We have been in Fort Lauderdale for a week now and have had the treat of spending some quality family time together as well as the heart-in-your mouth drama of introducing more finger food and the oportunity to catch up with my cousin again.
Coco got to enjoy a trip to Lesters Diner, a full on proper American diner that serves eggs and pancakes with pretty much everything, grits are on the menu along with gyros... I still haven't worked out what that is yet. She was a complete hit and managed to monopolize the attention of our toothless waitress. So much so that Angus kept getting coffee refills when he was clearly saying 'no' and my eggs 'over-easy' were a little too easy. Although the food is pretty crap, the whole Lesters experience is one not to be missed.
Whilst on the topic of food, we have invested in a booster seat high-chair for Coco so, now she has the catch-all plastic tray in front of her we decided it was time to start introducing some finger food. She has experimented with the the odd floret of broccoli and baby crisp with great success so surely this was going to be a breeze? No one had prepared me for the terror of watching the stick of banana or avocado be munched up at such a rate and then quickly followed by wide eyed chokes. I was once advised that you have to trust they will clear it so I stand and watch for what seems like hours but is actually just a couple of seconds. Sure enough, Coco manages to clear the blockage, gives us a toothy smile and then picks up the next piece of food. I am a bag of nerves by the end of each mealtime but she seems to be loving it.
However, we haven't just been eating for the past week. I battled with an infection in my finger (I will fill those of you who don't know about the finger in over the next couple of days) which was agony. Seeing a doctor isn't as easy as one would imagine over here. There are specialists for everything and whenever I managed to actually speak to someone other than an automated service, they simply told me to go to the ER. Despite visions of being treated by George Clooney, this seemed like overkill to simply get a prescription for antibiotics. Anyway, Coco came to the rescue and saved us the vast expense of the US medical system when she decided to grab said finger during a nappy change and burst the infection bubble. A few good washes with some antiseptic and the infection and pain have pretty much gone!
For a bit of relaxation, Angus and I both enjoyed an afternoon at the spa with a Swedish massage. Complete decadence... gorgeous. However, I still find massages just a little embarrassing and I wish there was an international rule book. Shower first? Underwear on or off? Talk? Tip? I spent so much time worrying about whether my feet were dirty and if I should be tipping I never completely relaxed. It was still lovely though.
Nikki, my second cousin came to see us on Saturday. It was so good to see her and we loved being able to show her the boat. We even caught a glimps of the tail of a manatee which I was terribly excited about. I have never seen one and have spent many an hour looking for one so even a tail was something!
The highlight of our week however was our day at Ren Fest - or Renaissance Festival in full. This is a Medieval festival in the heart of Florida.
However, I'm not sure the dragons, fairy's, pixie's and trolls are particularly Medieval! Everyone that worked there was in costume and character. There was a lot of 'ye', 'hazzare', 'thee' and 'thou's' being spoken and some amazing costumes. Ale was drunk by the yard and turkey legs were eaten whole.
There were pirates, wenches, jesters and knights all wandering around setting the scene. Even the visiting public could dress up and some took it very seriously, although there were costumes seemed a little more S and M than 13th Century. This was an American Medieval festival though remember so it did feel a little like a cross between Shrek and Pirates of the Caribbean, but such fun! We absolutely loved it, it was truly bizarre and completely magnificent.
Food time, oh joy! More heart stopping moments no doubt! Speak soon....
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