Things In Florida You Can`t Avoid What Are Scary
Posted: Saturday, February 07, 2009
by Kacycarr
http://www.spotthepimple.com
Over the years I have travelled to many countries in Europe and further afield but one holiday that will forever haunt me was my stay in Florida. It was so different to other holidays I had always been used to and, yes I know we are talking about America and shouldn`t have expected anything other than difference.
Nevertheless we writers like to relax and take things slow when away; however this may not speak for all of us. What I always loved about getting away was having a lovely room with a balcony to sit on to while away the hours, looking out over a beautiful view, (ocean, and mountains countryside whatever.) Unfortunately I didn`t get this in Florida. If you stay on International Drive you are deprived of this, however you are only deprived if it is sun, sea and sand you crave. I am not knocking Florida, in fact it has great qualities in what it offers the tourist/holidaymaker, but only if you like these qualities.
The first thing that came to mind when I arrived in Florida is that, if you walked with a Zimmer frame you were sticking to one side of the road because, you weren`t getting across to the other side without having to run. I remember my first experience, you know how it is girls - you doll yourself up for your first venture outside of hotel room donned in shorts, sleeveless top, flip flops and diamante earrings, oh yes we girl`s don`t go anywhere without them regardless of dress code. After what seemed like miles of walking, I asked my family why we hadn`t crossed the road, which they then explained that where we were stood was not a viable place to cross and, we could get in trouble with the law for jaywalking. Your "avin a laugh ain`t yer" you need to jaywalk or you're not going anywhere fast, meaning, if you want bubblegum and the shop that sells it is directly across the road from where your standing, then you may have to walk a fair distance to cross over the road, hence having to double back the same distance for to blow them bubbles.
Yes I am well aware that Spanish roads are lethal to cross having to dodge traffic, but the roads are not quite as wide, did I say wide. I meant extensive as Florida's, hence less running to do. If I wanted to run I would have entered the London Marathon.
About a mile up from the Quality Inn where we were staying we came to the traffic lights sited up near to heaven which was our pointer for crossing International Drive. The button was pressed and we were prompted to cross the road by the flashing white man. Now bear in mind I have just walked what seemed a mile if not longer and, to my surprise after stepping foot onto the road the traffic light system began to countdown. "Linford Christie" had nothing on me this day, I had never ran so fast in my life and when nearing the twenty mark, I found myself frantically waving to the black skinned, olive skinned and white skinned drivers in their allotted car lanes – conversing with my arms for them to hold up a minute, as I hadn`t even reached half way yet. I am not sure but there was at least 5 to 6 lanes of traffic and it wasn`t even a motorway, Britain`s motorways only have 3 lanes either side, however even if less than the number of 5 or 6 - America`s roads are vastly greater than in the UK. I nearly came to booking into a motel for the night on that side of the road due to fear of having to cross back. I can laugh now when I think back but if you're scared, and have walking difficulties - then you may find yourself restricted to all that goes on – on your side of the road. What I seen in Florida was highways and highways and more highways.
There is no doubt about it that the yanks when they do something they do it big.
I have never been the best of walkers but another nightmare for me was my trip to Wal-Mart. I like to admire the scenery when I am walking and the plus to this is – it seems to shorten the distance of your destination when your mind is occupied with other things. Well mine wasn`t this day. If I didn`t know different I would have said my walk to Wal-Mart was like strolling up the hard shoulder of the M56. To try and take my mind of the endless walk I thought I would count how many small cars I could see on the American roads. I told you the yanks do everything big and that goes for cars to, there wasn`t a small car in sight like the Escort and Mini. Wal-Mart was an experience, the size of the sales floor, beef steaks and prawns are unbelievable. In the UK we have shopping trolleys but if I were to try and determine the size of this store then you would need a forklift truck for getting around and for carrying your shopping.
I did Florida twice, once when I didn't know what I was letting myself in for and, the second time was to see Graciemae my first grandchild visit Disneyland but after that I vowed "never again." I hasten to add that Disneyland and surrounding parks live up to their name - a must see for the kids and adults to, if this is your forte. I now find myself in a dilemma and not sure what to do. My eldest son out of the two boys I have is to marry in Florida on May 2nd, what do I do. I can't not go to my own son`s wedding, but I also can`t cross the roads and, the duration stay is for three weeks. I could hire a car because they say if you can`t beat them then join them. I am not the most confident of drivers as it is but it would have to be a small vehicle I hire and, who knows the next person walking to Wal-Mart who feels the same as me may be able to pick out a small car on America`s roads if holidaying the same time as me, if I go.
Florida, I expect is beautiful in places, however I never got to see them and I feel sad about that, and because of this I may just get sadder and kill two birds with one stone – seeing the true beauty of Florida and shedding a tear at my son`s wedding because ain`t that what caring mums do. Mums go to Florida regardless of the size of the roads, it`s the size of the heart that counts. He hasn`t told me yet but I bet he is getting married on the other side of International Drive from where we are staying.
Protect Your Skin From Florida`s Hot Baking Sun
Kacy, I was prepared to defend my home state to the death when I read the title of this article. You had me laughing instead of wanting to shout at you! I got a visual of you on International Drive as you described your ordeal. I would suggest doing as you said: attend the wedding and get to know how lovely Florida really is. I do not advise hiring a car since we drive on the proper side of the road, unlike you English! *laughing* For your safety and that of other motorists, don't hire a care if you're the driver. Thanks for the laughs. The wedding is held during a lovely time of year. The extreme heat will be at bay and the weather should be perfect! Please post again about your trip?
Glad you seen the funny side of it Avis. I am still paining years later. And I am also glad you never took offence as it was meamt to be funny - even though at the time - traumatic for me. Yeah I loved Florida, however it is the 9 hour flight that I don`t like but if you want to get to one of the most beautiful places in the world then it has to be done. Wait till I tell you of my experience when eating out and my riding a bike with ET. Never thought it possble but Florida made this dream of mine come true.Keep well AvisKacy
