You can take the girl out of England....

I love the beach.

There is something about the feeling of sand beneath your bare feet, the way the water las at your toes. To me, it doesn't matter if its barely above freezing and I'm buried beneath layers of hats, scarves and woolly jumpers. It is one of my favourite places and I never tire of it.

Over here, it's completely different; it's not a bad thing, just different. The beach is crowded with people desperately soaking up the rays. Not only is it acceptable to walk around in swimwear, it's expected. Of course, in Florida the chances of needing a coat on the beach are slim to none.

Yesterday, we drove to the beach for the day and I loved it. I even managed to move from vampire to pale on the tanning scale, something I was beginning to think was impossible. We had a great meal at a Spanish restaurant where I think I may have scared my grandparents with my obsession for tapas. Like I said, I personally had a great day even if I couldn't help missing fish and chips and a good old fashioned 99.

How much?!

Have you ever laughed because something was unbelievably cheesy? This was exactly what I found myself doing last night while at a dinner show in Orlando.

Although the night was a good one, there was definitely room for improvement. The humour, for onecould be seen as a little too juvenile but I have to admit I did find myself laughing at some of the more ridiculous jokes that were cracked.

The other main issue I had was the prices of entry, souvenirs and drinks at the event. Personally I thought the tickets were slightly too expensive for what you get but others may disagree depending on how much they enjoyed the night. However, I'm sure everyone can agree that the cost of drinks within the attraction was too high. When we bought our drinks it was revealed that ONE glass of beer cost more than a crate at the supermarket. I honestly don't know how they get away with it.

On a slightly lighter note, I recently started a writing challenge. For thirty days, I have to write for at least ten minutes everyday based on that day's prompt. I'm currently on the second day and have to say that it is very interesting ( and a little frustrating). If you would like to take a look at my attempts check out http://thirtydaysofmadness.blogspot.com/.

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 :)

It's been a pretty stressful time here recently. There's been colleges to pick, coursework to redraft and, of course, the ever present dramas of being a teenager. Perhaps then, that is why it was such a relief to simply pack up and go this half term.

Before you get excited (or jealous), I wasn't exactly headed anywhere exotic. After four hours on a train, I arrived in the glamorous Luton. For those of you that don't know, Luton is more famous for its airport, which featured in a TV show detailing the daily problems facing airport staff, than white sandy beaches and celebrities. It is, however, home to my grandparents.

Although my friends seemed surprised to hear it, I did manage to make it to London by myself without getting lost or as my- so -called - best friend suggested, finding myself in Glasgow.

It was, as they say, a flying visit. For three days, I found myself 'forgetting' all about the essay that needed redrafting, and watching the finest daytime television had to offer. In between episodes of Loose Women, I did manage a visit to Broadstairs and Canterbury. Broadstairs, a picturesque beach town that Charles Dickens' chose as his workplace,provided ample photo opportunity and the chance for what had to be the unhealthiest and consequently most delicious hot chocolate I had ever had.

It wasn't until we reached Canterbury that I seriously considered staying down south for the foreseeable future however.It is home to the curious mix of historical architecture and the modern businesses only a university town can offer. Add a selection of my favourite high street shops into the equation and I will happily move there tomorrow.

All too soon, I was forced to return to the world of Macbeth, equations and ridiculously complicated chemistry homework. At least, there was a little less stress ( and a new handbag) in my life after my exotic holiday.

Rain and Roller Coasters

A week on a cabbage farm sure sounds like fun doesn't it? I expected rainy days, little company and the ever present smell of farming. So you can imagine my surprise when I did actually enjoy my time in Lincolnshire.

Not only was I off school for a week, which is in itself a cause for celebration, but I got to spend it with my friend and I had 'forgotten' about the rather substantial amount of homework I had to work through.

Although we did manage to drag ourselves out of the cottage we had rented for the occasional trip out, I have to admit that most of the time we could be found in the hot tub, which we had affectionately named Gandalf, looking every bit the sophisticated hotshot. (Ok that last bit may be a slight exaggeration).

The highlight of the week had to be our trip to Skegness. Ignoring the long sandy beaches or town centre, we dived into the pleasure beach not leaving until our stomachs were churning - an unfortunate after effect of the sheer number of rides we had been on and rather large lunch we had devoured

In short, if anyone every offers you the opportunity to spend a week on a cabbage farm in Lincolnshire, I suggest you take it. Just be sure you remember to not eat before visiting Skegness Pleasure Beach.

Home once more

It's a funny feeling to come home from holiday. Everyone is affected in a different way. Some can't sleep. Others throw themselves into all the work they didn't do.

Although I should probably be the latter, I'm not.

I keep speaking American. All those phrases I thought were strange four weeks ago have suddenly appeared in my vocabulary. To the amusement (and sometimes annoyance) of my friends, the words soda and candy have become common language for me.

It seems my vacation has had a lasting effect on me - not that I'm suprised. It would be hard for me to forget considering the amount that occured. But now I'm home and having to re-adapt to the life of an English teen. There's rain, homework, chores, more rain. And before I make a start on that essay, I just want to say thank you to everyone who made misadventures what they were.


Until next time
Kelly x

Not many things can leave me speechless. I am well known for my ability to talk. And talk. And talk (you get the idea).

So you can imagine my grandparents suprise when I found myself incapable of muttering anything other than 'wow, just wow'.

Why? What phenomenon broke a lifelong habit? Well, for the first time ever, I took a ride in a helicopter. I hadn't thought I would ever go in one until it was suggested to me. I wasn't really sure if I would enjoy it but I figured I might as well try it while I have the opportunity and I am sooo glad I did. I quickly grew more and more excited as the day drew closer; the end result being an extremely hyped up fifteen year old who could not sit still.

Orlando Helitours offers five tours of differing lengths (and prices). Our tour was roughly 20 miles and allowed us to see Downtown Disney, Epcot and Blizzard Beach, to name but a few.

As for what I saw up there, my only response is still wow, just wow. It's hard to desribe something I still can't comprehend. Sure, I've flown before but I've never been able to see what's beneath me. When everything looks so small, you remember how big the world is and how much of it is left unexplored. Life gives us opportunities to experience these things for a reason. So if you get the chance, take the ride. Maybe you'll be speechless too.

Have you ever played mini-golf when its 100 degrees outside?

Trust me, that's pretty hot. I would know because that's where I found myself on an extremely sunny Sunday afternoon.

Since my hand-eye co-ordination isn't exactly up to scratch, we were headed to Disney's Fantasia Gardens for a game of golf that didn't require skill or the ability to use your brain. The only problem was that the course wasn't quite as simple as we thought it would be.

I may not be an expert on golf but even I know that it's pretty hard to play when the course has enough slopes to rival a ski resort. As was to be expected, there was no hole-in-one's for me but regardless of this, I have to admit it was fun. Sadly I didn't beat, or even match, the course record.

One thing's for sure, I will never complain about English heat again. Today, as we head off shopping (there's a bit of a recurring theme here), it is 106 degrees, which is pretty hot. I was planning on tanning when I was here but it is actually too hot to go outdoors.

I don't know who invented air conditioning but boy are they a saviour! You have to admit that its the only thing keeping Americans and tourists alike from melting on the tarmac.

Kelly x

The electricity bill of a lifetime

No matter how many times I go there, the Disney parks never fail to keep me spellbound. My most recent trip there was Tuesday, when my grandparents and I took the short journey to Magic Kingdom.

Seeing as I had already been there a fair few times, we were going for the evening when the crowds should have gone home for the night. It meant we wouldn't get on any of the rides but since I could still shop, I wasn't going to complain. We were there for the Summer Nightastic; a parade of floats and dancers all decorated with enough lights to decorate several hundred Christmas trees. Despite the hefty bill it must produce, the overall effect is mesmorising.

Inspired by Disney classics such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, I think this may have been one of the best parades I have seen.

The only downside had to be the sweltering heat and the mass of red-faced visitors certainly didn't help. It seemed our theaory that Tuesday would be quiet was wrong. We skipped the fireworks (but still managed to catch it as we left the park). Because Main Street was packed with spectators, we were led through a side exit but even with the staff doing all they could it took us an hour to get to the car park, let alone out of Disney.

Despite the late finish, I loved it. I guess it just proves I'll always be a Disney girl at heart.

Kelly x

Muggles and Magic

Ask any of my friends and they will tell you how excited I was about going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 


Hooked from the beginning, I confess that I was determined to get into Hogwarts. Due to what I'm sure is simply a clerical error, my wizarding potential remains unrealised.



But this is beside the point; I would be entering Universal Studios as a muggle.

I'm sure Hogsmeade has never been busier. When we arrived at around nine in the morning, the queues were already unimagineably long to even enter the wizarding village, let alone the shops or rides. With a seventy-five minute wait to enter Ollivander's and the Owl Post (which are connected), we decided to move on after one ride and a Butterbeer in the Hog's Head.



The ride we did manage to get on was Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which although good, wasn't great - it was just a mismatch of scenes from the various books and movies Harry Potter stars in.



Disappointing? Maybe. But after all, there's more to Universal Studios than one village pulled from one woman's imagination. There's fast rides, water rides, scary rides and Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just one small part of it. Hopefully, when the excitement has died down, the great idea that is Hogsmeade will be a little more like I was hoping for.



Kelly x

The Real American Experience

Before I left for Haines City, my dad, very clearly, gave me a list of things I wasn't to do: no cheesecake, no Mountain Dew and definitely, under any circumstances, no Cherry Pocket.



Well, as you can imagine, I had three new aims for my holiday. I wanted to eat cheesecake until I felt sick. I was going to keep a bottle of Mountain Dew in my hands constantly. And, most importantly, I was going to find my way to Cherry Pocket if I had to walk there myself, map in hand.



Luckily for me, my grandparents paid as much attention to my dad's instructions as I did, which is why after helping out with some jobs (Mountain Dew in hand, of course) I found myself in the back of a truck, sat next to a fire extinguisher, travelling the back roads of Central Florida.



We were on our way to Cherry Pocket, a 'real' American restaurant - I use this term loosely. It is well off the beaten, and worn, track and apart from myself, I couldn't spot a single tourist. The seafood shack, as it is advertised, is on the edge of Lake Pierce, complete with outhouse and a fair few alligators!

I
 left feeling like I had eaten a horse (but a very tasty one) and sporting my very own Cherry Pocket shirt. It was, due to my Nana's demands, the least crude of the selection.


Tomorrow is another day and for me it brings the long awaited Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.



Until then
Kelly x

Summer has officially begun.

School is over, my bags are packed and my flight booked. In less than 72 hours, I will be somewhere over the Atlantic on my way to Florida for one long, blissful month.

My grandparents, who I will be staying with, have lived in America for a while now and i certainly have no complaints about going to visit them. This year my plan is to get an enviable tan (for once!) and put off all that homework I haven't packed - it sounds easy doesn't it? Well knowing me, I will lose my suitcase, forget my passport and burn the second the plane lands!

Of course a month is a seriously long time to be without my dear friend but considering the long list of souvenirs I have been conned into buying her, I think I can be forgiven for leaving her behind as contrary to her belief, she will not fit into my suitcase. I doubt there is any room in there now I have squished so much into it. My parents will be missed as well although I'm sure they will be far too busy cruising around Greece too worry about their poor daughter!

For now, I have to go but please remember to check this out to hear all about my Floridian escapades!

Until next time

Kelly x