Mickey loves Benjamins
Florida …..
Amelia Island is on the north eastern side of Florida. I loved it here and anyone reading this who wants to plan a relaxing beach vacation I would say this is the spot. We checked ourselves into the parking lot of the Ritz Carlton and we decided to go full vacation mode. The Ritz has a lovely pool side restaurant and they didn’t seem to mind at all that we chose the poolside lounge chairs as our choice of seating. I loved the mango jalapeño margaritas and Jimmie was all about the rum runners. We spent the whole day there, and even stayed for dinner. It is a beautiful hotel and I would highly recommend it. Although I cannot comment on the rooms, the parking lot however is not very flat. The next day we booked massages. This was on my bucket list that at least once on this trip we would have a spa experience. With the massage I had full access all day to the eucalyptus steam rooms, sauna , private pools and hot tub with a neck massaging water fall. I was in vacation heaven. I was in and out all day and it was wonderful.
We walked on the beach looking for shells and shark teeth. As we were collecting small shells a woman said “Is this yours?” She held held in her hand a perfect very large conch shell. Jimmies eyes about popped out of his head. We were practically standing on top of it so she thought maybe we just were not holding it or maybe there was something alive in it and thats why we didn’t take it. It was hers for the taking. Jimmie was besides himself that we were both so busy looking at the small shells we missed the big beautiful one that was right in front of us. We talked about how this is a good illustration for life. Sometimes we get so caught up with the small things in life we fail to see the big beautiful things that are staring us right in the face.
We rode horses on the beach, the ultimate vacation treat. Jimmies horse had the best name. Cookie Monster, and Cookie Monster was his spirit animal. He loved to go in the water. Most of the horses tried their best to avoid the waves but Jimmie and his horse kept going in the water and they both had a great time. It was one of my favorite things we have done so far. Another thing I keep thinking is how the best things in life are free. This time on Amelia Island was most definitely not free, in fact we lived a little high on the hog for those few days, but my point is that being with something God provides, whether its animals, a sunset, a sunrise or breathing in the air and holding hands with a strong and handsome old tree, these are the things that always bring the greatest inner satisfaction. I love the variety of nature in this lovely planet we live in. Rubbing a horses mane and massaging his withers in an attempt to thank him for a safe and satisfying ride was the best part of my day.
We next visited St Augustine, the oldest city in America. Our first stop was Ponce Deleon’ fountain of youth. I felt like I was on a field trip. Jimmie loved it, I was bored quickly. Funny how different we are in certain ways. He reminds me of a little kid and loves all the touristy stuff which I find cheesy. I followed him from one cheesy attraction to the next and we giggled as our joke has become ..I will follow you anywhere. I like following him, it works well. The city itself was very interesting with plenty of old architecture but very touristy. I wish these old cities would get rid of at least some of the souvenir shops and replace them with something more local and artistic.
On a whim Jimmie decided we were so close to Orlando so we should go. I am not a fan of Disneyland. I loved it when the kids were little. I loved when they would nervously hold my hand on the rides. I loved watching their faces as they would see Mickey Mouse or other characters. Seeing it through their eyes was terrific. The last time we went Cole was 18 and although I loved treating him to a good time, it wasn’t the same. The other problem is since falling on my head in my first horseback riding accident I am prone to vertigo and dizziness in general so everything made me feel sick. But as I said, I follow Jimmie everywhere, so I decided to see if this time would be different.
We decided to visit Epcot as there was a food festival going on. The food was good and not to expensive but they really get you on the drinks. Mickey is a sneaky son of a gun who makes your money magically disappear in his magical place. It started pouring rain so we decided to go into “France” and get a glass of champagne. And when I say pouring I mean torrential down pouring. Jimmie ordered a glass of champagne and I ordered a sampler. They were served in plastic champagne flutes. The smiling Disney shister said that will be fifty nine dollars. .. FIFTY NINE DOLLARS! We probably should have looked closer before ordering. Okay were in vacation mode. CHA-Ching CHA-Ching, at least we will be out of the rain. “ Where do we sit?” The Disney employee smiled that sick fake Disney smile and pointed outside. “Are you kidding me”? We just spend fifty nine dollars for two portions of champagne in plastic and we don’t even have a place to sit?!!! We cheated and stood at one of the merchandising tables and set our plastic glasses next to some overpriced, fake, French gifts. We pulled our masks down and swigged our champagne but we were laughing. The 59 bucks suddenly became worth the laugh.
Later I saw a cute couple walking with their pre teen son. They all looked like they really loved the funnel cakes if you catch my drift. The father screamed out “ LOOK A PRINCESS!” And the three of them literally took off running. I don’t think this family runs much in general but they were hauling ass to see a princess. They all wore Mickey Mouse ears and Disney attire. I thought to myself, they do know the princess is not real right? People either love Disney or they really do not. I fall into the latter category. I don’t understand adults walking around in Mickey Mouse ears, but thats just me, no judgement to the Mickey Mouse lovers out there.
The animal Kingdom we did the next day I really loved. It was probably one of the coolest zoos I have ever been to. Once again the animals were my favorite part. The safari ride was probably the closest I will ever get to a real African Safari and I really enjoyed it. The rides were awesome but I could not enjoy the two best ones because all I could think about was trying to not puke. We went on the Himalayan roller coaster. I loved the props and decorations they use to make you think you are somewhere else. For some reason I didn’t expect to be on a legitimate roller coaster ride. I was terrified, I screamed bloody murder “I DO NOT LIKE THIS, I DO NOT LIKE THIS”. When the ride shot me high into the air, with what seemed like a broken track in front of me I wanted to cry. I knew of course It wasn’t broken but it was terrifying none the less, when the solution was to go backwards, all I could do was try to hold back my vomit. I felt sick for a good hour after. The pandora ride which is supposedly the worlds best ride was even worse for me. I am just not a theme park girl. I was glad we only had two days of this and it was time to move on.
We are on our way now to swim with the manatees. This has been my most looked forward to event. I hope I get to connect with one of these majestic cuddly beauties.