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Florida Visit - June and July 2017


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The time has come - a grand sister and family and friend reunion in Florida. We are arriving from all sorts of places. Alvaro is holding down the fort in Delray Beach. Kristin is arriving from Colombia. Rob and Hild are driving in from Ottawa, Canada (roadtrip!!). And Adelheid, Bjørnar and Sverre fly in from Norway. See various photos below documenting the event:

Here is a map of our touring route around Florida. One label for each place we stayed overnight:
  • - Delray Beach (for fun and shopping)
  • - Smyrna Beach (for Kenney Space Center and Daytona)
  • - Disney World
  • - Sundial Resort, Sanibel Island (for fun on the beach)


See other page about Rob and Hild's roadtrip Ottawa-Florida return: CLICK


After half of Rob and Hild's roadtrip was completed, we arrived in Delray Beach and spotted our target exit from the road. Atlantic Avenue - here we are! It didn't take us long to go and pick up the rental car. So that all 7 of us can fit in one car for daytrips, we have rented an GMC Yukon XL. Big, white whale of a car! Rob quickly named it Moby Dick. Very advanced car with so many gadgets and buttons that a copilot is required.
We headed to the airport to pick up the Norway contingent. Here Kristin and Rob are waiting eagerly at Miami airport. After the late-night drive from the airport to our home for the next few days in Delray Beach. Even if it was in the middle of the night, some food was in order for the weary travellers, Adelheid, Bjørnar and Sverre. It was good to get some sleep after a long long trip across the Atlantic.

We'll get some more photos of the actual arrival of the Norwegians when we collect them off our people's various phones.
We had a BBQ party to celebrate all our 2017 birthdays. We have added up the number of years we are celebrating. With a total of 305 years - on average 44 years per person - we had plenty to celebrate. Janet sponsored the birthday dinner long-distance from Norway. Kristin provided party hats etc. Rob barbequed the meat, Adelheid and Hild assembled the vegetable "baskets" for the BBQ, Bjørnar and Sverre decorated and set the table, Alvaro and Kristin tidied up and drove us around to all sorts of shops. We had a great time. .
Our first major activity was to visit Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. We did the bus tour out to launch pads, Apollo rocket, and most importantly the last shuttle: Atlantis which also has the Canadarm (built and contributed by Canada, so Rob and Hild were proud). There was also time for an ice cream - including testing space ice cream - and to watch a 3D IMAX movie space. On top of that, they boys did the Shuttle Launch Experience ride.


Kristin had booked us yet another great house to stay in - this time in New Smyrna which is close to Daytona. We enjoyed several meals there as well as walks/runs/bike trips on the beach. All we had to do is cross the road and there the beach and Atlantic Ocean was!
To get to the NASCAR race at Daytona international speedway, we did park-and-ride. We were then picked up in yellow school buses just like we see in the movies. And to get to the fanzone and pit lanes we had to ride trailer pulled by a truck. We were grateful in the hot and humid weather.
From the Fanzone we could see all the action up close - including Dale Earnhart Jr's pitlane. He was retiring after this race.
Before the race started we signed our names/aliases on the finish line and having a lot of fun in the heat. It was fun until the bad weather rolled in and we had to go home after only a few of the 100 laps had been completed. Buhu what a disappointment! Susch is life.
The next day we set our sights for Disney World in Orlando. Not wanting to miss a thing with our 5-day park-hopper passes, we darted right in and spent our first day at Animal Kingdom. The Kilimanjaro Safari took us on a bus ride to see many different animals including giraffe, wildebeest, lions, hippopotamus, zebra, flamingo, rhino and more.
At Animal Kingdom Rob, Bjørnar and Sverre rode the scary roller coaster through Mount Everest (yes, it goes backwards in the dark!) as well as a a wet ride down Kali river
Next day we moved on to Hollywood Studios at Disney - as you can see from our group photos!
We worked fast and early at Hollywood Studios to catch the best rides before the lines built up. First there was Star Wars (where Bjørnar and Sverre were identified as spies for the rebellion sending our space ship into dips and dives to save them!), then there was the Aerosmith ride, and finally the Tower of Terror. It looks like Rob is thinking twice about going up into that one - but he did it!!
After bying a souvenir mug from Starbucks we also caught Star Wars Storm Troopers marching through the streets in threatening manner with fireworks and more! Still, Olaf from Frozen was just as happy - here in the form of a muffin with icing. We also enjoyed the compulsory Mickey-shaped ice cream.
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We have tried to have breakfast and lunch at home - or at least two meals. Very healthy buffet salads and sandwiches and pancakes typically organized by Adelheid - and the rest of us helping here and there. Nutella sandwiches have been popular with milk, here in a re-purposed water bottle!

Yummy! The food we can buy in the parks varies from salads to fried something-or-other. Many foods are shaped like Mickey Mouse.
Then on the 3rd of July we headed to Magic Kingdom - with a standard photo in front of the famous castle from all Disney movies and logos. Kristin, Adelheid, Alvaro and Hild still remember the not so pleasant ride on Space Mountain back in 1990.... so only Bjørnar, Sverre and Rob headed over there. They were as happy and smiling both before and after the ride. Typical!

After Space Mountain, Bjørnar caught this event on his camera: It isn't easy to be short among tall, young people. But Rob sure tries to measure up!
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Next on our list to rush ahead of the long lines was Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. In a weak moment, Hild agreed to go on Thunder Mountain. Eeeek. It was scary, although Rob, Bjørnar and Sverre had a great time!
Rob, Alvaro and Hild also enjoyed some slower rides like climbing through the Swiss Family Robison's tree house. Then there was also the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Rob putting on his best pirate-face - aarghh.
We also had a good fun go at lazer guns on Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom. Rob's score was the highest - again.
After enjoying a nice dinner at California Grill on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, overlooking Magic Kingdom.
We managed to recreate one of our holiday photos from 1990 trip from Denver to California return. See if you can spot which one is then and which one is now!
Alvaro pointed out to us that he was wearing the same shirt as he did back in 1990!!! So we checked the archives - and lo and behold - compare the photos below. We were more shocked that neither the shirt nor Alvaro seems to have aged!
After the fireworks were over at about 22:30, Rob and Hild jumped on a bus to brave the line-ups at the popular new Avatar ride. They were not scared off by the 135 minute line. In the end it took "only" 90 minutes and it was a very entertaining wait because they must have spent more money on the decorations around the waiting line than on the actual ride. It was worth every minute, every sore leg, and every blister. They did the same thing the next day - crazy people - this time with Bjørnar. The next night, Bjørnar and Sverre went again together. Good grief. We were all so happy. The best ride of the trip - like "Soarin'" multiplied by 10 or more.
On the 4th of July Rob and Hild arrived as the park opened - mainly because Rob had to set up a little office for a conference call. We chose an empty pavillion behind Mexico. Here is Rob in his "office". We also popped in to see the Canada pavillion including a very good 360-view movie and a small version of Chateau Laurier hotel.
Stopping by the Norway pavillion we caught a photo first of 3 and a half Norwegians... and then of 4 Norwegians. We also looked longingly at piles of oh so familiar (but expensive) sweets.

Then things got a bit out of hand when Sven the reindeer from Frozen photo-bombed us at the Norway pavillion in Epcot. See video below (two different formats for those with and without iPhone/iPad).

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On the "Living with the Land" ride we took a boat ride through the greenhouses at Epcot to see what interesting research they do there - including aquaculture combined with plant production. They also produce lots of fruit and veggies for the Disney restaurants. Rob got a glimpse of the biotech lab. Of course we followed up with the very popular ride "Soarin'". Got to love soaring across the whole world. Even Hild dared to take that ride.
In the evening we enjoyed a dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico. We had to wait in line for a bit to get our reserved table with a view of the fire works. In the end the view was wonderful.
On the last day we took it down a notch and had a more relaxing time hanging out at our Cabin at Fort Wilderness Campground followed by a visit to Blizzard Beach waterpark. Soooo nice, and Bjørnar found the biggest Christie's cookie ever. Still he says it was not as nice as Janet's cookies.
It was time to pack up our cabin and fill up the huge GMC Yukon now answering to the name "Moby Dick". We drove across the Florida peninsula and ended up enjoying lunch at Sweet Tomatoes in Fort Meyers. Very yummy and good value for money. We found the cute signs on the table - with food related play on words.
Arriving on Sanibel Island and our Sundial Resort we discovered what luxury we were going to live in for the next couple of days. Lovely 3-bedroom apartment with big family room and a nice view over the garden outside. A quick trip to the beach gave the minions a chance to have a play in the sand.
We also got to enjoy a great cruise to view Sanibel Island in the sunset. The guide and captain were great and we had lots of laughs. We also saw many dolphins and birds and even racoons swimming between the islands! The raccoons had a pink hue to their fur because of all the shrimp they eat.... who'd've thought it?
There is so much to see on the Sanibel beaches including crabs, birds and shells as organized by Adelheid to identify them all with Kristin's book about shells and other Florida wildlife.
Adelheid, Bjørnar, Sverre, and Hild went for a bike ride around Sanibel Island. We made it all the way to the lighthouse at the southern end of the island. Again beautiful beaches and very warm water.
Before leaving Sanibel Island for Delray Beach, we did go for yet another walk and spotting yet another rabbit. We also went for a quick dip in the Mexican Gulf. So warm water, quite amazing.
Wherever we went there was much to see including drift wood/tree on the beach and beautiful trees with lots of blossoms on the Royal Poinciana.
Rob and Hild made the trip to downtown Miami to meet their friend Saloni visiting from Mexico. After some planning and research online, we managed to make the journey from Delray Beach to the Bayside Marketplace in Miami by using no less than three trains: Tri-Rail train, Metrorail, and the driverless and free Metro Mover.
Tri-Rail
Metrorail
Metro Mover
We had s'mores for dessert one night. Since we didn't have a bonfire, we used the BBQ. Graham crackers, marshmallows and Girardelli chocolates. Yum!
Back in 1990 we took the photo on the left after us girls having put up the tent in very short time. Very proud! And here we are many years later - and just as proud.
Another comparison of then (1990 in California) and now (2017 in Florida). What was Kinney Shoes back then is now Footlocker - here at Sawgrass Mills mall.
Bjørnar and two uncles competing on who has the loudest Florida shirt...
Movie night - Guardians of the Galaxy 2! Hooray. Bjørnar started off learning how large a "large" cup of coke really is in the US. Then we started off alone in the theatre.
Airboat trip - spotting alligators, Florida softshell turtles, and various birds. Pretty amazing how close the alligators as well as the turtles came to our airboat. Our Captain Jack reassured us that we aren't very interesting food - so we should be safe most of the time. Hmmmmm.
We were at Sawgrass Recreation Park for the airboat ride and we took a look around their mini zoo. There were several animals that had been rescued from various places. They had various lizzards, snakes, alligators (including the baby one that Alvaro and Sverre got to hold), tortoises, bobcat, panthers, and much more.
Last night before returning to Norway - the boys are off to enjoy Delray Beach nightlife. One of the local clubs has a Rod Stewart impersonator on tonight. Should be good fun.
After realizing that the flight that was going to take Adelheid, Bjørnar and Sverre from Miami to Atlanta was delayed, we made some changes. We rushed off to West Palm Beach airport and got them out on an earlier flight. This meant that they made their from Atlanta to Amsterdam without having to run, but then their plane from Amsterdam to Kristiansand was overbooked and they had to stay another day there. Aaargh. The photo below shows us lined up for farewell hugs at West Palm Beach airport. See you all again as soon as possible - maybe even for a trip around Canada one day!?
While the Norway contingent made it ok all the way to Amsterdam, their onward flight to Kristiansand was overbooked and they had to stay overnight to catch a flight home next day.
Trying again. Departing from Schiphol airport in Amsterdam.
Touchdown at Kristiansand airport - finally!!!
The cat and Bessie were so happy to have them home again - finally!
Trip nominations:

Most frequently used:
  • Unlimited dataplan on our SIM cards and mobile phones
  • Phones to send messages home and find each other
  • Charging cables for mobile phones
  • App to monitor wait times on all the rides at Disney World
  • Converter app (feet to metres, miles per gallon, temperature
  • Shorts
  • Suncreen and sun glasses
  • Extra battery chargers for tired iPhones


Things we didn't bring:
  • iPad cable so that we could have watched Netflix on the big TV
  • Kristin's swimsuit
  • A knife to cut fruit at Kristin and Alvaro's hotel


Things we brought but didn't use:
  • Waterproof case for phones
  • Trousers
  • First aid kit
  • Spare wheel


Things we lost (and found again after various levels of panic:
  • Hild and Rob's passports (huge panic!)
  • Kristin's poncho
  • Norwegian cheese slice (moderate panic...)


Miscellaneous:
  • Coldest: Adelheid in air conditioned rooms
  • Hunk of the trip: Indiana Jones actor at Hollywood Studios stunt show
  • Angriest person: Blue-haired woman in Epcot ramming her mobility scooter
  • Most nauseated: Rob after Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach
  • Biggest disappointment: Daytona race cancelled after 11 laps. Not very nice "skolebrød" (buns) in Norway pavillion at Epcot. Swedish chocolate in Norway pavillion. No Solo at Norway pavillion (Norwegian version of Fanta).
  • Favourite Disney World ride: Avatar (Rob, Hild, Bjørnar and Sverre), Soarin' (Adelheid), Toy Story (Kristin)
  • Favourite Disney World park: Epcot (Kristin, Bjørnar, Sverre), Magic Kingdom (Rob and Hild), Hollywood Studios (Adelheid)
  • Most frustrating: Lack of internet at the house on our first day
  • Most embarrassing: We were somewhat underdressed for our dinner reservation at California Grill on 3rd of July
  • Best dinner: California Grill on 3rd of July
  • Missed the most: Washing machine after 6 days/nights at Disney World
  • Longest wait time: Monorail to go to fireworks on 3rd of July. Avatar ride (1.5 hours!). Adelheid and Kristin waiting for buss to Magic Kingdom (at the wrong bus stop)
  • Most disorganized part of Disney World: Monorail system
  • Nicest accomodation: Delray Beach rental house
  • Beyond expectations: Epcot fireworks
  • Most scared: Hild trying to sit in the 3rd row of seats in Moby Dick (GMC Yukon). Hild on Thunder Mountain ride. Hild on Avatar ride.
  • Biggest regret: Hild regrets closing her eyes during most of Avatar ride (although she was braver second time around). Kristin regrets having to work so much during the trip. Bjørnar, Rob and Hild regret not prioritizing to go kayaking and paddleboarding on Sanibel Island.
  • Suggestions to improve Disney World: Extend monorail to connect all parks and resorts. Add signs at all monorail stations so you know where you are (and where you aren't). Better signage to avoid tired people waiting at the wrong bus stops
Rob and Hild's trip is not quite over yet. See other page about their return trip to Ottawa: CLICK

July 2017
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