Tarpon Springs .

||Day Thirteen||

This morning we said our last goodbye to Orlando, and hello to Tarpon Springs.

Tarpon Springs is a quaint town that is home to a high percentage of Greek Americans. In fact, to start off our "Sponge Capitol" adventure, we ate at a Greek restaurant with one of my dad's cousins (whom he hadn't seen in a very long time, and that neither my brother and I had met before). I ate way too much bread and olive oil, but altogether it was delicious.

After lunch and a little exploring through some shops, my dad's cousin took us to Hellas Bakery for a dessert and Greek coffee (though I passed on the coffee).

After much deliberation, I decided upon "Mickey Pasta". It ended up being a piece of chocolate cake with layers of whipped cream and topped off with a whipped cream/chocolate covered "Mickey". It's not clear from this picture that it's a mouse, but rest assured, it tasted even better than it looks.

Before we left Tarpon Springs for our next and final hotel, my dad's cousin and I stopped by a jewelry/art shop. Between dozens of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, photographs, and other artwork, I managed to find these beauties.

I can't believe this adventure is over already. And though it has been a blast, I can't wait to be home in the comfort of my own bed. Let the pre-flight anxiety begin!

♥K

Magic Kingdom .

||Day Twelve||

Thanks for the memories, Disney World.

It's been fun reliving my childhood, and hopefully it's not another 15 years before we meet again.

♥K

Hollywood Studios .

||Day Eleven||

We started our day at Hollywood Studios with the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular", which truly was spectacular and also hilarious. After getting pumped up from the show, we made our way over to the The Twilight Zone "Tower of Terror". Somehow I managed to set aside my better judgement and give this ride a try. I was absolutely terrified. And of course it is not until you are strapped into the ride that you begin to debate whether it's too late to risk looking like a pansy and getting the heck out of there, or maybe that's just me.

So there I was, with a death grip on my seat belt (as if that provided me any security or comfort) as the ride climbed it's way up. After braving the first couple of plummets I began panicking, crying, and ultimately resenting myself for thinking I might enjoy this. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the worst ride I've ever been on, but that still doesn't stop my heart from racing and my palm from sweating just remembering it.

After surviving the Tower of Terror, I was skeptical of doing the Aerosmith Rock 'N' Roller Coaster. But after some consolation from my dad that it "wasn't too bad", I decided to wait in line and give it the old college try... that is, until we got to the front of the line and I saw that thing take off. This time, I went full pansy and I have no regrets.

Among the other rides and attractions that we did, Star Tours was probably one of my favorites of the day. It wasn't a roller coaster (i.e. no feeling of impending doom) but it was motion simulation attraction that was more entertaining than simply watching a video but yet did not make my heart jump up into my throat, a win-win in my book!

The whole day was full of fun, sun, and a definitely lot of walking. And while I am enjoying my vacation, especially my time here at Disney, I can't help but start a countdown for myself.

1 day left of Disney, 2 days left in Florida, and 3 days until I'm home. I am so lucky.

♥K

Epcot .

||Day Ten||

Spaceship Earth sphere

Entrance to Spaceship Earth

Gran Fiesta Tour in "Mexico Pavilion"

"China Pavilion"

"The American Adventure"

"Morocco Pavilion"

"France Pavilion"

"Canada Pavilion"

View of Spaceship Earth sphere from across World Showcase

"IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth"

Between pictures with Pluto, getting caught in the rain, and quite literally running all over the theme park (my dad is an extremely fast walker), I'd say it was a good day. And staying for the fireworks was definitely worth it.

♥K

Animal Kingdom .

||Day Nine||

This morning I said goodbye to the beach with one last lounge on the balcony.

And while I will miss this view, we are on to the next adventure -- Disney World.

The venue for today, Animal Kingdom.

According to my dad, I should become a tour guide for the Kilimanjaro Safari. And I must admit, it was awesome. Some of the animals get right up near the safari bus, and even when they don't it still feels somewhat more personal than just going to the zoo. 

Even though we've yet to visit the other parks, I have a feeling this will be my favorite. But we shall see. On to tomorrow!

♥K