Well our third trip to Florida is over and we are back in Scotland now, to the lovely grey and damp weather.
Thought I would share some of our holiday with all and maybe even post a photo or two. This was our second trip to Florida in 2005, and the third holiday to Florida for us.
In March we went over for three weeks, travelled the west coast in an RV for the first week, then a villa for two weeks. I didn't post a report on the trip, generally it was okay but not a great holiday.
This time we were staying in a villa for the two weeks.
First day - Dec 29th
We (Me, my wife and two year old daughter) left Edinburgh in the afternoon and stayed at the Premier Travel Inn at Gatwick. I thought it was quite handy as it's only a short walk from the North terminal. We used the Virgin twilight check-in and found our seats allocated as requested although there was a long wait.
We had booked premium economy this time using Singapore airlines miles I have been accumulating. Our seats were downstairs at the back of the PE section.
After some tea in the airport, we walked over to the hotel, and although its not far it was so so cold.
30th December
Woke up to the first real day of our holiday and after some breakfast we walked back to the north terminal then over to the south for the 1230 VS15 flight. Breezed through security, checked out the shops then over to the gate for a slightly late departure (around 30mins).
Flight was okay - but in my view the premium economy flights are not really worth the extra money. Yeah you get more legroom, but as soon as someone reclines the seat in front that disappears. And as the armrests are fixed its difficult to get comfy across the seats. Plus as the downstairs PE section is next to economy and the toilets are in the PE section, you get no privacy or quiet.
But I swear that Trinny (from What not to wear) was in Upper class, but my wife disagreed. I am sure I saw her entering the toilet !
The only benefit to PE comes when you arrive. Straight off the plane and into customs with only one group in front - wow.
But I have never seen so many people move so fast. They announced that as the earlier flight from LGW was late it had arrived at the same time as us, and the race was on to beat them to the customs area ! I saw people literally running from the airplane, and minutes after we arrived the customs hall was packed.
Anyway we breezed through, collected the bags and were in our Hertz hire car in just over an hour. [msnsmile2]
We arrived at our villa in Cumbrian Lakes around 8 after a short stop at 7/11 for some milk and bread. The villa owner had kindly left a small present for us - a huge bucket of popcorn.
Remarkably, Tyleigh (TJ) our two year old lasted till we got in the hire car before she finally gave into sleep (around 12 UK time), and was really good for the whole flight. We took some presents for her to unwrap and play with on the flight, I think she believes that Christmas lasts for a week now !!
Hogmanay
Woke up this morning to a beautiful warm day.
The weather during our whole holiday was brilliant. I think its the best weather we have had on any of the trips. Around 75 to 80 every day, sunny and clear.
Headed up to Ihop for breakfast and then over to Green Meadows to meet some of the animals. After capturing some ducks, holding the chicks and feeding the goats we headed over to Walmart for some supplies.
After calls home, we settled in for New Years on the couch with some wine and music, and fell asleep at 930 ! Well certainly a different way to bring in 2006.
More later.........
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