Michael Myers returns..and so do we....19 Fabulous nights of HHN, RP & SF Sept/Oct 2018

[schumigirl]

We head back into Diagon Alley after we have arranged delivery of the purchases. Of course I couldn't resist buying something for us too since we were having to buy something anyway...…..and I wonder why I get the reputation as a shopper!!!

It seems an awful lot quieter now than half an hour ago...…..

We pop over to the Hopping Pot where we share a fizzy Orange and a lemonade...….the drinks here are very nice and on a hot night like tonight they are most welcome.

It does still feel cooler in this area although there is no roof, it is like a little escape from the heat...….and we sit at a table with a couple who are first timers at HHN......it is lovely hearing their impressions as first timers and they are loving it.......but they are shocked by the amount of toddlers and children they have seen.....they were under the impression it was an adults only event.....they had left their kids for a child free night.....yep....so much for that idea!!

But they were lovely and had been totally converted to Universal from Disney!!! Again, lovely to hear....and they were so lovely to chat to.

We always find people like to chat......we have met so many people over the years by just smiling or being smiled at and then conversation ensues...….I`d hate to be that person who doesn't like to chat to people for one reason or another....….

We both finish our drinks and set off in opposite directions...we stay a little longer and enjoy the relative tranquility of this area before heading back out...….although to be fair, it`s not mobbed. It`s busier than last Wednesday night, but not as busy as the weekends...…..

Back out into the heat of the night we wander slowly around to the exit...….we are done for the night, but we will wander through a couple of scare zones before we left...……

Vamp85 was relatively muted tonight when we walked back through...….I think we must just have missed the dancers on stage...….but we didn't hang around long tonight...…..

This is a nice quiet street to pass a few quiet moments......and one thing I love about the Universal parks, is there are plenty of benches and seating around...….so if you did feel like a little break, there were plenty of choices......even in Diagon and Knockturn Alleys.

I loved this view...….RRR looks resplendent at night lit up this way...…..and we were tempted to go and have another ride.....but, there are two times I can`t ride it....one is when I`m too full......and the other is when I`m starving...…..and tonight I was starving...….so no RRR.....although I do love it at night.....seeing everything albeit briefly from the top is spectacular!!! What a ride!!!

The Monsters café does look good for pictures...….shame the same can`t be said for the food!!

We do wander through the Harvest zone...….and although generally poor for themes, it is a lot of fun tonight, and I do actually get a real scare for the first time...…..I had no clue the guy was behind me and he hissed in my ear...…..yep, I jumped about 3 feet in the air!!!

This guy was good...….Tom told me there was no one behind me...….yeah right...…..but I think everyone knows I love being scared and terrorised!!!

I loved this picture of the moon below...…...spooky enough for a HHN...……

You can really see here there isn't exactly a line to get in the parks this late......not that it was late, it was maybe around 10.15pm??

Citywalk is exceptionally quiet tonight...…..and for a HHN it is amazingly quiet at this point...…

We were going to Margaritaville for food......by now I was almost passing out with hunger.....despite it being late we did like the idea of lava shrimp or similar...….and of course my favourite blackberry margarita...…

We went to the open area to go in and sit in the bar for food......but, the best laid plans...….they were closed for a private event...….it was the Boston Beer group who were staying at our hotel!!!

So, we very quickly decided to go to Jake`s......as the BB guys were all in M`ville…...Jake`s wouldn't be heaving!!!! It can get busy with convention people occasionally so there`s always a silver lining...….

When you are hungry every step feels like forever and we were both starving right now.

We walk into Jake`s and have our pick of tables...….it`s not busy at all......some nights it can get busy when they have live music on..….but tonight, was perfect.

I take a quick look outside and get a picture of the waterfall under the bridge as you come in, although you can`t really see the water in this light...…..it is so pretty though...…

The pathway leads all the way round to the pool, although this isn't the main entrance to Jake`s …...the hostess is over at the main entrance.

Our order is easy tonight, Tom orders a Boston Beer and I chose a Royal Pacific Sunset......both were very welcome......and we order what is one of the nicest things on the menu......Crawfish Chowder.....it honestly is delicious...…..

We hadn't tried it till very recently......one of the concierge had told us to try it and we wouldn't be disappointed......we hadn't been. It is sublime...…..I don't usually have soup when out, it`s usually too filling before dinner......but tonight.....this was dinner...……

OMG!!! This is so good...….We finish it pretty quickly and feel we are still a little hungry...…..when Kiki comes back, she asks if we are ready for dessert......we look at each other and smile, ask Kiki if it would be terrible if we got another bowl of the chowder each......she smiles and says no problem.....it is a popular dish!!!

Our second bowls arrive and they are overflowing...….this looked good!!!!

We thought we might struggle to finish these, but we managed them...…..and then sat back full...….

We asked for the check and Kiki informed us the second bowls were complimentary on the house...….how lovely of her!!!! She said we looked as if we had really enjoyed it......oh we had!

We thanked her profusely and tipped appropriately...…..we were actually glad M`ville had been closed. Service here is always excellent....staff are lovely and always so friendly. It really is one of our favourite places to eat.

It was quite late now and we thought of going for a walk round the grounds a little, but to be honest we were so tired...….we headed up to our room and crashed out almost as soon as we got in......forced ourselves to shower though, then I think we were sleeping in less than 10 minutes. No TV tonight for either of us...…...


Tomorrow we were planning to drive somewhere...…….

 

[buteraa]

Have you and Tom ever been to San Antonio or Charleston? Just reading your trip reports, those are two additional areas you might want to explore and they are both in the SE so not too far from Orlando. Both have really nice areas for exploration, food and drink.

 

[Raeven]

Absolutely!!!

I`m sure you`ll manage it.....you`re both young with lots of energy......it`ll be a breeze!!!!

I'm not worried about the energy part although it will be a lot of walking, more the logistics of planning a trip to both coasts within the same week, hoping the weather and everything cooperates and we have no major storms around that time. I'm still not sure of the exact dates or which place we'll go first or how we'll fit in all the LA stuff we want to do, so I have plenty to figure out before then!

 

[schumigirl]

Have you and Tom ever been to San Antonio or Charleston? Just reading your trip reports, those are two additional areas you might want to explore and they are both in the SE so not too far from Orlando. Both have really nice areas for exploration, food and drink.

Nope never thought about them...….will have a Google and have a look...…

Always love to hear about places we may like to visit...….

 

[schumigirl]

I'm not worried about the energy part although it will be a lot of walking, more the logistics of planning a trip to both coasts within the same week, hoping the weather and everything cooperates and we have no major storms around that time. I'm still not sure of the exact dates or which place we'll go first or how we'll fit in all the LA stuff we want to do, so I have plenty to figure out before then!

I know what you mean......we just considered doing Vegas at the beginning of next years trip.....but, we decided the 8 hour time difference was just too much to consider a 3 or 4 day stay......logistics were the issue.....

Yep, weather too......plays a huge part...….

 

[schumigirl]

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27TH...………..


The days were really passing quickly now...….it always amazes us how fast the time does go when looking back....but at the time, it feels like forever.....we have a long enough stay we never feel rushed, but at the same time 19 nights goes past quicker than you`d think.

This morning we were up early......well, our usual time, but we didn't laze around and quickly got showered and dressed and went downstairs for breakfast in record time.

Today we were driving to Dunedin. Just past Clearwater so around 2 hours drive time...….although it was absolutely too hot for the beach, we did love this little town a lot...….and we love driving here so win win today.

Breakfast was quick and we enjoyed our usual fayre of croissants for Tom and toast for me, and after our usual conversations we then went back upstairs for some sunscreen and then out to the car...….wow was it hot again today.....the sun was beautiful and we were loving every second of this heat and continuous sunshine...….we were being spoiled this trip with heat, but we did love it.

The drive isn't the most exciting drive and for a long time you don't really pass much...….once you hit outside of Tampa it does start to get prettier...….

The new Hard Rock Hotel is being constructed here......looks so much better than the one that it`s replacing, and will be a massive concern once it`s finally up and running. The one in South Florida looks totally spectacular......it`s going to be guitar shaped and the facilities will outshine anything they already have!! Might be a Hard Rock I`d consider staying in finally...…….I just have no love for the brand......except to go to The Palm......that was fabulous...….

Tampa is another place we keep saying we must go and visit it properly.....friends have spoke of the shopping and how beautiful it is.....maybe at some point we will...…..it does look a very pretty city. To go for the day is ideal as it`s not too far away...….

Once you are through Tampa you hit the causeways and these are so gorgeous...….although I`m not overly fond of water as most of you know, this is stunning to drive through...…..and hasn't changed in years...…..

And of course my thoughts swerve to the thought of driving through this in a storm!!! Wouldn't fancy that much...…..the water is so high on a regular day like today......so maybe not as pretty during a hurricane.

All the way along are cars with families just enjoying the water and their surroundings...….people with fishing rods and those very fit people with bikes!!! In this heat!!! But, everyone looks so darn healthy...….

We come in through the back end of Dunedin...….the satnav is invaluable and avoids Clearwater.....the first time we visited in 07 we found Dunedin totally by accident. We missed Clearwater

We did have a satnav......but it was rubbish......so, I blame the satnav ......how you can miss a place the size of Clearwater I have no idea...…...but we found Dunedin, had lunch and a lovely local man gave us excellent directions to get back........but, we loved this little place and in 2008 almost bought a property here......but, we ended up deciding we preferred hotel living to having our own property...…...even today though I still check on that house every time we visit...……it`s beautiful and even more so now......but, no regrets...…

But, by coincidence the satnav misses what we know is the turning into the town and with traffic and the road layout we have to keep going a little......but eventually we work our way back and find where we should be...……

We find the main car park that we used last time when we made the mistake of visiting on St Patricks day...….that was a busy and hectic day. But, the car park is ideal...…and it`s empty more or less, so the town shouldn't be busy.

It is the most peaceful and tranquil little place...….there`s almost no one around, but behind the doors and windows of all the bars and restaurants, folks are getting ready to open for the day...…and there are so many of them!!

There really is a host of food options here...….everything you could want, they have...….

And a good sense of humour too...…...

This apartment building hosts the most beautiful ice cream parlour…...we hadn't had any for a while but we did remember it well from many years ago......it looked identical.....and of course had the most beautiful surroundings...…...

We were heading down to the pier area of Dunedin and stopped for a picture beside the little water feature we had first taken a picture of back in 2007...…..it was right beside the place we had lunch.....and it had changed dramatically over the years...…..the first time we went it was a very traditional place, when we last visited last year it had changed to a very modern seafood place.....I think I preferred it the more traditional way.

More on the way...……

 

[schumigirl]

I like on the Dis you can post 35 pictures in one post......and usually I do use the full capacity........I don't like doing lots of small posts as you don't get the same flow with a trip report...…. but today I`m actually doing four things at the one time...…..so I`m being distracted......just a little, I have my friends dog here with me who is very loving and just wants attention.....Golden Labrador.....and also the Dis went down yesterday just as I was about to post!! So, we`ll see how it goes today...……

One of my friends has just emailed she liked the latest post.....I honestly don't know how she gets any work done as she`s always online when she`s supposed to be working!!!! Good job she`s the boss I suppose!!

Anyway...……


The pier is beautiful at Dunedin...……it is only 3 miles or so from Clearwater itself, but has a very different feel to it......Clearwater although beautiful, feels very touristy, whereas Dunedin was the polar opposite......

It really is stunning and one of the prettiest places to be in...…..the boats in the harbour aren't huge, but they are quite impressive.....and folks like to chat as you admire their boats...…..

We were both standing on the side here and all of a sudden we saw a beautiful dolphin just peep it`s nose out of the water...…..it was stunning to see this lovely creature in it`s natural habitat...….it swam all around for a few minutes and then went deeper out the way......we didn't manage to capture it all, but we did try. We then saw a few others around the pier and one of the boat owners began talking to us about them and how they needed to be in the wild..….we said we wouldn't never go see them in captivity and like him would only see them in the sea......he said he was heartened to hear that.....and then began talking to us about what conservation items were in place to protect them and general keeping animals in their natural habitat was so important.

They were an interesting couple to talk to as they went about doing little jobs on their boat...….

But, by now our little vision had disappeared into the depths of the dark water.

There were about 8 dolphins out there at sea roughly that we had seen......but we missed them all for pictures......but they weren't jumping out of the water like you would see on Little Toot or the Sea Screamer...….but still cute to see them swimming around where they should be...……

The building here is one we considered for lunch today.....but we had decided on another place that we had passed and remembered someone told us how fresh everything was in there......we had no idea how fresh!!!

This was bliss. Genuine bliss...….we sat and enjoyed the sunshine, although we could have done with a little shade as I was on a slow boil right now...…..the material of this dress was not totally conducive to extreme heat...….but, we were still making the most of the sun, the heat and the views which were stunning.

We managed a selfie!!! Although generally I hate selfies, but it had become a bit of a joke now that we took the occasional one or two...….one of my friends daughters has a selfie, sorry narcissist stick as it`s better known, and is always pouting into it constantly...….with that puffed up blowfish look with her lips!!!!! But, she`s 19....she has an excuse...…..and she is very beautiful!

We were walking back up when a lady approached us and asked if we were waiting for the ferry......we said no, so she asked if we knew the times...…..I said there was a board half way up with times and prices on. They had started running a little boat to take you to where a lot of restaurants were in Clearwater......it was ideal if you were just going for dinner from Dunedin. I think if we stayed here overnight we would utilise it as saves driving...….I of course would check if they had adequate life vests...….and a fun Captain like this guy...…..

​

She had missed the board with all the info on it, and thanked us for helping her...…

This place did look nice...….but our lunch place was quite close...…

We desperately needed some shade now as I was now in danger of spontaneously combusting...….my face was redder than a traffic light and with my hat on my head felt like it was touching the sun!!!!

Time for lunch...……….

 

[schumigirl]

As we walked back up the marina, I was genuinely melting......we had been stood in the direct sun for over an hour......which for our pasty almost translucent skin wasn't ideal....thank goodness for sun screen! So, I was ultra keen to head inside somewhere and get a cold drink......

We saw this boat pull in beside where we were having lunch......and were thrilled to see a fresh catch being delivered......you couldn't get much fresher than this! The guys were keen to engage and show us their haul, which looked vast and varied and asked where we were eating lunch...….I told him the Olde Bay Cafe for sure.....and I was partial to shrimp.....he said we were in for a treat!!! I believed him...….

The Olde Bay Café we had seen every time we had visited......and we were always tempted to give it a try......a few locals had recommended it, and also a TM friend said she enjoyed it when her and her husband visited......that was good enough for me...…..

My only concern was there seemed to be a lot of tables outside but if they didn't have indoor eating we`d be back to the hotel at the end of the marina...….

They did indeed have a few seats inside...….a couple by the bar and a few by the window overlooking the boat that was still unloading their fresh haul of assorted seafood...….so we sat by the window and observed the unloading...….and the place had a beautiful aroma....not fishy thankfully, just fresh...….

There seemed to be one woman running the whole place...and she was incredibly efficient......she brought us a menu and asked what we`d like to drink...….

I asked for a water and pepsi…….and Tom got the same...….she looked at me for a second and said......do you like red or white...….I laughed and said both if you`re talking about wine...…..she then disappeared...…

She came back with a glass of red sangria...…..lovely!!!! I then saw they did red or white sangria and I must admit, I did like this one...….I must look like a sangria drinker …...all those miserable folks who disapprove of drinking can look away now.....you know who you are!!!!! I`m actually amazed you read this trip report at all...…… But apparently you do!!!

Anyway...……

And boy did I look sweltered in both pics below!!!! Hats, although perfect for avoiding direct sunlight on your head, do not enhance your hair in any way shape or form......but I could live with that...…..

The sangria was lovely......very refreshing and not too strong for such a hot day...…..but we devoured our water and the lady topped us up frequently...…..

We did notice the lack of straws as the boat man had told us...….she did tell us when we ordered we wouldn't be getting a straw......ok by us. It did make me think though, I do like a straw when having soft drinks and cocktails, and never really gave them a thought before.....I hate paper straws though so would rather do without than use them.

And here we are again being a little narcissist.

The menu was simple and lovely...…..we were struggling to choose...…..she told us the shrimp would be a little longer as it had just come in...….that was me sorted.....I was having a shrimp cocktail.....Tom chose the sea scallops and we would have these as little appetisers……...Tom always worries about me with fish, so in case I didn't like what I had ordered as a sandwich he chose a smoked turkey cheese and bacon sandwich......he is such a worrier...….but I had gone with something rather unusual for me......it had frugal in the title .....so it was the frugal fish sandwich I would go for......I assumed it was whatever they had the most of that day, but it was Tilapia...…..Tom had pointed it out to me on the menu.....I hadn't noticed.....think I was worried about the word frugal describing my food!!!

They have a sign up saying they don't deep fry anything.....everything is seared on a cast iron skillet and finished in the oven if needed.....I liked that.

We sat and enjoyed our drinks.....I had three now......water, pepsi and sangria...…..and looking out over the water was divine...….we didn't see anymore dolphins today sadly......but we were glad we had see the ones we did.

About twenty minutes later our little apps arrived...…..when I say little.....the shrimps were anything but little...…

Tom`s sea scallops were smaller, but so tasty......I think it was a mustard sauce over the top of them.....and oh so perfectly cooked!!!

They were both gorgeous…….shrimp were unlike any I had tasted before......fresh, sweet and so plump!!! And the scallops were the same......we honestly could have eaten the same again...….

We did share......a little!!!

Then our sandwiches arrived...….

Mine was a winner. It was moist, juicy and not too strong a fish and plenty of it in the wrap.....and even the potato chips were nice!!!

Tom`s was just alright.......thing is this was predominantly a seafood place, so they focused on that more than turkey I presume......it was just a typical store bought slice......but together with the various relishes and dips they had for us, it was a delicious lunch and we absolutely loved every mouthful!!!!

Apart from pickles......not a big fan. But, Tom loves them.

We paid our check and thanked her for the sangria...…..what a nice gesture...…..and left a good tip of course......we headed back out into the heat of the day and wandered over the road to the park that is on the other side...….

We were glad of the shade under the many trees that were dotted around...…..and it was beautiful….we had a little wander but, the heat was absolutely swarming us right now...….so we headed back to the path that would leave us through the town to the car park...…..

This was the first place we had lunch here back in 07 and we had eaten there last march when we visited. We for some reason called it Sea Sea Raycers…….called it that for years.....it`s actually Sea Sea Riders....but, it was a nice place for food.

Wandering back through the town we stop for a few photo ops and marvel at how much we liked this little place...….probably couldn't spend more than 2 days here if we did do an overnight stay, but for a short visit it was perfect.

I loved this little scene.

We stopped in at a little store that sold all sorts of things......very beautiful things....and the lady who worked there was keen to talk......very keen. Now we like to talk, but we also wanted back to Orlando before the rain that was on it`s way tonight hit...…..

I purchased a tea towel that had a wine theme......and funnily enough I haven't seen it since we got home.....I have no clue where it is..….

Then we finally got out of the store and headed the few steps back to the car park and our ridiculously hot car...

Outside temp was 103F. 103.

Time to switch the engine on quickly and we headed out of town.

Our satnav has a mind of it`s own here. We had gotten lost last time going home....and every time actually.....I don't think we had came home the same route twice!!!

But today we avoided the error of the last time and got on the right route...…..

Soon we were passing the beautiful waterways again...…..

I loved this view...…..although I was still a bit bemused they had incorporated a cycle path on the other side of the road...…...that would be energetic. But, such a beautiful view...….we loved this journey.

Tonight we planned to go back to HHN...….but.....best laid plans...….

 

[keishashadow]

“all those miserable folks whodisapprove of drinking can look away now.....you know who you are!!!!! I`m actually amazed you read this trip report at all...…… But apparently you do!!! “



Cheers, I am dying lol.

I’m with you on wanting to respect the wildlife & environment but some drinks (frozen especially) just beg for a straw. I was recently informed the PC thing to do these days is carry your own metal, reusable straw. At first I thought the person was pulling my leg.

Funny how often the best food appears on disposable plates

You do look as though you both were close to melting. Heat seemed far more brutal this year in MCO, lucky you didn’t get heat exhaustion or worse.

 

[macraven]

Your pictures are always so nice

Makes me feel I am looking over your shoulder on that trip

 

[schumigirl]

“all those miserable folks whodisapprove of drinking can look away now.....you know who you are!!!!! I`m actually amazed you read this trip report at all...…… But apparently you do!!! “



Cheers, I am dying lol.

I’m with you on wanting to respect the wildlife & environment but some drinks (frozen especially) just beg for a straw. I was recently informed the PC thing to do these days is carry your own metal, reusable straw. At first I thought the person was pulling my leg.

Funny how often the best food appears on disposable plates

You do look as though you both were close to melting. Heat seemed far more brutal this year in MCO, lucky you didn’t get heat exhaustion or worse.

Yes, it’s amazing.......I never knew I was worth so much of someone’s time who genuinely doesn’t like me......but seems I’m worth discussing and making comments about.......who knew!!!!

My thoughts about folks like that are miniscule............and really........






That’s about it really janet, not much else to say about folks like that, glad I can annoy............ You’ve gotta laugh........

Yes, I still use straws........not travelling around with a metal straw!!! If it’s pc.....I’m usually against it......

Yes, plastic plates I dont usually like, but his scallops were delicious! An yes, the heat was immense! We have never felt anything like it.........even in July and August it never felt as hot as it was in September.....

But........it was glorious........

 

[schumigirl]

Your pictures are always so nice

Makes me feel I am looking over your shoulder on that trip

Thanks mac.......

Glad you like the pictures......

 

[schumigirl]

Really meant to be further on that this by now......

Can’t believe I started it beginning of September..........should have been well finished by now!

Even a 19 night trip report Shouldn’t take this long.......How much waffling can one person do to drag a trip report out longer!

Been out for the day shopping and lunch......and just home.........

 

[pattyw]

Dunedin looks so quaint!!

Those scallops look amazing!!

No hurry on finishing the TR! Make good things last!!

 

[tammy]

Why can't people mind their own business?? Anyway...lunch looked wonderful, I'm hungry now. Such a cute little town. I love anything by the water. You guys are becoming masters at the selfie game! Thanks for sharing.

 

[schumigirl]

Dunedin looks so quaint!!

Those scallops look amazing!!

No hurry on finishing the TR! Make good things last!!

Dunedin is beautiful, I think you`d enjoy a visit to see it......very traditional and has a beautiful feel when you`re there. Oh the scallops were among some of the nicest we have tried...….

Yep, need to get it done. Two months is long enough to do 19 nights!!! Plus we leave in 3 weeks for 10 nights so need to get it finished well before then...….

 

[schumigirl]

Why can't people mind their own business?? Anyway...lunch looked wonderful, I'm hungry now. Such a cute little town. I love anything by the water. You guys are becoming masters at the selfie game! Thanks for sharing.

I know right!!! Funny thing is it seems to be folks who don't like Universal......lol...……

Yes, lunch was wonderful…...it doesn't look much of a place from the outside, but some of the best places we`ve been to have looked a little rough on the exterior...….but we were so pleased we went in.

lol......selfies are something to be mastered......not sure we quite did that....not enough practice!!!

I`m so glad you`re enjoying it tammy.....glad to have you along...…..

 

[schumigirl]

This should be a quick entry...……


So, we got back to the hotel and it was around 3pm I think...….and the sky did look a little dark. But, we still planned to do HHN....as long as it wasn't pouring down, we`d still consider going.

We jumped in a much needed shower and enjoyed how cold the room was today......today we felt the humidity build as the day went on.…...you could almost cut through it as it felt so thick....

Once we showered we headed down to the Club Lounge and enjoyed a really good time......it was a really good team on tonight again. We felt as though we had the place to ourselves tonight which was lovely as we could chat away to our hearts content to the lovely staff that were on.

The food in the lounge looked lovely, but, we didn't touch any as we planned to eat later....somewhere.....we hadn't decided yet.....but after we were done with HHN we would find somewhere...….there was certainly plenty of choice of places to eat around the hotels and Citywalk.

As we sat we could see through the windows in Islands...….it was raining......and getting heavier.....then even heavier...…..

We watched with gloom and no way were we trawling out in that weather...….

It was after seven now and everyone was gone from the lounge guest wise.....so we were in no rush to leave......at that one of the chefs came though and we thought he was another chef......they do look alike.....somewhat...….but this was Chef Ron who was now in The Islands......and a lovely man. It was nice to chat to him finally...…

Now we had a quandry…..a real quandry…...where to eat.

We had eaten in Jake`s a few times, although Tom would have been eager to go again as he adores the crawfish chowder...…..and we had already enjoyed sushi...….but of course we could eat that again anytime......Orchids sushi really is a cut above most of the other places we had tried in Orlando.....portions are excellent and the quality is second to none......we really couldn't see past it if we wanted sushi.

We had tried Cowfish for sushi once or twice, but although it was nice, it didn't touch this. Cowfish excelled in burgers......most people would struggle to find something wrong with them!!!

So, I suggested we just eat in The Islands...…...it didn't look too busy and you couldn't get much closer as we were looking at the tables from here...…..so, Islands it was.

We went out to the hostess and asked if we could have a table with Casey looking after us...….he had been so lovely last year and we saw he was working tonight......no problem.

It was a shame the wok experience wasn't on......we really enjoyed that when we had done it before.....but, it wasn't on so it was the regular menu which we did enjoy anyway...…….

We got a nice table and perused our menu`s...….Casey remembered us as soon as he came up.....which is always lovely...…..we were looking at drinks and decided against wine, so we both ordered a rum, ginger beer and lime each......I asked for extra lime wedges as we do like a lot of lime squeezed in...….and boy did we get extra lime!!! About 4 wedges each...….nice!!!

We felt tonight we`d like an appetizer...….some places we don't bother, but I loved the Korean Hot Wings......so that's what I opted for...….it came with a watermelon side which I usually don't like...…and a sweet and spicy sauce.

Tom went for the Krab Rangoon, which came with cream cheese and a sweet chilli sauce...….

They were both lovely......really lovely. Tom`s was lighter than it looked, I thought it looked heavy when it arrived, but it wasn't at all......and very tasty...….

My wings were delicious.....and messy!!! You just can`t eat wings ladylike at all...…...but I didn't care....they were delicious. And the watermelon, Casey told me to try it.....and now I can`t remember what it was, but it was steeped in something to give it a different flavour…...and it was beautiful.

There is a good gap between apps and entrees which we like a lot...….it was nice just sitting and watching the weather outside....although I think it was easing off slightly, which we were happy about as HHN is so much better when it`s dry...…..it was awful to think of folks getting soaked as well as SA......we knew of a few people who were going tonight as their one and only night. So, although we weren't going to bother going now, we were glad it was clearing a bit.

I had chosen General Tso Chicken, no onions headache and extra spicy...…..I forgot to ask for noodles as I don't really like rice, but it was alright...…..and Tom had ordered the beef stir fry.....again with rice as he forgot to ask for noodles too.

Lovely. But, still not spicy enough for me.....but there was a little tingle with this one tonight......if they doubled that heat, it would be so much better...…..but very tasty and the peppers were nice.

Tom`s looks a little dry, but once he gave it a stir there was a lot of sauce underneath......the beef was very tender I have to say.

We decided to have a cocktail while we waited to decide if we wanted dessert or not...…..so I got a Royal Pacific Sunset and I think Tom got another rum...…...I did like this cocktail...…..

And we did decide to go with dessert...…..I didn't want anything on the menu so I requested coconut ice cream which was on one of the desserts as a side, so I knew it wasn't anything awkward to ask for. Tom opted for what was supposed to be a dark chocolate dessert...…

I had gone to the bathroom, so when I came back mine had melted a little...….Casey noticed and asked if I wanted another when I came back, told him it was fine like that.....and it was......this ice cream is sweet and has a very decadent taste...…..I loved it.

Tom`s was nice.....but not a dark chocolate anything...…..

We were glad now we had come here tonight......it was a lovely meal and as always service was excellent, and food was lovely.

We paid our check and thought it wasn't too late...….we should maybe go do something...….truth was I was shattered...….all of a sudden I felt as though I could fall asleep on the floor...…..burning the candle at both ends was a younger persons game...…..

Tom very keenly suggested we should go do a couple of houses at HHN...…..

​

Tom laughed and said he was just kidding...….he had hoped I would say no...…...lol.....would love to have seen his face if I`d said yep, great idea...…...

We decided to go up to our room and watch tv......we had snacks, not that we were hungry, and we had drinks, but we had enjoyed enough tonight (yes, really) so we went to the elevators and Tom asked if I had seen a TM wave at us from the desk...…...then I realised……..

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While walking!!!!

Our room was lovely and we popped the bottles of water in the fridge and realized we still had half a carton of Snapple to drink......so we poured ourselves some Snapple and put the tv on...….again, there was some kind of scary movie on or two and half men...….I think Tom flicked between the two...…..

I was snoozing so didn't really see anything. But, this was lovely....chilling in our room, stretched out watching tv and drifting off to sleep...…..

We had enjoyed another lovely day, and tomorrow we were moving over to Sapphire Falls...…..

That was something we were looking forward to a lot...…..

 

[Vicki Rickerd]

Yes, it’s amazing.......I never knew I was worth so much of someone’s time who genuinely doesn’t like me......but seems I’m worth discussing and making comments about.......who knew!!!!

Wow, some people really do need to get a life.

 

[schumigirl]

Wow, some people really do need to get a life.

Absolutely!!

You’ve got to pity folks who get so invested in what others do or don’t do.........especially ones who look for the negative and try to put others down.........

I’ll take my life anytime.......