Since the start of
June I started work as a custodial (glorified cleaner) at the ‘University of
Madison’ and ‘Burlington’ (discount store) work has been busy fitting
everything in, but it feels good to be earning money again and paying my way,
while still being well supported by my mum and my new in law family. The roles
have been acceptable so far but certainly not getting paid enough as if I
worked within the UK, but more on that later.
July seen us as newlyweds
finally go on honeymoon to Florida mainly for the exceptional ‘Universal
Studios’ theme parks. This ever expanding business now boasts three theme parks
in total, ‘Universal Studios’, ‘Island of Adventure’ and new park ‘Volcano Bay’.
This trip was also extra special as we had a good dose of UK accents and foods,
including our friends from the U.K. that came to share the experience with us.
Our trip started with me finishing work at night, before being whisked away
with the wife to Milwaukee airport, two flights, one movie and a few snacks
later we were in Florida. We already had a ride to our hotel organised which
made it simpler, better still it was a friendly guy from Cuba, who hopefully
convinced my wife to explore his native country in the future. The first day
(arrival day) gave us enough time to check in to the average/good hotel and
take the short walk to ‘Universal City Walk’. This was the entrance to the
parks and housed lots of entertainment areas and stores for anyone that comes
to visit as no ticket is needed for this area just strict security checks. The
highlight from this area would have to be ‘The Chocolate Emporium’ a glamorous
steam punk themed restaurant full of chocolate as you would guess, but also
delicious and huge milkshakes ($12 each with free plastic jar); this is a must
to do! Then we went for a brief introduction into ‘Universal Studios’ Main park
to experience the Terminator show (very dated) and Simpsons ride (rather
enjoyable). 
The second day was
perfectly setup as ever with a free hotel breakfast and a full tour of ‘Universal
Studios’ with our friends from the U.K. Once we met up with them in the park we
all marched on to the spellbinding ‘Harry Potter’ world of ‘Diagon Alley’
luckily we had an early entry pass (an essential purchase/upgrade!) so we could
enjoy some of the sights with less people and jump on the magical rides before
the huge lines began. The ‘Hogwarts Express’ train which runs from a fake Kings
Cross train station in ‘Universal Studios’ to ‘Islands of Adventure’ is
certainly an experience and worth checking out. Although you are riding an
actual steam train the view from the windows is green screen and takes me back
to being in England. The Kings Cross station is weirdly familiar to the actual
one in London, which I have sat around in for hours on end. It even sells U.K.
confectionary and displays may places I have visited on the time table boards,
such details demands an applause. 
As the adventure and
honeymoon continues, we discovered new areas, rides and food. All of it equally
awesome and totally encompassing from the staff costumes to the music. However,
the refreshments could be improved as quality does not match the price. It was
great to have butter beer and a huge Simpsons donut but the “European food/breakfasts”
we got were way off point. They served us fruit of melon pineapple etc with a croissant
and a scone, nowhere near what us British have for breakfast. Moving from food
to merchandise now and as you would expect there is a plethora of special and
classic items in the various stores. One store I would recommend is the Island
of adventure universal store or the stores in City Walk as they have big
collections. As the Honeymoon started to wind down the excitement did not as we
were always raring to go on the next day after only 5-6 hours sleep. We managed
to take in some of the tourist trail in Orlando, visiting Ripleys museum and
THE Hulk Hogan store.
Although we only got
to enjoy the water park (Volcano Bay) for a brief period it was totally
encompassing and brilliant in every way. Once you walk under the walkway to
reach the new park the environment changes for the better and it feels like you
are transported to the Caribbean. Navigating through the queue and beach huts
takes little time before you are met with an impressive volcano towering over
the skyline. The water park rides are also encompassing for all ages and fear
levels, perfect for the summer sun. The only concern I would say for future
travellers is the lockers are over priced at about $8 (for the day) when you
should get one for free. Also you must get there early to get a good spot on
the beach or to even get in as it reaches capacity really fast. Again
merchandise and food can be pricey so stay smart and plan ahead.
We enjoyed the final
night with our friends Mike and Katy by dangerously feeding the ducks in
extrovert ways before being serenaded by opera singers in the couples beautiful
makeshift hotel, which reflected Italy perfectly. This time, along with return the
flight was a great chance to reflect and be thankful for what we have at the
moment and what we have fought for as a couple. As Johnny Cash once sang ‘a
richer man is someone without any money’. On that note the chapter of summer
has closed on our first few months together, here is too many more, cheers to
the newlyweds.
