail, but the Artmobile lets you cover much more territory in only an hour and highlights the key pieces of art and culture. The Artmobile travels the third floor of every Continent and has stops in each for loading and unloading.
When the Artmobile came back to Asia, we had covered all The Continents’ third floors. So, we went back down to the first floor and walked into Europe, which is next door.
Just like Asia, we sampled foods and drinks from France, Germany, England, Italy, and many more. Then, we went to the second floor to see the entertainment and let our bellies digest all the tasty food we just ate. We checked out all the landmark sights from Europe on another attraction; Europe Tours - one that made you feel like you were riding in a double-decker bus. The bus traveled from country to country, riding along each street as it passed a famous attraction or landmark. This attraction lasted about 40-minutes and really made you feel like a tourist.
Sally and I continued our visit to the Continents for the next three hours and traveled through sights in North America, South America, Africa, and Australia. In Africa, we rode a magic carpet to see some of the sights of the Middle East and took a Safari vehicle through the Savannah. In North America, we rode an above ground subway to see Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
By the time we visited each Continent, it was already 3 p.m. We now needed to visit the two cylindrical tower attractions in the center of the Continents: The History of the World and The History of Art. Each one takes about an hour to complete and is the best way to see a museum ever! The moving, sit down vehicles, hold 28 guests each and move independently with full narration. The vehicles face inwards as they ascend on an incline, which you cannot feel, due to the vehicle compensating for it. You’ll see pieces of art or history displayed in Super 3-D Hologram visuals. As you go up, you slow briefly at each exhibit and learn about that period or piece. Once you reach the top, your vehicle turns outward and begins to descend. You will now see the visual exhibits in the perimeter of the tower. The History of the World covers the significant parts of history, and The History of Art includes the most significant pieces of art. Specific exhibits turn 360 degrees, so you can see around the back.
I love museums, but I absolutely hate walking around reading one thing after another. On one family visit to Washington D.C., we spent an entire week visiting museums. Once our D.C. trip was over, we headed to museums in Virginia; Williamsburg, and then Atlanta, and were so tired of learning, that we had a tough time enjoying anything. We felt like we were “museum exhausted.” We would just ignore the information plaques and probably missed a lot of details, just because we were so tired of stopping and reading so much. Plus, you must wait for others to finish reading or have others in your party that must wait for you to finish reading. I couldn’t even see many of the info plaques that were set further back in the displays, due to my eyesight.
The History of the World and The History of Art attractions are relaxing, informative, and entertaining. I guarantee you will leave The Continents knowing more about the world around you than you ever did before. In fact, many have said they learned more here than when they traveled to those countries themselves. The history of both the Art and World puts all the significant pieces of art and significant world events in chronological order. The Artmobile Tour also covers many of the vital pieces of art, but with more information about that county’s history and time period. Combined, you obtain more than either one individually.
The Continents have received so many great reviews since opening that many have called it the most exceptional educational and entertainment combination in the world. The attractions, food, and entertainment are all authentic. Many of the employees working there are native to the country they are working in. They live on the property, for up to a year. Then others from their home country come in to replace them.
Sally and I finished our tour of The Continents around 7 p.m. and could have easily gone longer. We also used our dinner credit for our meal plan and ate in even more counties. In total, we ate around the world for eight hours. There is so much to see and do. So many other live shows to watch and art and culture to see. As I said earlier, many of the guests will visit for a full day for their first visit. Then, half-days for their subsequent trips to the WOE or days remaining on their vacation. Some will reserve just to eat and enjoy their favorite attractions again. Unfortunately, you need at least a half day reservation to even eat at one of the sit-down restaurants. Again, this is to keep the crowds down, so you can take your time and enjoy everything and not feel rushed or needlessly have to wait in long lines for the attractions.
There is absolutely nothing that can quite match the immersive experience you will get by visiting The Continents. Other theme parks may offer a few of these experiences, but not to the variety, artistic and culinary comparison from one country to another.
Sally and I headed back to our suite to rest for a bit and then visit Jennifer. We felt so much more aware and connected with our world and those who live in it. So many people can’t see outside of their own town or country. The Continents opened our eyes, ears, and taste buds to everything else out there. This was by far, my favorite theme park area out of all that I’ve ever visited.
After we reached our suite, Sally and I washed up and were taken to the medical facility to meet Jennifer. As we walked into her room, everything I experienced that day evaporated once again, as the reality of life came crashing back down, and I saw her lying helplessly in that bed. Man, I know how much she would have appreciated going to The Continents today, mainly because she’s a teacher and loves history and culture so much.
The love of my life, my best friend, and supporter of so much of what I do, was in a very deep sleep and fighting for her life. Sally and I pulled up chairs and just sat and watched her breathe.
“I wish Mom could have been with us today.”
“I know honey, I do too. I’m really hoping she’s going to get through this. I need her.“
“I need her too. I need my mom to help me with make-up, boys, and shopping.”
“I know Sally. I know how much you love her.”
We knew we couldn’t keep talking like that or we would both start crying. So, Sally went on her phone, and I just sat there thinking about everything. I knew we had thousands of dollars’ worth of bills waiting for us back home from all the medical tests, chemo, and procedures Jennifer had already been through. If something happens to her, how will Sally and I survive on just my money? I’m only making close to minimum wage. I’m sure her life insurance will pay off some of the bills, but then what? With my poor vision, I can’t get a decent job. I’m stuck. While I was sitting there, starting to feel hopeless just watching her, Jessica came in.
“Hi, Peter and Sally.”
“Hi, Jessica. How’s she doing?” I asked.
“She is stable. Still sleeping and comfortable. There’s a real war going on inside her body right now. The medicine we’re giving her and the cancer are fighting. We are all rooting and pulling for the medicine and her white blood cells to win. With her sleeping, her body can use that energy to help with the fight,” Jessica said.
We then talked about our day, and she then said we should get some rest ourselves.
“When Jennifer wakes up, or if anything changes, I will page you,” she said.
Jessica brought back a writing tablet and pen. She suggested that I might want to write a note for her to read in case she wakes up, and I’m not there. She said it might help me feel better too. So, when she left, I did.
“Dear Jennifer,
I have written you many notes and letters in the past. Some to say I’d be right back. Some to ask for forgiveness and others to tell you how much I love you. But this letter is one I’ve never written before. This is the one I never thought I’d have to write. But here it is, a note that is, to me, my heart’s message to you.
Jennifer, since I first met you, I have had more confidence in myself than ever before. I so respected you, and knowing you thought of me in a loving way was beyond my expectations. You are such a wonderful person and have always been there for me, no matter what.
Your love is so loyal and true. You are so selfless and giving, both to Sally and me.
I’m scared! I don’t want to live life without you. I’m simply nothing without you.
Throughout our time together, we’ve had our ups and downs. We have raised a beautiful daughter, and you have made such an impact on so many students.
And through it all, I’d say that the sun shined far more than it didn’t and after every storm, we dried off, and we’re back to our usual selves.
I feel as if I never fully showed you how much I love and appreciate you. I feel like you always gave me more than I gave you.
I feel like I am far better off with you, then without.
Jennifer, please know that I appreciate all you do for Sally and me. You are truly a blessing in our lives, and all my strength and faith from above is focused on us being together for years to come.
I need you. I love you, and I pray that we will be together again soon, for many years to come.
Love always and forever,
Peter.”
I folded up the letter and put it on her bedside table. Sally and I kissed her and then went back to our suite.
Monday
Monday morning, I awoke without Jennifer next to me. The whole night I missed her, but I felt she was getting excellent care, and I just needed to trust what they were doing. After all, what more could be done? Her cancer had gotten worse, and there wasn’t any other treatment that could be done back in Orlando. I also knew why I was here, and I had to move forward. So today, Sally and I had reservations to see The Continents.
After eating breakfast together in our suite, I called to check in on Jennifer with the medical staff. They said she had slept soundly all night and was doing fine. Sally and I then took the Zipvator to the Complex.
The Continents were recently added two years ago. This section is laid out just like Show Town, in a rectangular shape, but instead of having one large building, like the Comedy Co. in the middle, it has two 12-story towers, with each housing an attraction.
Each Continent (except Antarctica and Australia) represent multiple countries from that region that reflect the taste, sights, and sounds of each country. You are completely immersed and will feel like you are actually there. Each three-story Continent hosts the countries food and drinks on the first floor, education, entertainment, and their identity (how they dine, their clothes, how they live, etc.) on the second floor, and art on the third floor. I’ve never been in The Continents before, and I was really looking forward to it.
As Sally and I arrived at the Family Hotel Station at the Complex, we took the escalator down and walked up to the archway that led to the Continents. Since you need reservations to enter the Continents, we scanned our fingers and were let in for the full day slot. It is recommended that you reserve the whole day for your first visit and then you can reserve half-days afterwards. The half-days allow for you to reserve times for other shows outside The Continents during the day. You can book another full day in advance, but only if you’re staying more than one week on the property. The reservations keep the crowds low and allow the guests to really enjoy their experience, without bumping into each other or waiting in long lines.
As we entered, we felt like tourists who were immediately transported across the world, with Asia on the right and Antarctica to our left. We headed right and moved into Asia. The lighting over the street was illuminated with Chinese lanterns, just like you would see on the street in Beijing. To the right of the street was the Chinese Market, featuring fresh food from all over China. We meandered through the different stations, some selling food, and some selling other goods from China. You have the choice of paying $10 for a multiple sample card or use a meal credit, like lunch or dinner, from your meal plan. You can sample all you want in any country, for up to a four-hour time allotment for each meal bought or used from the meal plan. Of course, drinks from each country are free. This allows you to sample many countries unique beverages, including soda. Alcoholic beverages are only sold in the sit-down restaurants for a small charge and are monitored.
Sally and I used our lunch credit and received a card to get our samples for a four-hour period. We walked around and sampled the different foods, and each time, our card was scanned. We sampled many foods and desserts from multiple countries, sharing many so that we didn’t really fill up so quickly.
We walked through China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and others, sampling many different tastes and delicacies. The portions are only a few bites each, enough to get an idea of what each taste like. But you can go back for more if you wish. One of the tips I’ve heard from those who have visited in the past is to pace yourself. You can quickly fill up before you make it to the next Continent. Most countries also have sit down restaurants. You can sample beforehand, and if you find items you like, you can then order full portions off the menu the next time you go. Of course, the restaurants do charge more, but again, you can use your meal plan the next time or just pay for it yourself.
Once we finished our Asian noshing, we headed upstairs to the education and entertainment floor and watched a few street performers before riding the Asian Express. This immersive sight-seeing attraction is designed to make you feel like you’re seeing all of Asia’s top sights in a flying theater. You sit down in seats that lift and then thrust you into an enormous laser projection screen, which surrounds you. The seats move as you turn and go up and down like you’re floating through each area of Asia. The 45-minute show is incredible and takes you on a tour like no other. You can hear, smell, and really feel like you are there.
The third floor features the art and culture of Asia. This area is divided into each country. You can easily see the differences between the clothes and art of each. Sally and I took the Artmobile. This is a 12-person vehicle that travels around the third floor on every Continent. Each vehicle has a transparent dome cover that keeps the vehicle quiet for the other guests who are walking around the exhibits. Inside the vehicle, a recorded narration describes many of the exhibits as you go by. Of course, going by foot will allow you to see more, and in greater detail, but the Artmobile lets you cover much more territory in only an hour and highlights the key pieces of art and culture. The Artmobile travels the third floor of every Continent and has stops in each for loading and unloading.
When the Artmobile came back to Asia, we had covered all The Continents’ third floors. So, we went back down to the first floor and walked into Europe, which is next door.
Just like Asia, we sampled foods and drinks from France, Germany, England, Italy, and many more. Then, we went to the second floor to see the entertainment and let our bellies digest all the tasty food we just ate. We checked out all the landmark sights from Europe on another attraction; Europe Tours - one that made you feel like you were riding in a double-decker bus. The bus traveled from country to country, riding along each street as it passed a famous attraction or landmark. This attraction lasted about 40-minutes and really made you feel like a tourist.
Sally and I continued our visit to the Continents for the next three hours and traveled through sights in North America, South America, Africa, and Australia. In Africa, we rode a magic carpet to see some of the sights of the Middle East and took a Safari vehicle through the Savannah. In North America, we rode an above ground subway to see Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
By the time we visited each Continent, it was already 3 p.m. We now needed to visit the two cylindrical tower attractions in the center of the Continents: The History of the World and The History of Art. Each one takes about an hour to complete and is the best way to see a museum ever! The moving, sit down vehicles, hold 28 guests each and move independently with full narration. The vehicles face inwards as they ascend on an incline, which you cannot feel, due to the vehicle compensating for it. You’ll see pieces of art or history displayed in Super 3-D Hologram visuals. As you go up, you slow briefly at each exhibit and learn about that period or piece. Once you reach the top, your vehicle turns outward and begins to descend. You will now see the visual exhibits in the perimeter of the tower. The History of the World covers the significant parts of history, and The History of Art includes the most significant pieces of art. Specific exhibits turn 360 degrees, so you can see around the back.
I love museums, but I absolutely hate walking around reading one thing after another. On one family visit to Washington D.C., we spent an entire week visiting museums. Once our D.C. trip was over, we headed to museums in Virginia; Williamsburg, and then Atlanta, and were so tired of learning, that we had a tough time enjoying anything. We felt like we were “museum exhausted.” We would just ignore the information plaques and probably missed a lot of details, just because we were so tired of stopping and reading so much. Plus, you must wait for others to finish reading or have others in your party that must wait for you to finish reading. I couldn’t even see many of the info plaques that were set further back in the displays, due to my eyesight.
The History of the World and The History of Art attractions are relaxing, informative, and entertaining. I guarantee you will leave The Continents knowing more about the world around you than you ever did before. In fact, many have said they learned more here than when they traveled to those countries themselves. The history of both the Art and World puts all the significant pieces of art and significant world events in chronological order. The Artmobile Tour also covers many of the vital pieces of art, but with more information about that county’s history and time period. Combined, you obtain more than either one individually.
The Continents have received so many great reviews since opening that many have called it the most exceptional educational and entertainment combination in the world. The attractions, food, and entertainment are all authentic. Many of the employees working there are native to the country they are working in. They live on the property, for up to a year. Then others from their home country come in to replace them.
Sally and I finished our tour of The Continents around 7 p.m. and could have easily gone longer. We also used our dinner credit for our meal plan and ate in even more counties. In total, we ate around the world for eight hours. There is so much to see and do. So many other live shows to watch and art and culture to see. As I said earlier, many of the guests will visit for a full day for their first visit. Then, half-days for their subsequent trips to the WOE or days remaining on their vacation. Some will reserve just to eat and enjoy their favorite attractions again. Unfortunately, you need at least a half day reservation to even eat at one of the sit-down restaurants. Again, this is to keep the crowds down, so you can take your time and enjoy everything and not feel rushed or needlessly have to wait in long lines for the attractions.
There is absolutely nothing that can quite match the immersive experience you will get by visiting The Continents. Other theme parks may offer a few of these experiences, but not to the variety, artistic and culinary comparison from one country to another.
Sally and I headed back to our suite to rest for a bit and then visit Jennifer. We felt so much more aware and connected with our world and those who live in it. So many people can’t see outside of their own town or country. The Continents opened our eyes, ears, and taste buds to everything else out there. This was by far, my favorite theme park area out of all that I’ve ever visited.
After we reached our suite, Sally and I washed up and were taken to the medical facility to meet Jennifer. As we walked into her room, everything I experienced that day evaporated once again, as the reality of life came crashing back down, and I saw her lying helplessly in that bed. Man, I know how much she would have appreciated going to The Continents today, mainly because she’s a teacher and loves history and culture so much.
The love of my life, my best friend, and supporter of so much of what I do, was in a very deep sleep and fighting for her life. Sally and I pulled up chairs and just sat and watched her breathe.
“I wish Mom could have been with us today.”
“I know honey, I do too. I’m really hoping she’s going to get through this. I need her.“
“I need her too. I need my mom to help me with make-up, boys, and shopping.”
“I know Sally. I know how much you love her.”
We knew we couldn’t keep talking like that or we would both start crying. So, Sally went on her phone, and I just sat there thinking about everything. I knew we had thousands of dollars’ worth of bills waiting for us back home from all the medical tests, chemo, and procedures Jennifer had already been through. If something happens to her, how will Sally and I survive on just my money? I’m only making close to minimum wage. I’m sure her life insurance will pay off some of the bills, but then what? With my poor vision, I can’t get a decent job. I’m stuck. While I was sitting there, starting to feel hopeless just watching her, Jessica came in.
“Hi, Peter and Sally.”
“Hi, Jessica. How’s she doing?” I asked.
“She is stable. Still sleeping and comfortable. There’s a real war going on inside her body right now. The medicine we’re giving her and the cancer are fighting. We are all rooting and pulling for the medicine and her white blood cells to win. With her sleeping, her body can use that energy to help with the fight,” Jessica said.
We then talked about our day, and she then said we should get some rest ourselves.
“When Jennifer wakes up, or if anything changes, I will page you,” she said.
Jessica brought back a writing tablet and pen. She suggested that I might want to write a note for her to read in case she wakes up, and I’m not there. She said it might help me feel better too. So, when she left, I did.
“Dear Jennifer,
I have written you many notes and letters in the past. Some to say I’d be right back. Some to ask for forgiveness and others to tell you how much I love you. But this letter is one I’ve never written before. This is the one I never thought I’d have to write. But here it is, a note that is, to me, my heart’s message to you.
Jennifer, since I first met you, I have had more confidence in myself than ever before. I so respected you, and knowing you thought of me in a loving way was beyond my expectations. You are such a wonderful person and have always been there for me, no matter what.
Your love is so loyal and true. You are so selfless and giving, both to Sally and me.
I’m scared! I don’t want to live life without you. I’m simply nothing without you.
Throughout our time together, we’ve had our ups and downs. We have raised a beautiful daughter, and you have made such an impact on so many students.
And through it all, I’d say that the sun shined far more than it didn’t and after every storm, we dried off, and we’re back to our usual selves.
I feel as if I never fully showed you how much I love and appreciate you. I feel like you always gave me more than I gave you.
I feel like I am far better off with you, then without.
Jennifer, please know that I appreciate all you do for Sally and me. You are truly a blessing in our lives, and all my strength and faith from above is focused on us being together for years to come.
I need you. I love you, and I pray that we will be together again soon, for many years to come.
Love always and forever,
Peter.”
I folded up the letter and put it on her bedside table. Sally and I kissed her and then went back to our suite.