Day 353 – WestChase Tampa

Westchase Tampa FL

Since we stayed in Tampa overnight (didn’t want to drive back late after the concert) we spent the night there. The next day we went to have lunch in an area called Westchase before heading home to Sanford. The area reminded me a lot of the area around Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary, potentially also Baldwin Park. In general, it seemed more urban in character. Very beautiful though, we really enjoyed driving around. The Italian restaurant we chose for lunch was also quite good…

Lunch in Westchase

Day 322 – Short Trip to Miami

Miami Beach

Since Jose had to renew his Colombian passport and then get his visa for our upcoming Germany trip we had to plan a short trip to Miami. We left super early (5am) to be at the Colombian Consulate by 10am. Everything went smooth and so we had the rest of the day to relax a bit in Miami before the next day appointment at the German Consulate in the morning (after that we were to return to Sanford).

Coconut Grove Restaurant

Our way lead us first to Coconut Grove where we drove through some super upscale neighborhoods (amazing homes!). After that we had lunch at a little restaurant, Le Petit Paris. The food was great (I had a Croque Madame, typical French Sandwich with sunny side up egg on top, no idea it would be so filling), the service perfect. We even got a free glass of Chardonnay house wine with our lunch which made it an even more relaxed meal.

After that we drove straight to our hotel in Miami Beach – ocean side! So we spend the rest of the day by the beach, pool and Tiki bar of the hotel. Needless to say, this mini vacation felt great! I enjoyed the fantastic beach and pleasant water temperatures so much! You could walk quite a bit into the ocean and the water was almost clear. The waves weren’t aggressive – perfect to stay in for a while. Wish we could have extended our stay…

Miami is always a fun place to visit from Orlando, and even if it’s only for a day, it will make you feel as if you were in a different world. We drove about 4 hours from Sanford, not a bad distance. Remember though to take Turnpike. I-95 is typically congested and not a fun drive at all. What you waste in gas being stuck on it is better invested in tolls. And after all you don’t want to arrive completely exhausted in Miami ;o)

Below are some more pictures I took during our day in Miami.

Coconut Grove Miami

Miami Beach

Classic Beach Photo Miami

Miami Beach

Day 253 – Clearwater Beach FL

Clearwater Beach

So today we took the second half of the day off to go to accompany our guests to the beach. We chose Clearwater Beach by Tampa. I have to say we took quite a risk because leaving Sanford it was pouring down (as it has over the past week and a half). Miraculously though, as soon as we got to Clearwater (almost 2 hour drive from Sanford) it cleared up and the sun came through. So when we got there around 4pm we had a good 2 hours left to lay in the sun and enjoy the very pleasant water.

I personally love the beaches around Tampa. They really are what you would imagine: white sand, palm trees and a light blue ocean. Daytona Beach can be quite different in that way so even though we live closer to it we try to visit the West coast more than the East coast (sorry Daytona! we’ll certainly visit you again too!).

Visiting the beach is a fun activity on weekends and can be affordable too. Just pack your food and snacks in a cool box and off you go! It doesn’t always have to be a water park. And besides, the beach and the ocean have a much more relaxing effect, don’t they?

Below are some pictures of our day by the beach.

Clearwater Beach

Day 228 – A Day at St Pete Beach Tampa FL

I love St Pete

We spent a fantastic day at the beach today! My first time this year, believe it or not. It’s beginning of May in Central Florida and I hadn’t been yet – shame on me. I really should take advantage of living close to the beaches – but oh well, work gets in the way too often…

We chose St Pete Beach, not the closest from us (Sanford is closest to New Smyrna and Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach is also closer) but definitely one of my favorites, maybe also because it is on the gulf side. Jose’s aunt and uncle were in Tampa and we met them at their hotel with beach access in St. Petersburg.

As you can see the color of the water was spectacular, not a cloud in the sky, white sand, pleasant water temperatures and a light breeze – the perfect beach day! We really enjoyed our time and hope we can get back to the beach soon!!

Idyllic Beach

White Sand and Blue Sky

Day 194 – Leaving San Diego

San Diego Skyline

Today I have to say bye-bye to San Diego. I am traveling back to Sanford. Looking forward to warmer temperatures but will miss sunny California, my second favorite state

Day 193 – Going to Hollywood

Hollywood Sign

Today we went on a day trip to L.A. and Hollywood. We had lots of fun and even saw a German celebrity walking down Rodeo Drive

Audrey saving Gabi

Day 192 – Shopping San Diego and Coronado Island

At Fashion Valley

Today was a great day: first we visited Fashion Valley (love that name), one of San Diego’s beautiful outdoor malls.

After that we drove out to Coronado Island where the world famous Coronado Hotel is located. We ate at a beautiful Mexican restaurant and then walked along the beach. Yes, I did touch the Pacific, but boy, was the water cold! I prefer our Daytona, Cocoa and Clearwater Beach!

The area is absolutely beautiful, home prices accordingly high. You will find very exclusive neighborhoods here. I loved it! Very clean and on top of that, a beautiful sunny day in the low 70s!

At night time we went for drinks in the Gaslamp District, San Diego’s downtown bar area.

Mexican Restaurant on Coronado Island

Audrey and Gabi

Gabi enjoying Coronado Beach

Coronado Hotel

Day 191 – Hello San Diego

So close to Mexico

So I am in San Diego now visiting my friends Audrey and Brian with my sister Gabi. We drove from Las Vegas and will spend a weekend here.

I love San Diego and California in general! Nice to see mountains, Florida unfortunately doesn’t offer that. It does get a bit too chilly though in San Diego at night…

Today we went to an outdoor outlet mall right by the border with Mexico. Behind the stores you could see the border fence! I was pretty impressed how close we were! On our way back I took this picture from the car. That way leads straight to Mexico. We thought about a day trip to Tijuana but didn’t have enough time. Maybe next time

Day 190 – Leaving Las Vegas

Slot Machine at the Encore

Time has come and we need to say bye to Vegas! We had a blast.Leaving Las Vegas is always hard but I know there will be a next time!

Summarizing I have to say: Try to visit Vegas when it is a bit warmer – during the days we had good temperatures in the low 70s but at night it cooled down tremendously. Also, try to go Thursday to Sunday when going in this season. Even though more expensive it is well worth it because you will be able to enjoy ALL the night clubs. Our plan was Rok or Tao for Tuesday but they were both closed – it just isn’t the busiest season.Plus, of course, the obvious: set a gambling budget for yourself, that way you won’t be tempted to keep playing to “win your money back”. We always do well with that!

Nevertheless, Vegas is always worth a trip

Now my way leads me to San Diego and I look forward to breathing some California air

Day 189 – Touring the Strip in Vegas

The Strip at daylight

Today we spent pretty much all day touring the world famous Strip in Las Vegas! I was as impressed as I was the first time! What an amazing experience it is – I simply loved it! And this time I brought my good camera and took some better shots – they all follow below in case you’d like to see them. Enjoy

Paris Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas - almost like France