THE CUMPLEANOS BIG BASH

Finally, the Aimster's birthday is over for another year. The celebrations wound up yesterday with a go-kart party and then several friends coming for a sleepover....they've all gone home now and peace has descended upon the Hacienda once more.

I have to say that the Carlos Sainz Go-Kart Center (their spelling, not mine) is the best of its kind I've ever seen. It's very professionally operated, the drivers are taken into a briefing room for 20 minutes to go over safety and related driving regulations, and all are kitted out in proper racing gear - red overalls, padded neck braces and full racing helmets...the kids were all in their element.

The track itself twists and turns its way both indoors and outdoors, and there are different karts depending on experience, but all are powerful enough to provide a proper racing experience, thrills, spills, and spin outs. Some of the kids were a little nervous at first, but they quickly settled in and had a ball. The fastest time of the day was recorded by Buzzy (who has now changed names to 'Fangio') at 1:33.354 minutes with Birthday Girl 2 seconds behind him in 3rd place (1:35.579 minutes).

Birthday Girl

Fangio

Birthday Girl fangs it.....

Fangio - I have a need for speed!

The centre catered for a party celebration with a nice cake, pizza, warm cheese croquettes and other assorted health foods. Finally, as mentioned above, we threw ourselves on the sword and four of the kids came back with us for a sleepover, bringing to a close a ten day tweenage celebration. Phew, a lot different to when I was 12 - the only Kart I was aware of was the one the 'night watchman' rode on!!

Happy 12 year old

Note: For minor age privacy reasons there are only photos with Aimee and Buzzy.