Day trip to Key West from Miami

KEY WEST

It was early start of the day. 05:30 am. 45 minutes later I was picked up from the hotel by my tour operator, Miami Tours Plus. We had few stops on the way for other guests and about 1 hour later coach was on the way to Key West. I think it was about two hours when we reached first of many keys. On one side Atlantic Ocean and with Mexican Gulf on other we passed many islands and only fewer bridges. The road we were going on is US1. It starts in Key West with mile 0. You can see mile marks going down. US1 serves east coast and ends more than 3000 km up north at Canadian boarder. The most impressive is 7 miles bridge with stunning views. With that in front of us finally we got there, Key West. 

 There is a few way to sightseeing Key West but the best one is walking. Grab free map from any of bus tour operators and go. I have gone by Duval St from north end to south. on the way you can see lovely architecture of that street. On left side you will pass OLD JOE bar where Ernest Hemingway used to have a drink. Few blocks down turn right to visit Lighthouse and Hemingway museum. Entry fee is $10 and $13. If its to hot use garden in museum to cool a little. When you are ready go south and you will get to the southernmost point buoy of continental US(?) and only 90 miles from Cuba. You can try swim but I think you might be the first one who will swim that way. Don't forget your passport.

After taking picture you can go to the beach. Public one is short walk from the southernmost buoy. It has good facilities. The east end is more quite. When you have enough sun, go back north and have lunch or spend some money. There is a lot of places to do so. And do not forget to try Key Lime Pie. There is a lovely shop at 802 Duval Street.  

ENJOY

I did!!!!!

Premier Inn

In March I had pleasure to stay in one of Premier Inn's hotel. It was great experience. When we get there, check in went smooth and receptionist was very nice and helpful. Our room was on top floor, only 3rd but still top. Room was very spacious and very clean. We had very comfy bed. I have never slept in better one. And I was lucky to stayed in many hotels, cheap ones and some from top shelfs. BTW you can buy bed like this on Premier Inn website. Can't wait to stay there again!!!!!

https://youtu.be/CXiIQY_OKxs

Advent Calendar 2014

I know its not about travel, but still it's an adventure. I saw it few weeks ago and thought it's a great idea. It arrived on Friday afternoon and I couldn't wait till Monday. So let's started.

It's a box of 24 wheat germans beers.

DAY 1 OeTTINGER Dunkles Hefeweizen

Dark, cloudy wheat beer. Freah and sweet taste. Alcohol content is 4.9%

DAY 2 ALPEN WEISSBIER

Light and cloudy beer made from wheat and barley malt. Vol 5,2%

DAY 3 Wolferftetter Dunkles Weizen

It's unclear, dark with sweet flavour having notes of carmel, yeast, wheat and a little banana. The finish is slightly dry:) Vol 5,5%

DAY 4 Gutenberg Original Hefe-Weissbier

Cloudy, honey like color. Has a nice head and leaves good lacing. Nice floral, banana smell. 

Vol 5.3%

Day 5 SCHEYERN Kloster-weisse hell

Light golden pour with a lot of carbonation.classic Helles flavor. Slight grapefruit notes. Vol 5.2%

DAY 6 GRUNBACHER Altweizen Gold

Pours cloudy golden color with a small head. Aroma is apricot, mild banana, orange peel, some herbal notes and yeast.

DAY 7 ARCOBRAU Weissbier Hell

Medium high creamy and lasting white head. Cloudy yellow body. Acidic and yet sweet lemon oranges aroma. Flavour likewise acidic citrus with low carbonation and a long finish.

DAY 8 FRANZISKANER Weissbier

Hazy amber pour with a thick white head. Aroma of banana, clove, wheat and caramel. Malty flavor with big banana and clove with a bit of caramel before a spicy finish.

DAY 9 HACKLBERG Jakobi Weissbier Hell

Nice aroma, pours cloudy, quite a sharp citrus bite that lingers. Nice fizz too, a refreshing beer indeed.

DAY 10 HUBER Weisses Original

Hazy yellow coloured with lemon, vanilla and malty flavours, a creamy mouthfeel and gentle grassy and bubblegum on the finish.

DAY 11 WOLFERSTSTTER Export Hefe Weizen

Aromas of banana, apple and cloves. Taste is lightly peppery and sweet with distinct banana, apple, cloves and cinnamon. Light bodied, sweet and fairly refreshing.

DAY 12 KONIG Ludwig Weissbier

Natural cloudy wheat brew. Lots of pear in the aroma, some spices. Deep bready malt.

Swimming with sharks on Bora Bora

In 2014 during my round the world trip I had stop at Bora Bora. It is a beautiful place and its offering so much to do. One thing you can not miss is swimming with sharks.
I had that opportunity on my island trip with local guide. I was picked up from the hotel in the morning with snorkeling equipment in one hand and bait in other? When we have got everyone on board we had short boat ride to the south of Island.

When we got there I saw other boats and people already at water. We have been told that breakfast is swimming so we do not have to worry about it anymore, we should be OK?!
View is breathtaking. And a little bit scary. But what can you do?

 

I took some pictures from boat and now was time to get into the wild. Snorkeling mask and fins on and I am in water. Panic attack for few seconds and I am feeling like one of them. Sharks swim around you, so close. Very terrifying and exciting experience. At one moment I felt something is going on behind my back. I slowly turned my head back and I saw few sharks fighting about something. It was our tour guide throwing bait into water, I got earlier from my hotel.

One again amazing experience. And there are not only sharks. You can see small rays and plenty coral fishes, different colours, sizes and species.
Some time later it was over. I was back on boat and ready for rest of my trip.
I will never forget that experience. I am looking forward for my next holiday and hopefully another excitement.
If you ever have opportunity to do it do not be afraid. You will LOVE it like I did.
Some facts you would like to know:
- it costs around 10000XPF, $105, £65, €83
- it is part of day trip around the island
- later on that day you will have opportunity to see manta ray
- take plenty of sun cream and water
- you will have some time in Vaitape- capital of Bora Bora, time for shopping, use cash machine etc.