Going to aquariums is one of those things both Dann and I really enjoy! There is just something about exploring the creatures that live underwater and seeing what they look like close up. The Aquarium of the Bay is located on Pier 39, right at the end, and is one we have passed by a few times in previous years. This year, however, Dann booked up tickets excited to walk through the area. The aquarium is across several floors, creating a real experience of walking around.
While in San Francisco, we got stuck for a few extra days, which was a whole ordeal. But, due to this extra time, Dann and I actually got to meet up with my uncle Bekket and his partner, for a meal out. Bekket picked The Brickhouse Bar and Grill primarily because the food looked good and it was dog friendly, as they brought their little dog. The place itself was very small-town-bar-and-grill feeling, with smaller-sized booths, sports on TV, and lots of decorations.
[Ad- gifted products] Robin is a huge fan of teddies, of things that are slightly strange, and of blind bags – so she was pumped to hear about the third series of Deddy Bears launching, which included not only new bears to collect, but also jumbo versions of the smaller bears! Now, you can collect key chain versions, smaller plushies, medium plushies and large plushies, each with their own back stories and some with little coffins to sleep in.
Though Kai and Amelia are far too old for soft play, Robin is still just in the age where she is interested and wants to play. So, on one of the days when just she was off school, Robin and I went to Wowland Soft Play to see what it was all about! This location just opened that month, so we didn’t know much about it or what to expect. Robin very much loves going to new places, so was excited to take a look. We booked online, which was pretty simple, giving us an hour slot. There is a pop-up, which is worth noting, that you cannot escape from and need to read, each time you go to the website. This was slightly annoying, but I do understand why they do it as it contains information needed about your booking.
On our way back from Alton Towers, we often go out for food. This time, Dann picked out a place on the way back that wasn’t too far out of the way and that made sense with our timeline. That’s how we ended up at Revolucion de Cuba Derby – which had tacos, small plates, a fun kid’s menu, and some cute drinks that Dann thought I would very much like. Hungry and excited to be somewhere new, we all ordered far too much food and had a fantastic time. About halfway into our dinner, a live band came in and started playing fantastic music, which was really a huge highlight to our day.
Jamón Croquetas, Crispy Pork Belly & Cuban Fries
Whenever we go to somewhere new with new types of food, we often order a few things for the table, so that everyone can try new stuff. So, we grabbed some jamon croquetas, which are mash potatos and ham, coated in breadcrumbs, fried. We have had these before with our children, but it had been a while, so they were excited to see them again! We also got cuban fries, which were cheesy, seasoned fries that Robin ended up eating more of then her fries that came with her meal, and some Crispy Pork Belly. I didn’t love the pork belly, but Dann did. I think the sauce, with the rum and fennel, was a bit much – but everyone did try it.
