Outgoing Orlando

Spending a month in Orlando was a wonderful way to take a reset this summer. Everyday is sunny about 32°C/90°F with a surprise shower of rain in the early evening. Here are five fun highlights:

For those who would like to walk through the world of entertainment, Universal Studios is the answer. It’s a thriving theme park where adults and children can explore numerous attractions including the Simpsons Springfielnd, the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter, Hollywood, New York, San Francisco (sweets pictured below) and more. The movie magic is found all around you.

Next, the Sea Life Aquarium was special. Venture over to Orange County to see what’s going on. The best bit is the 360 tunnel of creatures. Then there are exhilarating exhibitions where you can come face to face with glow in the dark jellyfish, seahorses, sharks, stingrays, turtles and more. Also there’s a sea turtle rescue and conservation centre for those who would like to go one step further.

For lunch, taste the flavourful Filipino cuisine at Kaya. The snacks such as pandesel, shrimp toast and kinilaw are great. If you’re vegetarian, the bahay kubo salad and mushroom sisig are sensational. The land + sea options are bistek, chicken, lechon and oxtail. Note that the restaurant website shows seasonal menus, therefore you may be in for a pleasant surprise upon arrival. Best to keep an open mind.

Then the Orlando Museum of Art has cool current exhibitions: Color Fields and Inspirations from the Collection, Represent: Contemporary Figuration and Portraiture from the Collection and the USA 250: 250 Years on the Road to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

The football fanatic in me made it to Inter.co Stadium. It was an amazing atmosphere with a mix of female and male fans. Cheering on Orlando Pride, there are drums to keep the beat of the venue. To indulge, there are big beer brands and creative cocktails as well as burgers, hotdogs, fries and most bar/pub grub. Anyways back to the team, it was great to see skills from Rafaelle, Hannah Anderson, Haley McCutcheon, Hailie Mace, Angelina, Luana, Solai Washington, Summer Yates, Marta, Barbra Banda and others. Remember everyone watches women’s sports.

Later on, the Four Flamingos is a Florida fresh dinner destination. It’s a innovative restaurant at the helm of the acclaimed chef Richard Blais. There’s a lively and tropical ambience paired with cool cocktails, delicious dishes and desserts. I would recommend bubbles or a medium intense white wine for the seafood selections. For appetisers, the goat cheese brûlée, lobster bisque or tuna tostada. Mentionable mains would be moqueca, Scottish salmon or the yellow tail snapper along with solid sides and sauces. Daring desserts such as the baked Florida or the coconut panna cotta are both lovely. Note that the restaurant is located within the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort.

In all, it was a good time. Funny enough, Orlando has moved up this year alone as one of the top travel spots. Come down and enjoy the sunshine!