Ok, so I’ve already done one post about a place in Florida, B is for Boca Raton. But Florida is such a large state, and there is so much to see! Having spent a large part of my childhood in Florida, I still sometimes see some of the wonder of childhood when I look around my world today.
For example, I can’t count the number of times I’ve been to Walt Disney World in Orlando. My mom took us as often as she could when we were little. We’ve gone several times since 2006, in large part thanks to my mother. The Magic Kingdom DOES still hold a magic appeal to me, though. There’s something incredible about a place where adults are encouraged to give in to that willing suspension of disbelief, and give themselves over to the joys of childhood. Although I know it is a theme park built to make money, it is also a place of magic and dreams.
The beaches of Florida are also magical places for me. I’ve soaked up the hot, tropical sun while chasing the myriad of shells which wash up on the shores. I’ve dug to find mollusks and sea fleas as they burrowed into the sand wherever the waves set them down. I’ve watched in awe as baby sea turtles scuttled to the ocean one morning. I’ve seen pink sandy beaches with clear, aqua water, and I’ve seen muddy beaches with thick, black water. I’ve seen beaches so strewn with shells I was reluctant to walk barefoot on them and other beaches so rocky that barefeet weren’t even an option. I’ve been a small child, knocked over by the strength of the waves. I’ve been a mother, holding the small child steady in the swell of the waves. I’ve felt the power of the sand, the sun and the sea when they combine together to form a healing haven for my heart.
Florida is a state of extremes. From the exotic and urban South to the less touristy, rural North, Florida holds a multitude of attitudes, beliefs, lifestyles and TREASURES. It is a state that is near and dear to my heart, the place I was born, but I’ve never quite considered it home. As familiar as I am with the Sunshine State, it always feels more like I’m a visitor, maybe even a tourist.
Although being a tourist, and doing touristy things can be fun, sometimes it’s fun to wander to places a little farther off the beaten track:
May 20th, 2008 at 9:49 pm - Edit
My family moved to Florida when I was 6. It’s been my home since. 28 years later, I still haven’t seen even 1/10th of what this state has to offer. So far:
3 hurricanes
Disney World
Spent time hanging out in the infield at Daytona International Speedway
I’ve seen the beaches on both coasts
People watching on Lincoln Road in South Beach
Walked around the Historic District of St. Augustine with some really cool people.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:34 pm - Edit
I neeeEEEEeeed to go there again!