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!

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