Of Buschs and Beaches

Finally made it to the "real" beach. Took a trip to Venice yesterday afternoon. Wow. It made for the perfect afternoon. Tottles and I spent hours there. I whipped out "1984" for a bit and then ventured out into the waves. Got a good bit of the Gulf up my nose. Of course, I couldn't resist hunting around for some seashells.

I think I spent a good hour walking up and down the beach collecting shells. There was a nice breeze and the sun wasn't shining too much. But once it hit noon, Tottles and I took off. It was hard to leave, especially as I saw more beaches on the way up to the outlet mall in Ellenton, which totally beat out the the outlets in Chicago. There's something about that 6.5 percent sales tax...

Finished the day off with dinner at a hibachi grill with my aunt and uncle. Had some yummy sushi, steak and shrimp.

The day before, I spent the day at Busch Gardens. Hung out with the wallabies, lorries and hippos. And of course, I fawned over the palm trees. I just can't get over them...

But no more roller coasters for Erika. Hopped on two coasters -- I tried to be brave. What possessed me to even consider riding on another coaster when the first trip reduced my legs to jelly, I don't know.

The day ended with an ice cream bar and an impressive show done in the style of Cirque du Soleil. I was totally wiped.

There's just not enough time in to see everything. Daytona Beach, Universal Studios and Magic Kingdom are next! And maybe, just maybe I'll sneak back to those outlets.