yesterday was another unforgettable day. or an afternoon rather. after only a couple hours of sleep, and waking up in the same clothes from the night before, i was feeling quite lazy but still in the mood to do anything and everything. i got a call from my friends saying to be ready in an hour because we were renting a jeep and going back to daytona. of course i willingly accepted the challenge, got ready in the speed of light and met them up. we rent to the car rental place, piled in the suv and made our way to daytona (after of course finally making that decision after about a hundred other suggestions were made, because it is more difficult for eight people to come to one decision than you would think.) the road wasn't as empty as the last time we went, and the ride took longer with the traffic, but it didn't feel that way, because we were content with each others company the whole way there. when we got there, we learned from our mistake last time, and parked in the paid parking lot and headed down to the beach. there were tons of people, granted it was a beautiful day instead of the stormy weather we went in last time, but we found a perfect spot for the eight of us on the beach. we set up our towels all next to each other and within minutes everyone was sleeping. it didn't matter that we weren't doing all the rides on the boardwalk and going in the sea and doing everything we possibly could. we were just there, together and that's all that mattered. after we woke up, we went in the sea, just around sunset and it was so nice. after that, we decided to go get some dinner. we drove to steak and shake (very high class of us, i know.) we spent the entire time there laughing and laughing. to me, one of the most treasurable moments is sitting around a table with people you love just chatting and happily enjoying the company, so it was really wonderful. after dinner we decided to go to downtown orlando, and it was the first time i had ever been there. it was beautiful. all the lights and trees and buildings were so pretty. everyone walking around the streets going in and out of clubs and bars were dressed up, ready to party. the eight of us looked like beach rats, but we didn't even care. we went to downtown orlando to go to a specific bar to drink a specific drink. apparently on fridays, they do something different, and block off the whole street and charge people to just be on that one street. we would have paid the money, but they had a rule that you had to be over twenty one. of course, me being the baby, couldn't go. the boys were going to drop me home and meet the girls back later, but on our way to the car, they called back and said they wouldn't accept their mexican id's so they had to go home and get their passports anyway. so they all drove me home, and even though i was sad to leave my friends because i knew they were still liming all night, i didn't care all that much because i had just had another beautiful day with them.
today i woke up at my own time. i probably would have died if i set an alarm. i met up with aunty serena and family at epcot and travelled around the world with them. it was nice to be with family, especially because they're my family., and i truly have the best family in the entire world. we went to all my favourite places - italy for lunch, paris for tea and england for dinner. after dinner, because we were at the right restaurant at the right time, we had a special vip viewing of the fireworks. it was absolutely beautiful as usual. everytime i watch the fireworks it gives me a different feeling - something i will definitely miss, among everything else. the time is drawing nearer, and the closer it comes, the more difficult it becomes for me to comprehend, and the more emotional i feel. i can't believe it.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
'graduation'
yesterday was just lovely. honestly. it was 'graduation,' formally known as 'cast service celebration.' it was just a little lime that was organized for all the college program participants who end their program before july 28th. everyone was there, wearing their biggest smiles. the sun shone all day long, and the day was beautiful. it was perfect timing since the past few days it has been storming like crazy every single day. while everyone was overjoyed, many people were also quite sad, knowing that goodbye is on the way. but it was beautiful to see the hundreds of people laughing, and hugging, and taking pictures with friends that they only recently met, but without a doubt, they know that the friendships will last forever. we did have to say goodbye to some people right then and there, and that really made me emotional, even though i wasn't best friends with them, there was still something about saying "it was so nice to meet you, and please keep in touch," adding a goodbye on the end that was just so heartbreaking.
after socializing at the little event for a little while, me and some of the best friends i have ever known went to downtown disney specifically to (finally) go on the hot air balloon. we were getting very impatient while we waited for what seemed like forever for our turn, but in the end it worked out perfect because when we got up in the sky, we could see everything, including the fireworks at magic kingdom which had just started. that, with the beauty of seeing things from above with the music playing at downtown disney was the perfect combination to just stand there, tons of feet in the sky in the best company, admiring everything. it was such a special time. i felt so happy. and so sad. and i really had no idea what i was feeling but it was perfect.
after that we went back home, where we laughed, and sang, and played games, and it was the perfect end to a perfect day; mainly because that scenario has become a routine over the past few months. the night didn't end until all hours of the morning (in fact, i'm surprised i'm awake right now.) of course the day wouldn't have been complete if i didn't cry. realizing that we only have two weeks left is overwhelming, and things got sentimental. compliments were overflowing and all the love in the world was declared right then and there. it didn't matter who saw, or who heard, because the friendly embraces and the mutual feelings trumped everything. the moment ended when there was a knock on the door, and we assumed it was security breaking up our little party, telling us to be quiet. so we all scrambled to find a hiding place, waking up people in the apartment who were sleeping, but it turned out that it was just a friend who got locked out.
afterwards, everyone was just sitting on the floor chatting. some people fell asleep, and eventually everyone followed the trend. after a little while, it was time to go home. it was made sure of that everyone went home or was where they were meant to be and we all said goodnight. it felt like last night was a dream. but then again, it feels like the last six months has been a dream. and knowing that i only have two more weeks before i have to wake up again makes me, and everyone else, way too emotional.
these moments, and these people have changed my life. i think differently, i act differently, i've become more interested in everything, they have given me space to mature, even though i'm considered 'the baby' (because i'm the youngest person here,) the little things that used to break me are now insignificant. i have met some truly special people while being here and this is the happiest (and saddest) i have ever been. and now we just have two weeks ot spend every last second with each other. i do miss my friends and family at home, but i know i'll always have them at home. these wonderful people? i don't know when i'll see again and it breaks my heart every time i think about it.
anyways. the sad moment's over and its time to go and enjoy the beautiful sushine with my friends. <3
after socializing at the little event for a little while, me and some of the best friends i have ever known went to downtown disney specifically to (finally) go on the hot air balloon. we were getting very impatient while we waited for what seemed like forever for our turn, but in the end it worked out perfect because when we got up in the sky, we could see everything, including the fireworks at magic kingdom which had just started. that, with the beauty of seeing things from above with the music playing at downtown disney was the perfect combination to just stand there, tons of feet in the sky in the best company, admiring everything. it was such a special time. i felt so happy. and so sad. and i really had no idea what i was feeling but it was perfect.
after that we went back home, where we laughed, and sang, and played games, and it was the perfect end to a perfect day; mainly because that scenario has become a routine over the past few months. the night didn't end until all hours of the morning (in fact, i'm surprised i'm awake right now.) of course the day wouldn't have been complete if i didn't cry. realizing that we only have two weeks left is overwhelming, and things got sentimental. compliments were overflowing and all the love in the world was declared right then and there. it didn't matter who saw, or who heard, because the friendly embraces and the mutual feelings trumped everything. the moment ended when there was a knock on the door, and we assumed it was security breaking up our little party, telling us to be quiet. so we all scrambled to find a hiding place, waking up people in the apartment who were sleeping, but it turned out that it was just a friend who got locked out.
afterwards, everyone was just sitting on the floor chatting. some people fell asleep, and eventually everyone followed the trend. after a little while, it was time to go home. it was made sure of that everyone went home or was where they were meant to be and we all said goodnight. it felt like last night was a dream. but then again, it feels like the last six months has been a dream. and knowing that i only have two more weeks before i have to wake up again makes me, and everyone else, way too emotional.
these moments, and these people have changed my life. i think differently, i act differently, i've become more interested in everything, they have given me space to mature, even though i'm considered 'the baby' (because i'm the youngest person here,) the little things that used to break me are now insignificant. i have met some truly special people while being here and this is the happiest (and saddest) i have ever been. and now we just have two weeks ot spend every last second with each other. i do miss my friends and family at home, but i know i'll always have them at home. these wonderful people? i don't know when i'll see again and it breaks my heart every time i think about it.
anyways. the sad moment's over and its time to go and enjoy the beautiful sushine with my friends. <3
Monday, June 25, 2012
a week with family
finally! a chance to sit down, breathe, and write a post since before my family got here. everything was incredible. the day they came, i spent the morning cleaning the apartment, getting it "show-ready" (disney slang) and packing my suitcase (full to the brim with clothes because i couldn't possibly decide what i was wearing every day, and of course i packed way too much..again.) i was ready and waiting for them to come pick me up... chomping at the bit, i kept texting and calling them to see where they were because they were taking forever. after a while, i decided to be productive so i started doing things around the house, and as soon as i did, i heard a knock on my door. i was never so excited. seeing them made me ecstatic, in fact, so happy i was crying, obviously. we then went to our hotel, checked in, went to publix to get a few supplies and then went to downtown disney. downtown disney wasn't as pituresque as it normally is for me because it was so packed with people that you could barely move. but i didn't care. i was with my family, and so happy.
the next day, we woke up (before seven in the morning i may add,) and got ready for hollywood studios. the four of us eating breakfast together was so nice and something that i definitely missed. the first thing we did at hollywood studios was get our fast passes for rock n roller coaster, because clearly i was taking the family on that without a doubt. we went to see beauty and the beast (which ben and dad really must have found less than interesting because sleep took over,) and did more of the attractions there (including rock n roller coaster, which mum did cry before we went on, and during the ride, i just had to say) until the rain came down, as i promised my family it would. it poured and poured and leaving was not an option without getting ponchos since we had no other rain gear. the four of us wearing ponchos really was quite a sight to see, but because of the rain, we decided we weren't waiting for an hour to see fantasmic.
the next day was animal kingdom. we did a couple things, like go on everest, watch the festival of the lion king (which is always brilliant) and watch bugs life 3d. that was the most hilarious thing i have ever witnessed. not so much the show, but ben's reactions. oh my god he was so funny, screaming in his monotone. i'm pretty sure he thought everything was real. in fact, ben was our entertainment for the week, and every ride or 3d show we went on or saw, we all called to sit next to ben just so we could be closer to him for his priceless reactions. we left animal kingdom early, so we could meet some of our family for dinner that night, which was also lovely. we had lots of laughs until it was time to go home.
the following day, we went to epcot. i insisted that we didn't need to go super early because we wouldn't want to spend like twelve hours there because we'd have time. we didn't have time. we first ate lunch in england, which was jolly god. then we did so many rides in the future world that we didn't even have time to spend time in all the countries. it was a rush while i was trying to get us to a great spot to watch the fireworks. we ate dinner in morocco while the show was going on, and i was so upset because we couldn't fully see the show, but we watched it. niza had joined us by the time we got to the countries so that was nice that i could introduce my family to her. we dropped her home and headed back to the hotel since we had an early start the next day, which was fathers day.
we woke up and gave dad his cards and little gifts and got ready for our breakfast at the crystal palace with winnie the pooh and friends in magic kingdom. even though we had to wait a little while to be seated, it was so nice because when we came when we were little, we ate there for ben's 4th birthday. we even got pooh to take a picture with us in the same exact spot we took it in when we were there those tweleve years ago. after magic kingdom we hit the park. i first took my family back to main street show i could show them where i used to work, and i had the privelege to introduce them to some of the amazing people i used to work with, and miss very much. afterwards we did all the rides we could, we ate lunch in pecos where i got to introduce my family to my newer co-cast members, watched the parades, and 'the magic the memories and you' and the fireworks. it was such a magical day, because magic kingdom has always been so sentimental to me, because it's everything i remember about disney. in fact, the whole trip was so magical and perfect.
the next day, we had no idea what our plan was because we had suggested about a hundred different things, but mum (surprisingly) made the decision to go back to epcot to do the things we hadn't had a chance to do, which was a great idea. there were so many things i had never even done in the whole five months of me being here (some things i didn't even know existed,) so it was really nice.
the last two days we just did a couple random things, like going to some stores, and the outlet and whatnot. on the last day we went to florida mall, so i could get a pedicure and dad could buy me another (much-needed) suitcase. they then took me to publix to buy me some groceries and they took me home. we said our goodbyes, but it wasn't too emotional because i'll be seeing them in three weeks (now two weeks and four days to be exact:( .)
i was just so happy to see them and have them for a week, and i was so happy that i got to introduce them to some of the friends i have made up here. friends that for the last five and a half months i have talked about to them, dying for them to meet them. i know my parents loved all my friends (because they still tell me about it,) and i'm so proud to have the best family possible to show off to my friends, to have made such wonderful friends that i could show off to my family.
the night they left, we were just liming at a friends house, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the bottle of extra old that dad bought up for them to try. the next day it was back to reality, after an exhausting week of being a guest. i was happy to go back to work, because i, in fact, missed it for the week i was gone. the past couple of days have been storm-like weather. in fact, yesterday it did not stop raining literally all day long. it rained and rained from the time i woke up in the morning until all hours of the night. in the early hours of the morning it stopped, but when i woke up again today, it was down again. apparently we've been under tornado watch, but i don't think that's really happening. actually, i got to work yesterday, and alike many other cast members at magic kingdom (i'm not so sure about the other parks,) i got to work to get told that i had the day off. so back home i went and just waited for a little while until i went back to magic to meet some friends to go to epcot. i thought that plan might have been voided since we were basically in a storm, but no, "we only live once," so we went to epcot. we got soaked. absolutlely soaked. using the umbrella was pointless because it just got turned inside out and was stronger than me, and i couldn't wear my slippers because my feet kept slipping out of them. the three of us were an absolute mess but it was an evening i'll never forget. we even watched the fireworks from the usually reserved area (but due to the weather it wasn't reserved, since there were barely any guests in epcot,) trying to huddle under the baby-sized umbrella i have while the rain poured down on us, and the wind made nearly blew us away. it was such a funny situation. i think we were the only people in the entire park that weren't wearing ponchos. everyone was a mess. but it was wonderful.
the next day, we woke up (before seven in the morning i may add,) and got ready for hollywood studios. the four of us eating breakfast together was so nice and something that i definitely missed. the first thing we did at hollywood studios was get our fast passes for rock n roller coaster, because clearly i was taking the family on that without a doubt. we went to see beauty and the beast (which ben and dad really must have found less than interesting because sleep took over,) and did more of the attractions there (including rock n roller coaster, which mum did cry before we went on, and during the ride, i just had to say) until the rain came down, as i promised my family it would. it poured and poured and leaving was not an option without getting ponchos since we had no other rain gear. the four of us wearing ponchos really was quite a sight to see, but because of the rain, we decided we weren't waiting for an hour to see fantasmic.
the next day was animal kingdom. we did a couple things, like go on everest, watch the festival of the lion king (which is always brilliant) and watch bugs life 3d. that was the most hilarious thing i have ever witnessed. not so much the show, but ben's reactions. oh my god he was so funny, screaming in his monotone. i'm pretty sure he thought everything was real. in fact, ben was our entertainment for the week, and every ride or 3d show we went on or saw, we all called to sit next to ben just so we could be closer to him for his priceless reactions. we left animal kingdom early, so we could meet some of our family for dinner that night, which was also lovely. we had lots of laughs until it was time to go home.
the following day, we went to epcot. i insisted that we didn't need to go super early because we wouldn't want to spend like twelve hours there because we'd have time. we didn't have time. we first ate lunch in england, which was jolly god. then we did so many rides in the future world that we didn't even have time to spend time in all the countries. it was a rush while i was trying to get us to a great spot to watch the fireworks. we ate dinner in morocco while the show was going on, and i was so upset because we couldn't fully see the show, but we watched it. niza had joined us by the time we got to the countries so that was nice that i could introduce my family to her. we dropped her home and headed back to the hotel since we had an early start the next day, which was fathers day.
we woke up and gave dad his cards and little gifts and got ready for our breakfast at the crystal palace with winnie the pooh and friends in magic kingdom. even though we had to wait a little while to be seated, it was so nice because when we came when we were little, we ate there for ben's 4th birthday. we even got pooh to take a picture with us in the same exact spot we took it in when we were there those tweleve years ago. after magic kingdom we hit the park. i first took my family back to main street show i could show them where i used to work, and i had the privelege to introduce them to some of the amazing people i used to work with, and miss very much. afterwards we did all the rides we could, we ate lunch in pecos where i got to introduce my family to my newer co-cast members, watched the parades, and 'the magic the memories and you' and the fireworks. it was such a magical day, because magic kingdom has always been so sentimental to me, because it's everything i remember about disney. in fact, the whole trip was so magical and perfect.
the next day, we had no idea what our plan was because we had suggested about a hundred different things, but mum (surprisingly) made the decision to go back to epcot to do the things we hadn't had a chance to do, which was a great idea. there were so many things i had never even done in the whole five months of me being here (some things i didn't even know existed,) so it was really nice.
the last two days we just did a couple random things, like going to some stores, and the outlet and whatnot. on the last day we went to florida mall, so i could get a pedicure and dad could buy me another (much-needed) suitcase. they then took me to publix to buy me some groceries and they took me home. we said our goodbyes, but it wasn't too emotional because i'll be seeing them in three weeks (now two weeks and four days to be exact:( .)
i was just so happy to see them and have them for a week, and i was so happy that i got to introduce them to some of the friends i have made up here. friends that for the last five and a half months i have talked about to them, dying for them to meet them. i know my parents loved all my friends (because they still tell me about it,) and i'm so proud to have the best family possible to show off to my friends, to have made such wonderful friends that i could show off to my family.
the night they left, we were just liming at a friends house, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the bottle of extra old that dad bought up for them to try. the next day it was back to reality, after an exhausting week of being a guest. i was happy to go back to work, because i, in fact, missed it for the week i was gone. the past couple of days have been storm-like weather. in fact, yesterday it did not stop raining literally all day long. it rained and rained from the time i woke up in the morning until all hours of the night. in the early hours of the morning it stopped, but when i woke up again today, it was down again. apparently we've been under tornado watch, but i don't think that's really happening. actually, i got to work yesterday, and alike many other cast members at magic kingdom (i'm not so sure about the other parks,) i got to work to get told that i had the day off. so back home i went and just waited for a little while until i went back to magic to meet some friends to go to epcot. i thought that plan might have been voided since we were basically in a storm, but no, "we only live once," so we went to epcot. we got soaked. absolutlely soaked. using the umbrella was pointless because it just got turned inside out and was stronger than me, and i couldn't wear my slippers because my feet kept slipping out of them. the three of us were an absolute mess but it was an evening i'll never forget. we even watched the fireworks from the usually reserved area (but due to the weather it wasn't reserved, since there were barely any guests in epcot,) trying to huddle under the baby-sized umbrella i have while the rain poured down on us, and the wind made nearly blew us away. it was such a funny situation. i think we were the only people in the entire park that weren't wearing ponchos. everyone was a mess. but it was wonderful.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
not in paradise anymore
"well toto, we're not in kansas anymore." i am definitely not in barbados (island of paradise) anymore! tonight is not real life. i just can't believe it. i was sitting down on break, while i overheard a manager telling another cast member "just prepare for some rain in about twenty minutes." about ten minutes later insane flashes of lightning and the loudest thunder i have ever heard arrived, along with downpours upon downpours of rain. we could hear the thunder from inside pecos bills restaurant, followed by the shrieks and screams of children. looking outside the windows, the sky was flashing blue from the sheet and fork lightning. backstage was flooded, the water reaching above everyones ankles. the water flowed inside, flooding the walkway by the stairs and elevators too. inside the dining room of the restaurant there was masses of water as well. everyone was trying their best to get it dry so that it wouldn't be unsafe for the guests. the restaurant was so full, because people were trying to shelter from the storm. people were sitting on the floor, and sitting their children on the closed side of the counter so that they could just eat their food. it was so crazy. i still can't believe how bad the weather got. i have never seen lightning like that in real life. today was actually a beautiful day, all day long. guests were sunburnt and complaining about the heat. i was so surprised at how nice of a day it was (despite the humidity) because every day for the past couple of days it has rained. all of a sudden, when the sun was setting right after eight o'clock this monster of a storm came. i wish i knew what weather to expect when my family comes (THIS WEEK!) but living here, i have learnt to expect the unexpected. the weather is so unpredictable. i am exhausted and it's time to go to bed. i have the luxury of being able to sleep until ten thirty tomorrow, but i do work twelve hours. since i have the whole week after wednesday off to be with my family, i have been scheduled slave hours. so it's now bed time. tomorrow i can say 'my family comes the day after tomorrow!' I'M SO EXCITED! A;LKSDMF;ALKSDMFOIA;JSERMA;LKSMF;IOAMSDF;KLAMSDFK;ASDMF;LKAMSDIFOJASDKL;FMA;SDF;LKM
Thursday, June 7, 2012
spontaneous adventure
to say yesterday was an adventure would be an understatement. it was a day of many firsts for me: it was the first time i went on a roadtrip with friends from all over the world; it was the first time i had seen an old man sitting in a beach chair in the tray of a pickup truck driving down the highway; it was the first time i got caught in a thunderstorm on a beach in florida; it was the first time i wore my new 'i heart latinos' t-shirt; it was the first time i tried shrimp; it was the first time i had been in an incident where a friend's car got towed; and it was the first time i rode a ferris wheel. but i'll get into all of that later.
the night before last night, i was in my bed, about to fall asleep (super early, at like eight thirty,) when a friend of mine texted me and told me to get ready and come watch wishes at magic kingdom. i jumped out of bed, and got ready in no time, and went over to magic kingdom. i was the only person on the bus, except for some random guy who was trying to make small talk, but that just wasn't happening. i didn't even have my headphones, so that's when smartphones come in handy (even though my phone isn't so smart nowadays.) i got to magic kingdom, visited a couple of old friends on main street and met up with my friends and we watched wishes. it was beautiful as always, and even more animated with the little kid standing next to me yelling "woah!" in amazement at every single firework. afterwards, we went back to a friends house to continue celebrating another friends birthday. it was a very quiet night, filled with lots of laughs until four in the morning. the spontaneous nights always turn out the best.
yesterday was also very spontaneous. i woke up early to go to armando's house to meet him, britt and mauricio so we could plan our day. the night before we were apparently going to tampa, which changed to clearwater, which changed many times to different places. when we finally made a decision, we headed to daytona beach. the drive was only an hour and a half. we missed a couple turns in the beginning but soon got on track and drove on a straight road for the majority of the time. there weren't many exciting things to see on the way so when we saw an old man (who must have been in his eighties) sitting in a fold-up beach chair cruising down the highway in the back of a pickup truck, smiling and enjoying the breeze, it was definitely a highlight. we found some parking in the back of a restaurant and headed over to the beach. i couldn't believe how gloomy the beach was. everything was grey - the sand, the sea and the sky. before leaving home, we checked the weather, which promised thunderstorms, but we figured that whenever we check the weather it's never right. so we prepared for a nice day at the beach. ten minutes into being there, we decided to go in the sea. we were just at the shoreline, feeling how cold the water was, and the police car (which just cruises up and down the beach all day long) made an announcement, telling everyone to get out the water because a thunderstorm was approaching. in a split second after he said that, it came down, giving us no time to shelter. we got soaked as we were trying to pack everything up as fast as we could. there was a party tent set up on the beach, and thankfully nothing was under it. we settled there while we waited for the storm to pass. we just sat, chatting and content with each others company. the storm didn't last long (or it felt as if it didn't last long,) and after it cleared up a little bit we went back onto the beach. on the other side of the pier, there was a boardwalk, complete with restaurants, shops, arcades and rides, including a ferris wheel. walking onto the boardwalk made us feel like we were on jersey shore.
we explored a little bit, and all bought our own customized daytona beach t-shirts. we sat down for lunch at a quaint, little restaurant under an umbrella outside. everyone except me ordered shrimp. but of course, i was forced to try it because i'm forced to try everything now - 'no' is unacceptable for an answer. they couldn't believe that i live in barbados and had never tried shrimp. and it really wasn't so bad. afer we finished eating, we stayed sitting down and were just chatting, taking in everything, then it started to rain again, so we went inside the restaurant for shelter. while talking inside, we decided to go put our things back in the car and come back to the boardwalk to continue exploring, and to go on the ferris wheel and whatnot. we walked back to the car, but this time on the roadside. i have to say, it wasn't a very nice area, and it looked a little sketchy when you weren't on the beach. when we got back to where we parked, the car park was empty. britt's car got towed. we probably also might have been a lot less irritated if a homeless man who was hanging around would have just shut up instead of yelling "dude! where's my car?!" nothing felt like real life. me, armando and mauricio didn't know what to do, but britt stayed calm and went inside a gift shop to ask what might have happened. they told her it probably got towed and to call the number on the sign. (by the way let me just say that the signs were put in terrible places. they put them on two walls in the carpark, which was not very specific at all.) she called the number and they confirmed it was there, and told her the amount of money she had to pay (way too much in my opinion, but whatever.) a taxi took her and mauricio to get the car (because if two more people came in the taxi it would have doubled in price - i don't understand the logic behind that either.) so armando and i waited for them to come back. it didn't take too long, and when we were all reunited again we were all happy campers.
despite the 'little incident,' we weren't ready to go home yet. we decided we should still enjoy daytona beach while we were there. so we went and parked (in a paid parking lot this time,) and continued exploring the boardwalk. we went and bought tickets for the ferris wheel and i was so excited since i had never been on one. i had always wanted to for my whole life because it's in all the movies. everyone else had been on before and was shocked that i hadn't. it was so beautiful. it was so nice to see everything while the sun was setting, in the perfect company of great friends. it was such a special moment for me. afterwards, we went and ate dinner at a restaurant called sloppy joe's. we shared two appetizers between the four of us and that was dinner. the boys shared a pitcher of beer, but of course i'm a baby in america and i couldn't have any. after dinner we went back to the parking lot to go home. we searched for the car on two wrong floors before finding it on floor three. we got in the car and headed home. everybody (except for britt, since she was driving) fell asleep. however, i was woken up by a call from mum because she was worried about me. i don't think she'll ever stop worrying.
we got home safe and sound and i couldn't have asked for a better day (i mean, probably minus the stormy weather and the car getting towed.) but it was truly one of the best days ever. the friendships i have made here are indescribable and i am so fortunate to have met such amazing people.
it's now only six days until my family comes to visit, and between now and then i am scheduled to work like a slave! i can't believe how long my work days are going to be. but it's so worth it to have a whole week off with the people i love most. right now, i think i'm the happiest girl in the world. i hope everyone is as happy as i am! missing home as usual, and sending lots and lots of love.
the night before last night, i was in my bed, about to fall asleep (super early, at like eight thirty,) when a friend of mine texted me and told me to get ready and come watch wishes at magic kingdom. i jumped out of bed, and got ready in no time, and went over to magic kingdom. i was the only person on the bus, except for some random guy who was trying to make small talk, but that just wasn't happening. i didn't even have my headphones, so that's when smartphones come in handy (even though my phone isn't so smart nowadays.) i got to magic kingdom, visited a couple of old friends on main street and met up with my friends and we watched wishes. it was beautiful as always, and even more animated with the little kid standing next to me yelling "woah!" in amazement at every single firework. afterwards, we went back to a friends house to continue celebrating another friends birthday. it was a very quiet night, filled with lots of laughs until four in the morning. the spontaneous nights always turn out the best.
yesterday was also very spontaneous. i woke up early to go to armando's house to meet him, britt and mauricio so we could plan our day. the night before we were apparently going to tampa, which changed to clearwater, which changed many times to different places. when we finally made a decision, we headed to daytona beach. the drive was only an hour and a half. we missed a couple turns in the beginning but soon got on track and drove on a straight road for the majority of the time. there weren't many exciting things to see on the way so when we saw an old man (who must have been in his eighties) sitting in a fold-up beach chair cruising down the highway in the back of a pickup truck, smiling and enjoying the breeze, it was definitely a highlight. we found some parking in the back of a restaurant and headed over to the beach. i couldn't believe how gloomy the beach was. everything was grey - the sand, the sea and the sky. before leaving home, we checked the weather, which promised thunderstorms, but we figured that whenever we check the weather it's never right. so we prepared for a nice day at the beach. ten minutes into being there, we decided to go in the sea. we were just at the shoreline, feeling how cold the water was, and the police car (which just cruises up and down the beach all day long) made an announcement, telling everyone to get out the water because a thunderstorm was approaching. in a split second after he said that, it came down, giving us no time to shelter. we got soaked as we were trying to pack everything up as fast as we could. there was a party tent set up on the beach, and thankfully nothing was under it. we settled there while we waited for the storm to pass. we just sat, chatting and content with each others company. the storm didn't last long (or it felt as if it didn't last long,) and after it cleared up a little bit we went back onto the beach. on the other side of the pier, there was a boardwalk, complete with restaurants, shops, arcades and rides, including a ferris wheel. walking onto the boardwalk made us feel like we were on jersey shore.
we explored a little bit, and all bought our own customized daytona beach t-shirts. we sat down for lunch at a quaint, little restaurant under an umbrella outside. everyone except me ordered shrimp. but of course, i was forced to try it because i'm forced to try everything now - 'no' is unacceptable for an answer. they couldn't believe that i live in barbados and had never tried shrimp. and it really wasn't so bad. afer we finished eating, we stayed sitting down and were just chatting, taking in everything, then it started to rain again, so we went inside the restaurant for shelter. while talking inside, we decided to go put our things back in the car and come back to the boardwalk to continue exploring, and to go on the ferris wheel and whatnot. we walked back to the car, but this time on the roadside. i have to say, it wasn't a very nice area, and it looked a little sketchy when you weren't on the beach. when we got back to where we parked, the car park was empty. britt's car got towed. we probably also might have been a lot less irritated if a homeless man who was hanging around would have just shut up instead of yelling "dude! where's my car?!" nothing felt like real life. me, armando and mauricio didn't know what to do, but britt stayed calm and went inside a gift shop to ask what might have happened. they told her it probably got towed and to call the number on the sign. (by the way let me just say that the signs were put in terrible places. they put them on two walls in the carpark, which was not very specific at all.) she called the number and they confirmed it was there, and told her the amount of money she had to pay (way too much in my opinion, but whatever.) a taxi took her and mauricio to get the car (because if two more people came in the taxi it would have doubled in price - i don't understand the logic behind that either.) so armando and i waited for them to come back. it didn't take too long, and when we were all reunited again we were all happy campers.
despite the 'little incident,' we weren't ready to go home yet. we decided we should still enjoy daytona beach while we were there. so we went and parked (in a paid parking lot this time,) and continued exploring the boardwalk. we went and bought tickets for the ferris wheel and i was so excited since i had never been on one. i had always wanted to for my whole life because it's in all the movies. everyone else had been on before and was shocked that i hadn't. it was so beautiful. it was so nice to see everything while the sun was setting, in the perfect company of great friends. it was such a special moment for me. afterwards, we went and ate dinner at a restaurant called sloppy joe's. we shared two appetizers between the four of us and that was dinner. the boys shared a pitcher of beer, but of course i'm a baby in america and i couldn't have any. after dinner we went back to the parking lot to go home. we searched for the car on two wrong floors before finding it on floor three. we got in the car and headed home. everybody (except for britt, since she was driving) fell asleep. however, i was woken up by a call from mum because she was worried about me. i don't think she'll ever stop worrying.
we got home safe and sound and i couldn't have asked for a better day (i mean, probably minus the stormy weather and the car getting towed.) but it was truly one of the best days ever. the friendships i have made here are indescribable and i am so fortunate to have met such amazing people.
it's now only six days until my family comes to visit, and between now and then i am scheduled to work like a slave! i can't believe how long my work days are going to be. but it's so worth it to have a whole week off with the people i love most. right now, i think i'm the happiest girl in the world. i hope everyone is as happy as i am! missing home as usual, and sending lots and lots of love.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
not ready to leave
was definitely missing home today since i knew everyone would be at king of the hill, having a jolly time watching the cars, but as much as i miss home i'm still having the most wonderful time here. it still feels as if i'm living in a dream.
work has been really good. except for me throwing out my back two nights ago, which has turned me into a crippled old lady and i can't do many strenuous jobs, so that leaves me with pretty much only two positions i can pick up, but it's been okay. everyone at work was so nice and concerned for me and it was just so nice to see that everyone cared. the managers wanted to call paramedics and wanted me to go to health services.. but yeah. no way. it's a lot better now, and i have the day off tomorrow, so i'm sure that by the time i go back to work on tuesday i'll be as good as new. but the whole thing really showed me what good friends i've made up here.
today after work, armando and i went to downtown disney. it took like two hours of travelling to get there, because we first took the ferry from magic kingdom to the transportation and ticket centre, to realize there is no bus that takes us to downtown disney; then we took the monorail back to magic kingdom, in order to take the boat to the polynesian resort (where we looked around for a bit and visited a friend,) and then we took the bus from the resort and finally got to downtown disney. we ate dinner at earl of sandwich, which he has been telling me about for so long, and it was really good. after that we walked around downtown disney and we just limed in the always-perfect setting. we went into sunglass hut, and as soon as we walked in the "sunglass stylists" (that's what they're called by the way - it's even on their nametags) picked out shades for each of us, without us even knowing they were looking at us. they were so quick, and of course the shades they picked out were perfect. i learned that we get a discount in two weeks (perfect timing for when mum and dad come, so dad: i REALLY NEED shades when you come here!) (p.s. bet you've missed hearing that.)
we even sat down, and just listened to the live music for a little while, which was so lovely. it was just one man and his guitar up on the stage while he played for an audience of all ages, including the little girls doing their ballet at the front. i swear he knows how to play and sing every single song, and he did lots of my favourites like here comes the sun, hotel california, and by special request for me, drops of jupiter. he said he had only ever played drops of jupiter once so he couldn't really remember it, and while he did forget some of the lyrics it was perfect. it really made my night.
today i fell even more in love with being here and i really am not ready to leave in a month. i have made such amazing friendships and i can't imagine not seeing these people on a regular basis for the rest of my life. i am going to be such an emotional wreck when this program comes to an end. but of course, i'm excited to see my family and friends and i can't wait to be reunited with everyone! it's probably going to be difficult to get my parents settled back down, since apparently they have turned into quite the party animals since i've been gone. ben, you need to start enforcing some rules and getting these home at a reasonable hour! i hope they've been telling you where they have been at all times and communicating with you when you go somewhere new! today's ten days til the family comes and as mentioned before, i am so excited! i start talking about it and i start shouting instead of talking, and i can't stop smiling! just ten days!! ahh!!! ask;dfma;klsdmfaiosdfma;lkweriaj;mwelkra;sdflkmadsfadsklfja;lsdkmfa;ksd. so excited.
work has been really good. except for me throwing out my back two nights ago, which has turned me into a crippled old lady and i can't do many strenuous jobs, so that leaves me with pretty much only two positions i can pick up, but it's been okay. everyone at work was so nice and concerned for me and it was just so nice to see that everyone cared. the managers wanted to call paramedics and wanted me to go to health services.. but yeah. no way. it's a lot better now, and i have the day off tomorrow, so i'm sure that by the time i go back to work on tuesday i'll be as good as new. but the whole thing really showed me what good friends i've made up here.
today after work, armando and i went to downtown disney. it took like two hours of travelling to get there, because we first took the ferry from magic kingdom to the transportation and ticket centre, to realize there is no bus that takes us to downtown disney; then we took the monorail back to magic kingdom, in order to take the boat to the polynesian resort (where we looked around for a bit and visited a friend,) and then we took the bus from the resort and finally got to downtown disney. we ate dinner at earl of sandwich, which he has been telling me about for so long, and it was really good. after that we walked around downtown disney and we just limed in the always-perfect setting. we went into sunglass hut, and as soon as we walked in the "sunglass stylists" (that's what they're called by the way - it's even on their nametags) picked out shades for each of us, without us even knowing they were looking at us. they were so quick, and of course the shades they picked out were perfect. i learned that we get a discount in two weeks (perfect timing for when mum and dad come, so dad: i REALLY NEED shades when you come here!) (p.s. bet you've missed hearing that.)
we even sat down, and just listened to the live music for a little while, which was so lovely. it was just one man and his guitar up on the stage while he played for an audience of all ages, including the little girls doing their ballet at the front. i swear he knows how to play and sing every single song, and he did lots of my favourites like here comes the sun, hotel california, and by special request for me, drops of jupiter. he said he had only ever played drops of jupiter once so he couldn't really remember it, and while he did forget some of the lyrics it was perfect. it really made my night.
today i fell even more in love with being here and i really am not ready to leave in a month. i have made such amazing friendships and i can't imagine not seeing these people on a regular basis for the rest of my life. i am going to be such an emotional wreck when this program comes to an end. but of course, i'm excited to see my family and friends and i can't wait to be reunited with everyone! it's probably going to be difficult to get my parents settled back down, since apparently they have turned into quite the party animals since i've been gone. ben, you need to start enforcing some rules and getting these home at a reasonable hour! i hope they've been telling you where they have been at all times and communicating with you when you go somewhere new! today's ten days til the family comes and as mentioned before, i am so excited! i start talking about it and i start shouting instead of talking, and i can't stop smiling! just ten days!! ahh!!! ask;dfma;klsdmfaiosdfma;lkweriaj;mwelkra;sdflkmadsfadsklfja;lsdkmfa;ksd. so excited.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)