10 NIGHTS RPR...MARDI GRAS & COCKTAILS....MARCH 2018 TRIP
- Thread starter schumigirl
- Start date
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
YAY! It's Easter today and it's cold, dreary, icy/snowy and awful weather today in Kansas City. I think Mother Nature is pulling one heck of an April Fool's joke! So, was so excited to see your post today. I have sat here for the last couple of hours catching up while watching a Star Wars marathon. Tom's smile and a Star Wars marathon -- does it get any better than that?!!?So many of my friends went to Orlando this spring break. I think I planned at least three vacations for folks and then just read about the others. I have been missing it so -- and then found out that my high school class has decided to do it's thirty year reunion on a cruise out of Port Canaveral next year... so, I told Davy, of course, we have to spend a few days on land! I asked him what he'd want to do in the 3 or 4 days we'd have. He couldn't decide. LOL I think Discovery Cove is his new favorite, so it may be mostly that, but because Star Wars land will be open... have to at least do one day there. I was going to avoid it until 2020 but let's just be realistic! And, I have a feeling I'm going to extend the trip. He'll want to go to Universal I'm sure.
So, Davy's favorite restaurant is Three Broomsticks... and I have to admit... I've missed the actual broomsticks I think all those times. How?!?!?
When you talk about Kyle, I SO get it. <3
Can't wait to read more!!!!!
YAY...........
Alice..........Missed ya!!!!!
We have horrible weather today too.......really, really miserable..........
lol.......SW marathon!!!! My idea of a nightmare.......lol....but Tom would love it. I was thinking about you yesterday, as while I was typing this up Tom was through in the family room watching reruns of STNG........I did catch a couple of episodes and I do enjoy them for the humour they injected into them......
Reunion sounds such fun!! And of course you have to extend it and include Universal........
Our plans later in the year is to go to Cape Canaveral........never been before and Kyle will be coming with us again in December and he is a massive space fan so we thought it would be something he would like to do it.......looking forward to it and not quite sure why we haven't done it before.
Yes, we do miss him when he`s not with us.......but, he`s happy and getting on with his own life now.....he loves his job so we are happy!!!
Glad you posted and hope you enjoy reading with us again..........
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schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
Thanks!!! I`m glad to hear you`re enjoying it........
The skymap is better than most of the movies on offer usually
.......and yep, it has little snippets of info on events and unusual parts of the ocean or land......some I mean to Google when we get back home but I always forget.......
It is cool though.........
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
You are welcome!!!!
I`m still not really sure what Thing 1 & 2 actually are.........
But they`re cute.......
Stargazer9
Loves Universal and Disney
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2015
So lovely! The Seuss area is a favorite with us. And our last trip was a February one.... And particularly chilly, but you look like you're enjoying the sun in spite of the chill!
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
FRIDAY CONTINUED..............
We did eventually leave the bright colours of Seuss and head for lunch.........we did plan to have a very light lunch as we were eating at the Palm tonight, but as it was only 12 now and we wouldn't be eating till around 8.30 tonight, a nice sandwich of some sort would we be very welcome right about now........
Confisco Grill is one of our cheap and cheerful favourite places to eat in IOA........it`s never usually overly busy and food is always good......service too. And one of the best bits is walking in out of the heat of the day for a cool sit down and a cool drink.......and as it was really hot now, thank goodness, we did enjoy that walk into air conditioning.......
We are seated immediately and are quite surprised to see it`s a little busier than normal, nice to see though as it`s such a great place.......Monica is taking care of us today and has done many times......she says she recognizes us vaguely and we tell her we have been many times.......so we get a booth which we like at the back of the restaurant.........I like you can see the kitchen in here too......chef`s look so smart........
We look at the menu, although I know what I`m having, and we glance at the little cocktail and sangria menu and see that they no longer offer the half or full pitcher of Sangria.......only a glass......so when she comes back to take our drink order we ask if they still do the pitcher......she says yes, they can do that.....so a half pitcher is what we order.........we only ever order this if we know we aren't going off site later as Tom won`t drive if he`s had any alcohol at all.......and even I wouldn't drink that on my own.......and we knew we weren't going further than The Palm later and that would be with the ODC outside the hotel.
I didn't really like the glasses they give you now, but it`s just a glass......and the sangria wasn't half bad......not as strong as the December one, but very nice and quite refreshing for the middle of the day.
So, I know what I`m having for lunch so Tom now has to decide......eventually he goes for the Croissant Moon Club Sandwich and I stick to my usual choice here which is the chicken and shrimp spicy sandwich....with an extra side of jalapenos.......she asked if I was sure I wanted the extra jalapenos and I said absolutely.......meanwhile we got some bread rolls and butter to nibble on.......
It`s a nice place to sit and relax away from the crowds and parks, we have never felt rushed in here and we have never been let down with the food.......which soon arrives.........
Food is so good!!!! The potato salad with Tom`s sandwich is lovely....I do manage to get a little taste of it and he has a few of my fries as I don't really feel like fries today.......but my sandwich is gorgeous.......just the right amount of hot and spicy and with my added jalapenos....it`s perfect........we really enjoy this meal and we were ready for it today.....and the sangria is very nice.
We pay the check and we have no real plans this afternoon, so we head through to the Backwater Bar attached to CG.......we have always meant to go back here and just have a drink, but never got around to it for years........so we thought we`d have a cocktail before heading out.........
They don't have a lot of cocktails on offer and I opt for a classic confisco margarita and Tom chooses another glass of sangria.......nice.
This was so nice. It was so relaxing and the lady behind the bar was so funny......but we did just have the one and then headed back in to the sunshine.......and we love Port of Entry......again it is so colourful and bright......and perfect for pictures!!!
And this is where I noticed something I had never in all of my visits never noticed.........as I`m not a cat fan I may have deliberately not noticed......but I first heard the sounds of cats meowing and of course looked around me.....then I stepped slightly to the right of the store as you look at it and looked up.......and there was this little balcony with loads of fake cats sitting and making a racket......or being cute if you are a cat fan......lol........I always tell people to stand at the bottom of some of the buildings in POE and listen as it can be quite fun to hear some of the sounds you hear.......but in all honesty I had never noticed the amount of details on this balcony.........so I got a picture of course.......
I do believe there is something new every trip for us to see.....even a simple little thing like this........
We love the Christmas store........the aroma as you enter takes you to Christmas as soon as you walk in the door........beautiful......
We can spend a good 20 minutes just looking in here.......we had got some gorgeous Xmas baubles from here in December and again today I had eyed up some different ones that I will pick up this December too......Tom was already thinking we would need another new tree to add to our already numerous trees!!!! I`m a Christmas gal through and through........
We do get a picture of the entrance today as it was too cold this morning to get one......but, the heat was glorious now and I was sure to bask in while I could.........
It`s so pretty here too........and I would love this blue building as a little vacation spot somewhere warm.......
So, we head out of the park and decide to go and have a look in Toothsome. We are not really fans of the food here but we do want a look at some of the chocolate displays and maybe even buy some........I`m not the biggest chocolate fan but some of them looked nice.......so we meandered slowly over, still enjoying this sunshine.
I loved this heat as we walked over to Toothsome....and this was one of the reasons we love it here so much......very, very different to the climate we are used to.....so we tried to make the most of everything.......
Toothsome was fairly busy for lunchtime, but I think most people were just hanging around.......
But we wander into the store and it is busy.......but we do get some chocolates in a box to try.......we do pick an assortment we think we`ll like.........
We do manage to pick 12 although we do get a couple of doubles of the ones we know we will argue over........makes it easier......and then we wander round to the macarons and cakes.........
Even as a non chocolate fan, some of these creations looked amazing and very intricately designed.......I was tempted by a white chocolate cake.....so maybe in May I`ll give it a try........
So with the purchase of our box of 12 we headed out back into the sunshine and enjoyed the warm and pleasant walk back home.
Lazy afternoon and The Palm coming up.........
We did eventually leave the bright colours of Seuss and head for lunch.........we did plan to have a very light lunch as we were eating at the Palm tonight, but as it was only 12 now and we wouldn't be eating till around 8.30 tonight, a nice sandwich of some sort would we be very welcome right about now........
Confisco Grill is one of our cheap and cheerful favourite places to eat in IOA........it`s never usually overly busy and food is always good......service too. And one of the best bits is walking in out of the heat of the day for a cool sit down and a cool drink.......and as it was really hot now, thank goodness, we did enjoy that walk into air conditioning.......
We are seated immediately and are quite surprised to see it`s a little busier than normal, nice to see though as it`s such a great place.......Monica is taking care of us today and has done many times......she says she recognizes us vaguely and we tell her we have been many times.......so we get a booth which we like at the back of the restaurant.........I like you can see the kitchen in here too......chef`s look so smart........
We look at the menu, although I know what I`m having, and we glance at the little cocktail and sangria menu and see that they no longer offer the half or full pitcher of Sangria.......only a glass......so when she comes back to take our drink order we ask if they still do the pitcher......she says yes, they can do that.....so a half pitcher is what we order.........we only ever order this if we know we aren't going off site later as Tom won`t drive if he`s had any alcohol at all.......and even I wouldn't drink that on my own.......and we knew we weren't going further than The Palm later and that would be with the ODC outside the hotel.
I didn't really like the glasses they give you now, but it`s just a glass......and the sangria wasn't half bad......not as strong as the December one, but very nice and quite refreshing for the middle of the day.
So, I know what I`m having for lunch so Tom now has to decide......eventually he goes for the Croissant Moon Club Sandwich and I stick to my usual choice here which is the chicken and shrimp spicy sandwich....with an extra side of jalapenos.......she asked if I was sure I wanted the extra jalapenos and I said absolutely.......meanwhile we got some bread rolls and butter to nibble on.......
It`s a nice place to sit and relax away from the crowds and parks, we have never felt rushed in here and we have never been let down with the food.......which soon arrives.........
Food is so good!!!! The potato salad with Tom`s sandwich is lovely....I do manage to get a little taste of it and he has a few of my fries as I don't really feel like fries today.......but my sandwich is gorgeous.......just the right amount of hot and spicy and with my added jalapenos....it`s perfect........we really enjoy this meal and we were ready for it today.....and the sangria is very nice.
We pay the check and we have no real plans this afternoon, so we head through to the Backwater Bar attached to CG.......we have always meant to go back here and just have a drink, but never got around to it for years........so we thought we`d have a cocktail before heading out.........
They don't have a lot of cocktails on offer and I opt for a classic confisco margarita and Tom chooses another glass of sangria.......nice.
This was so nice. It was so relaxing and the lady behind the bar was so funny......but we did just have the one and then headed back in to the sunshine.......and we love Port of Entry......again it is so colourful and bright......and perfect for pictures!!!
And this is where I noticed something I had never in all of my visits never noticed.........as I`m not a cat fan I may have deliberately not noticed......but I first heard the sounds of cats meowing and of course looked around me.....then I stepped slightly to the right of the store as you look at it and looked up.......and there was this little balcony with loads of fake cats sitting and making a racket......or being cute if you are a cat fan......lol........I always tell people to stand at the bottom of some of the buildings in POE and listen as it can be quite fun to hear some of the sounds you hear.......but in all honesty I had never noticed the amount of details on this balcony.........so I got a picture of course.......
I do believe there is something new every trip for us to see.....even a simple little thing like this........
We love the Christmas store........the aroma as you enter takes you to Christmas as soon as you walk in the door........beautiful......
We can spend a good 20 minutes just looking in here.......we had got some gorgeous Xmas baubles from here in December and again today I had eyed up some different ones that I will pick up this December too......Tom was already thinking we would need another new tree to add to our already numerous trees!!!! I`m a Christmas gal through and through........
We do get a picture of the entrance today as it was too cold this morning to get one......but, the heat was glorious now and I was sure to bask in while I could.........
It`s so pretty here too........and I would love this blue building as a little vacation spot somewhere warm.......
So, we head out of the park and decide to go and have a look in Toothsome. We are not really fans of the food here but we do want a look at some of the chocolate displays and maybe even buy some........I`m not the biggest chocolate fan but some of them looked nice.......so we meandered slowly over, still enjoying this sunshine.
I loved this heat as we walked over to Toothsome....and this was one of the reasons we love it here so much......very, very different to the climate we are used to.....so we tried to make the most of everything.......
Toothsome was fairly busy for lunchtime, but I think most people were just hanging around.......
But we wander into the store and it is busy.......but we do get some chocolates in a box to try.......we do pick an assortment we think we`ll like.........
We do manage to pick 12 although we do get a couple of doubles of the ones we know we will argue over........makes it easier......and then we wander round to the macarons and cakes.........
Even as a non chocolate fan, some of these creations looked amazing and very intricately designed.......I was tempted by a white chocolate cake.....so maybe in May I`ll give it a try........
So with the purchase of our box of 12 we headed out back into the sunshine and enjoyed the warm and pleasant walk back home.
Lazy afternoon and The Palm coming up.........
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
lol......even when it was chilly I was telling myself......I`m not cold.....I`m not cold
........but no way was I taking a hoodie when I knew it was going to warm up later in the day.......Love Seuss area..........
ckmiles
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2008
I love reading this- its snowing here and looking at your pictures I can practically feel the warm sun!
Im sitting at my desk with my cup of tea- fully engrossed in your posts. Im sure anyone walking by is truly impressed at how engaged I am at work in a Monday morning!
Those chocolates at Toothsome look AMAZING! I cant wait to hear a review. And I hope creme brulee is coming up! I was in NYC this weekend and walked by the Palm - I was tempted to see if I could get a creme brulee to go!
Im sitting at my desk with my cup of tea- fully engrossed in your posts. Im sure anyone walking by is truly impressed at how engaged I am at work in a Monday morning!
Those chocolates at Toothsome look AMAZING! I cant wait to hear a review. And I hope creme brulee is coming up! I was in NYC this weekend and walked by the Palm - I was tempted to see if I could get a creme brulee to go!
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
FRIDAY CONT..........
We had a walk around Citywalk and had a look in a few stores and the Margaritaville store......we always like to buy a few items from there.....and friends have come to expect a sign or two of they don't already have one.......you buy one friend one and then the others want them too........so we purchased a couple of things in there and in the Universal store. We then headed back home and very deliberately took our time and soaked up the heat of the day......the walk is so pleasant and in the shade which helps a lot in September when the heat is fierce.......but today was gorgeous.
So, it`s a nice stroll back. We go back into the lobby as we want into the safety deposit box.......I see Samuel and wanted to ask him if there is any phone cards for sale in the hotel, turns out they don't sell them. We had planned to find a call box and call my mum as it was her birthday today. I haven't missed speaking to her on her birthday ever, and thought it would be a nice surprise.......I was just going to call from our room now when Samuel said I could call from the Concierge desk.......he wanted to make sure I spoke to my mum on her birthday......I was filling up now as it was so kind of him..........
So he dialed the outside number then I dialed mums number, she was so surprised when she answered the phone as she didn't expect to hear from me today.......so to say I was happy was understatement. It`s quite hard to surprise my mum....but, we had a short chat and I hoped she`d had a good day....I didn't want to spend too long as he had been so good at letting me use the phone. I gave him the biggest hug when I put the phone down. So kind of him. His parents had been away and they had come back the same day so he knew how important it was to me.
So after thanking him profusely we headed up to our room.......but before we left Colby and Shaun from the lounge came over to say hello.....we hadn't seen Colby yet and gave him a big hug......we always joke we`ve known him since he was about 10 as he has worked here for years......he`s the same age as Kyle, and we adore him too......he`s so funny and very laid back........and an excellent artist. Very unusual projects though, but you can see the talent is there.......we tell him we`ll be up later to say hi again.
It was too long to do nothing so we went up and got changed and went down to sit by the pool for a couple of hours......we didn't plan on going in, but just sit around.......we managed to get a couple of umbrellas and had the shade we needed as the sun was still so strong.....and it was lovely.......we had a cocktail and for once we didn't have the camera with us.......we just enjoyed the peace and quiet as it wasn't too busy..........this pool suits us down to the ground......it`s never too rowdy nor does it get too boring. Lovely atmosphere.
Eventually though we headed upstairs to get changed to go sit in the lounge for a while before we went to shower and change for our meal out tonight.
Lounge was quiet when we went in......it was just after 4 so food and alcohol hadn't started being served yet.....always a nice time to catch up with staff there........and we had a good laugh before the crowds appeared........
When we were there last year they suddenly stopped showing movies in the Club Lounge in all the hotels.......and same with the pool movies, they just stopped due to a legal issue. We wondered if it had changed but sadly they are still not offering this anymore......we used to love the dive in movies by the pool. We also used to love choosing the movie in the lounge.........but, not any more.
Kyle`s favourite meal in the Club lounge was on tonight, chicken mac n cheese......so I did take some pictures as it looked lovely........
We have been known to partake of some salad or maybe even a little of the hot meal offered, but tonight the salad wasn't a favourite......so we did have a little and I mean a little of the chicken mac n cheese.......it is lovely!!! And we have to remind ourselves we are eating a lovely meal later and don't want to ruin it........so we stick to some wine and look happy.........it is so nice sitting here with the friendliest of staff to chat to, they take such good care of us and it is appreciated.
Eventually we say good evening but we stay longer than planned and now we are probably going to be rushing, but chatting to the guys is so much fun.........we head down to shower and change.........turndown has already been and we add the bottles of water to the fridge........it doesn't take us long though to get ready.........and I do bring out my new bag for it`s first outing.........
Down to lobby and then out to get a car. The ODC are ideal and they are usually always sitting out front.......you do have to give your name and room number and then the valet guys will call one over for you........and for the cost of a tip, this is ideal. Drivers are usually so nice and friendly........it only takes a few minutes to get to HRH.
This is the least favourite hotel for us of the deluxe ones onsite......although The Palm is our favourite onsite restaurant........I`m not sure what it is about the HRH but it just doesn't feel homely enough for us.......don't get me wrong, staff are nice there too.......but not for us.
We do have time for a few compulsory pictures of course......... the guitar water feature is always a hit........
We were having a fit of the giggles right now.......a couple close by were having words......of course it was hard not to hear as they were yelling but not too loud......however, I couldn't repeat it on here as what she said to him it was fairly rude, but very descriptive.....and we just broke down laughing.....praying they didn't see us of course.......to be honest I don't they were aware of much around them....and we were now thinking......guess whos going to be sitting near us tonight!! Thankfully they weren't in The Palm.
We do wander a little before going in for our reservation..........
It`s time for our reservation and we head in to see Lauren at the welcome desk.......this girl really knows her business.......she remembers us instantly and welcomes us back again and tells us we have our favourite booth.......yay!!! You are made to feel welcome here.
We are seated and the lady who looked after us last year, Joyce comes over and she instantly mentions us being here last year too......she did say she saw us in December but someone else was looking after us then........we have a brief chat and she asks about drinks.....I tell her I know which bottle of wine we want so no need for the menu........she goes to get it while the water waiter tops up our glasses.....and we begin to have a read of the menu.....although we do have an idea of what we are having as we have studied this menu intensively for months........
Joyce brings the wine and some bread and asks if we are ready to order........we tell her we need a little more time...not a problem of course......
She comes back and I am torn between the shrimp and the crab appetizer.......so Joyce suggests I do the crab with half a shrimp appetizer......sounds nice to me.....Tom opts for the scallops which sound divine.
For entrees we go with the usual 12oz filet for me served medium rare and Tom chooses the Bone In Ribeye which is 22oz served medium.......and we again share the 3 cheese gratin....I also ask for two of the three pots of sauces to try as someone recommended it to me.....they were chimichurri and brandy pepper... the third one I didn't like the sound of.
So we sat back, enjoyed our wine and waited for our food.........this is just one of the nicest restaurants in food and surroundings........
And our appetizers are soon brought out......but not before the waiter who sings Happy Birthday to everyone stopped by to welcome us back.......he had made me blush in September by giving me a lovely rendition of the famous song.......was nice to see him again too.......
My appetizer looked gorgeous.......the red cocktail sauce is spicy.......but I don't touch the atomic cocktail sauce which is the white one.....now, I like hot....really hot........but this is nuclear!!!! Not fun......I did try a tiny, tiny little bit against my tongue once........never again!!! Have never met anyone who has ever admitted to eating it.........but the seafood looked so good.......and there was a third shrimp on the bowl.......
Tom`s scallops look tiny, but they are quite large and I do get a half of one.......although they are wrapped in bacon, it doesn't take away from the scallop......when we cook these at home we do them simply with some butter and lemon, but this is nice for a change........so tasty.
Joyce chats to us in between courses....she has the balance just right which is hard to do, but we enjoy talking to her......then the steaks come out next.........
Tom`s 22oz Ribeye is huge.......my pictures just don't do them justice.......but this looked so impressive and I was keen to have a taste of that one........
Mine was lush.......again it was bigger than it looked as it was 12oz.......and both steaks were cooked to perfection mine was nearer rare which suits me better............the potato gratin was nuclear hot so we had to wait till it cooled down to try it........I think it was still cooking.......I have to say the steaks really didn't need any sauce at all.......so I wouldn't order them again......steaks stand on their own here.....
I even began to wish I had ordered the smaller 9oz steak as it was so large......but gorgeous.......tasty and full of flavor......Tom did give me a bit of his and although it was lovely, I much prefer the filet over any steak.......but it was filling........
It`s very relaxing and our water is regularly topped up which we do make sure we do drink also.........
Joyce comes back and clears our plates.........we really do want a dessert but at the moment we are full.......so we tell Joyce we`ll have a little time then decide.......no problems.......so we sit and chat some more and go through our trip so far and how much we just love everything that Orlando and our favourite hotel has to offer us.........it`s a lovely evening.
We do eventually decide to have one crème brulee........Tom feels more full than I do, so I obviously volunteer out of the goodness of my heart to eat most of it........
I`m nice like that..........Joyce laughs at this point and says she`ll bring two spoons......which she does.....
I adore this crème brulee.......if the top is hard to crack you know it`s going to be a good one.......and this one does have a good snap sound when you hit it.........
I do indeed have most of it.......Tom gets the raspberries as well as I don't really like them.....but the brulee itself is gorgeous.......very rich but not heavy......just perfect........
Eventually we have to get the check. We pay and bid our goodbyes to both Joyce and Lauren and thank them again for such a lovely evening.....and it really has been.
We make a bathroom visit and I have to say this is an impressive ladies bathroom..........very chic and very clean.
We go outside and ask the to get us an ODC to take us back to RPR........we do have to wait a few minutes tonight as they are really busy......that few minutes turns into a little longer.....the guy apologizes and says if one doesn't turn up in 5 minutes he`ll get us a regular cab and it won’t cost us.......we tell him we are happy to get the dining shuttle if it comes first too........but at that point the ODC appears and he takes our name again and tell the driver where we are going.........for the cost of a tip this is an amazing service.
We are back at the hotel in a few minutes and I can`t remember what time it was but we were tired......very tired.....so went straight up to bed........I did open the drapes again as I do like to see the rides all lit up as I fall asleep......I was asleep as usual quicker than normal thinking of the lovely day we had enjoyed.
We had a walk around Citywalk and had a look in a few stores and the Margaritaville store......we always like to buy a few items from there.....and friends have come to expect a sign or two of they don't already have one.......you buy one friend one and then the others want them too........so we purchased a couple of things in there and in the Universal store. We then headed back home and very deliberately took our time and soaked up the heat of the day......the walk is so pleasant and in the shade which helps a lot in September when the heat is fierce.......but today was gorgeous.
So, it`s a nice stroll back. We go back into the lobby as we want into the safety deposit box.......I see Samuel and wanted to ask him if there is any phone cards for sale in the hotel, turns out they don't sell them. We had planned to find a call box and call my mum as it was her birthday today. I haven't missed speaking to her on her birthday ever, and thought it would be a nice surprise.......I was just going to call from our room now when Samuel said I could call from the Concierge desk.......he wanted to make sure I spoke to my mum on her birthday......I was filling up now as it was so kind of him..........
So he dialed the outside number then I dialed mums number, she was so surprised when she answered the phone as she didn't expect to hear from me today.......so to say I was happy was understatement. It`s quite hard to surprise my mum....but, we had a short chat and I hoped she`d had a good day....I didn't want to spend too long as he had been so good at letting me use the phone. I gave him the biggest hug when I put the phone down. So kind of him. His parents had been away and they had come back the same day so he knew how important it was to me.
So after thanking him profusely we headed up to our room.......but before we left Colby and Shaun from the lounge came over to say hello.....we hadn't seen Colby yet and gave him a big hug......we always joke we`ve known him since he was about 10 as he has worked here for years......he`s the same age as Kyle, and we adore him too......he`s so funny and very laid back........and an excellent artist. Very unusual projects though, but you can see the talent is there.......we tell him we`ll be up later to say hi again.
It was too long to do nothing so we went up and got changed and went down to sit by the pool for a couple of hours......we didn't plan on going in, but just sit around.......we managed to get a couple of umbrellas and had the shade we needed as the sun was still so strong.....and it was lovely.......we had a cocktail and for once we didn't have the camera with us.......we just enjoyed the peace and quiet as it wasn't too busy..........this pool suits us down to the ground......it`s never too rowdy nor does it get too boring. Lovely atmosphere.
Eventually though we headed upstairs to get changed to go sit in the lounge for a while before we went to shower and change for our meal out tonight.
Lounge was quiet when we went in......it was just after 4 so food and alcohol hadn't started being served yet.....always a nice time to catch up with staff there........and we had a good laugh before the crowds appeared........
When we were there last year they suddenly stopped showing movies in the Club Lounge in all the hotels.......and same with the pool movies, they just stopped due to a legal issue. We wondered if it had changed but sadly they are still not offering this anymore......we used to love the dive in movies by the pool. We also used to love choosing the movie in the lounge.........but, not any more.
Kyle`s favourite meal in the Club lounge was on tonight, chicken mac n cheese......so I did take some pictures as it looked lovely........
We have been known to partake of some salad or maybe even a little of the hot meal offered, but tonight the salad wasn't a favourite......so we did have a little and I mean a little of the chicken mac n cheese.......it is lovely!!! And we have to remind ourselves we are eating a lovely meal later and don't want to ruin it........so we stick to some wine and look happy.........it is so nice sitting here with the friendliest of staff to chat to, they take such good care of us and it is appreciated.
Eventually we say good evening but we stay longer than planned and now we are probably going to be rushing, but chatting to the guys is so much fun.........we head down to shower and change.........turndown has already been and we add the bottles of water to the fridge........it doesn't take us long though to get ready.........and I do bring out my new bag for it`s first outing.........
Down to lobby and then out to get a car. The ODC are ideal and they are usually always sitting out front.......you do have to give your name and room number and then the valet guys will call one over for you........and for the cost of a tip, this is ideal. Drivers are usually so nice and friendly........it only takes a few minutes to get to HRH.
This is the least favourite hotel for us of the deluxe ones onsite......although The Palm is our favourite onsite restaurant........I`m not sure what it is about the HRH but it just doesn't feel homely enough for us.......don't get me wrong, staff are nice there too.......but not for us.
We do have time for a few compulsory pictures of course......... the guitar water feature is always a hit........
We were having a fit of the giggles right now.......a couple close by were having words......of course it was hard not to hear as they were yelling but not too loud......however, I couldn't repeat it on here as what she said to him it was fairly rude, but very descriptive.....and we just broke down laughing.....praying they didn't see us of course.......to be honest I don't they were aware of much around them....and we were now thinking......guess whos going to be sitting near us tonight!! Thankfully they weren't in The Palm.
We do wander a little before going in for our reservation..........
It`s time for our reservation and we head in to see Lauren at the welcome desk.......this girl really knows her business.......she remembers us instantly and welcomes us back again and tells us we have our favourite booth.......yay!!! You are made to feel welcome here.
We are seated and the lady who looked after us last year, Joyce comes over and she instantly mentions us being here last year too......she did say she saw us in December but someone else was looking after us then........we have a brief chat and she asks about drinks.....I tell her I know which bottle of wine we want so no need for the menu........she goes to get it while the water waiter tops up our glasses.....and we begin to have a read of the menu.....although we do have an idea of what we are having as we have studied this menu intensively for months........
Joyce brings the wine and some bread and asks if we are ready to order........we tell her we need a little more time...not a problem of course......
She comes back and I am torn between the shrimp and the crab appetizer.......so Joyce suggests I do the crab with half a shrimp appetizer......sounds nice to me.....Tom opts for the scallops which sound divine.
For entrees we go with the usual 12oz filet for me served medium rare and Tom chooses the Bone In Ribeye which is 22oz served medium.......and we again share the 3 cheese gratin....I also ask for two of the three pots of sauces to try as someone recommended it to me.....they were chimichurri and brandy pepper... the third one I didn't like the sound of.
So we sat back, enjoyed our wine and waited for our food.........this is just one of the nicest restaurants in food and surroundings........
And our appetizers are soon brought out......but not before the waiter who sings Happy Birthday to everyone stopped by to welcome us back.......he had made me blush in September by giving me a lovely rendition of the famous song.......was nice to see him again too.......
My appetizer looked gorgeous.......the red cocktail sauce is spicy.......but I don't touch the atomic cocktail sauce which is the white one.....now, I like hot....really hot........but this is nuclear!!!! Not fun......I did try a tiny, tiny little bit against my tongue once........never again!!! Have never met anyone who has ever admitted to eating it.........but the seafood looked so good.......and there was a third shrimp on the bowl.......
Tom`s scallops look tiny, but they are quite large and I do get a half of one.......although they are wrapped in bacon, it doesn't take away from the scallop......when we cook these at home we do them simply with some butter and lemon, but this is nice for a change........so tasty.
Joyce chats to us in between courses....she has the balance just right which is hard to do, but we enjoy talking to her......then the steaks come out next.........
Tom`s 22oz Ribeye is huge.......my pictures just don't do them justice.......but this looked so impressive and I was keen to have a taste of that one........
Mine was lush.......again it was bigger than it looked as it was 12oz.......and both steaks were cooked to perfection mine was nearer rare which suits me better............the potato gratin was nuclear hot so we had to wait till it cooled down to try it........I think it was still cooking.......I have to say the steaks really didn't need any sauce at all.......so I wouldn't order them again......steaks stand on their own here.....
I even began to wish I had ordered the smaller 9oz steak as it was so large......but gorgeous.......tasty and full of flavor......Tom did give me a bit of his and although it was lovely, I much prefer the filet over any steak.......but it was filling........
It`s very relaxing and our water is regularly topped up which we do make sure we do drink also.........
Joyce comes back and clears our plates.........we really do want a dessert but at the moment we are full.......so we tell Joyce we`ll have a little time then decide.......no problems.......so we sit and chat some more and go through our trip so far and how much we just love everything that Orlando and our favourite hotel has to offer us.........it`s a lovely evening.
We do eventually decide to have one crème brulee........Tom feels more full than I do, so I obviously volunteer out of the goodness of my heart to eat most of it........
I`m nice like that..........Joyce laughs at this point and says she`ll bring two spoons......which she does.....I adore this crème brulee.......if the top is hard to crack you know it`s going to be a good one.......and this one does have a good snap sound when you hit it.........
I do indeed have most of it.......Tom gets the raspberries as well as I don't really like them.....but the brulee itself is gorgeous.......very rich but not heavy......just perfect........
Eventually we have to get the check. We pay and bid our goodbyes to both Joyce and Lauren and thank them again for such a lovely evening.....and it really has been.
We make a bathroom visit and I have to say this is an impressive ladies bathroom..........very chic and very clean.
We go outside and ask the to get us an ODC to take us back to RPR........we do have to wait a few minutes tonight as they are really busy......that few minutes turns into a little longer.....the guy apologizes and says if one doesn't turn up in 5 minutes he`ll get us a regular cab and it won’t cost us.......we tell him we are happy to get the dining shuttle if it comes first too........but at that point the ODC appears and he takes our name again and tell the driver where we are going.........for the cost of a tip this is an amazing service.
We are back at the hotel in a few minutes and I can`t remember what time it was but we were tired......very tired.....so went straight up to bed........I did open the drapes again as I do like to see the rides all lit up as I fall asleep......I was asleep as usual quicker than normal thinking of the lovely day we had enjoyed.
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schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
lol....we have sleety rain here too.....it`s miserable......
I can imagine how studious you must look to anyone passing.......
I wasn't overly impressed with Toothsome chocolate........but even Tom thought they were just ok......I`d prefer to stick to Lindt or Godiva.......
Oh I`d have been tempted to get one to go too in the city........love theirs so much.......
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
SATURDAY MARCH 17TH...........
We slept great last night, never flinched the whole night. And it was starting to get light by time we woke up. It`s usually still dark when we wake up but think we have slept a little longer today.
We have decided to go spend the day offsite somewhere........so we head up for breakfast once we are all showered and dressed. The lounge is fairly busy this morning and we end up on one of the bigger tables in the middle of the lounge, and we get our usual choices except this morning I add a little piece of the warm cinnamon bun they have. It had been freshly put out so I got there before it looked like it had been attacked by a serial killer.......some people can`t seem to cut a piece without hacking it to bits!! But it is nice......something very delectable about that cream cheese topping.......
Again we take our time this morning and enjoy our coffee and as the crowds dissipate it becomes suddenly quieter. We had just come in at peak time I believe, usually we are much earlier.
We discuss where we should go today......one suggestion is Mount Dora. We really love it there, but had been a few times in a row so wanted to go somewhere we either hadn't been, or hadn't been for a while.
I thought since it wasn't quite as stiflingly hot as September was we could go over to Dunedin, just past Clearwater......it was going to be a beautiful day, sun was going to be out all day and it was to get up to at least 84F........sounds good to me........so when we had cleared our table and went downstairs to get sunscreen on we headed out to the car.
We did get a satnav this time, but we knew the road anyway. However we thought we`d see which way the satnav would take us and see if it was better. I typed the address in I had and off we went.....it was a gorgeous day and we had some good music on the radio. At Christmas we had found a fabulous Christmas Channel, it just played those kinds of songs all day and all night.....we loved it!!! So we had tuned into the same channel this time as soon as we arrived.........it certainly wasn't Christmas songs.......it was purely religious songs.......so we fiddled and found a channel that played only from the 80`s........that would do nicely.
The drive to Dunedin is relatively boring........not much to see on the road, but we chatter all the way anyway.......I did take a picture of an area we passed called Champions Gate as friends have just bought a big house in there.......it does look lovely. We also saw the new building works to the Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa.....that looks amazing!!! But we carried on and soon enough we began to see Tampa in the distance.
There had been massive road works here the first time we ever drove there in 2007......it was confusing to say the least......we got in to Clearwater ok, but coming out at night, when it was pitch black we got totally lost and ended up driving into an area of homes that looked like we really didn't want to be there........we were rescued by a State Trooper car who stopped us and asked if we were lost and he would escort us back to where we needed to be. The turn to get back on the I4 was the wrong way we were going........we felt very lucky that night as I`m not sure where we would have ended up. It was quite literally one turn to the right and we would have been fine, but there were no markings anywhere........The officer was very straight with us that we really, really didn't want to be where we were. We took him at his word and didn't venture that way again. We thanked him profusely and counted our blessings that night.
But, for today we recognized the route in and it is so lovely......driving across the causeway is so pretty.......and must be scary in very high winds......that water is a high level!!!!
The satnav took us in the back side of Clearwater, so we didn't go along the coast way we had done before........but we soon were turning into Dunedin.
It`s a small quaint little town that has a variety of little stores and restaurants........and plenty of parking.
We turned into where we had planned to park and we noticed a whole field had been filled by cars with a park and ride sign, we had never seen that before.......so we drove further on and then noticed roads were closed......then we realized. It was St Patrick`s Day. Darn it.
We drove another way and found a regular car park opposite a police office......now in some places we are never sure if we can just park or it`s for restaurants or private parking, some signs aren't clear. Another car pulled in behind us and asked us of they could park there too......we laughed and said we weren't local either........at that a man came back to his vehicle and we asked him if it was alright.......yes, we were good to park here as long as we wished. So, that was fine. But, I wasn't convinced I wanted to go through the town as there looked to be just a swarm of people all there to celebrate something. We could hear the noise from here........we did think of turning back and just going into Clearwater and visit Crabby Bill`s that we love.......but a Police Officer appeared and we chatted to him and he said it was only one area of the town......the far side and towards the water were clear and quiet, he did laugh and question were we Scottish.....we said yes and he said he thought the Scots were all party animals......well, not us.........so we would go. Dunedin has a very strong connection with Scotland and does have it`s own Pipe Band and there are other connections that are quite cool. When my aunt lived in Boca Raton for a while she used to come up for the Scottish Festivals......
I am not in the slightest interested in this celebration at all, but everyone looked like they were having a lot of fun......and it was mobbed!!! This wasn't the sweet little town we remembered form previous visits.......there were stalls selling beers, foods and all sorts of tat.......
You get the idea of crowds.....
We trundled our way through the throngs who were certainly having fun, there was live music of the Irish variety, not my thing at all.......and headed towards the quieter part of town, and we gave a sigh of relief when we got out of that melee........
On our first visit years ago we had lunch at a place called Sea Sea Riders.....it just looked a very homely, friendly place to stop in at.....and it was. We had always said we wanted to go back one day.........and there it was......although they had decorated inside and outside in the 11 years since we last visited.......
And best of all down here at this end of the town there were no noisy celebrations or bagpipes.......I`m Scottish, but detest the sound of them usually.....some folks seem to think being Scottish means you love them......I don't. But it was much quieter and we walked in the door at the rear and here we saw the biggest change......it used to be all dark wood, but despite that it was a warm place to walk in to. This was lovely though, very light and airy and a very definite nautical theme........and staff were lovely........
We ordered pink lemonades for both of us and I went for a much needed bathroom break.......it had taken about 2 hours to get here this morning......which wasn't bad as traffic was busy at bits, but more or less clear later.
The menu was a nice one, not huge but most people could get something from it.........Tom ordered their special of the day which was fish and chips and the fish was Tilapia.......I decided to have the Shrimp Tsunami and steal a few of Tom`s chips.......I wasn't desperately hungry so the portion would be fine even if it was smaller......and we didn't have to wait long till the food arrived.........
Food was very good indeed, shrimp was lovely and quite filling......I gave Tom the onion which he was pleased about.......I did try some of Tom`s Tilapia and it was gorgeous.......very fresh and we were glad we had come back here today. Although we did discover a few other places we would choose from next visit, and it wouldn`t be 11 years away.........it was quite busy in here now and there was some live music being set up in the bar area.......so we paid the check and headed back out into the heavenly sunshine and it was hot now!!! This was what we expected in Florida......even in March!!!
We took another couple of pictures in and outside to show Kyle, he remembered coming here and enjoying his meal........then we headed down towards the marina......we wanted to see the boats and the water......
Dunedin is beautiful, and on a day such as today where the sea sparkles and the sun splits the trees it is stunningly gorgeous.......the heat we were definitely enjoying 86F according to a weather notice, gorgeous........so we sauntered down and crossed the busy road easily as cars stop for you when you want to cross on the set areas.......
We spoke briefly to a family about to set out on their boat....they love living here and get out in their boat whenever they get the chance.......and gave us a massive wave as they passed........I`m quite scared of water and have no real desire to take to the open water.
I did manage to wrench the camera out of Tom`s hand and get a picture of him today........he really is happier on the other side of the lens.......
This was so gorgeous though........we sat at the end and just looked out to sea for what seemed like ages.....but it was no time at all. Everyone was so friendly and happily chatted away...most there were locals but some like us were tourists.
We took the name of the restaurant beside the water for next time.....it looked very nice indeed and we guessed we would like it a lot........one of the locals we spoke to said it was a fabulous place to eat and at night it was very lively........lunch would have to do us.
So we headed back towards where the car was parked and of course stopping here and there for pictures.........Tom could have taken a million pictures of this gorgeous little town.........we did have the address of the home we nearly bought in 2008. But, we decided not to go look in case it was for sale again......we would be tempted. But, despite many people telling us we should buy property here, and it would make sense, but we prefer the hotel life for our trips......we adore staying at our hotel and would miss it if we didn't. So, we didn't go look........but it was one of those moments if one of us had said oh we`ll just go....we would have. When I got back I did Google it and it wasn't for sale........but looks stunning and is double the price of 2008......phew........
We wrestled our way through the now heaving throngs of people who had converged on this little town to have fun......it did take us longer but we made it back to the car park and we got on our way back home........we are the type of people who don't always feel the need to spend a whole day somewhere just because it takes you a couple of hours to get there, that doesn't matter.......we did what we wanted to do today, and next time we come back we will spend longer and visit Clearwater again or maybe St Pete`s or go a little bit further and visit Sarasota.
But for today we drove out the same way we came in and again admired how lovely the place was.......
The drive was uneventful until we got a good bit into our journey, going through Tampa was easy this time. Tampa is somewhere I have never really had a desire to go visit......maybe at some point but as of now, no interest......
Then the satnav told us to turn, we went too early as it was so confusing......took us 20 minutes to get back where we should be. Are we the only ones to get lost while following a satnav?????
Once we were back on the right road we drove for a while with average traffic......then we hit massive traffic. The satnav was showing the next 25/30 miles was backed up and we weren't moving anymore........at all. There was nowhere to go.....we were stuck......so patience was needed here.......and lots of it.......we dragged on every so often getting up to 10 mph if we were lucky.......and it was showing no sign of easing.......and we had several maniacs who thought nothing of trying to drive like an idiot and cut you up at every chance.....only for us to pass them later.....lol......we heard on the radio roads around the Theme parks at Disney were gridlocked.........they weren't kidding!! But, we very slowly made it to the theme park area and decide to turn off at LBV and go that way......the I4 was not moving. We avoid the I4 anywhere if possible........I was looking at the time as we were due to Skype Kyle soon.......
So turning at the LBV exit we soon get back on to our road to Universal........much quieter this way.......but at least we`re moving........this area of LBV and down to the 192 is really needing a revamp. Some of the 192 is so tacky and could do with knocking a lot of it down and start again.......we only go this way to get to Celebration when we want to go. There are some nice little places to eat, but most of it is very icky.
So we get back on to Palm Parkway and on to Turkey Lake Road and we can see the progress they are making with the Star Flyers on IDrive........its right beside the Orlando Eye and no way will we ever go on this........it is high!!!! And of course it spins as its a swing.......a big swing, but still a swing.......not for me.
But we were so close to home now, after such a journey we were minutes away.
We parked the car and walked in to the hotel and we stopped to admire this........a McLaren 570S Coupe. This would be a nice little runaround......lol......we knew Kyle would appreciate the picture as we are all very into cars.......I cant imagine trying to get in and out of this gracefully!!!! But, it`s a little beauty.......we never saw who owned it........
We head up to our room and get ready to Skype Kyle.......it`s Saturday so he isn't working......we had said we`d be back about an hour ago, but the gridlocked traffic delayed us some.......we always say to him if we`re not around and we miss him we`ll leave a message for him when we do get back.....I was so looking forward to talking to him today...........I opened up my ipad and messaged him we were back......he said 5 minutes......so in a few minutes that familiar Skype sound was ringing.......and there he was.........he was so keen to hear what we had been up to and share his few days at work.....he was having some very nice awards from work recently and he was so settled and content in this job, it was lovely to see his enthusiasm for it.......we shared a few stories and Tom grabbed a snap........
It really was lovely being able to chat to him so often........we turned the ipad and showed him the blazing sunshine and gorgeous view we had........he in turn told us it was cold, dark and miserable and snow was predicted.........lovely.
We said our goodbyes soon after as he was going to see football.........we would chat in a few days......if not sooner. He was doing fine.
We then got freshened up a little and went up to the Club Lounge.......we were later than normal and I think they thought we had gotten lost......a woman at the desk asked if we were regulars......the staff answered for us and made us blush with some lovely comments........she said oh you`ll be glad you`re not here next week, have you seen the jump in prices of rooms then......one of the staff laughed and said oh they'll still be here then.......she just said really and walked away at that comment. Oh dear.
Never noticed what the food option was that night as we were eating later, but it seemed popular.
We got our glass of wine and went and sat at the window.........this was so nice.......chatting and having our wine topped up as required is a nice way to spend an early evening.......there were lots of folks here tonight, but as usual it soon quietened down.......once the guys weren't as busy we got to chat some more, and at 6.30 the place was almost deserted.......so we got to catch up with them then.
Eventually around 7.30 we headed out and started the little stroll over to Sapphire Falls and StrongWater Tavern where we planned to spend our evening.
We enjoy the walk over here through the ballrooms and business centre........doesn't take long and it is quite amazing the size of the place back here and how much space they actually have. There usually aren't a lot of people around.....although we have bumped into a friend a couple of times purely by chance when he has been going between hotels. But, it`s quiet tonight..........
This bridge over the access road is the split between the two hotels......you can see the change in the carpeting and décor........
We really like Sapphire Falls......it has a very pretty lobby area that looks fresh, light, spacious and airy and I think we would struggle to find anyone to say something negative about it........it is lovely. We are really looking forward to our stay here in May for 10 nights, when we don't plan to do much of the parks........and I`m sure StrongWater will be a favorite place again.......
The bar isn't busy tonight, but it`s only around 8.15. And there is live music on tonight, something we usually don't like in a bar, but actually the two who were on tonight were fabulous.....not too loud and she could sing beautifully..........
We get settled down in a comfy seat and wait for the music to start.........Casey who has looked after us before comes up and says oh welcome back.........it was nice to see him again.....good guy who knows his rums. Although most of the staff in here know the rums really well.......but for now I order my usual French Berry Martini and Tom orders a Mai Tai.........we tell Casey we will order food in a little bit, but can we have a bowl of the spicy mix they offer......we love this!!!
These are so lovely.......and I`m surprised how small the glass is for the Mai Tai.....any Mai Tai I have eve had has been in a taller glass.......but this looked lovely.........mine was gorgeous as usual......and Tom`s was sublime.....and strong!!!! I took a sip and thought whoa.......wouldn't be able to have too many of them..........
We sit and listen to the music and chat the night away.......the music is good, surroundings are lovely and we are very relaxed and content. And now hungry too........lol.......never far away from our thoughts........we are a little boring here and know what we like......for me the Caribbean Ceviche is hard to beat........but we like to try something new also. So when Casey asks about food we order the ceviche we love, decide not to order the crab salad for a change and go for the seafood madras dish that I cant find on the menu now.........Casey does advise us the madras is hot......I tell him I`ll be disappointed if it isn't.......we will choose something else after we have devoured these little dishes.........
Apologies for the blurry picture.........but the food is so good!!!! Fresh and so tasty.......but we do admonish Casey as the spicy dish he promised wasn't spicy.......he did laugh and say most thought it was a little hot so they did warn people.........it was tasty though, so we decide to go for the rather dull sounding chicken tenders with wedges and spicy sauce......he assures us this sauce is hot with a capital wow!!!! That`ll do......
We order another drink at this point......well I do......Tom is still working on his Mai Tai......so I order a Mai Tai too.........
Oh wow this was stronger than before.........too strong even for me.........so when Casey brought the food I asked for a glass of white wine and gave Tom my Mai Tai......he didn't argue.....lol........
The wine was nice. Not quite as mind blowing as the cocktail, you definitely get your money`s worth in here..............
And the chicken tenders were lovely.....and Casey hadn't lied about the hot sauce this time.......wow!!! It was searingly hot.......almost nuclear......but tasty, and Casey was surprised how much we had enjoyed of it.....there was only a little left in the bottom.......but the chicken was fresh and tasty.......we were so glad we had ordered these meals tonight.
We made these drinks do the rest of the evening.......the singer was so good......we actually meant to go outside and take some pictures, but we forgot..........we were just enjoying ourselves so much.
Eventually we decided we needed to get back to our hotel........we were quite tired and even though the walk back is a short one right now we wished we had a room at Sapphire Falls........if I had suggested getting a room I think Tom would have agreed at that point.......but we didn't......the walk back did take a little longer but we just had the giggles again, and trying to walk and laugh at the same time isn't easy........but we made it to our room and we put some tv on and had a drink of Snapple.......Tom had water........we must have watched tv for an hour or so till eventually I drop off and realis Tom is sleeping too.......I think I put the tv off but not sure..........
I did hope we slept well again tonight.........
We slept great last night, never flinched the whole night. And it was starting to get light by time we woke up. It`s usually still dark when we wake up but think we have slept a little longer today.
We have decided to go spend the day offsite somewhere........so we head up for breakfast once we are all showered and dressed. The lounge is fairly busy this morning and we end up on one of the bigger tables in the middle of the lounge, and we get our usual choices except this morning I add a little piece of the warm cinnamon bun they have. It had been freshly put out so I got there before it looked like it had been attacked by a serial killer.......some people can`t seem to cut a piece without hacking it to bits!! But it is nice......something very delectable about that cream cheese topping.......
Again we take our time this morning and enjoy our coffee and as the crowds dissipate it becomes suddenly quieter. We had just come in at peak time I believe, usually we are much earlier.
We discuss where we should go today......one suggestion is Mount Dora. We really love it there, but had been a few times in a row so wanted to go somewhere we either hadn't been, or hadn't been for a while.
I thought since it wasn't quite as stiflingly hot as September was we could go over to Dunedin, just past Clearwater......it was going to be a beautiful day, sun was going to be out all day and it was to get up to at least 84F........sounds good to me........so when we had cleared our table and went downstairs to get sunscreen on we headed out to the car.
We did get a satnav this time, but we knew the road anyway. However we thought we`d see which way the satnav would take us and see if it was better. I typed the address in I had and off we went.....it was a gorgeous day and we had some good music on the radio. At Christmas we had found a fabulous Christmas Channel, it just played those kinds of songs all day and all night.....we loved it!!! So we had tuned into the same channel this time as soon as we arrived.........it certainly wasn't Christmas songs.......it was purely religious songs.......so we fiddled and found a channel that played only from the 80`s........that would do nicely.
The drive to Dunedin is relatively boring........not much to see on the road, but we chatter all the way anyway.......I did take a picture of an area we passed called Champions Gate as friends have just bought a big house in there.......it does look lovely. We also saw the new building works to the Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa.....that looks amazing!!! But we carried on and soon enough we began to see Tampa in the distance.
There had been massive road works here the first time we ever drove there in 2007......it was confusing to say the least......we got in to Clearwater ok, but coming out at night, when it was pitch black we got totally lost and ended up driving into an area of homes that looked like we really didn't want to be there........we were rescued by a State Trooper car who stopped us and asked if we were lost and he would escort us back to where we needed to be. The turn to get back on the I4 was the wrong way we were going........we felt very lucky that night as I`m not sure where we would have ended up. It was quite literally one turn to the right and we would have been fine, but there were no markings anywhere........The officer was very straight with us that we really, really didn't want to be where we were. We took him at his word and didn't venture that way again. We thanked him profusely and counted our blessings that night.
But, for today we recognized the route in and it is so lovely......driving across the causeway is so pretty.......and must be scary in very high winds......that water is a high level!!!!
The satnav took us in the back side of Clearwater, so we didn't go along the coast way we had done before........but we soon were turning into Dunedin.
It`s a small quaint little town that has a variety of little stores and restaurants........and plenty of parking.
We turned into where we had planned to park and we noticed a whole field had been filled by cars with a park and ride sign, we had never seen that before.......so we drove further on and then noticed roads were closed......then we realized. It was St Patrick`s Day. Darn it.
We drove another way and found a regular car park opposite a police office......now in some places we are never sure if we can just park or it`s for restaurants or private parking, some signs aren't clear. Another car pulled in behind us and asked us of they could park there too......we laughed and said we weren't local either........at that a man came back to his vehicle and we asked him if it was alright.......yes, we were good to park here as long as we wished. So, that was fine. But, I wasn't convinced I wanted to go through the town as there looked to be just a swarm of people all there to celebrate something. We could hear the noise from here........we did think of turning back and just going into Clearwater and visit Crabby Bill`s that we love.......but a Police Officer appeared and we chatted to him and he said it was only one area of the town......the far side and towards the water were clear and quiet, he did laugh and question were we Scottish.....we said yes and he said he thought the Scots were all party animals......well, not us.........so we would go. Dunedin has a very strong connection with Scotland and does have it`s own Pipe Band and there are other connections that are quite cool. When my aunt lived in Boca Raton for a while she used to come up for the Scottish Festivals......
I am not in the slightest interested in this celebration at all, but everyone looked like they were having a lot of fun......and it was mobbed!!! This wasn't the sweet little town we remembered form previous visits.......there were stalls selling beers, foods and all sorts of tat.......
You get the idea of crowds.....
We trundled our way through the throngs who were certainly having fun, there was live music of the Irish variety, not my thing at all.......and headed towards the quieter part of town, and we gave a sigh of relief when we got out of that melee........
On our first visit years ago we had lunch at a place called Sea Sea Riders.....it just looked a very homely, friendly place to stop in at.....and it was. We had always said we wanted to go back one day.........and there it was......although they had decorated inside and outside in the 11 years since we last visited.......
And best of all down here at this end of the town there were no noisy celebrations or bagpipes.......I`m Scottish, but detest the sound of them usually.....some folks seem to think being Scottish means you love them......I don't. But it was much quieter and we walked in the door at the rear and here we saw the biggest change......it used to be all dark wood, but despite that it was a warm place to walk in to. This was lovely though, very light and airy and a very definite nautical theme........and staff were lovely........
We ordered pink lemonades for both of us and I went for a much needed bathroom break.......it had taken about 2 hours to get here this morning......which wasn't bad as traffic was busy at bits, but more or less clear later.
The menu was a nice one, not huge but most people could get something from it.........Tom ordered their special of the day which was fish and chips and the fish was Tilapia.......I decided to have the Shrimp Tsunami and steal a few of Tom`s chips.......I wasn't desperately hungry so the portion would be fine even if it was smaller......and we didn't have to wait long till the food arrived.........
Food was very good indeed, shrimp was lovely and quite filling......I gave Tom the onion which he was pleased about.......I did try some of Tom`s Tilapia and it was gorgeous.......very fresh and we were glad we had come back here today. Although we did discover a few other places we would choose from next visit, and it wouldn`t be 11 years away.........it was quite busy in here now and there was some live music being set up in the bar area.......so we paid the check and headed back out into the heavenly sunshine and it was hot now!!! This was what we expected in Florida......even in March!!!
We took another couple of pictures in and outside to show Kyle, he remembered coming here and enjoying his meal........then we headed down towards the marina......we wanted to see the boats and the water......
Dunedin is beautiful, and on a day such as today where the sea sparkles and the sun splits the trees it is stunningly gorgeous.......the heat we were definitely enjoying 86F according to a weather notice, gorgeous........so we sauntered down and crossed the busy road easily as cars stop for you when you want to cross on the set areas.......
We spoke briefly to a family about to set out on their boat....they love living here and get out in their boat whenever they get the chance.......and gave us a massive wave as they passed........I`m quite scared of water and have no real desire to take to the open water.
I did manage to wrench the camera out of Tom`s hand and get a picture of him today........he really is happier on the other side of the lens.......
This was so gorgeous though........we sat at the end and just looked out to sea for what seemed like ages.....but it was no time at all. Everyone was so friendly and happily chatted away...most there were locals but some like us were tourists.
We took the name of the restaurant beside the water for next time.....it looked very nice indeed and we guessed we would like it a lot........one of the locals we spoke to said it was a fabulous place to eat and at night it was very lively........lunch would have to do us.
So we headed back towards where the car was parked and of course stopping here and there for pictures.........Tom could have taken a million pictures of this gorgeous little town.........we did have the address of the home we nearly bought in 2008. But, we decided not to go look in case it was for sale again......we would be tempted. But, despite many people telling us we should buy property here, and it would make sense, but we prefer the hotel life for our trips......we adore staying at our hotel and would miss it if we didn't. So, we didn't go look........but it was one of those moments if one of us had said oh we`ll just go....we would have. When I got back I did Google it and it wasn't for sale........but looks stunning and is double the price of 2008......phew........
We wrestled our way through the now heaving throngs of people who had converged on this little town to have fun......it did take us longer but we made it back to the car park and we got on our way back home........we are the type of people who don't always feel the need to spend a whole day somewhere just because it takes you a couple of hours to get there, that doesn't matter.......we did what we wanted to do today, and next time we come back we will spend longer and visit Clearwater again or maybe St Pete`s or go a little bit further and visit Sarasota.
But for today we drove out the same way we came in and again admired how lovely the place was.......
The drive was uneventful until we got a good bit into our journey, going through Tampa was easy this time. Tampa is somewhere I have never really had a desire to go visit......maybe at some point but as of now, no interest......
Then the satnav told us to turn, we went too early as it was so confusing......took us 20 minutes to get back where we should be. Are we the only ones to get lost while following a satnav?????
Once we were back on the right road we drove for a while with average traffic......then we hit massive traffic. The satnav was showing the next 25/30 miles was backed up and we weren't moving anymore........at all. There was nowhere to go.....we were stuck......so patience was needed here.......and lots of it.......we dragged on every so often getting up to 10 mph if we were lucky.......and it was showing no sign of easing.......and we had several maniacs who thought nothing of trying to drive like an idiot and cut you up at every chance.....only for us to pass them later.....lol......we heard on the radio roads around the Theme parks at Disney were gridlocked.........they weren't kidding!! But, we very slowly made it to the theme park area and decide to turn off at LBV and go that way......the I4 was not moving. We avoid the I4 anywhere if possible........I was looking at the time as we were due to Skype Kyle soon.......
So turning at the LBV exit we soon get back on to our road to Universal........much quieter this way.......but at least we`re moving........this area of LBV and down to the 192 is really needing a revamp. Some of the 192 is so tacky and could do with knocking a lot of it down and start again.......we only go this way to get to Celebration when we want to go. There are some nice little places to eat, but most of it is very icky.
So we get back on to Palm Parkway and on to Turkey Lake Road and we can see the progress they are making with the Star Flyers on IDrive........its right beside the Orlando Eye and no way will we ever go on this........it is high!!!! And of course it spins as its a swing.......a big swing, but still a swing.......not for me.
But we were so close to home now, after such a journey we were minutes away.
We parked the car and walked in to the hotel and we stopped to admire this........a McLaren 570S Coupe. This would be a nice little runaround......lol......we knew Kyle would appreciate the picture as we are all very into cars.......I cant imagine trying to get in and out of this gracefully!!!! But, it`s a little beauty.......we never saw who owned it........
We head up to our room and get ready to Skype Kyle.......it`s Saturday so he isn't working......we had said we`d be back about an hour ago, but the gridlocked traffic delayed us some.......we always say to him if we`re not around and we miss him we`ll leave a message for him when we do get back.....I was so looking forward to talking to him today...........I opened up my ipad and messaged him we were back......he said 5 minutes......so in a few minutes that familiar Skype sound was ringing.......and there he was.........he was so keen to hear what we had been up to and share his few days at work.....he was having some very nice awards from work recently and he was so settled and content in this job, it was lovely to see his enthusiasm for it.......we shared a few stories and Tom grabbed a snap........
It really was lovely being able to chat to him so often........we turned the ipad and showed him the blazing sunshine and gorgeous view we had........he in turn told us it was cold, dark and miserable and snow was predicted.........lovely.
We said our goodbyes soon after as he was going to see football.........we would chat in a few days......if not sooner. He was doing fine.
We then got freshened up a little and went up to the Club Lounge.......we were later than normal and I think they thought we had gotten lost......a woman at the desk asked if we were regulars......the staff answered for us and made us blush with some lovely comments........she said oh you`ll be glad you`re not here next week, have you seen the jump in prices of rooms then......one of the staff laughed and said oh they'll still be here then.......she just said really and walked away at that comment. Oh dear.
Never noticed what the food option was that night as we were eating later, but it seemed popular.
We got our glass of wine and went and sat at the window.........this was so nice.......chatting and having our wine topped up as required is a nice way to spend an early evening.......there were lots of folks here tonight, but as usual it soon quietened down.......once the guys weren't as busy we got to chat some more, and at 6.30 the place was almost deserted.......so we got to catch up with them then.
Eventually around 7.30 we headed out and started the little stroll over to Sapphire Falls and StrongWater Tavern where we planned to spend our evening.
We enjoy the walk over here through the ballrooms and business centre........doesn't take long and it is quite amazing the size of the place back here and how much space they actually have. There usually aren't a lot of people around.....although we have bumped into a friend a couple of times purely by chance when he has been going between hotels. But, it`s quiet tonight..........
This bridge over the access road is the split between the two hotels......you can see the change in the carpeting and décor........
We really like Sapphire Falls......it has a very pretty lobby area that looks fresh, light, spacious and airy and I think we would struggle to find anyone to say something negative about it........it is lovely. We are really looking forward to our stay here in May for 10 nights, when we don't plan to do much of the parks........and I`m sure StrongWater will be a favorite place again.......
The bar isn't busy tonight, but it`s only around 8.15. And there is live music on tonight, something we usually don't like in a bar, but actually the two who were on tonight were fabulous.....not too loud and she could sing beautifully..........
We get settled down in a comfy seat and wait for the music to start.........Casey who has looked after us before comes up and says oh welcome back.........it was nice to see him again.....good guy who knows his rums. Although most of the staff in here know the rums really well.......but for now I order my usual French Berry Martini and Tom orders a Mai Tai.........we tell Casey we will order food in a little bit, but can we have a bowl of the spicy mix they offer......we love this!!!
These are so lovely.......and I`m surprised how small the glass is for the Mai Tai.....any Mai Tai I have eve had has been in a taller glass.......but this looked lovely.........mine was gorgeous as usual......and Tom`s was sublime.....and strong!!!! I took a sip and thought whoa.......wouldn't be able to have too many of them..........
We sit and listen to the music and chat the night away.......the music is good, surroundings are lovely and we are very relaxed and content. And now hungry too........lol.......never far away from our thoughts........we are a little boring here and know what we like......for me the Caribbean Ceviche is hard to beat........but we like to try something new also. So when Casey asks about food we order the ceviche we love, decide not to order the crab salad for a change and go for the seafood madras dish that I cant find on the menu now.........Casey does advise us the madras is hot......I tell him I`ll be disappointed if it isn't.......we will choose something else after we have devoured these little dishes.........
Apologies for the blurry picture.........but the food is so good!!!! Fresh and so tasty.......but we do admonish Casey as the spicy dish he promised wasn't spicy.......he did laugh and say most thought it was a little hot so they did warn people.........it was tasty though, so we decide to go for the rather dull sounding chicken tenders with wedges and spicy sauce......he assures us this sauce is hot with a capital wow!!!! That`ll do......
We order another drink at this point......well I do......Tom is still working on his Mai Tai......so I order a Mai Tai too.........
Oh wow this was stronger than before.........too strong even for me.........so when Casey brought the food I asked for a glass of white wine and gave Tom my Mai Tai......he didn't argue.....lol........
The wine was nice. Not quite as mind blowing as the cocktail, you definitely get your money`s worth in here..............
And the chicken tenders were lovely.....and Casey hadn't lied about the hot sauce this time.......wow!!! It was searingly hot.......almost nuclear......but tasty, and Casey was surprised how much we had enjoyed of it.....there was only a little left in the bottom.......but the chicken was fresh and tasty.......we were so glad we had ordered these meals tonight.
We made these drinks do the rest of the evening.......the singer was so good......we actually meant to go outside and take some pictures, but we forgot..........we were just enjoying ourselves so much.
Eventually we decided we needed to get back to our hotel........we were quite tired and even though the walk back is a short one right now we wished we had a room at Sapphire Falls........if I had suggested getting a room I think Tom would have agreed at that point.......but we didn't......the walk back did take a little longer but we just had the giggles again, and trying to walk and laugh at the same time isn't easy........but we made it to our room and we put some tv on and had a drink of Snapple.......Tom had water........we must have watched tv for an hour or so till eventually I drop off and realis Tom is sleeping too.......I think I put the tv off but not sure..........
I did hope we slept well again tonight.........
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
Great trip report as always! Reading your trip report has made us decide to try The Palm when we are there in November.
Oh good choice......never had anything less than a perfect meal there.......and service is outstanding!!
You`ll enjoy it I`m sure..........
pattyw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2008
Wow- I got behind here!! We like Confisco grill! We eat at Mythos more but that pitcher of Sangria is awful inviting! We've been to Clearwater- love doing a day trip and having a meal on the beach! Dunedin looks great! Putting it on my list.
Thx for the "heads up" about looking up to see the cats. Yes- obvious cat lover here and never saw them! Back to what I said before- I don't look up and see the details!
Great pictures as usual!!
Thx for the "heads up" about looking up to see the cats. Yes- obvious cat lover here and never saw them! Back to what I said before- I don't look up and see the details!
Great pictures as usual!!
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
Going to stick to CG for food in IOA, really like it there......yes, the sangria was lovely.......hard to turn down a second half pitcher......lol......
Dunedin is lovely, really lovely, and next time we will go back to the beach, but we don’t spend long on the beach but food is always good around there.......
Oh yes, lol......we are always looking up......we’ve gotten so many unusual pics over the years with things on windows and walls up high.........
J'aime Paris
Living happily ever after
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
I've never been lucky enough to see/experience Green Eggs and Ham. Maybe one day it will be open when I visit!
The Palm restaurant is sooooooo amazing!! I can still remember the amazing dinner we had for my DD's birthday back in October!
Your TR is almost forcing me to book a trip, lol! I don't have any Florida plans for this year....yet!
The Palm restaurant is sooooooo amazing!! I can still remember the amazing dinner we had for my DD's birthday back in October!
Your TR is almost forcing me to book a trip, lol! I don't have any Florida plans for this year....yet!
schumigirl
It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts
- Joined
- May 15, 2007
Lol........you know, I have no idea how many times we have walked past that area........hundreds probably.......and nope, never noticed........and I do look up usually.........I’ve stood outside the Christmas shop loads of times too.....and I like to think I’m observant.......I’ll blame my dislike of cats........
It was a gorgeous car.......we would love to have heard it start, that one has quite a nice sound to it........well, lots of super cars do I suppose.......
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