SUMMARY JUNE 2004 TRIP
Well, another
visit to Florida has come to an end.
It started poorly and ended horribly, but in between we had a
wonderful time. We did many things we had never done before and
repeated some of the things we really enjoy.
Sanibel v Captiva
It’s a bit
unfair to compare them, as whichever I choose will make the other
appear inferior. That’s not the case, both are lovely,
it’s just that I must have a favourite it’s the law.
I prefer Captiva, or at least Captiva Village. To be able to walk
to restaurants, bars, shops and the beach is a wonderful thing.
At least, it is if you enjoy a beer from time to time. It has
more of a ‘heart’ than Sanibel, which is more spread
out without any real centre.
Sanibel comes out on top if you like to ride. Bike paths are
everywhere and there is much more to see.
Virgin
Well, I’m
not actually, not that it’s any of…… Oh, you mean
the flight. I thought they were pretty good this time. The
failure to provide pre-booked seats continues to irritate and my
seat back TV played up on the return journey. I should think
myself lucky, Georgia’s didn’t work at all, but they
did provide her with a portable DVD player.
Twilight check-in and the Downtown Disney check-in are a definite
selling point for Virgin. Far less time spent waiting around in
airports.
Weather
Boy was it hot
at times. That said I found it more tolerable than I thought I
would. Strangely, it was hotter in Captiva than Orlando, but the
sea breezes at the beach always took the edge off the heat.
The rain in the second week was a bit of a pain, but it really
only stopped us doing the things we wanted to do on our final
night.
Friends
It has always
been a joy to me that I have met many different people in
Florida, most of them I have only conversed briefly with on the
Internet. I have not yet met anyone whose company I have not
enjoyed.
This year was no different. It was lovely to meet up with Sharon,
Evan and their new family and enjoy some time together.
Susan and Lu Beth were delightful and they’ve put up with my
constant teasing about their time keeping with good grace and
patience. It has to be said, the ladies did well under the harsh
regime of the Stringer touring plan.
WDW
After all these
years I’ve finally worked out why I love to return to WDW so
much. I’m normally one of the most cynical people in the
world. I question most things and accept very little that I read
or hear without first hand knowledge.
However, in WDW normality does not apply. There’s no terror,
no torture, no war, no famine, no conflict. There is only an
unswerving belief that man CAN be good and kind, that wishes can
come true, that we can live together in peace and harmony.
No worries about work, no looking forward to years of routine.
Just happiness, joy and a feeling that it’s great to be
alive.
Escapism?
Definitely. Unreal? Absolutely, but for the time spent in WDW
that matters not one jot.
The need for us all to get away from the horrors of the real
world that blares from our TV sets every evening is very real.
Two weeks to recharge the batteries with good things, positive
things. The rides are mostly the same; we have all done them many
times before. They are great fun, but it’s not the reason I
keep returning. The atmosphere, the beauty, the sheer joy of
immersing yourself in the WDW experience is why I will travel
thousands of miles until I am no longer able.
I suppose what
I am trying to say is that I think WDW makes me a better person.
Less cynical, less self-obsessed, happier. I don’t question
why a mouse should make me cheer as he passes by in a parade, I
just accept that he can.
Is there still a job going as a monorail driver?
Lastly, can I say a big thank you to all the people who have taken the time to comment on my report and especially to those of you who have expressed concern over my mother’s health and sent good wishes for her recovery.
I am sure she will soon be back to her old self and equally certain that she will one day return with us to WDW. Her love for the place is nearly as great as mine.