This past weekend we decided to head over to Orlando again. Since Universal Studios was kind enough to give all FL school board employees a free summer pass, we took advantage of it for the second time this summer. We drove up early Saturday morning, headed to the park and than spent the night up there. Waking up early again on Sunday to have breakfast and head back over to Universal again.
Saturday was great, the weather was wonderful and so were the crowds, or lack there of. Don't get me wrong, of course there were still plenty of people. This gave me the opportunity to fulfill one of my favorite past times. People watching. Don't get me wrong, I did ride plenty of rides, I love the roller coasters. But when my neck and back get bounced around, forget it. I would rather sit on the sidelines and enjoy the free show. Sophie and I sat for a bit and watched from our "Kritika pad" (critics bench). It was easy to tell the "locals" from the foreigners. The dead give-a-way, believe it or not, the footwear. 
The "locals" had on mostly Crocs, as did we. IMHO, they are one of the most ugly, however, most comfortable shoe that I have ever owned. Imagine being on your feet in the parks all day long, and at the end of the day. No pain. I have 4 or 5 pair of them, as does Bill, Sophie outgrew hers. Time to get some new ones for her. There were a ton of people also wearing flip-flops. I can't even wear those to the grocery store without my feet being in agony the next day.
The parks were filled with lots and lots of British tourists. They are easy to spot, as metnioned above by their shoes. They wear some very unique shoes. Most of the women wear very very flat shoes. No arch support, no heels. Very similar to ballet slippers. How can they walk around in those all day?? If I did that, the next morning I would not even be able to stand on my feet. The mens shoes are mostly sneakers, but sort of pointy toed high tops, that have a velcro strap around them. Now these are not so bad, but they still stick out.
My all time favorite... the sandles with socks. What is up with that?? This is a theory that I have never understood. I would assume most people would wear sandles for the reason that they are OPEN and their feet can breathe and are kept cooler. Wearing socks with them seems to defeat the purpose. If your feet are cold and you are wearing socks with them, why not just put on a pair of sneakers. Who knows maybe I am confused about the whole subject. But for me, it is just such a contridiction in terms. I guess when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Oh yes, this is Rome. (Well sort of)
To view the pictures we took at Universal, from the first visit, in June check out my photo web site. We did not take the camera for the 2nd trip. http://mydreams.myphotoalbum.com/albums.php?page=1
This amazing statue... "The Unconditional Surrender "aka "The Kiss" (famous cover of Life Magazine) is located in Downtown Sarasota at Marina Jacks. It almost did not stay, some people did not like it, stating it is not art. I think that is the same thing they told Picasso.... (note, Sophie standing under the statue)
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