FLORIDA - SUNSHINE STATE

If  I recall well that‘s how Florida is named - the sunshine state. This American state is closest to the Carribean and actually quite close to Cuba. As such it does have a lot of sunshine - and therefore very popular with retired Americans who like to spend their last days in the sun.

Florida is also very well known for its many amusement parks and that‘s an understatement. Unbelievable, what a lot of the most crazy amusement parks you can find here. Looking back (we are talking 1992) it was completely over the top; just forget about the whole world and step into the ultimate animation movie. With Walt Disney in the front seat of course.

Our first base was Miami, the almost South-American-like city because of its many south- and central american immigrants. It‘s famous for Miami Beach (which is actually not really special) and the boulevards where one goes to be seen - I can‘t find any other reason.

The other side of  Miami is its crime - so pay attention where you are going. We did take the wrong turn now and then and did come in neighbourhoods we defintely did not want to be.

But it is defintely a good base to explore the Florida Keys and the Everglades. The Keys are a string of small islands which are often the location for many American movies (like Cape Fear). The most well-known Key is Ket West where Ernest Hemingway used to live (and commit suicide). From Miami it is quite a drive - not really recommendable as a day-trip if you want to make the most of it. I did enjoy it - but nothing more than that.

The same counts for the Everglades, an unique natural area (read: swamp) which is primarily home to the alligator (the north american variety of the crocodile). The area however is under a lot of pressure of the growing population of its neighbouring towns and because of pollution. All inhabitants would like to make a living of the Everglades; so you will find a huge circus of boat rides, propeller boats, alligator wrestlers, animal zoos and vague Indian villages.

Our second base was Orlando, where you can find the most amusement parks. Disney is king here with the film studios, Magic Kingdom and Epcot Centre. The latter is the best of the 3 because of its educational character. Furthermore you can find Universal Studios (impressively hilarious), Bush Gardens (a zoo), Wet ‘n‘ Wild (water paradise with crazy slides), Sea World (with dolphins and killer whales) and Silver Springs (little park around some springs). And of course I forget a whole lot of others. 

After some weeks you get completely crazy because of this permanent circus which is an attack of the senses. And of course there is a lot of food, preferably as much and fat as possible.

You will understand I won‘t go back to Florida anytime soon. The United States have a lot more interesting states that are a lot less pretentious. But in 1992 is was allright...