The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[afwdwfan]

Never been there and I have no real input, but I just had to say...

I want a nice pool with padded lounge chairs, a room with a view to see the sunset/sunrise, somewhere close to a Tiki Bar. I want frou-frous on a white sandy beach under an umbrella with palm trees gently swaying behind me; book in hand, and a delicious fish dinner waiting for me near-ish by. He wants cheap.

Good luck!!! Looks like you're gonna need it.

 

[pkondz]

And here we are. The tail end of a Disney vacation.

Wait... did I miss it?

Prince Charming and I will say good-bye to the "kiddos"

"say goodbye" on the outside you're all "Oh, we'll miss our little angels" while on the inside you're

Ask me how long it's been since we've had a "just us" vacation to anywhere further than 100 miles from home. Go ahead, ask.

How long has it been?

You, you there in front.
20 years?
Yes! You are right; very good guess!

Whoa. Who was that????

Exciting, huh?

I especially liked the middle part.

Non-planners drive a Planner/Type A freaking CRAZY!

but no hotel reservation is just not OK.

That's a bit much.
Been there. Never again if I can help it.

I want a nice pool with padded lounge chairs, a room with a view to see the sunset/sunrise, somewhere close to a Tiki Bar. I want frou-frous on a white sandy beach under an umbrella with palm trees gently swaying behind me; book in hand, and a delicious fish dinner waiting for me near-ish by.

Now that sounds just right.

He wants cheap.

Or that.

We've looked at this one:

Not bad.

And this one:

Not bad too.

And I would really love to hang out here:

yessss...

While he dives, I'll snorkel or lounge on the boat.

I take it you don't dive, then?

Or just get eaten by a shark. Or stung by jellies.

I'll take door number 2.

and resolve to never say, "I told you so." when we drive dejectedly from full restaurant to full restaurant hungry, looking for good food.

Don't do it!
Make the resolution, I mean.
Totally say "I told you so"
Rub it in.

who would seriously die for meal?

Fugu eaters.

Who's been there?

Not me, so that leaves me out of the loop.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ask me how long it's been since we've had a "just us" vacation to anywhere further than 100 miles from home. Go ahead, ask.

So, how long has it been? I'm guessing at least 20 years.

You, you there in front.
20 years?
Yes! You are right; very good guess!

Aw, shucks.

Here's the deets.

Well...I guess that seems very relaxing.

We've sat down a few times and looked at some places, but just can't agree on somewhere. I want a nice pool with padded lounge chairs, a room with a view to see the sunset/sunrise, somewhere close to a Tiki Bar. I want frou-frous on a white sandy beach under an umbrella with palm trees gently swaying behind me; book in hand, and a delicious fish dinner waiting for me near-ish by. He wants cheap.

Well...I'd draw a Venn diagram for this, but I'm not sure you'd like the results.

I will just relax and know we'll have a great time wherever we end up, and resolve to never say, "I told you so." when we drive dejectedly from full restaurant to full restaurant hungry, looking for good food.

Burger King does have a good "5 for $4" deal going right now.

Sidenote: that's an extremely odd idiom; who would seriously die for meal?

Good question! It would have to include bacon.

Who's been there? Where did you stay? What are some must-see things to do? Hemmingway's home worth a trip to West? Are there any hiking trails you've done? Give me what you got!! **LURKERS: THIS MEANS YOU TOO!** We only have about 3 full days there before we head back to Miami, turn in the rental, and head back to the Left Coast. What are the highlights we shouldn't miss?

My experience with the Keys looks a lot like your current plans:

 

[KathyM2]

other than from our neighbors who say Snappers on Largo is to die for.

I have heard great things about this place too. I am actually doing a two night mom-son trip in a few weeks to Key Largo with my son and hope to go there as well. Another great place is Island Fish Co. that we have been to. For very casual there is also Mrs. Mac's and DJ's diner. We have stayed at Hawk's Cay a few times as well. I have been to Key West and it is a lot of fun but depending on traffic it can be a really long drive on a two lane road....We are also hoping to do the African Queen Canal Cruise and maybe stand up paddleboarding...lots of places to do that. We are planning on staying at the Hilton in Key Largo. Oh I also enjoyed the turtle hospital in Marathon.

 

[Steppesister]

Well....

I see I have some lovely responses here and hope to get some replies back soon. But I've been asked out on a date and I don't turn many of those down.

So it's dinner and a band tonight. And DISTime tomorrow.

Meantime I'm basking in my day in the ED. Cardioverting someone with 50 joules is actually pretty thrilling. Seeing a gorgeous normal heart rhythm reappear is a beautiful thing!

 

[pkondz]

But I've been asked out on a date and I don't turn many of those down.

Way to go Liesa! Although I'm a little surprised your DH is okay with it.

Meantime I'm basking in my day in the ED. Cardioverting someone with 50 joules is actually pretty thrilling. Seeing a gorgeous normal heart rhythm reappear is a beautiful thing!

Wow. You're actually doing things I've only seen faked on TV.

 

[franandaj]

I hope you had a nice time on your date!

Who's been there? Where did you stay? What are some must-see things to do? Hemmingway's home worth a trip to West?

While I have not been there, I did read a great TR of some folks who traveled there in and amongst all of their Disney stuff. Here is a link to her TR, she has some great chapter links so you don't have read all about the cruises (they were on the ship for 2 weeks!)

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ge...of-towel-animals-update-10-25-day-31.3173523/

The Key West part starts on Day 23, or August 29. They had a nice hotel and had some great breakfasts. I don't remember if there were exciting dinners, it's kind of a while since I read this TR. Hope it helps!

 

[Steppesister]

Good luck on your exam!



Well it's not very creative, but I think this qualifies...

Perfect! I've not seen this attraction at all, but am hoping we can fit it in! It looks charming.

 

[Steppesister]

Nevermind. Forgot you were a Mom there for a second.

It is a forever sort of gig.

Oh geez. Hope all goes well.

It ended up well. There was nothing really that they could find, so ibuprofen and the brace when he needs it; like when he lifts weights.

And even more fun! Why the long (longer) commute?

Stalled semi on the freeway; wreck further on.

I phoned work last night before passing out and told them I was on "Do not call" for the morning.
Good move on my part, because they would have called... and I probably would've gone in.

Named after my hometown. Good start.

Winnie the Peg?

Wild Waterfalls Wending Wantonly through the Wilderness.

Nailed it!

I'm over-wrought

My grandma used to say that whenever she was tired and cranky. And used that term for us when we were in meltdown mode.

How did you get that? Waited until everyone left then used flash?

Yes. Yep, that's exactly what I did.

Must be a very wise woman.

Aw shucks.

 

[Steppesister]

the offending Washer and Dryer

I've never heard of a washer and dryer being called offensive. Always a first! LOLOL!

And that exhibition sounds interesting!

It was absolutely fascinating. Made my resolve to use my nursing skills to use for community dev and overseas nursing even stronger. Very well done and inspirational.

I'm still here I promise!! Hope the wrist is feeling better!

Yay! you're still hanging in there with me! My readers seem to be dwindling a bit; hopefully, things will start to be interesting again as things slow down in school a bit. Wrist is a bit better, and I'm able to do what I need to in order to do my job.

Gorgeous! I still haven't been able to see any of Carsland as it was still being built when I was last there. Someday....

 

[Steppesister]

the best way to remember is

... to study, study study. Write and re-write charts and tables and stupid little mnemonic pictures, and pray.

All right! <virtual high five

Right back at ya!

I'm always missing the post when you tell us an exam is coming up, so you're done before I wish you good luck!
I guess it doesn't matter because you seem to do fine anyways

It's totally fine! Really, it's a long, long cycle of seemingly never ending tests. But only 2 more left in this term- so perhaps the end is closer now...

I"m doing ok honestly. We started our program with 56 people, and have only 33 of those original left. It's a difficult journey, but one I think I'll survive.

So, now it is down to one more and the final?

One more reg exam, one final, 1 Clinical day, a few various meetings including a seminar to prep us for next term, and 2 lecture days.

You are really closing in on the final stretch of the program!

YES!!! Spring Break is just around the corner! I should be starting to pack for my little trip to Kentucky.

Congratulations!!! Keep it up!!!!

Thanks, Andy! I'm doing my best!

 

[franandaj]

I've never heard of a washer and dryer being called offensive. Always a first! LOLOL!

When you get over to my TR, you will see why it was offensive.

 

[Steppesister]

Asto Key West, we skipped this in 2004 as it seemed too far a drive from Key Largo. I visited on the Panama Canal cruise and you can read about it in my trip report. Starts here: If You See It Eat It! Via Panama to Disneyland - Completed and Link to New Trip Report 2/24

Thanks for the links! I will try to take a look-see tomorrow on study breaks. I don't think we'll be going all the way south to Key West, but you never know!

Bahia Honda State Park

This looks beautiful! We may give that a try. I wonder why that bridge is split? Hmmm...

OK. I have no recommendations but I can send you to a TR where a pair of folks do sone great travels in Key West. I'm on my phone and can't actually post a link, but if you go over to the cruise line TRs and look for the TR "Get off the ship we are running out of towel animals" TR you will find some great Key west ideas. She has chapters so you don't have to read the whole thing though it is worth it!

Oh Thanks!!! I will try to take a look at this one as well tomorrow during a study break. I think I saw a link you posted later...? Either way, I think I can hunt it down.

Good luck!!! Looks like you're gonna need it.

Eh, hemmm.... I think you're right.

 

[franandaj]

Oh Thanks!!! I will try to take a look at this one as well tomorrow during a study break. I think I saw a link you posted later...? Either way, I think I can hunt it down.

Wow! I'm totally losing it. I forgot I posted that from my phone, I did post the actual link this morning. I'm so crazy with stuff, I don't know what I'm posting anymore. Maybe I need to go to bed!

 

[Steppesister]

Wait... did I miss it?

Yeah. Where were YOU?!

"say goodbye" on the outside you're all "Oh, we'll miss our little angels" while on the inside you're

Man, have we met or sumthin?

I especially liked the middle part.

About as droll as watching the Oscars. Which I opted out of because A) We don't have TV, and B) They are droll.

Been there. Never again if I can help it.

I learned the error of my ways. I won't let it slip again.

I take it you don't dive, then?

No, I guess I'm kinda chicken I'll forget my physics down there and screw up. I like air when I need it. You know, like at all times. For some reason, air seems to run out of those tanks.

Totally say "I told you so"
Rub it in.

I'm pretty sure we're soul mates.

Fugu eaters.

What the WHAT?

 

[Steppesister]

So, how long has it been? I'm guessing at least 20 years.

You are freakishly good!

Well...I guess that seems very relaxing.

I thought so. Then again, I think studying trumps doing dishes too. So maybe my vote doesn't count.

Well...I'd draw a Venn diagram for this, but I'm not sure you'd like the results.

I find it rather hilarious that I actually almost did that.

Burger King does have a good "5 for $4" deal going right now.

I thought I said "good food". That neither qualifies as "good" or "food".

It would have to include bacon.

Ok, valid point.

My experience with the Keys looks a lot like your current plans:

So, you're saying riveting.

I have heard great things about this place too. I am actually doing a two night mom-son trip in a few weeks to Key Largo with my son and hope to go there as well. Another great place is Island Fish Co. that we have been to. For very casual there is also Mrs. Mac's and DJ's diner. We have stayed at Hawk's Cay a few times as well. I have been to Key West and it is a lot of fun but depending on traffic it can be a really long drive on a two lane road....We are also hoping to do the African Queen Canal Cruise and maybe stand up paddleboarding...lots of places to do that. We are planning on staying at the Hilton in Key Largo. Oh I also enjoyed the turtle hospital in Marathon.

Oh, yay! A bona fide recommendation! I'll check all these places out for sure. I've heard great things about the Hilton, but it may be out of our price range. Who knows..... I'm about to pop in some dates and see what Kayak and Expedia can do for me.

 

[Steppesister]

Way to go Liesa! Although I'm a little surprised your DH is okay with it.

Once in a while we actually get to see each other. Been rather scarce the last couple of years. So yeah, he's ok with a date now and then. (Yes, I know that's not where you were taking that.)

Wow. You're actually doing things I've only seen faked on TV.

I'm livin' the dream, ain't I?

I hope you had a nice time on your date!

It was ok. I drank a beer for the first time in like 26 years. I hate beer, but want to see if I drink it a few times if I'll develop a taste. A little experiment.

While I have not been there, I did read a great TR of some folks who traveled there in and amongst all of their Disney stuff. Here is a link to her TR, she has some great chapter links so you don't have read all about the cruises (they were on the ship for 2 weeks!)

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ge...of-towel-animals-update-10-25-day-31.3173523/

The Key West part starts on Day 23, or August 29. They had a nice hotel and had some great breakfasts. I don't remember if there were exciting dinners, it's kind of a while since I read this TR. Hope it helps!

Yes, there it is! I thought you had posted this. Thanks for making my job easier!

When you get over to my TR, you will see why it was offensive.

I will be spending a bit of time catching up tomorrow on all my lovely friends' threads! Now I'm intrigued...

Wow! I'm totally losing it. I forgot I posted that from my phone, I did post the actual link this morning. I'm so crazy with stuff, I don't know what I'm posting anymore. Maybe I need to go to bed!

Haha! Yeah maybe so!! I know I need to. Trying to get caught up on a fair bit of missed sleep now that things are a bit less stressful at school.

 

[pkondz]

It is a forever sort of gig.

Well before we had kids, we watched Parenthood with (among others) Steve Martin.
There was one scene that just got me.
If you haven't seen the movie, Steve's brother is always getting in trouble with get rich quick schemes.
At one point, Steve's dad says to him (in reference to the brother)
"It never ends."
And he said it with... such feeling.

Here's the clip.
Still hits me like a ton of bricks.

Stalled semi on the freeway; wreck further on.

That's always fun.
Reminds me of when we first took the DDs to WDW.
A quick (relatively) 8 hour drive to Chattanooga turned into a 12 (or was it 14?) hour nightmare.

Winnie the Peg?

Did you not know that Winnie the Pooh is from a real bear named Winnie (after his owner's home town of Winnipeg)?

Nailed it!

Wonderful!

My grandma used to say that whenever she was tired and cranky. And used that term for us when we were in meltdown mode.

She's gonna blow! She used the word! Run!

Yeah. Where were YOU?!

Right over there.

Man, have we met or sumthin?

I'm positive I'd remember that.

No, I guess I'm kinda chicken I'll forget my physics down there and screw up. I like air when I need it. You know, like at all times. For some reason, air seems to run out of those tanks.

So go dive in The Living Seas.
When you run out, they just slap an extra tank on.

I'm pretty sure we're soul mates.

Cool!

What the WHAT?

You've never heard of fugu?
From Wiki:
Fugu is the Japanese word for pufferfish and the dish prepared from it, normally species of genus Takifugu, Lagocephalus, or Sphoeroides, or porcupinefish of the genus Diodon. Fugu can be lethally poisonous due to its tetrodotoxin; therefore, it must be carefully prepared to remove toxic parts and to avoid contaminating the meat.
The restaurant preparation of fugu is strictly controlled by law in Japan and several other countries, and only chefs who have qualified after three or more years of rigorous training are allowed to prepare the fish. Domestic preparation occasionally leads to accidental death.
Fugu is served as sashimi and chirinabe. Some consider the liver the tastiest part, but it is also the most poisonous, and serving this organ in restaurants was banned in Japan in 1984. Fugu has become one of the most celebrated and notorious dishes in Japanese cuisine.

 

[pkondz]

Once in a while we actually get to see each other. Been rather scarce the last couple of years. So yeah, he's ok with a date now and then. (Yes, I know that's not where you were taking that.)

I'm livin' the dream, ain't I?

Actually... You are.

 

[englishrose47]

Keeping up !!! How come no one said Wooden floor , closely related to Wooden Spoon