Florida part 2

Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America where waterways are lined with amazing residences. Here is a look back at our time there in December.

12th December.










Las Olas Marina mooring field. Seraphim was in prime position for the Winterfest Boat parade. Over one hundred brightly lit and loudly blaring competitors of all sizes sailed right on past in front of us. It was magnificent.

An extra treat was catching up with Pat and Walt on Centime with whom we sailed  from the Bahamas to Puerto Rico in Winter 04 when I was newly pregnant with Jack.

On Sunday 13th December Seraphim headed along the ICW and up the New River to a marina. I was singing “Electricidad”, my version of the Spanish song, “Felice Navidad” in anticipation at being able to plug into a dock for a while.

The New River Marina was also the start point of the Winterfest parade. Half dressed and unlit Winterfest boats headed down river, as we headed up. Matt, the dockmaster gave us an excellent spot alongside the re-developed Riverwalk, next to a park. It was to be our home for two weeks, which has stretched to five.

December 14th

I would never have guessed it was a special day if James had not bounced on my head before dawn singing “Birthday”. Later I was awoken from a doze in with champagne, yummies, and “Happy Birthday” sung by my boys.  (It hardly seemed a year since Rastafarian Adrian accompanied by his steel drum sang on the dock in St Lucia.) A day full of treats ensued including brunch at the Floridian Restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard, a Fort Lauderdale tradition. Highly Recommend.

Eileen, John’s mother, visited for two weeks over Christmas staying in a Best Western Oceanside Inn tucked between the Harbor Beach Marriott and Sheraton. Three minutes to the beach it was great value in a top location.

An explore by car through Rio Vista (River View) wowed us. The waterfront homes are as dazzling on the land facing side.

On Christmas Eve we attended the family Service at the Church by the Sea  which included a heart warming Nativity Play. I was intrigued that the Service sheet  announced who had sponsored the Poinsettias. It was the most fashionable congregation we’d come across. Supper was sorted by Tokyo Sushi, a Rodriguez celebration tradition (e.g. our arrival in the USA in May and my Birthday dinner).

On Christmas day after a present opening frenzy in Eileen‘s room, Christmas lunch on Seraphim was rounded off with a cruise of the ICW Christmas lights, aboard “Tropical Adventures“, a family run tourist boat. Father Christmas had first given us a flyer whilst we walked down Las Olas Boulevard admiring the Christmas decorations.

Florida part three comes up soon. Marriage proposal on the pavement, drive ins, dive ins, and police helicopters at bedtime….