Orlando, FL

The cost of eating out, staying in hotels, and fuel: too high to list. The feeling of finally reaching your destination after eight days and over 3,000 miles: beyond priceless.

This is no Mastercard commercial, nor has it been an ordinary journey. Knowing I get to stay here for the next five months has left me feeling quite pleased. Let me tell you what little I know about Orlando.

Billboards in formation like soldiers line the Interstate as we head South into Orlando, each advertising something different, and each leaving you with the feeling that the town itself is nothing but a glorified product, one that you won't be able to afford. This feeling quickly vanished upon entering Orlando, facing the realization that I would soon be leaving this road trip, and Oregon, behind. My insides tingled with nervousness, anxiety, and excitement. I always feel this way before I know a drastic change is about to occur, and unfortunately it's been way too long since I've felt this way. Change has never been more welcomed.

Window-mounted air conditioners spit condensation on you from above as you stroll the sidewalks along hotels. The air is humid and with each breath you imagine microscopic droplets of water coating your lungs, slowly drowning you. Your shirt sticks to your back, the sweat glazes your skin. Even your eyebrows have fulfilled their purpose and are barely holding back the sweat waiting to drench your eyelids. 

We arrived in Orlando only a few hours after leaving Valdosta, GA this morning. We checked into our hotel, in Lake Buena Vista, and were delighted to accept reasonable room rates, a decent restaurant, and an incredible looking swimming pool; I wonder if we can dive into it from the 18th floor balcony? We decided not to waste much time here and were adamant upon checking out one of the parks: Epcot. With half of the day already behind us, it wasn't even worth going into the park. So, after being passed off from bus to bus and spending more time determining our location than anything, we decided to head back to the hotel.

We explored Downtown Disney a bit tonight. Orlando is one of the most diverse places I have ever been and also one of the most friendly. They say it's the happiest place on earth, and I have always been skeptical. Now, I see no reason why anyone should be anything but happy while they are here. The people are great, the food is great, and the weather is interesting. There is nowhere else I'd rather be.

Just because the road trip is over doesn't mean the updates are as well. We have another day to explore Disneyworld, and then I will determine how often it will be updated. Thanks to everyone who has been following along since the start, I hope you continue to read. 

To the girls of Colorado and Nashville, you have further been dismissed of all duties. I love Orlando...

-D