5th Jan
realised that I haven't told everyone about the surreal experience I had while at the Florida Mall.
Towards the end of the day we were in Gap, and I was trying on some jeans. So in and out of the changerooms to get the wifes opinion (you know how it is) and then returning to the changerooms, I felt someone close behind me.
Glancing around I thought the face seemed familiar, just couldn't place the face.
Into the booth, changed then out again. This time the door next to me opened and there stood Brian Capron (Richard Hillman from Coronation Street- the first serial killer in a British soap).
So, now what to do? Do you go for the "oh my god you're Richard Hillman", or the complete non recognition, followed by running to the wife "did you see Richard Hillman".
Well, not wanting to end up like his ex wife (smashed with a spade), I did the nod of acknowledgment followed by the run to the wife.
I must say he looked quite suprised to see me staring at him in the changerooms.
Wow two celebs in one holiday !
On the way back home we stopped at this Italian place on the 192.
6th Jan
Today we are off to Tampa and to Busch Gardens.
Our arrival in Tampa coincided with the coldest day so far. Lots of people with gloves, scarfs and hats !! Not me though, shorts and tee-shirts for me (idiot, it was freezing !). So, one quick stop at the Surf shop later and I'm kitted out with a new sweatshirt.
I think the cold kept some people in, as the park was really quiet.
This is our first visit, but I like Busch gardens. Plenty to see and do, so we walked around to the kids area, went round on the train, checked out the animals etc.
Then onto Shreikra. Now I am not a fan of rollercoasters, but it had to be done. I got on straight through with hardly a queue. One scary ride later, I had managed to keep my lunch down. I think a lot of people were just going round and round on the ride.
Anyway we checked out the tigers being fed, walked somemore then decided to head off. We were staying at the Holiday Inn in Tampa tonight (more free points), although I forgot that the Holiday Inns in the US are not the same standard as those in the UK.
We had dinner tonight at a small Vietnamese place near the hotel, and it was very very good.
The hotel room was clean, if a little small and we managed to get a restful nights sleep.
7th Jan
Off for some more shopping today at the International Mall near Tampa Airport. Breakfast at the hotel was forgettable and we then got lost heading for the Mall.
Eventually got there.
Now this is one of my favourite Malls. Plenty of good shops, some upmarket stores, plus Apple of course. I really like Abercrombie and Fitch, the quality of the clothes are excellent, just a shame they are made to fit very small people (not me).
Really went for it today, plenty of money spent on all.
Dinner at the Mall in Tony Romas - excellent.Then the drive back to the villa.
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