Wow, what a crazy few days it has been! It started with a day of rest and relaxation. I did absolutely nothing other than read (got through 2 books), eat and drink wine. A spectacular day!
But the following day I was up at 5am (yuck!) to get on the road. It took 2 hours driving through the rain to get to Crystal River where I took a tour with American Pro Diving. I got to snorkel with Manatees!!! It was so cool. At first, a little frightening... they are so big. But once I got a few scratches in, it was wonderful. I just floated on the top and watched them. They are such beautiful creatures.
Then it was another 2 hour drive back to the condo to shower and eat. Then I was off for some shopping. But it was so crazy, I just tried to get the hell out of there. No parking spots and gridlock on the freeway beside it. I thought it might be smart to head to Punta Gorda, where I was going to see the Russian Ballet. It took another 2 hours to get to Punta Gorda. By then I was frustrated, tired and hungry. I had a great meal at Jack's on Marion and then went to see "The Nutcracker" by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. I don't know what I expected but it was... interesting. Don't get me wrong, I loved the ballet part but the theatre was a little lacking. It was actually a convention hall with a stage built. The "theatre" were just rows of chairs (very tightly packed). Thank god there was an empty seat to my left as the man to my right took up some of my seat. Because there was no slope to the "theatre", my view was blocked by the lady in front of me. But the dancing was still spectacular and I was glad I saw it. But then, another 1.5 hours back to the condo late at night. Was not that bad until I was close to the condo and a wild boar ran in front of my car. Scared the shit out of me... and I might had totally lost it at that point. Exhaustion set in and I just couldn't help laughing at myself. In total, 8 hours of driving and over 350 miles. I was beat.
So today, I slept in and had another day to lay around. I watched some football, read another book and had some coolers. Thankfully, I remembered to go down to the beach to catch the sunset. It was peaceful (minus some annoying kids... next time I may choose someplace kids are forbidden) and very pretty. Then I had a nice chat and walk with Mike from Michigan who I met on the beach. But after an hour, I was freezing (I didn't really have time to dress for the cool breeze if I wanted to make the sunset so I was just in a spring dress) so I retired to my condo. And here I sit with a cooler in one hand, feet up watching football. Ah, how I love sundays.
Tomorrow I will try to scratch that shopping itch (and try not to buy every shoe I see) before going to my second basketball game EVER.
Hope you are all well and I wish you all a Happy 2013!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
First 2 days in Tampa
Well, it has been an interesting few days. I arrived in Tampa at 10.30am yesterday. It was a very long 2 flights. I didn't get any sleep so in 3 days, I was running on 5 hours sleep. I was exhausted when I arrived but had to stay awake until later in the day.
So after getting talked into upgrading my rental car (seriously, a full size is a little big for just me!), I went driving around downtown killing time. I stopped by the University of Tampa, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel from the 1900s. It was very pretty and it was nice to walk around the park along the river. Tampa Downtown was pretty as well but I stayed in the car when it started raining.
Next up was a pretty sweet thing - I went on a tour of Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was so cool. Got to go behind the scenes and see the locker room, the field, the club area, a suite (with an insanely expessive price tag), the pirate ship and the security room (with jail cells). It was really interesting to see the stadium in person.
And then I began the drive out to Ruskin. It is actually 40 minutes south of Tampa. Once I got out there, I went to checkin and they had cancelled my reservation. Not cool. Thank god that I am uber-organized and I had printed all email confirmations and had them with me. After a few minutes, they had my room ready. Good thing - they wouldn't have wanted to deal with a tired and cranky me.
And.... I love my condo. It is so pretty and relaxing. I am right on the harbour so I can have my breakfast on the patio and look at the boats. Very nice. So last night, I went to bed early and got 11 hours of sleep. It felt wonderful!
This morning I was up and ready to go to Busch Gardens for the day. I got there at 10.15am and stayed for 8 hours. And I didn't even see all the animal exhibits (I missed out on the gorillas - they closed early) and I didn't go on any rides (I am not a ride person). But from what I did see, it was incredible. I got to feed kangaroos and wallabies, check out the flamingos, lories, elephants, hyenas, lions and ride the Serengeti express, a steam train through the park. But the highlights were the tours I did extra: the Jungala Insider took me behind the scenes in the orangutan and tiger habitats. Seeing them up close was incredible and worth it. They are really incredible animals. Then I went on the Sunset Safari: a ride on the back of a jeep through the Serengeti exhibit where we got to feed giraffes and see the zebras, hippos, rhinos, gazelles and other animals up close. It was so amazing and a great end to the day.
So now I am "home" with my feet up and a few coolers in hand. Tomorrow, a day of nothing to do! I've posted pics from my trip so far on facebook so feel free to check them out.
Lisa
Next up was a pretty sweet thing - I went on a tour of Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was so cool. Got to go behind the scenes and see the locker room, the field, the club area, a suite (with an insanely expessive price tag), the pirate ship and the security room (with jail cells). It was really interesting to see the stadium in person.
And then I began the drive out to Ruskin. It is actually 40 minutes south of Tampa. Once I got out there, I went to checkin and they had cancelled my reservation. Not cool. Thank god that I am uber-organized and I had printed all email confirmations and had them with me. After a few minutes, they had my room ready. Good thing - they wouldn't have wanted to deal with a tired and cranky me.
And.... I love my condo. It is so pretty and relaxing. I am right on the harbour so I can have my breakfast on the patio and look at the boats. Very nice. So last night, I went to bed early and got 11 hours of sleep. It felt wonderful!
This morning I was up and ready to go to Busch Gardens for the day. I got there at 10.15am and stayed for 8 hours. And I didn't even see all the animal exhibits (I missed out on the gorillas - they closed early) and I didn't go on any rides (I am not a ride person). But from what I did see, it was incredible. I got to feed kangaroos and wallabies, check out the flamingos, lories, elephants, hyenas, lions and ride the Serengeti express, a steam train through the park. But the highlights were the tours I did extra: the Jungala Insider took me behind the scenes in the orangutan and tiger habitats. Seeing them up close was incredible and worth it. They are really incredible animals. Then I went on the Sunset Safari: a ride on the back of a jeep through the Serengeti exhibit where we got to feed giraffes and see the zebras, hippos, rhinos, gazelles and other animals up close. It was so amazing and a great end to the day.
So now I am "home" with my feet up and a few coolers in hand. Tomorrow, a day of nothing to do! I've posted pics from my trip so far on facebook so feel free to check them out.
Lisa
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
3 years and finally alone again...
It has been 3 long years since I have travelled on my own and I have to say, its been nice. I have been able to take trips with friends and family and I have loved the opportunities to share memories and experiences.
But there is something special about setting out on a trip all alone with just myself to keep me company. It really does force you to know who you are and what you want.
This holiday season, I am heading to sunny Florida. In the Spring when I was planning my holidays, I had access to a condo in Ruskin, FL for dirt cheap. That was a big draw. Not to mention the fact that I would be in Florida where is doesn't really get THAT cold. So I went ahead and booked the condo and flights. And ever since, I have been waiting. And waiting. And I have to say, I was more excited once winter hit at home and we were seeing day after day of freezing temperatures.
So today, on Christmas day, I am on my way south. This year I was extremely grateful to have the time to spend with my family for Christmas. And as they were all curling up in bed full of turkey and fixins', I was on my way out to the airport for an overnight flight. I guess the down side of going someplace warm was I dressed for mild temps (so I didn't have to pack clothes I wouldn't be wearing) but still had to get from the car to the terminal in -25C. Thank god for a lone shuttle bus that was sweet enough to pick me up. Merry christmas indeed!
So now I sit in the new terminal at the EIA (very pretty by the way) fighting sleep. So I thought I would post (since it has been forever!). I will be flying into Tampa (via Houston) and staying in Ruskin (40 minutes south of Tampa, still in the Bay area). 6 days of rest and relaxation. At least, that was the plan. As I am sure some of you are aware, when I book a trip, I am obsessive about doing research and coming up with a plan to maximize time away. I will be the first person to admit this is not always restful. So when I booked this trip, I told myself I would not plan anything and just see how things go once I arrive. Well, I think I lasted a few months before reading about a few things to do in Florida. And wouldn't you know, I ended up booking one thing. And then another. And then another. Very quickly, I ended up having 4 things booked and paid for. Yikes! So, I now have a bit of a plan (but in my defense, if I didn't book in advance, I wouldn't have been able to get the tickets I wanted). But I still have 2 days with absolutely NOTHING planned. This is BIG!!!!
So, do you want to know what the plan is? Of course you do!
I fly into Tampa on Dec 26 (in the morning) so I am thinking of going on a tour of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stadium before checking into the condo. Maybe see a movie. Maybe have a bottle of wine and walk the beach. We'll see.
Dec 27 will be spent at Busch Gardens - so excited for this. I will be doing the Jungala tour before going on a Sunset Safari (where I get to feed giraffes!!!)
Dec 28 is... a DAY OFF!
Dec 29 is an early start to go snorkelling with manatees at Crystal River. Then a day of shopping in Ellenton before going to Punta Gorda to see the Russian State Ballet in "The Nutcracker".
Dec 30... another DAY OFF!
Dec 31 (new years eve) will be spent on Orlando. No, I am not going to Disney World or Epcot of any other amusement park (didn't want to be the lonely person surrounded by families) but I will be seeing my second NBA game with the Orlando Magic playing the Miami Heat. Should be fun!
January 1 is when I fly home (in the afternoon) so will be pretty chill. So that's the plan. Cool, huh? I think this sounds very scaled back but should be a nice balance of things to do with also time to lay around and do absolutely nothing.
Well, I am quickly losing the battle against sleep. Just need to make it to the plane... So I'm going to walk the airport. But I wish you all a very merry Christmas and I will check-in later.
Love, Lisa
This holiday season, I am heading to sunny Florida. In the Spring when I was planning my holidays, I had access to a condo in Ruskin, FL for dirt cheap. That was a big draw. Not to mention the fact that I would be in Florida where is doesn't really get THAT cold. So I went ahead and booked the condo and flights. And ever since, I have been waiting. And waiting. And I have to say, I was more excited once winter hit at home and we were seeing day after day of freezing temperatures.
So today, on Christmas day, I am on my way south. This year I was extremely grateful to have the time to spend with my family for Christmas. And as they were all curling up in bed full of turkey and fixins', I was on my way out to the airport for an overnight flight. I guess the down side of going someplace warm was I dressed for mild temps (so I didn't have to pack clothes I wouldn't be wearing) but still had to get from the car to the terminal in -25C. Thank god for a lone shuttle bus that was sweet enough to pick me up. Merry christmas indeed!
So now I sit in the new terminal at the EIA (very pretty by the way) fighting sleep. So I thought I would post (since it has been forever!). I will be flying into Tampa (via Houston) and staying in Ruskin (40 minutes south of Tampa, still in the Bay area). 6 days of rest and relaxation. At least, that was the plan. As I am sure some of you are aware, when I book a trip, I am obsessive about doing research and coming up with a plan to maximize time away. I will be the first person to admit this is not always restful. So when I booked this trip, I told myself I would not plan anything and just see how things go once I arrive. Well, I think I lasted a few months before reading about a few things to do in Florida. And wouldn't you know, I ended up booking one thing. And then another. And then another. Very quickly, I ended up having 4 things booked and paid for. Yikes! So, I now have a bit of a plan (but in my defense, if I didn't book in advance, I wouldn't have been able to get the tickets I wanted). But I still have 2 days with absolutely NOTHING planned. This is BIG!!!!
So, do you want to know what the plan is? Of course you do!
I fly into Tampa on Dec 26 (in the morning) so I am thinking of going on a tour of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stadium before checking into the condo. Maybe see a movie. Maybe have a bottle of wine and walk the beach. We'll see.
Dec 27 will be spent at Busch Gardens - so excited for this. I will be doing the Jungala tour before going on a Sunset Safari (where I get to feed giraffes!!!)
Dec 28 is... a DAY OFF!
Dec 29 is an early start to go snorkelling with manatees at Crystal River. Then a day of shopping in Ellenton before going to Punta Gorda to see the Russian State Ballet in "The Nutcracker".
Dec 30... another DAY OFF!
Dec 31 (new years eve) will be spent on Orlando. No, I am not going to Disney World or Epcot of any other amusement park (didn't want to be the lonely person surrounded by families) but I will be seeing my second NBA game with the Orlando Magic playing the Miami Heat. Should be fun!
January 1 is when I fly home (in the afternoon) so will be pretty chill. So that's the plan. Cool, huh? I think this sounds very scaled back but should be a nice balance of things to do with also time to lay around and do absolutely nothing.
Well, I am quickly losing the battle against sleep. Just need to make it to the plane... So I'm going to walk the airport. But I wish you all a very merry Christmas and I will check-in later.
Love, Lisa
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