Orlando and the adrenaline...

... In all the theme parks (Seaworld, Disneyland, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Typhoon Lagoon, Harry Potter World and all the others) are NOT on our to-do list this time. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't be a little sad not to be standing in Disney World between Cinderella and Cinderella or looking for a suitable magic cloak and wand in Diagon Alley. At the height of the respective highway exits, I had to take a deep breath more than once 🙈😥😢 But reality is different for us right now, and Frederik certainly wouldn't have been in the best mood for a day like this with all that input in the heat. We simply saw him as still too young.

So bye bye Orlando. Maybe there will be a reunion someday.

Instead, we sought out another beautiful spot. Of course, not just any spot!

No, instead, we traveled to the oldest city in the entire USA - ST. AUGUSTINE.

It was founded in 1565 by the Spaniards, more precisely by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles on the feast day of St. Augustine. Those of you who are quick-witted have already figured out where the beautiful name of this historic city comes from. 😉

It was never boring here even back then, and the occupation changed frequently from pirates to the British, the Spanish, and troops from Georgia and South Carolina. Until all of Florida was ceded to the USA by the Spanish in 1821. By the way, it was also discovered by the Spanish in 1513, declared a Spanish colony, and baptized La Florida (Land of Flowers).

We arrived at the hotel at lunchtime, ate something, and then familiarized ourselves with the area via city map before getting back in the car to visit the centuries-old Spanish fortress and then strolled through the historic old town. All very charming and well done. But of course, a place like this is very popular, and there is also the typical tourist hustle and bustle among the creative shops. Bars and restaurants in overgrown courtyards looked very inviting and cozy for the evening hours.

Surprisingly, we had already seen everything we found interesting on the first day. That doesn't mean there is nothing to do here. There is plenty to do and see! It's definitely exciting, especially for older children. From living in the fort to ghost tours, riding the trolley, a museum of curiosities, a crocodile park, and more, everything is here.

So there was plenty of time for the next day.

Wednesday was supposed to be very relaxed. So in the morning, we first visited a very nice playground, which included a beautiful carousel. Frederik only managed to stay on it for the first and last round without feeling nauseous. My occupational therapist brain immediately went on alert: we need to work on the basic senses. 😂 If anyone has a tip on how to turn off their professional thinking in private, I'll treat them to ice cream 😉

After climbing, digging, and sliding, we went to get a snack for lunch.

In the afternoon, we strolled through the historic pedestrian zone again and had some ice cream - Frederik and I shared a pistachio-rose water ice cream. Very delicious! Then we went to the small harbor, where we took a little tour around the city's coastline on a small boat.

Tired and sweaty, we didn't return to the hotel until around 8 PM and are now lying in bed, tired, after showering. Instead of Frederik, I found myself singing myself to sleep 😂 but I was woken up again.

We have a lot planned for tomorrow 😊

In this sense, my dear ones... GOOD NIGHT ❤