January 27, 2011: Gator Park & Hard Rock Cafe

It was another relaxing morning for me. I enjoy taking my time and not rushing around. Man, I wish I was retired and could do that every day.


We went to the Everglades today to Gator World to see some alligators. We took an airboat all around. Saw some alligators which was pretty cool. One of them had baby alligators about 4 months ago. The tall grass on the sides is real sharp at the top. It can even slice your fingers. I forgot the name of this grass, but it is found all over the Everglades.


We got to see a Scorpion. I held a 4 foot real, life alligator and my mom took a picture. That was pretty cool. The skin on it felt cold.


Had dinner tonight at the Hard Rock Cafe in Miami. Found out that our bus driver, Tim Shelton, was an extra in the Kurt Russell movie filmed in Coopersville. He said he was wearing a tshirt that said Shelton on it.


I had wanted to go see my dad's aunt Pauline's home in Coral Gables, but we just ran out of time. Here are the directions to it so next time I go, I won't forget to check it out. ‎916 Venetia Ave. Coral Gables. --- Go to the Granada entrance at 8th. St. and go S. on Granada for 2-3 blocks to Venetia

January 26, 2011: Miami/Biscayne Bay

We had a leisurely morning today, which was nice after having a long day the day before.    We missed the breakfast at the hotel by 15 minutes, so decided to walk south on Collins Ave and see where we could eat.   I saw Trump International Hotel and thought that would be a great place for breakfast.   Ordered an omelette which was the best I have ever had.    Dined at the restaurant that overlooked the pool area. It was absolutely gorgeous and high class.   


In the afternoon, we took a cruise around Biscayne Bay in Miami.   It was 1 1/2 hour cruise.    Saw the homes of Rosie O'donell, Gloria Estefan, PDiddy, Al Capone, etc.    


Had a delicious dinner at Bubba Gumps Restaurant.    I had shrimp scampi over linguini which was good.    


It was sunny and warm today which is perfect for the cruise.   

January 25, 2011: South Beach

We had breakfast in the hotel, as it was complimentary.  We all know how I like free food.     Anyway, I was quite surprised at all of the children running around on a Monday.  Don't kids have to go to school this time of the year?     It was fun watching all of the people.   


After breakfast, we went down to check the beach.    The red and purple flags were out at the lifeguard station, which meant the waves were strong, so you should be aware.


A step on guide was supposed to give us a tour of Miami and South Beach, but apparently, quit his job today, so our bus driver and chaperone didn't know quite what to do. Our itinerary said South Beach, so I said why don't we still go down there. I gave our bus driver instructions to a good spot, as I had been doing some reading on the area and things to do.  So, we all went down to Lincoln/Washington Street and got dropped off.  


My mom and I walked down Washington to 815 Washington, which is where the Kardashian sisters (from TV) have a clothing boutique.    I talked to the clerk there, who said the girls call every day to check on the store and they come in person about once a month.  They are usually unannounced visits.  The clerk said Khloe is very nice and would do anything for you.   I had my mom do my photo shoot both inside and outside the store.     


We walked along Ocean Front Drive and saw all of the art deco buildings.    When you think of South Beach, this is what it looks like.    Had a nice lunch at one of the outdoor cafes.      Walked down further and found the Italian designer, Versace, who had a home here. He was murdered in front of his home in 1997 by a serial killer.    


Our bus driver picked us up and drove us around the area.   I gave the people interesting facts about the area.   I probably should have been the tour guide today, as I found out so much information on the area and where to go.    Maybe that would be a good job for me to do when I retire, since I love to travel.


Found out our bus driver had a hard time finding a place to park the bus, as Miami doesn't allow them to park overnight.  He had to ask security and a police officer for assistance.  Finally, the officer said he could park at the mall only that night, but had to find another place to park it.   He had to call his company and Orchard View Travelers for help.   Of course, the hotel has no idea where buses park, which I find hard to believe.  So, he is parking the bus 5 miles north of our hotel at a Best Western. I never realized how much goes into doing one of these trips.  You have to be a pretty calm person to drive a bus.


Our bus driver offered to take us all tonight to the Aventura Mall.    Those who wanted to go could do so.  


Spoke with a clerk at the Burberry store about employment around Florida.  She said not to give up a job until you have one already lined up.   Right now,  employers are looking for skills more than your education.    That is good advice.


So that was my day around the area.  Tomorrow we are off to Key West. I want to check out Ernest Hemingway's home. I saw it several years ago, but would like to go back.     

January 23: Nashville, TV to Valdosta, GA

We were quite impressed with our stay at the Drury Inn. We had never heard of that hotel chain. There are quite a few in the south. When we came to Nashville in 2009, I really liked it, and still liked it this time. I just can't believe they even had some snow. Of course, it is not nearly the amount Michigan gets, but it is still there. I am surprised you have to go south of Atlanta to start seeing some warmth.


Stopped in Macon, Georgia, at the Georgia Hall of Fame museum. It was pretty interesting. I didn't realize so many musicians have grown up in Georgia such as Trisha Yearwood, Brenda Lee, Alan Jackson, etc. Trisha grew up in Monticello, GA.


We had to stop at the local hospital to pick up one of our passengers, who had twisted her knee. She got some drugs and crutches. I can't imagine using crutches on a vacation.


Had dinner at Cracker Barrel. We were each given $10 gift cards there, so I got a kids meal and still had about $5 left to spend in the gift shop. I got this cute bird feeder. It's the shape of a video camera and says Bird cam on it. I can't wait to put it out this spring. My mom doesn't think the bird will fit in it, but I will try and prove her wrong.
Tomorrow, we are heading to Miami. We should be there around 5 p.m.


I heard Muskegon got 10 inches of snow Saturday.

August 22-23, 2010: Maine and Kennebunkport

On August 22nd, we headed to Maine.  We stopped at this fishing village there.    Took a boat ride around the harbor.   It was pretty cloudy and rainy.    We weren't too impressed with Maine, but it was nice to visit it and say we had been to that state.

On August 23rd, we went to Kennebunkport, which is another place that the wealthy easterners vacation.  We both enjoyed this vacation spot.   They had alot of cute shops and restaurants.    It was raining pretty much all day.    We had the longest walk to our hotel and were drenched.      For dinner, we had a whole lobster. It was such a mess to eat.    We met some nice people on the trip, including Dana and her two children from Ohio. We saw where George Bush and his wife spent their summer vacations.  In fact, they were in town.  There was a huge area next to their home for the secret service.    I was hoping I would get a glimpse of him.   

August 21, 2010: Massachusetts and Vermont

We left Mystic, Connecticut early and headed towards Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to see the Norman Rockwell Museum.   We saw the downtown, which is featured in one of his Christmas paintings.    His studio used to be located behind the Red Lion Inn, but was moved to the land behind the museum.    He was meticulous about his studio.   Every night, he would clean all of the paint on the brushes and around the studio.       He enjoyed Coca Cola every day.      He was married 3 times in his lifetime.   Many of his paintings have a portrait of himself, his wife, or children in it.   

We stayed at the Stratton ski lodge in Vermont. It is a beautiful place in the mountains.    Our room was huge.   It had a living room, fireplace, kitchenette, and a separate bedroom and bathroom.   I had never stayed at a ski lodge before, as I don't ski.   I tried skiing one time and that was the last.   I could barely move my skis.   This was back in high school.    I think I would prefer cross country.  Then, again, I prefer no snow at all.   

There is a cute shopping area right across from our hotel. 

Our bus driver brought his keyboard with him and a bunch of us from the bus listened to him perform different tunes.   

August 20, 2010: Newport, Rhode Island & Mystic, Connecticut

Enjoyed our day today in Newport, Rhode Island.   We took a tour of the Cornelius Vanderbilt home, called the Breakers.    They only spent about 6 weeks in the summer at that house.    It is decorated pretty elaborately.    I wish we had time to do the Cliff Walk that goes along the cliffs and by the big mansions.      


We had lobster rolls at this restaurant called "Pick Pocket".    It's lobster meat mixed with mayo and put in a toasted slice of bread.  It is like the size of a hot dog roll.  I thought it was pretty good.    


Tonight, we had dinner at Mystic Pizza.    This restaurant was used in the Julia Roberts movie, 'Mystic Pizza' back in 1988.    I enjoyed the pizza.    There was a semi accident in downtown Mystic.  The semi hit a pole, so many of the shops had to close early.    The pizza place had a generator for back up power, so we had to wait 45 minutes for our pizza.    
Tonight, we are staying at the Hilton.   This town has about 4,200 year round inhabitants.   People seemed to know each other all over.  


Tomorrow, we go to the Norman Rockwell Museum, which I think will be interesting.  We stay in Stockton, Vermont tomorrow night.