ooohhhhh what to say about the infamous Miami, FL other than it was quite a show. In fact, I think we provided a little bit of entertainment to the beach go-ers on Miami Beach ourselves (more on that story later).
First of all, Florida has "tropical storms" during the summer where it rains like cats and dogs for an hour in the middle of the day (or night) and then it returns to the normal sunshine. So we attempted to carry around our umbrellas every where we could.
The second day in Miami we went banana boating (in Key Biscayne) and then jet skiing in Miami Beach. During our jet skiing experience, my friend and I were thrown off the jet ski and we happened to be in high tide waves. It was a horrible experience trying to stay afloat and learning that my swimming skills aren't as great as I had previously assumed. Lets just say the jet ski shop had to eventually fish our screaming, salty heads out of the water (they were laughing, but it was not a funny situation).
Nevertheless, the beaches in Miami are beautiful. I would recommend going to Miami Beach if you want pretty beaches (the water is gorgeous there). I also recommend walking along Ocean Drive (South Beach Miami) at nighttime- its so lively! We got to experience great Cuban food (almost the full reason why I agreed to go to Miami in the first place) and see live professional salsa dancing.
All in all: its been real Miami . . . too real. I think I'll come back soon for a second round ;) I am SOO sore from hanging on for dear life during our activities (time to hit the gym when I get back to ATL).
So many different shades of brown,
Maryam
p.s.- sorry no pictures this time around, I didn't want to get my camera wet. Next time I go to Miami (in a few weeks probably) I'll post pictures
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Creating the Magic: Islands of Adventure in Orlando, FL
I went on a road trip to Florida with a friend to Orlando and Miami (for a mini-graduation trip) and it was a great break to get away from the random rain in Atlanta. We only went for a few days, but the trip was well worth the relaxation time.
My main takeaway from Orlando was to go to Universal Studios/ Islands of Adventure during the off season or off time of the week (we went on a Wednesday)- it makes the experience much easier to handle and much more enjoyable. We went to the park for about 7 hours and got to ride all the attractions we wanted (most of them twice too!) and never waited more than 15 min. to get on a ride.
I really enjoyed Islands of Adventure because of the meticulous attention to detail in each town/ attraction. Everything, from the employee uniforms to the fixtures on the buildings were "in character", they amplified the experience of being there. I guess its all part of creating that magical experience :)
My favorite town in the Islands of Adventure was Harry Potter world- great rides, great butterbeer (doesn't contain actual alcohol), and adorable shops.
Despite the heat and walking (Im pretty sure my swollen feet can't fit in my sandals right now), I def. enjoyed my experience at Islands of Adventure: its fun for adults and kids (but again: I recommend going during off season).
On our way to Miami to get in the water!
Gettin' all the more tan,
Maryam
My main takeaway from Orlando was to go to Universal Studios/ Islands of Adventure during the off season or off time of the week (we went on a Wednesday)- it makes the experience much easier to handle and much more enjoyable. We went to the park for about 7 hours and got to ride all the attractions we wanted (most of them twice too!) and never waited more than 15 min. to get on a ride.
I really enjoyed Islands of Adventure because of the meticulous attention to detail in each town/ attraction. Everything, from the employee uniforms to the fixtures on the buildings were "in character", they amplified the experience of being there. I guess its all part of creating that magical experience :)
Dr. Suess Land ride- adorbs!
Harry Potter World candy shop clerks
Jurassic Park ride
Tooney town ride
My favorite town in the Islands of Adventure was Harry Potter world- great rides, great butterbeer (doesn't contain actual alcohol), and adorable shops.
yes they are my muggle friend, yes they are :)
Souvenir for my brother (if I don't eat it first): Chocolate frog and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Jelly Beans (includes Black Pepper, Booger, Candlyfloss, Dirt, Earthworm, Earwax, Grass, Green Apple, Rotten egg (ewww!), sausage, lemon, soap, and many more LOL)
Hogwarts
Notice from the Department of Magical Transportation haha!
Despite the heat and walking (Im pretty sure my swollen feet can't fit in my sandals right now), I def. enjoyed my experience at Islands of Adventure: its fun for adults and kids (but again: I recommend going during off season).
On our way to Miami to get in the water!
Gettin' all the more tan,
Maryam
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Southern Charm: Atlanta, GA
So I am all moved in and settled in Atlanta. I'm living in an area called Little Five Points/ Candler Park, and everything here is so quaint and charming. All of the houses have porches, there is SO MUCH greenery, and I've found a surprising number of art murals on the streets.
On another note, I finally got around to buying some peaches from the local farmers market, and the verdict is (drumroll please): South Carolina peaches are far superior that Georgia peaches. Even though Georgia boasts about its peaches, if you ever get the chance to try SC peaches, its a def. must :)
Well I am off to Florida in a few days for a week (graduation trip), so expect a review/ pictures of Harry Potter World/ Islands of Adventure and Miami water sports soon (I ADORE water sports, my curent goals: learn how to surf and go scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands).
To end this post, I thought I'd post a cool mural I really liked: "Inspire Each Other"
Keep Smiling,
Maryam
EDIT- the weather here bites right now, it has rained all but 3 days here since I drove into Hotlanta. grrrr I might as well have moved to England if I didn't want to see the summer sun.
Stolen from my roommate's phone: Tallulah Falls, GA (great hiking destination)
A dock in Piedmont Park
Cute, weird house in my neighborhood
Atlanta STREET ART part 1 (some random murals I found walking around) :
A small shop in my neighborhood- reminds me of Austin
On another note, I finally got around to buying some peaches from the local farmers market, and the verdict is (drumroll please): South Carolina peaches are far superior that Georgia peaches. Even though Georgia boasts about its peaches, if you ever get the chance to try SC peaches, its a def. must :)
Well I am off to Florida in a few days for a week (graduation trip), so expect a review/ pictures of Harry Potter World/ Islands of Adventure and Miami water sports soon (I ADORE water sports, my curent goals: learn how to surf and go scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands).
To end this post, I thought I'd post a cool mural I really liked: "Inspire Each Other"
Keep Smiling,
Maryam
EDIT- the weather here bites right now, it has rained all but 3 days here since I drove into Hotlanta. grrrr I might as well have moved to England if I didn't want to see the summer sun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)