Up Through Florida and Into Georgia :)

Leaving South Florida, we set off early to arrive in Orlando for a few nights stay in Disney. Not your usual backpackers stop but a welcome treat for a few nights :)  Having visited Disney with family it holds a special place in our hearts, as a reminder of the many memories created here.  Visiting with a slightly different outlook, I started to notice the wonderful architecture of the hotels especially the Contemporary (pictured below). Though we were sad to leave our luxury pad we headed north onto Savannah and arrived early evening in time to enjoy to an evening explore of this new city.  Arriving here we were hit by a wave of culture and history that we had not yet seen in America.

The Contemporary

Savannah, Georgia

Miami to Washington D.C - The Road Trip Begins

After leaving the boat, we began our 1000 mile drive up to Washington D.C, but not before a cruise around the beautiful South Beach, it was such an inspiring drive...an architectural feast :) Art Deco buildings everywhere! The sun was beaming down, the restaurants and cafes were full with families celebrating Mother's day and the streets were bustling with rollerskaters and convertibles. It was fabulous!

South Beach, Miami

North bound our drive will take us through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and even a sneak into Maryland! Cannot wait! :)

A Night of Salvador & Walt

Cadaques, where Dali spent many years of his life
(painting by Victoria Ashworth)

Whilst on the ship, there was a preview of Dali & Disney's joint animation 'Destino'. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it turned out to be quite an inspiring evening :) The short animation is an unexpected collaboration between two geniuses of creativity and I loved it!

The Scenic Way Home - Seven Days Of Luxury

Months ago, whilst still in Australia, we booked ourselves onto a seven day cruise travelling through the Western Caribbean and down to Mexico and the day had finally arrived to board the ship :) It was so great knowing we were on the ship for seven days and we could unpack! It was luxury!

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Over the seven days we travelled to four different places including Mexico, Belize, Roatan and Grand Cayman.  Grand Cayman was our first stop and it was a beautiful and inspiring little island. It was the first time I had been to the West Indies and I was not disappointed. The town, which is where you arrive first off the boat, has an initimate village feel to it. I loved pottering round the streets, discovering the street artwork and learning about the Islands history.  The people we met on this island seemed to have a real sense of pride for their history and were so kind and welcoming.  Walking onto Seven Mile Beach was breathtaking...I was sad to leave Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman & it's varied architecture...see the thatched
beach hut compared to the modern building behind!

After a night of eating, dancing and the odd flutter at the black jack table, we arrived in Roatan the next day.  This was the most inactive day for us, spending a few hours reading, bathing and sipping cocktails! :) Roatan was a weird and wonderful little beach haven but not much for culture vultures like us.

Roatan

Our next stop, Belize was just what we needed after a quiet day the day before. Stepping off the boat you were bombarded with locals trying to sell you a trip around the city and their country. After a little haggling, we agreed on a day tour including a drive out to Altun Ha, the Mayan Ruins and a walk through the rainforest.

A stroll through the varied rainforest
of Belize was a delight, mud free and containing
a croc infested pond - great fun!

What a day we had!! It was great fun, even if a little off the wall! Picture this...a scruffy looking minibus packed with 13 people including 3 kids, 2 prams, a slightly crazy Belize man driving and us two squeezed in! Unforgettable!

The Waterway Through Belize

The most delicious beer
ever...not biased at all :) 

Our final port was Cozumel. We were sad that it was our last stop but very excited to be visiting Mexico!! A gentle walk along the coastal road took us into Cozumel's heart.  Our day was spent passing in and out of the pastel coloured buildings, drinking beer and wandering through the spotless streets. I really loved Cozumel for it's colour, fresh food and laid back atmosphere. I will definitely be back!

Cozumel, Mexico

Arriving back in Miami after a day at sea, it was hard leaving our little cabin but we were excited about where we were heading next...

The Scenic Way Home - Over To The East Coast of America

Long Beach

Leaving Los Angeles from Long Beach airport, we made an afternoon of it and managed to stumble on a food and wine festival on the Long Beach harbour front and also a look at the Queen Mary.  Trusting public transport to be reliable, we had quite a nerve racking experience nearly missing our flight...it was such relief when we arrived at check-in to find out the flight was delayed and check-in closes 1/2 hour before, not the usual 1 hour!!!!!!!

The Everglades

Arriving in Fort Lauderdale we were hit by the warm Florida humidity and a familiar friendly face who was also our tour guide for the next few days! :)

Waking up the next day, we went to the Everglades and managed to catch a glimpse of an alligator! Even though everyone was pleased to see it, there was a sigh of relief as the boat took us back to safety!

The Scenic Way Home - Los Angeles

Hollywood, Los Angeles wow! What a place! Walking along the Walk of Fame you are faced with so many animated characters, such a small area that is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and everywhere seems to smell like flowers! Strange I know but only in Hollywood:) With only a few days in Los Angeles, I think we made the most of our time. Newport Beach was beautiful...what a setting!! Beverley Hills, Rodeo Drive...the sun was beaming down as we cruised around :) Griffith Observatory...arrived just as the sun was setting! 

 I finished my L.A visit with an arty explore at the Getty Center, an architectural masterpiece with views over Bel Air. It was so tranquil...the perfect end to my visit to the West coast.

The Scenic Way Home - We're going to San Franciscooo

San Francisco...what a great city and so much bigger than I thought it would be. Great architecture, endless streets that you are desperate to explore but your feet are worn out from all the walking you have been doing!! You can't help being temped by all the delicious smells drifting out from the endless eateries.  I found the place just fascinating.  There are insanely steep hills at every corner, a city like no other!! 

All these words come to mind when thinking of San Francisco...rustic and intriguing, contemporary and quirky, traditional and beautifully ornate...I hope to go back there one day :)

The Scenic Way Home - Crossing The International Date Line

Hawaii...full of surprises! Over seven days our time was split between two islands Oahu and Big Island. One being well developed but full of charm, the other was the Hawaii I had imagined...relaxed and bursting with natural beauty . It was on the latter island where we hired kayaks for the day and paddled over to Kealakekua bay, where Captain Cook spent his last days. It was the most amazing thing we have both experienced on this trip..as we paddled over to the bay Spinner dolphins swam and jumped up around us! It was the best moment.