Miami too)
got into many scrapes on telly, and all for your viewing pleasure, but never have I got into the water with an alligator. I have now! My gator is white but not as white as me and, as the trainer explains it all to Wally Gator, I am encouraged to rub his back… the gator that is! And, yes, he is scaly.
White alligators, you ask? Yes. We’re under cover here because if they were exposed to the sun they would die – there’s a lesson in there for us Irish – and they would also stand out because of their lack of camouflaged brown and green scales and therefore be more susceptible to predators.
Gatorland, you might be surprised to hear, is the oldest theme park in central Florida, and there’s a reason for that. It is an unforgettable experience. As is taking to an airboat to see the gators in their natural environment– flying through hanging branches, reeds and bushes while
I WAS CURSING ALL RIGHT… ON COBRA’S CURSE ROLLER-COASTER
spotting alligators. You can keep your roller-coasters. This is the thrill for me.
Kissimmee is the ideal destination for families as it offers a great selection of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and vacation homes.
This being America, of course, everything is bigger and you’ll be able to enjoy the best pools, your own Jacuzzi and cinema.
We have a friend out here who is always trying to get me and my husband Karl over and it’s something that we must do.
Of course, because Florida is roller-coaster central, the perfect way to end my road trip is to check out the big three theme parks: Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld.
I spend my last night at the rooftop Eleven restaurant at Reunion Resort close to Encore at Reunion where we’re staying.
I make it a good one, the standard fare in Florida restaurants is creature comfort food, steaks, burgers, fries...
I pig out before sitting back with a glass of Champagne to take in the spectacular fireworks displays from those funderlands.
But that will be another trip for another time…
I’m back on the road heading for the airport and my flight home to Dublin. There is so much more to explore and I have only done half of it.
I’ll be back and, next time, I’ll bring Karl back out with me.
Now where’s my friend’s number?