Florida Part Two

After our wonderful beach day in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, and all the driving we did, we were glad to stay right in Sarasota on Sunday. We enjoyed our day worshipping with our Sarasota church family as well as many others from across the land, including some from home which was a nice surprise! The afternoon was perfect for swimming in the backyard pool; after supper at the house, we ventured out to get a few groceries and ice cream.

This morning (Monday) we headed north to Tampa to The Florida Aquarium. First thing we saw were two huge cruise ships which had just docked and unloaded their 2400 passengers; we talked to an employee who was very kind to tell us all about his ship – including the fact that both ships would leave on their next voyage at 4:00. Mental note: be here at 4:00 to watch! 

Then on to the aquarium.

So much to see.

Hurricane simulator.

Corny game in which two pretty nice boys volunteered to be team captains.

The distinguished captains of the Sand Tiger Sharks and the Sea Turtles.

After the aquarium, and then lunch at the van, we spent some more time admiring the huge cruise ship Brilliance of the Sea

on our way to tour the WWII warship Victory.

I’m not a huge history buff like most Kaisers are, and I don’t much like thinking about wars and all the horrors it entails, but I did enjoy touring this ship. For one thing, there was the kind lady who took our entrance fee, and that was it for staff on the ship. For another thing, there were very few other tourists. This combination made for a pretty empty ship which we thoroughly explored (tour was self-guided!) – there were very few restrictions, and we could wander everywhere. This ship/museum actually makes two 6-hour voyages every year; its engine room is fully equipped and functional. Very interesting. And fun to explore.

Galley was fully stocked.

Dining room tables had raised edges called “fiddles” so plates wouldn’t slide off during turbulent seas.

So many stairs and decks (seven levels?) and intriguing nooks and crannies to explore.

Note the window to the left of the stairs:

here’s a peek through that window (porthole?).

Ladder which didn’t say “Don’t climb” so of course it was climbed . . .

We left the museum ship in good time to find the best place to watch the cruise ships leave - - - and soon decided the best place to watch from was the museum ship - - - so we traipsed right back on board again.

First to leave was Brilliance of the Sea. HUGE!!!

Did I mention it was a gorgeous day? Beautiful blue skies, about 65 and sunny all day. The kind of day where you’re glad for a jacket in the shade but glad to take it off in the sunshine.

Next was Vision of the Sea.

Not quite as big or as new or as full of passengers as the Brilliance, but still impressive!

Thus ended our day in Tampa.