Our road trip through the southern states of the US – October 2018
Wednesday, 3rd October 2018 / Thursday 4th October
I have always wanted to visit the southern states of the US – ever since I had read the book “Gone with the Wind” (and watched the film a few times over the years) but also my interest in the early days of exploration and colonisation of North America by Spain, France and England and the cultural influences by each country which still can be seen in this region.
Finally, Gerry and I planned a road trip to include Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and North Carolina. On this trip we would also be meeting up with a few of my old friends.
our last view of the Dutch shores before crossing the Atlantic ocean
Ger
ry fast asleep under his hoodie
The Atlantic Ocean lapping the US shores
it seems that the American shore was made up of swamps…..
Landing in Orlando – palm trees line the runway
An overview of our road trip
Our first meal after settling down in our first hotel – chopped beef with baked sweet potato for me and steak and chips for Gerry – and a big salad between us
Early morning coffee and a smoke at our resort in Orlando
the view from our room at our Orlando resort
Getting up on Thursday morning, we decided to go and explore down town Orlando. Others would have gone to visit one of the many theme parks around here – enough of Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Sea World and many more.
Downtown Orlando is a walkable liveable city with old architecture complimenting the new buildings. There are a great many construction works going on – however the old has been preserved really well and in these areas there are many restaurants, bars and pubs and art galleries. we enjoyed a very pleasant walk around Eola Lake with its restaurants along the shoreline as well as statues.
An art deco sign at the side of the lake
Some of the art along the lake – the Muse is supposed to give you some special messages if you lie in her palm
or sit close to her ear……
At the lake side
It’s Breast cancer awareness month and this is demonstrated in the park with loads of pink flamingos
Birdlife along the Eola Lake shore line
Turtles, sunning themselves on the lake shore
One end of Wall street
a stop at one of the Wall Street establishments – Wall Street Cantina – Wall Street has quite a few drinking holes.
Wall street
The old railway and the station and waiting rooms – now the rails are used for a touristic linde
Cheyenne Saloon – just like the old times and you still can get a beer here….
the old passengers cross over bridge
The old Orlando Railroad Depot built in 1880 as the city was growing due to more businesses coming to this new city
the authentic doors to the Church street station , now entrance to a restaurant
The old hardware store of Mr Bumby who had come over from England in 1881 and set up his business selling hay, grain and fertiliser…. now a restaurant
And to close off the day, we met up with Sarah, my best friend’s daughter who happened to be in town for a conference – it was just great to catch up over drinks and a meal.
together with Sarah – such enjoyable company
Author: Liliana
Retired banker now spending time travelling the world with my soulmate, Gerry. Early retirement due to the fact that the bank I worked for changed their direction from global to local and hence my expertise was not needed any longer - now using my passion and energy in discovering the world after I have worked enthusiastically for so many years, brought up my daughter and son and now still have good health to enjoy my new experiences.
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