Ups and Downs.

Hello to you, Mr or Mrs Reader. How are you? The children look so grown up now, and its only been a couple of weeks since I last saw them!

First I would like to announce (in case you hadn't noticed already) that my page has become a far lot prettier. Just look at the title! It's so fancy! and the background, genius! Please leave a comment about the new theme below if you would be so kind.

Today's post is going to be about Theme Parks, but more specifically roller coasters. Now, roller coasters are a bit like Marmite, you either love them or you hate them. Luckily, I am in the former group, because I absolutely adore them. Roller coasters are one of my favourite holiday treat things. When I get an offer to go to a theme park, I will hands down say yes every time (depending on the bank balance of course).

I am very lucky in the fact that I have been to so many different theme parks a countless number of times. For instance, I have had the chance to go to both Thorpe Park and Alton Towers last year, and the year before I got to go to Alton towers twice. Out of the two, Thorpe Park is definitely my favourite. The quality of rides there is far better then those at Alton Towers, and you don't have to walk as far which is always a bonus.

But, the best rides I have ever been on are those in the Land of the Free. Yes, America can do something right. The rides in America are, simply put, amazing. They say everything is bigger and better across the pond, and there are no exceptions here. The Hulk Ride, or The Kraken are by far the best rides I have ever been on. I love speed, I love loops and cork screws, and both of these rides have more then enough of both of these.

The Kraken, Sea World, Florida

As you can probably tell by now, I am an "Adrenaline Junkie". But there is a new breed of roller coaster coming to Britain on the 20th of March. This sub-species of ride is called a psycho-coaster, because it is meant to not only physically scare you with the loops etc, but also mentally with horrible nightmarish thoughts that are supposed to play on your mind. The ride coming to Britain, and more specifically, Alton Towers, is rather oddly called Thirteen.

Now, I signed up for the newsletter about this coaster, and from the looks of it, it does look quite terrifying. If you have a minute, just google "Alton Towers thirteen" and it'll be the top one. Do you think it looks scary? I certainly think it does. I hate horror films, and things that make me jump out my skin make me want to cry sometimes, partly in terror, but mainly embarrassment. From the looks of it there will be live actors either around the ride or even in the queue, jumping out at you and scaring you half to death.

Thirteen Teaser Photo

Bu If it is either of these things, I may end up avoiding the whole ride completely. I personally feel that a roller coaster is there just to have a bit of fun, maybe to make you nervous as you get on, but ultimately a satisfying venture, not one to make you scare yourself silly even before you get on it. I would've much rather have a ride which was super-fast with multiple loops then one that frightens you, but comment if you are looking forward to Thirteen and the new experience it will give.

That's all folks, and please, don't be afraid to comment :)

Andy*