FORT LAUDERDALE - MIAMI

Our first port of call after 2 days at sea is Fort Lauderdale, Miami.

We opted to take a tour to visit the Everglades and then a tour of Miami Beach to see the luxury homes of the area.

The Everglades were gorgeous to view, especially from the air-boat. We have seen these boats on TV on numerous occasions and a real life visit did not disappoint.

The first 20 minutes of the ride was more of a thrill ride and we took a couple of fast turns which was great. We had to wear ear-plugs for that part but the second part was more sedentary and designed to take in the wild-life of the region.

The design of the boats is such to minimise any damage to the ecosystem of the glades.

We saw alligators on the way but they were just ignoring us. They were more interested in conserving energy! I know the feeling.

The driver of the boat (pilot?) then took us to see a momma alligator and her babies. They were cute little critters and we just wanted to bring one home. Only kidding – couldn’t get it through customs!

Next stop was a couple of turtles enjoying the sun. Now they are also cuties but will probably end up as alligator lunch one day!

The scenery here is stunning with all the greenery and water plants.

Once the trip was over we were taken to ‘Little Cuba’ for lunch, all inclusive in the price. This was in an area which was heavily settled by the Cubans in the 60’s. It was a nice lunch and a very pleasant break.

We then re-boarded the coach for a trip around parts of Miami Beach and ended up on a luxurious yacht for a 90 min. trip around the waterways to see many of the luxury homes. During this part of the trip a couple, she being a bit of a ditzy blonde, saw something sparkly and got off the coach saying they would make their own way back to the ship. They were clearly advised that the ship would not wait if they were late and that it was their responsibility to return in time. Guess what??????

We’re not into ‘who lives where’ but I did like this one; the former home of Liz Taylor.

I especially liked the statue of the leaping rabbit. This was given to her by some other ‘star’ in recognition of her “jumping from one marriage to another”!

Hey, I guess they do have a sense of humour after all.

From there it was back to the Mother Ship ready to set sail at 5.00 pm. By 4.45 pm a couple of names were repeatedly called to contact the pursers office and the ship didn’t leave until 5.20 pm. Evidently our ditzy blonde and companion only just made it back as the ship was casting off. They actually had to ferry them over by water taxi!

Anyway, we settled back in to the ship, had a fabulous dinner, took in a show and strolled the deck. Oh, boy; what a life.

Now for 2 sea-days before our next stop at Montego Bay, Jamaica. This is on the 23^rd and being Julies’ birthday I do have a little surprise for her.

More of that in the next blog but I’m still not able to get any decent internet access. Satellite Internet at sea ain’t very good at all and sorry guys but on shore days we’re having way too much fun.