Chocolate museum

Had a bit of a lazy day by the pool and topped our tans up. We decided later to escape and go to The Chocolate Museum on International Drive and then eat in The Wood Grill which was next door. The museum was really interesting and the guide knew his stuff about the history of chocolate, at the end we got to taste all different kinds of chocolate from around the world.

We ate quite late which I hate and the meal was a buffet which I'm not keen on as you tend to eat too much, which of course I did. I still fill full even the next day and after a session at the gym, think it will fast today.

Alien from a Sub-Division

Met with Linda today my new American accountant where she needed to apply for an ITIN number for me so I can rent or even when I want to sell I will need this number. She was a really nice lady and gave lots of good advice for the future, this service cost $50 which I thought was good as we were there an hour. After another chat with Hansa we headed off to the town for a coffee and a walk around the lakes. I had a coffee and a slice of key lime pie which I must say was mouth watering. Another hot day as we people watched on our rocking chairs by the lake when I spotted an alligator in the distance which came right up to the edge where we were and it was a big mother. After watching the gator for a while we walked around all the lakes and met and chatted with a fisherman who had just caught a large catfish, interesting chap. Well the lakes were packed with very large alligators in the water and some sunning themselves on the shore line, not sure if I would be able to out run one if I had too. All around this area very large and very beautiful expensive houses, oh if only. 

A bit of retail therapy and home we go, on parking the car I noticed a van parked with a workman in it, so went and chatted to him and an hour later have the dryer all up and running, result.

Time for a game of tennis after we fed our pet ducks who now wait at out door everyday, I blame you for that mum.

Winter Park

What a great day we had at a place just outside Orlando, surrounded by lakes and parks this old style town which had unique shops along the Main Street.

Our day started by going to a petrol station to fill up, over here you pay first then you get the fuel, easy if you know how much you need. Anyway a big jeep to fill so $50 should give us some idea, oh no $40 to fill the 11 gallon tank, so then we had to get a refund but now we know.

We parked up and headed for a walk along the main street and ended up by the lake so went for a 1 hour boat ride. This was really good and the guide knew so much history about the town and all the history surrounding the mansions that take over the lake side. Winter Park has a college called Rollins and the town basically grow around that community. After our boat trip we needed a cool drink as the day was very hot and we needed some shade. 

We drove around and found the little park called Kraft Azalea on the lake side that had a monument to the family that once lived there and huge cypress trees with the Spanish moss hanging all over them. Also hundreds of egrets were nesting in them. We then found a 

large wild life park/woods that had trails that you could follow and you did feel as if you were in swamp land which is what Florida started out as. Another beautiful place in Florida that few visitors would ever get to see.

Downtown/Old Town

Decided to go and see the classic cars in Orlando but went to the wrong place. We drove to downtown in  Kissimmee which I have never been to and it's a very nice place. Main focal point is Lake Tohopekaligo which we walked round and spotted a alligator a real big one in the lake and I thought all the signs were just to scare tourist.

The town is an old street and walking down it makes you feel you are in some kind of western, old guys sitting in their rocking chairs on the side walk. A very friendly place and a good place to spend the morning. 

On to the next place which is Old Town on mile marker 12, this is the right place as everywhere you look are shiny, noisey huge pumped up classic American cars.

Again the place is just one street and you feel that any minute there is going to be a gun fight. Lots of shops and places to buy food and drinks. Walking around and looking at these amazing cars and all the time and effort that these guys must put into them. A very hot day and you don't realise that your getting burnt, arms are abit sore now.

Left late afternoon and headed home for another home cooked meal, still haven't eaten out yet but those chicken strips are calling me more and more.

Oh and finally got my SIM card now need to find a pay phone to activate it.

Chilling

Yesterday we went shopping again to the other outlet shopping mall, just had to get it out of our systems. Anyway only brought a couple of tee-shirts.

Made contact with a letting agent and she is coming here on Monday to discuss the rental of the condo.

The weather is really good now very warm but not quite sun bathing or pool weather. But we did play tennis but only managed one set due to the heat and Sally forgetting the water and I must add that a won 7-5

Went to one of many tourist centres to get info on the state parks and what they can offer as we are looking for bike and kayak hiring. I didn't know there were so many state parks here in Florida. Found out that in Old Town on a Saturday night they have classic cars cruising around in the evening so that's where we are heading for the day.

Beers and DVD are now ready for our evening in on the sofa.

Sorting ourselves out

After getting up at 04:30 we finished cleaning and changing light bulbs. Couldn't pick wifi up so went to McDonalds for a coffee, we were going to walk but opened the door and it's raining.......

Breakfast and food shopping done we decided to cruise around and get to know the place a bit and it hasn't really changed from our last visit.

Also another tip to self: mobile phone when not used for a while you have to get a new SIM card from network, still waiting.

Thursday we went to  Celebration to meet with Victor for a coffee, it was nice to sit and chat with him for a couple of hours but I got burnt on my face and now have panda eyes.

If you ever come to Florida you should visit Celebration it's a lovely little town and people are so friendly.

As we were at this end of town we called in at Downtown Disney, another great place and it's free but they are doing a lot of construction at the moment but still nice to walk around. From there it would be criminal not to go to the outlet centre for a bit of retail therapy. New micro puffer North Face jacket for me,  $229.00 down to $49.99 how could I say no.

Arrival in Orlando

Morning from raining Florida,

Arrived safely which all that matters and only a few mishaps on route;

Jackets fell out of the basket on X-ray machine so covered in grease but they are paying for a new one.

Excellent flight, watched Captain Philips, The Book Thief and Elysium films.

Got a double upgrade on the hire hire, so now driving a SUV Jeep, very very nice (brand new) 

Tip: if you haven't used your sat nav for a while charge it up before you leave a little, as a  car 12v will not charge a flat sat nav enough. So guess what we got lost from airport to condo.

Got to condo, a bit dusty, light bulbs blown and smoke alarm beeping so changed battery but it still beeped all night. Up at 04:30..........

Hopefully Scott our handyman will help us out.

Collette, how was your first night with our baby? I hope she is behaving herself and not giving you the run around. Don't forget it's two treats..........