Wednesday 15 June 2016

A Day At Discovery Cove

Hi everybody, Uiscebawn here! I managed to get the best job in the world and they decided to send me to Florida to sample some of the amazing theme parks there! One of the parks we visited was Discovery Cove. I was so excited to go here because we had had a hectic few days and this was our last park of the week. I think we all needed to go somewhere where we could relax but still have unforgettable experiences. Discovery Cove was the perfect place to go. It only allows 1300 people in a day. It has a quieter, resort like experience. Its an all-inclusive so food, drinks, wet suits, towels and sun cream are all included. Here’s how my time at Discovery Cove went :)


When I first arrived at Discovery Cove, I received photo ID that I brought around the park throughout the day. This tells you the time of your dolphin swim if you have purchased one and is also proof of being over 21 (very important.) The group I was with all had a laugh at each others photos before heading into the resort. I grabbed a pair of snorkels and went straight to the Grand Reef.


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The Grand Reef is fantastic for the whole family! This saltwater reef has shallow areas for paddling and deep areas for the more adventurous swimmers. I forgot I was in the middle of a park and believed I was swimming in the ocean with stingrays and other fish. After petting a huge sting ray and swimming with the colourful fish, I took a selfie with a shark! Don’t worry, there is glass between you and the sharp teeth! I could’ve spent all day there! Before I knew it, it was time for my dolphin interaction.


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This 30 minute adventure was the highlight of the day! I got up close and personal with a bottlenose dolphin named Yoko, fed it, swam with it and got my picture taken so the memories could last even when I returned from my trip! An expert trainer was there the entire time to answer any questions we had about the dolphins. The dolphins loved all the attention and belly rubs they got and they put on a show for us at the end.


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I went to Laguna Grill for my lunch. This is where I went for my breakfast, lunch and unlimited snacks and beverages! After my pulled pork sandwich, I wanted to go somewhere to relax and enjoy the sun. I went to an area which has unofficially been named the Relaxation Station! This shallow water is heated and has seats built in so you can sit back and relax with a drink. I was so relaxed, I hardly noticed the time go by! I didn’t want to miss out on all the amazing attractions at Discovery Cove, so I left the comfort of the heated pool and went exploring!


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I explored the Wind-Away River, saw otters playfully splash in the Freshwater Oasis and even saw two macaws have a sing off with two guests at the park! I left Discovery Cove with a smile on my face... and sunburn on my nose! Top tip: Use the dolphin friendly sun cream they provide. You'll need it!
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There was something to do no matter what my mood and I would recommend this to anyone visiting Orlando! Hope this helps anyone looking for things to do in Orlando other than roller coasters.

Talk soon!

Uiscebawn x

Saturday 16 January 2016

The Year I Went Places

2015 was finally the year I was old enough and could afford to go to the places I wanted to go to. I also said yolo quite a few times when booking flights! No regrets! Since 2015 has come to an end, I'm going to reminisce on my travels which made a difficult year amazing!

The first half of the year was spent working my ass off. I had an unpaid internship Monday to Friday and I also worked in a bar evenings and weekends. But it paid off in the end because 1. I got a full time job out of the internship, 2. I has saved up enough money to spend my entire Summer doing whatever I wanted and 3. It meant I actually deserved to treat myself a bit.

So in June I went on a short family holiday to Tuscany, Italy. A few days were spent on an Italian mountain side with spectacular views. We made a couple of day trips to Volterra (yes, the city from the Twilight book) and one of my favourite cities in Europe, Florence. After a few days we made our way down to San Vincenzo to relax by the beach. I've been to Italy six times and this is the first time I've known that Italy has beaches!





Not long after I got back from Italy, I was off again! This time to New York City with my sister  and cousin. I had been previously but I didn't experience everything I should have. This time I did it all! Saw the Broadway show, Matilda, cycled in central park, went to the museums and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. All the mandatory tourist activities were done. But we also experienced New York like a local because my cousin knew all the places to go (and eat.)





I went straight from New York to Orlando for a week of theme parks. You're never too old for Disney World! My sisters highlight of the trip was getting a selfie with Cinderella. My highlight was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios! It was non stop roller coasters, shopping and eating and shopping. For the sake of my waistline, it was time to leave.






I was home less than 24 hours before I was at the airport again, this time for a girls holiday in Greece. This was three weeks of pure paradise! Mykonos was exactly what I expected Greek Islands to be like; white buildings with blue roofs, skinny streets and spectacular views! Ios was party all day all night. If you're looking for nightlife, go there! Santorini was exactly what we need after Ios. We chilled by the pool and watched the world famous sunsets in the town of Oia. Our last stop was Crete. A lot more built up than Mykonos and Ios, it wasn't my favourite. But we stayed in great accommodation, really quiet but close enough to the strip for some nightlife.





I was back in Ireland by the end of August to start my new job but I still had some travelling to look forward to in September. A group of friends and I were going to Berlin for a weekend for Lollapalooza music festival. We only had one day to sight see in Berlin so we did the predicable; Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. We were blessed during the music festival as the weather was absolutely glorious!





I had assumed that my travels were over for 2015 but working in the travel industry has its perks. I found out from my manager that I was heading back to Florida in October! The best part was I didn't do any of the same things I did when I had gone to Orlando over the Summer. I went to parks I had never ben to like Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. As an added bonus, Orlando wasn't our only destination. We also spent four days in Clearwater, on the coast of Florida. After one day there I had already decided this is where I was growing old! I have never seen so many beautiful sun rises and sunsets!






That is when my trips came to an end for 2015. I can't wait to spend all my money on more unforgettable experiences in 2016. China is already booked for May and a quick trip to Blackpool or Amsterdam is on the table. Have you any suggestions for good weekend trips for me?

Talk soon, Uiscebawn x