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