Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Back to the Salt Mines

I had a great weekend in Orlando.  But it didn't start out great.  I was on the plane (small cramped type) ready for take-off when the captain announced we were delayed on the tarmac for an hour due to fog.  Fortunately, my plane out of Charlotte was delayed, as well, for the same reason.  I arrived and got checked into the hotel.  I was staying at The Rosen Centre, a very ritzy hotel on International Drive.  My room was on the 21st floor of 24 floors!  I had a great view of Orlando.  There was a lot I could have done (like visit Sea World) for free if I had known in time.  Alas, I did not, however.  Friday afternoon I went walking down I-Dr. with the intent of visiting Wonder Works. It was a museum down town.  Before going I went across the street to Pizza Hut for some lunch/dinner, and asked the staff there about Wonder Works.  They said it was a nice little place, but was really for middle aged kids.  But Bobbi, the girl who was waiting on me, suggested I go see Avatar at the IMAX theatre just behind there.  So, that's exactly what I did!  Bad Ass!!  I had been wanting to see Avatar (I enjoy those Sci-Fi types of movies) and in 3-D had to be the best way to see it.  And it was!  At one point I was swatting away bugs that were in my face.  And I was gripping to seat when the dragons were flying!  It was late evening when I got out of there, so I just walked up and down the strip looking at all the lights and touristy places.  I called it an early night, as breakfast was being served at 6:30 a.m.  I had classes on and off thru Saturday, but was fed a good lunch, as well.  I was done with classes around 4:30 p.m. and spent a good hour just chatting it up with other soldiers I met while there.  Whilst waiting around the pool area a man with a beard and a jacket with a Vietnam Veteran patch came around to everyone and invited them back that evening to free drinks on him!!  I was all over that.  I headed to the store for a couple of things, then to McDonald's for a quick dinner.  Then I changed to my bathing suit and went back to the pool.  I had a few drinks on this guy, whom I didn't even see that evening.  The bar tender said he was good for it, though.  Then had a few more as I chilled in the pool and hot tub.  Just chatted and got to meet a few other soldiers and people who were guests at the hotel.  I went to bed around 1:30 a.m. and didn't wake for breakfast on Sunday.  But I had already completed the class scheduled for that Morning.  Headed for the airport right after lunch.  I hated the idea of leaving such warm temps.  It was in the 80's while I was there!  Nice and warm!  And I received some valuable info on some of my benefits that are available as a Veteran of the War in Iraq (OIF).  It was back to work Monday morning with rain and thunder storms and highs in the upper 50's.  Ho hum.  Got a few pics, but haven't had a chance to upload them yet.  I'll try by the end of the week.

13 comments:

BadPenny said...

I love how you write. I imagine it is just how you sound.

My son saw Avatar for his birthday with friends. I want to see Sherlock Holmes.

Going to the cinema here has got quite pricey unless you have vouchers but I still love to see a film on the big screen like the first time I saw Pirates of the Caribbean - fabulous on the big screen.

One day - I'd LOVE to go to a drive in Movie.. do they still exist ?

Chicken Boys said...

Penny, thanks for the compliment. It was $15 American dollars to see it in 3D. I think it's around $8-$10 to see a regular movie. Then, adding snacks and drinks. My brother and I saw Transformers 2, and with snacks it was over $40 Americn dollars. I don't go very often. I think you can find a drive in or two in the states, but not near me! I saw Superman at a drive in when I was a very small kid, and I loved it.

John Going Gently said...

15£ dollars to see a movie!
I would need counselling!!!!

good blog

Tracey said...

Penny's right, that was beautifully written. Can't wait for the photographs! xxx

Callie Brady said...

Good to hear you had a great weekend. The warm temps must have felt wonderful. Blue sky!
I agree with the comments about your writing taking us along with you on your adventures. I want to see the photos too!

LemonyRenee' said...

Welcome back. You were missed.

Odette Bautista Mikolai said...

i watched Avatar in 2D and paid an equivalent of $2. it didn't have the feel of a 3d but just the same, i enjoyed the movie so much. now it's the top grosser of all times beating titanic. well, it should be, because of the effort put into it and because the movie really tells a story.
it's all sunshine here with temp at 28C.
xoxoxo

Chickens in the Basement said...

80 degrees!!!I'm jealous! The weathermen are screaming for snow on Friday and Saturday. I'm not placing any bets on them! Glad you're home safe and sound!
Anna

Little Messy Missy said...

I am sooo jealous of the heat! Glad you made it back safe and sound!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Welcome back!!! Glad you had a great trip!! We've not seen Avatar,but it's on our list--We might have to sell a dog or two to pay for our tickets & popcorn though! ;-)) Enjoy your Wednesday!!

Anonymous said...
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TxFarmhouse said...

Well, you sound like you had a relaxing "vacation". The only movie I've ever seen at IMax was Dances With Wolves and it was awesome. One of these days, I'm going to see a 3D movie..never have had that experience.
Berte

bubble said...

I want it to be warm!! pleased your back...I wouldn't have been able to get on a plane...i hate them now!

Thanks for the comment...your such a sweetie...when you coming here for a visit??!!

Ames xxx