Week 14

The last few weeks have seen an increase in leisure and a decline in total hours worked, which, unfortunately, results in insufficient pay. As the leisure has not come at any financial cost it has easily been worth the time lost at work.

As part of an ongoing product knowledge endeavor I have had the opportunity to reap the benefits of both a Fireworks Cruise, retail price $266.25, and a Segway Tour retail price, $85.00. For those of you unfamiliar with a Segway, they are a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle. Known for its use in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, the Segway is definitely as fun as it looks. Throw some mud tires on and you're ready to tear up the trails. And we did just that, on what may have been the coldest day in Florida since I arrived. Despite the weather and my desensitized, frigid hands, there was much to be learned on the back trails of Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. From the air potato vine amidst the lush verdure to the history of the Contemporary Resort that could be seen in the offing upon a veil of mist that cloaked the Seven Seas Lagoon, this was quite the learning experience.

Nearly three months too late I have completed my visit to each of the theme parks here. My most recent excursion, Animal Kingdom, was enjoyable. After riding Expedition Everest and Dinosaur, the two main attractions at the park, it was time to see The Festival of the Lion King, an original interpretation of the Disney classic. The show, hosted by four performers with Swahili names, is a compilation of songs and scenes from the movie. Brought to life by its talented actors and actresses the show is a must-see. It was by far the highlight of my visit to Animal Kingdom.

Under the pretense that Florida sand would be smooth against the soles of my feet I arrived at Cocoa Beach on November 18th for what would be an enjoyable escape from my current abode. My first step into the sand brought crashing into my memory the Pacific Coast. Tainted with fragments of shells and scattered with people, this is not quite as I had imagined. Oh wait, I'm on the Atlantic Coast, not the Gulf Coast! My initial dismay quickly passed as I heard that sweet dissonance that is the waves diverging together in complete discord. That untroubled white noise accompanied by 80 degree weather in the middle of November could not have created a more placid setting. The wintry foam of the waves caressing my ankles and eventually my entire body left me in an arctic state, void of all worry and ready to surrender myself to the ocean, never to return. Even the birds seemed ready to dissolve into the blue abyss. Warning: relaxation of this degree may inhibit your return to work, and with good reason.

Below are pictures from all of the things listed above, as well as a few pictures from the Food & Wine Festival that I never had the chance to upload.

Cheers

Week 11

Thunderous echoing booms come delayed as explosions of light and showers of sparks paint the sky. Smoke fragments trail off into twilight reflecting the luminescence that is Magic Kingdom below. The delay in sound corrects my inaccurate depth perception and I realize we are much further away than I previously thought. The Halloween fireworks have begun. A quick glance around unveils the geographical placement of everything on Disney property. I stand on the roof of Wilderness Lodge Resort, proclaimed by many to be the best view on all of Disney property. It is breathtaking at night, and something that not many get to experience. I will be back again for Christmas.

Yesterday I decided to treat myself to what I had mentioned last week: the Food & Wine Festival. Rather than mindlessly wandering around and telling myself that things are too expensive I broke down and had one of the most diverse feasts imaginable. Attempting to "eat around the world" is not only an expensive feat, but an indulging one as well. My brisk entrance into the park found me standing in front of the Puerto Rico marketplace where I quickly ordered Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice, for the unilingual). While the ham croquetas and guava cookie were tempting alternatives, my stomach was pleased with my very first choice of food for the day. I deviated slightly and headed a ways up to the American pavilion to see what was happening. A long line had already formed for the concert of the day: Billy Ocean. After deciding it wasn't worth waiting in line for I continued to wander around. My insatiable appetite led me to Italy where I had Pizza. What else would you get from Italy? This being the first time I've had the chance to explore on my own I decided to venture into the various merchandise venues that lie scattered about in every theme park. Unlike other parks the theming and detail in the world showcase impedes one's ability to tell the difference between what they are seeing and the real thing, even if the real thing has never been seen.

I don't remember how much time was spent conversing with random employees and guests, most of whom were wearing Phillies attire, but I eventually found myself in the second row of the concert, watching Billy Ocean perform. Most recognized for the hit Carribean Queen, Billy Ocean can still hold a tune. Let me quickly outline the rest of my dinner for the evening. I headed to New Orleans in the American marketplace for Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, a spicy treat. Corn and Cheese Arepa from Santiago, Chile; Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki from Athens, Greece; Spicy Chicken Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta from Montreal, Canada; Seared Sea Scallop with Vegetable Slaw and Lemon OIl from Wellington, New Zealand; Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey's Ganache from Cork, Ireland; Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes from Paris, France. This was the extent of my feast, and unfortunately I only made it about halfway around the world and still managed to spend $70. An experience like this has no price tag because it is so unique. Next year I hope to start where I left off.

-Derek