Before the heavy photo session and nearly incoherent rambling of how wonderful the last week was, can I just acknowledge that I finished my last end of rotation exam last week?! No more exams until the one that actually matters, boards. Cue the full-body shiver. The following weekends from here on out can be fully devoted towards refreshing the information I need to pass. Why is time moving so quickly?! I'll save that philosophical debate for later. For now, Florida!

We started our adventures on Sunday by checking into the same resort we stayed at last time, Cabana Bay Resort. Not quite considered an on-site hotel but close enough that we only need to take the free shuttle to arrive at the City Walk that connects Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Islands of Adventure (IoA). The staff behind the desk was surprised we had stayed at the resort the same year it opened—we didn't know that, but wouldn't it sound old to say oh we stayed at Cabana Bay when they first opened? an interesting thought—but really, it was both affordable and close-by to the areas we wanted to visit. I would hazard a guess that it might change since I saw quite a bit of construction going on for the grand opening of Volcano Bay this summer. If we do go back, Ben insists on staying at a Disney resort (reasons for that to be revealed further in the post!)

After checking in, we decided to grab a very late lunch at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen before walking over to USF to see what rides we could do before making it to our movie reservations at the Universal Cineplex 20 nearby. I booked tickets to Ghost in the Shell, for which I was very excited but nervous at how it was going to be translated to the big screen. I must say, the movie's visuals are stunning. The background setting for nearly every scene was pure eye candy. There was a struggle with the character development but I wasn't too distracted as I already had that part down. I've already hashed out the casting controversy in the film elsewhere so no need to repeat it here. All in all, still an enjoyable film.

The following three days were spent either meandering down the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or bouncing between rides in both USF and IoA. Ben had the foresight to bring meclizine for the trip, though it didn't make him invincible which he kept insisting to me without any prompting, it smoothed out the overall trip quite nicely. I picked up another round of souvenirs which I shall not enumerate here but suffice to say, it was extensive. What I can say is my mug collection is steadily growing. We also wore matching Harry Potter t-shirts for two of three days, I was appropriately giddy. Kudos to Ben for always humoring me in these situations. He certainly handled himself well when I would open conversations with I come from the noble house of the Ravenclaws...





I set aside the third day in the parks for mostly water rides. We both found out neither of us really experienced or remembered doing these rides before. I was pleasantly surprised with how soaked you can get on the water rides in IoA. The weather that week was very forgiving so I should say the water rides weren't completely necessary but we regret nothing! Even with exploring both USF and IoA, Ben and I managed to fit in another late night film (Kong: Skull Island) and a single round of putt putt golf (in which I beat Ben.)






The day we were looking forward to the most, however, was at Disney's Epcot. I had FastPass lined up for Soarin' and Spaceship Earth which was the best way to go. We both agreed that Soarin' was our favorite ride in the park. I had planned the schedule for the day so we had a pretty seamless time making it to the rides I heard were worth checking out; these included Living with the Land and Gran Fiesta Tour. Our real big plan for the day was tackling the Snacking/Drinking Around the World Challenge, which rightfully describes grabbing a snack and drink at each country. We were overly ambitious in this venture and failed at Japan...—but we will definitely come back to pick up the challenge once more! I wrote down what we did successfully consume (I had researched what snacks and drinks to try before we arrived there.)

1. Mexico: Jamaican braised beef & watermelon white sangria
2. Norway: School bread, Lefse, Trollhorn & carlsberg beer
3. China: Curry pockets & M.S.G. cooler (mango, strawberry, ginger ale, and lots of vodka)
4. Germany: Jumbo pretzel, potato pancakes with caramelized ham, onion, and sour cream, caramel popcorn & schofferhofer hefeweizen
5. Italy: Single espresso, single cappuccino, and a pinot grigio, castello banfi san angelo
6. Japan: Nothing :(
7. Morocco: Nothing :(
8. France: Croque monsier, quiche lorraine, Napoleon, tarte aux fraises, tarte au citron, creme brulee, & Miravel Rosé

There are 11 countries total. We never planned on grabbing a snack or drink at the American area. We actually couldn't think to grab a snack at Italy because our stomachs took a beating at Germany. I would have to say I had the best caramel popcorn ever at the Germany shop. Wish I could go back there just for that! Italy consisted of only drinks; I downed that espresso to rally myself for the challenge but I think in the back of our minds, we knew our defeat was imminent. Epcot was by far our most relaxed day of theme park adventures. When Friday (our last day) arrived, we enjoyed sleeping in and even grabbed another game of putt putt golf (in which Ben beat me.) Unlike our last trip to Florida, Ben and I had to split ways at the airport. We're counting down the days to my graduation and to finally closing the chapter of the long-distance aspect of our relationship.

Florida was relaxing, amazing, and certainly damaged our bank accounts. The only thing left now is to wrap up my last rotation in Neurology, take my boards, and it's home free! Cheers!