Things have been busy here recently - this last week has been particularly hectic. To begin with, last weekend we went to Seaworld, where we met up with my cousin, her husband and their two year old daughter, who I have to say is unbelievably cute.

Although there are rides available, we decided against them in favour of some of the shows, which all feature some of the sea animals kept on sight. We saw three - 'Blue Horizons', a theatrical masterpiece which stars acrobatic dolphins and exotic birds; 'Clyde and Seamore take Pirate Island' which has a more comedic approach, sealions, an otter and even a charming walrus named Sir Winston and finally, 'One Ocean' starring the world famous whale, Shamu. My only regret was that we didn't get to sit in the splash zone!

Yesterday, I decided to show the office what Afternoon Tea was, much to their confusion, and (I hope) enjoyment. My nana and I prepared scones, with jam and cream, and a good old fashioned pot of tea. Sometimes, the simple things are the best.

I have also been preparing for tonight's 'Zumbathon', two hours of fast paced dancing in order to raise funds for a very good cause. Exercise is not normally something I enjoy but I have to admit the classes are so fun I can't help but smile, despite the fool I must look doing my best to keep up! I'm planning on taking my cameras with me so hopefully there will be plenty of photos for you to see and laugh at.

Until then,

Kelly x

Considering the fact that I have been visiting Florida regularly since my grandparents moved here twelve years ago, it is not often that I don't know what to expect from a park. I have been to most of the local theme park since my first visit all those years ago.

I was not entirely sure what to expect from Epcot, however, since I can't remember the last time I visited. Epcot isn't like the rest of the parks in Florida. The focus is not on adrenaline inducing rides but a more relaxed experience. The main attraction is the "World Showcase", a series of themed zones based on various global attractions such as St Mark's Square in Italy and Versailles. Of course there are rides within these sections they just don't dominate your day; they are paired with fantastic exhibitions, shops and restaurants. Most notably is the beautiful Japanese sector where you can buy real kimonos which I have to say, are stunning.

Unusually, nestled next to the "Circle of Life" attraction is the Disney lab where scientists do their best to solve global food shortages and related problems. I have to admit I was quite shocked. Disney and science is not something you normally put together - who would've thought it?!

Personally, the best bit of the day had to be meeting the characters, namely Alice in Wonderland who proceeded to ask my nana if her hat had been made by a turtle. I don't think I have ever seen her so shocked. Her face was priceless.

The next Picasso?

For those of you who know me, you will be well aware of my 'interesting' art skills. For those of you who don't, count yourself lucky. Art and I have never quite got on. There are so many unacknowledged rules and requirements that I get stressed and abandon it. I do not have the patience to sit for hours on end and not see any change at all. This is not the case for my Nana. For her, it is relaxing. She loves to snatch a few hours with a canvas and watch the painting unfold. And it is good - she seems to have a real talent for it. If you ever get the chance to see one of her paintings, take it.

You can imagine my reluctance when I headed to Orlando to try Painting with a Twist; I did not want to embarrass myself. Luckily, this was not the case. This was a low pressure class where the focus was not on getting it right but having fun. There was a bar on site and as part of their grand opening, drinks were complimentary. There was wines and beers, or sodas for those who didn't want to drink .

Although I admit I was originally quite nervous about it , I did enjoy myself. I still wouldn't class it as relaxing ( I'm too fussy for that) but it was fun. I have to say I am quite proud of my first painting, even if it wasn't the best one of the night! Who knows, maybe this is the start of a new hobby. Watch this space...

Celebrations

I think this has to be a new record for shortest time between blogs but I couldn't wait to tell you why I am not leaving this amazing place. Ever. It all comes down to one thing - celebration. America does not do half- hearted and reluctant. Oh no. They think of the biggest fanfare they can and then do their best to make it even better.

I got my first taste of this on Saturday when we went to Ruth's Chris Steak House to celebrate my nana's birthday. The restaurant had managed to do what many others could not: it was filled with a sophisticated grandeur but retained a friendly atmosphere. Normally, when I go to other 'posh' places, I always feel out of place, like I'm playing pretend. I am glad to say that this was not the case. When they brought out our meals on the silver platter (ok slight exaggeration), they smiled and sprinkled confetti on our table. They even brought us out a birthday cake. Admittedly it was served with truffles but I'm not complaining about that. They even cleaned the car while we ate. I've had my taste of the high life and I do not want to let go.

Last night, I had my first ever experience of Independence Day. It was amazing. The fireworks, the food, the fun. There were craft stalls and bouncy castles and live music and food....the list could go on. Anything you could want, they had, including, rather oddly, a bath fitter. Yeah I don't get it either.

For those of you who know nothing about it, let me fill you in. The Fourth of July is a chance for all Americans from all walks of life to come together and just be happy. They celebrate the independence and freedom they have been given and thank and commemorate those that had to make sacrifices in order for them to get where they are today. For that one day, nobody cares about political or cultural differences, everybody is joined by a sense of patriotism and community.

This was the first time I had experienced these feelings on this scale and I could not help but be overwhelmed by it. It is something we could all learn from. No matter who we are, where we come from or what we believe, there is always an indestructible link to be found. Have you ever noticed that when Christmas comes around we are that little bit nicer to our neighbours? Celebrations are more than just festivities and fireworks, they bring us together and for that one blissful moment we forget our prejudices and hatreds.

I have arrived. I'm back in Florida. The weird thing is that even though I only arrived yesterday it already feels like I've spent days if not weeks here. Prom, which was only three days ago, seems like it happened ages ago. That is not to say it was mediocre or even tedious; personally, I really enjoyed myself and thought it was a lovely way to finish off the year. The only thing I have a complaint about is the food! Although it tasted great, I'm still not sure how the teachers expected us to consume a three course meal in prom dresses - some of which were corseted. Not sure it was the best idea they have ever had. I have to admit that, as per, I spent most of my night dragging people to the dance floor and nattering away but what's new there?

Despite the drama that occurred in Manchester airport - I think the staff were scared into compliance by my mother - the flight itself was great. Sat in one of the new, swanky planes, I spent most of the flight watching all the latest and greatest films on, wait for it, my touch screen television. I was rather impressed. I even managed to eat half of the dinner they brought me, which is a first.

I found myself sat next to the stereotypical English 'mommy's boy'. Although he was lovely and harmless, he seemed to have come straight from a 90's sitcom - he was the type of man who still played on pocket game consoles and got excited by other new technologies. In his forties at the least, he seemed unnaturally excited at the prospect of visiting the "Star Tours" and Harry Potter sections of the local theme parks. He even planned to take a day off work in order to watch all seven of the HP films. The clincher had to be when he told me the first thing he would do when he got off the plane was call his mum, despite having called her before we left to tell her how 'amazing' the airport was.

Seeing as I've only been here a day, I'm going to keep this short but thought I would catch you up while I still had the time. I'm sure the next post will be up soon as I hear tonight's agenda is centered around a meal at a rather fancy restaurant :)