Fort Lauderdale & Last Goodbyes

Me & The Number 1 Swede On The Way To Cape Cod
In September.

With only a couple of days left until we have to depart the luxury of Florida and home cooked meals, Jon and I took a trip down the coast to Fort Lauderdale. Not only is it a wonderful place to visit, but we had some unfinished business to take care of. Erik was staying there and unless we popped down to see him, we wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye before he went back to Sweden.  The funny thing is that Ice Hockey is big in Sweden and Erik wanted to see an NHL game whilst here, but the season has been in lockout since he arrived. It has just been announced that those in charge have come to an agreement with the teams so that it will start again this month, just as Erik's going home. 

Despite being a great guy, Erik is a pain in the backside when it comes to texting. His English is perfect, written and spoken, yet for some strange reason this all seems to go down the drain once on his phone. I'm not sure if it is because he forgets to change the auto correct from Swedish to English, or if he does it to annoy me, but it proves problematic; especially when you're trying to arrange plans. 

They Are Possible To Miss - Trust Me.

After long texts the previous night we got an address out of him and waited outside the hotel. It turns out that the address he gave us wasn't his address. The funny thing was that when we said we were outside, he said that he couldn't see us. No bloody wonder when you deliberately gave us the wrong address so we would be nearer the beach. Anyway, he told us to walk along the sea front until we came to two big plastic fish; my turn to be stupid now. We walked for a long time before deciding to get something to eat, I told him that I couldn't find the fish and that we were in such a restaurant. When he arrived he pointed out the fish right outside the window I was sat next to. 

It turns out that he has had a mixed three weeks in Florida. Having spent most of his time on the west coast of the state, the weather wasn't as good as what we have had here in West Palm. He was happy to see his girlfriend, albeit for a short time before she boarded a cruise with her parents (one he was meant to go on but his visa wouldn't allow him back in the country). He then diagnosed himself with a strain of Man-flu and prescribed himself time in bed.

Erik & I Rafting In Massachusetts 

Travelling around with Hongi, Stef, and another German in a rented car he feared for his life whenever Stef got behind the wheel. I've never traveled with her so can't personally comment, but it became a joke once she smashed into the back of a car when checking her blind spot for far too long. 

After we ate we spent some time on the beach. The beaches here are lovely yet we found ourselves in the gay part of the beach; great choice there Erik. Once the sun began to set we did a little pub crawl and found out that Fort Lauderdale would be a great place to have stayed. Lots of pubs and clubs, beautiful beaches, great atmosphere; similar to Miami but with less money. 

For Some Reason, Beaches In America Aren't Crowded Like
Any Other I've Been To.

We went to Hooters for tea but felt short changed when we were stuck behind a pillar blocking our view, and then served by a guy. Not happy. At 8.30, Jon and I said our goodbyes to Erik promising to meet up again in the future, whether it be in England, Sweden, or mainland Europe.

The problem that now faced, Jon and I was that there is no public transport to speak of to get us back to West Palm, the pubs were starting to get lively, and there were sun loungers on the beach. Trying our hardest to avoid the pubs we walked up and down the strip before being told of a deal '$10 to drink as much draft beer as you want from 9pm-4am' Now to us this sounded like a scam so we walked on, but then we came across another promoter selling the same deal. We couldn't resist the idea of this twice in a short space of time so we went and had a look finding out that it was in fact a real deal, not a scam. 

Some Memories Are Best Left Forgotten.

We walked in and it was a little dead but we didn't mind, we thought it would pick up. The problem was it didn't. There was meant to be a Beer Pong Tournament starting at 9pm but the owner wanted 20 teams, and so waited for the magic number. It never came, in fact people got annoyed waiting and left leaving me, Jon, and a couple of other lads as the only people in this massive pub/club. That was when the live entertainment came on, a rapper and a DJ who claimed that they don't care if they play in front of 2 or 200 people as this time next year they'll be famous. After hearing them, I can't say I have the same faith in them as they had in themselves. Even the toilet attendant left early, although he was asleep earlier on in the night anyway.

Looking Studious Sat On The Steps
At Harvard

After putting in a fair enough shift and carrying each other out of the pub we decided it be best to try and get a taxi home. Now, I don't know if I missed something because the taxi man was Haitian and I couldn't understand a word he said, but I said if he would do it for $80 off the clock to which he agreed; or so it seemed. When we set off I noticed the clock was on but thought nothing of it, I'm drunk and can't understand what he's saying anyway. When we finally arrived he charged us $98, now I fail to see how $80 off the clock became $98 on it? Jon said he cut a decent chunk off what it should have cost and I was too tired and lazy to argue. If the taxi drivers here are like home, you're never going to win.

For our final trip out in Florida it was good to see Erik and I wish him all the best back home in Sweden. CCSU just won't be the same without people thinking we're brothers, related, or simply getting the two of us mixed up. All the best mate. 

Butterfly World

Brenda is currently doing a course at a Boston University that it based around art (I think) therefore she always has a camera in hand taking pictures. As this is also a passion she goes out of her way to find nice shots, so today we went to the Butterfly World.

This Little Bugger Was Hiding
In The Treetops

Flying The Blue & White Flag

Here there is a laboratory, a butterfly aviary, garden and butterfly emerging area, tropical rainforest, grace gardens, bird aviary, English rose garden, and lorikeet encounter. As we walked in it really is beautiful as the butterflies dance around you as you walk through the gardens. A wide range of colours and species surround you as you walk through but unfortunately I couldn't find a blue and white one, the closest being blue and black but I'd say that was more of an Inter Milan butterfly rather than Rovers. 

'Do It Like They Do On The Discovery Channel'

Caveman

After walking through the butterfly bit I was happy to see some parrots although they didn't want to speak to me; ignorant, ignorant indeed. When we went into the lorikeet bit you could feed them and have them land on your arms, shoulder, etc. Now despite being 25 years old, I found it more interesting watching a couple do it Discovery Channel style on one of the beams. 

How Many Butterflies Can You See?

How Do You Make Flowers Prettier?
Stick A Numpty In Front Of Them

 I was quite disappointed with the flowers, mainly the English rose garden as there weren't very many in bloom despite the nice weather. It looked as if the majority were dead as if they were at the end of the season. That and there weren't even a Lancashire Rose, nor Yorkshire. Disgraceful.

Fishing

After spending New Years Day the English way, being hungover and watching the Darts Final at the 'Ally Pally' it was back to exploring Florida. Jon's Grandparents are big fishers and managed to get us on a boat to try it out. Jon and Brenda aren't the biggest fans of fishing but I thought I'd give it a go. It's hardly as if I'm doing it like they do back home. Up to your waist in freezing cold water whilst wearing waders in the wind and rain.

That Boat Screams 'You're Going To Be Sick'

As we got to the boat the first thing that I saw was a vision of me as a child throwing up everywhere when I was in Tenerife whilst going out to see the whales and dolphins. As more and more people got onto the boat, and I realised how close together we were going to be, I prayed that I wouldn't cover everyone in the turkey sandwiches I had for breakfast. 

As we boarded we picked up our rods and picked a spot. Jon's Grandma ordered us to the back of the boat as apparently you get better luck there. Sounds stupid but I am one of those people that use the same urinal before every Rovers game. The boat set off and things seemed fine; I'll admit that I'm not the biggest fan of boats but my stomach was fine. Equipped with camera for a picture of my catch, or a picture of my projectile vomit, either would provide entertainment.

Not A Bad View Though

We finally stopped off and dropped our lines in to drift away in hope of catching something. When the guy on board hooked up my bait with a mackerel (something I would have been happy catching) I realised that there were bigger fish to be caught. As I waited seagulls followed suit and ended up thinking I was a toilet. Apparently in America it is good luck to be pooed on by a seagull anywhere on your body. In England we're a little bit more particular as it must be on one of your shoulders, can't remember which. Hopefully as I'm in America, it would give me luck and help me land something big. 

Feeling Fine, Surprisingly

Time marched on, 4 hours in fact marched on, and my line remained unbitten. The only time I got a little excited was when it got caught on a lobster trap, other than that I just started to feel more and more unwell. Not to the point of being in danger of sharing my breakfast, but enough to make sure I didn't look anywhere but the horizon or my rod as I prayed for the boat to kick up and move again. I only felt bad when we were stationary as the boat didn't rock when the motor kicked in. 

Out of the four of us, only Jon's Grandma caught anything but had to throw it back because it was a little too big. I guess fishing isn't my sport.

Happy New Year

A Rare Trip To The Dancefloor

Should Really Put My Drink Down

I am pleased to say that I didn't spend yet another New Years Eve traipsing the streets of Clitheroe in the ice and wind going to the same old places before standing under the clock tower freezing my little fellas off. This year I spent it in West Palm and was more than comfortable in a thin short sleeved shirt. Unlucky England.

In an attempt to save money, Jon, Brenda, and I did things American style and started the evening off drinking shots in the kitchen. Half a bottle of Sambuca to myself later and we were ready to party. The main street of the city was set up better than anything home can be bothered doing. The street was fenced off from traffic with lights hanging above the road and lighting the pavements as party goers made their way from pub to pub. 

You've Got To Have A New Years Hat

Why Do Australians Insist
On That Hand Symbol?

We started off in this nice little place where they happened to serve a nice, refreshing pint of Strongbow; job done. Once the place began to get a little busier we left and queued up to go the the rooftop club above the pub we were just in. This is the first time I've ever seen a lift in a club, in England it would be full of sick, urine, and who knows what else. On top of the building there were two giant dancefloors with big screens on the back walls, three bars, and a fantastic view of the city. That wasn't even the best bit, the measures they gave on cocktails were enough to put a smile on an alky's face.

A Brother's Duty To Hold His Sister's Cardigan

The Blind Leading The Blind

As the night progressed things became a little hazy, with more alcohol being consumed and being told by numerous people that my English accent is fake? Funny thing is if I was to put it on, I'd do a much better job than my regular accent. 

After watching numerous American films and T.V programs I was expecting a big fuss over the countdown with party poppers and balloons at midnight. Turns out I was either in the toilet at the time or they just didn't bother - how odd!

Peanut Island

Peanut Island

Picture Taken By My Southern Friends

Just down the road from where we are staying is Peanut Island. After having Jon's Grandma take Jon, Brenda, and I down to the pier we bought our tickets and waited for the water taxi to ship us across the water. Having to wait up to an hour for the next taxi I wandered along the pier taking in the views. When walking along the pier I found myself chatting to a group of people from the South. If memory serves one was from Mississippi, one from Tennessee, one from Texas, and the last from Ohio (so they weren't all from the south). They were interested in where I was from and why I was here, I told them about Evan and I's planned road trip through most of their home states in the spring break before returning to the others to catch the taxi.

Brenda Goes Hunting For Shells

The whole point of this trip was to do some snorkeling  the only problem was that the tide was low and therefore the water was murky and shallow; not the best snorkeling conditions. We set up base and after having burnt myself on Christmas day, decided to slap on the sun cream. Despite this I could feel the burn soon after so resulted in putting my shirt back on.

Forgot My Phone & Wallet Were In My Pockets

I had a dabble at snorkeling and must say that it's weird at first. I'm not the most comfortable at swimming at the best of time and don't exactly like swimming under water, so when I first put my head in my breathing was very erratic as panic built up inside me. After a little while I managed to calm down and get the hang of it, this didn't seem to make things any easier the next time I had to put my head underwater.

I managed to find some flipper that fit and I must admit that they do make it a lot easier to swim. Having really big feet they have always been compared to canoes and flippers but they are nothing compared to the real thing. I actually felt confident swimming rather than splashing about like a dog.

Waiting For Our Taxi

After managing to see a couple of fish in the murky water we dried off and took a wander around the island. True to form, America do like to fence off any natural areas with big signs telling me not to walk in the grassy areas. A walk through the park here is not a walk through the park, more like a walk along a path that cuts through the park.

When we returned back to the pier it was bustling with all sorts of stalls and musicians as the dock was lit up beautifully. It was very similar to walking along the sea in the Mediterranean  you don't particularly want anything from the stalls but it adds a nice atmosphere.

Sunset On Peanut Island

I think we will try and return before we leave but this time when the tide is high, we'll have to wait and see.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas readers. It seems that my decision to spend the holidays in Florida was a good choice as there are heavy snowstorms in the North of America, and as always rain back home in England. 

Beats The Wind & Rain

After already receiving presents from my family before I came to Florida I was very surprised to find that Father Christmas had left me a gift, Jon's Grandma had kindly bought me a fleece like jacket. After breakfast Jon and I decided that we would spend the day on the beach; how many people can say they spent Christmas day turning pink on the beach? Arriving in our Christmas hats and a cooler full of Yueungling I was surprised at how busy the beach was. It was brilliant though, definitely the way to spend Christmas day. 

Swimming, Or Toilet Time?

Look At Those Muscles, Or Lack Of

After burning myself pretty bad on one side we returned back to a lovely Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Despite all of this, it still felt weird as it doesn't feel like Christmas with all the sun and sand. Also it's the first year that I haven't had to withstand perfume adverts, comedians flogging their new DVD's, WHSmith advertising celebrities new autobiographies, and those bloody Park Catalogue adverts. 

As per tradition after eating I fell fast asleep until the evening, the only difference being that there were no Christmas specials of soap operas, Only Fools & Horses, or the Royal Family. Shrek however was on the T.V so it wasn't too dissimilar to home. I learnt whilst here that they don't have Christmas Crackers in America, not much of a loss as the hats are too small for my head anyway. 

You Can Take The Oz Out Of Australia,
But You Can't Take Australia Out Of The Oz

To close the evening Jon and I watched a film and finished off the beers. Well, it would be rude not to.

Merry Christmas

  

Miami

Where I am staying in Florida is just outside of West Palm Beach. This is roughly an hours drive from Miami, and with two Brazilian exchange students spending their Christmas holidays in Miami, Jon and I thought we'd pay them a visit. Kindly, Jon's Grandma offered to drive us there so that we didn't have to take the train. 

Mariana & I

Once we arrived we went to meet Mariana at her mother's house. This place was beautiful. It was a set of apartments with gym, shopping complex, rooftop swimming pool, BBQ areas, private parking, dock, and the rooms were breathtaking with private balconies. Unfortunately her mother didn't speak much English but we still managed to thank her for the meal she cooked us. 

During the day we walked along South Beach and it was beautiful, albeit expensive. This is where anyone with money hangs out, it was as if we were surrounded by peacocks. All the men driving round in their Porsche's, Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, Bentley's etc whilst wearing only the best designer clothes. I think Jon and I stood out in our scruffy shorts and t-shirts. 

Lovely Little Streets Full Of Bars & Restaurants

Although a great place to visit, I simply don't think I could afford to stay. A small beer cost $8, and that was cheap. Later in the evening we met up with Sabrina, another Brazilian exchange student. The idea was to go clubbing, but Jon forgot to bring jeans so we knew before we started that we wouldn't be allowed in. Choosing to bar hop we quickly realised that we couldn't afford to do this as prices rocketed. In this one particular bar, the place reeked of money. I've never seen so many expensive clothes in one place, meanwhile mine and Jon's shirt's showed up blue bits of lint in the lighting. 

Unfortunately for me, Man-Flu decided to take a strong grip of my throat resulting in water and coke for the rest of the evening. Good really as the place was dead, Mariana said she'd never heard of it being this quiet before. We walked the girls back to Mariana's before we set out our plan to return home. Being 2am and my Man-Flu resulting in me coughing up lungs, we were not in the best of positions. We tried a couple of hostels that were full before we nipped into McDonalds for some food. Noticing a few homeless using the 24 hour McDonalds for warmth, I took it in my stride to join them for some sleep. I can slum it with the best of them. 

Sabrina, Jon, Mariana, & I
In A Bar Far Too Expensive For Students

We wandered the streets until 5am before getting a taxi to the train station. Despite being Miami it was freezing walking round in a t-shirt. I looked at my phone to find it at 7 Degrees, I think the warm days are spoiling me. To get the train home we had to catch 3 trains; the final train being a close call to catch as we had to run from one platform to the other, or else we faced a 2 hour wait. As we ran a guy tried to cross the level crossing but his car died. Rather than wait on the side, he continued to try the engine. The train getting closer and the barriers coming down it jumped forward before dying again, this time slap bang in the middle of the tracks. Watching from the platform I saw 3 passers by run to his truck and push him to safety before the train hit. Lucky him. 

The problem with this rush is that we didn't have time to buy a ticket and assumed we could get one on board. Apparently not, the conductor had to take our I.D's and write Jon and I a warning, complete with lecture. Still a free train ride at the end of the day, and it was funny watching him try and figure out a UK driving license. 

We finally arrived home at 9am and as yet the Man-Flu hasn't taken my life.

Florida!!

Hello Florida

Good Morning To You Too.

After cramming in a semester full of work in the last couple of weeks, a break was finally in order. Jon's grandparents live in West Palm Beach in Florida, so we decided to hop on a flight to spend Christmas and New Years with them. Arriving on the 17th in the afternoon, we just lazed around the house as we had been up since the crack of dawn. An early night and an early rise saw this outside the bedroom window. Hello Florida!

A Home Away From Home

Invading The Family Photo

We then went out to see the beach down the road. Unfortunately the bridge is out at the moment so we have to get the car, otherwise it would be a five minute walk. At 10am we arrived at the beach, the sun was baking hot and the sea was warm. We walked for three hours up and down the beach in the heat of the day before collapsing at the beach side bar. It reminded me of the song, 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen' as Jon wasn't too happy about walking in the heat, I otherwise thought it was fantastic. A lot better than walking round in the wind, rain, and ice back home anyway.

The following day we did a little food shopping before plopping down in yet another bar, this is more than likely going to be my favourite place to drink. It's huge and has multiple levels all in the sun. After turning a lovely shade of pink, we retired to the shaded area where Jon's sister, Brenda joined us, and then by his Grandma and Grandpa for a drink.

Heavy Weight Champion Of Kenya

Can't Complain

After getting Jon and his sister a little worse for wear, we decided to head back home for tea. Now Jon's grandma is like a good ol' fashioned grandma who will fatten you up. I wake to a full breakfast every morning, and go to bed at bursting point after tea. It really is a good job I didn't have a grandma like this growing up, otherwise I'd be a little more rotund. The following day, Jon and I decided to chill around the pool and top up on my lovely rouge colour.

Bedroom View

What I've found out since I've been here is that Jon's grandma is a very talented woodcarver. She has her own little workshop in the back, along with Woodcarver Magazines scattered around the house. I've found my bedtime reading for the holiday. I've been offered to learn some tips and tricks so I will no doubt take her up on that.

Yuengling  Is Great Beer

I Like Florida!

During the meantime Jon has fallen victim to a horrible addiction. He has taken my laptop and begun playing Football Manager, since he has done this the Jon we knew is no more. He has been replaced by an over emotional angry lump who forever screams at the computer screen. Fleetwood Town have obtained a new supporter. Hopefully Jon is still in there somewhere and the game hasn't taken him from us. Let us pray.

In the short time that I've been here, I've been introduced to the next door neighbour who is going to take us out on his boat fishing at some point which should be good. I've never been fishing, and just looking in the water by the house, they are pretty big. Also there is a lady upstairs who originates from Stockport. It was nice to talk in my regular dialect without having to translate myself into Queen's English. I've been invited upstairs to watch Corrie whenever I want on Sky+. Fly to Florida to watch Corrie and Emmerdale, sounds reasonable.

                                                            Mad Dogs, And Englishmen