We returned to Florida not because we were tired of living in Europe, but primarily because winter was approaching. The experience of cold weather from last winter in France and Italy was still somewhat fresh in our memories so off to sunny Florida we went.
Our choice of transportation for the return was a trans-Atlantic cruise that took 13 days, eight of which were in the open ocean. Someone asked “If you had known ahead of time exactly what this cruise would be like, would you have chosen to travel this way?” The short answer would be “yes”, although I’m not sure that we would choose to do it exactly the same 
way again. It wasn’t the duration of the voyage. Rather for us, we chose the trans-Atlantic cruise as transportation, while for most people the experience is part of a social lifestyle. Simply put, it just isn’t our style.
For this leg of our adventure, we looked forward to walking on the beach, away from the crowds of the large cities we have lived in. Of course we were here for maintenance, i.e. doctor appointments, teeth cleanings, eye exams, etc., but more importantly we returned to spend time with family and friends.
For us it is also a return to familiar surroundings, in spite of a bit of “return culture shock”. The best part is seeing where we are now using our travel experiences as a filter – to see our previous home with fresh eyes.
To our friends and family in Florida the images in this post will be familiar, but I hope that you will notice what I see … something of a fresh reality. Our friends in Europe and other parts of the US will see my view of a small part of Florida, a collection of Little Things.
To begin, here is the beach near our apartment and a few places within about 20 miles (32 km) away. There will be more to come … of course.
Abigail Wilson
29 Dec 2015The pictures are wonderful. I swear I can hear the sound of the waves and smell the ocean. Thank you.
Chris
29 Dec 2015Thank you Miss Abigail.
Kim
28 Dec 2015We need to plan a meet up too!
Linda
27 Dec 2015Great pictures, Chris. Keep them coming.
Ed Cooper
27 Dec 2015Hey I’d like to hook up with you guys while we are all in FL!!!
Jeannie
27 Dec 2015Definitely, will be in touch!
Barb
27 Dec 2015And I, as one of many, am glad you are here. ❤️
Jeannie
27 Dec 2015Me too!
Debi
27 Dec 2015Welcome back to sunny and very warm Florida. It is sunnier here now because you are near. Awwwwww.
Jeannie
27 Dec 2015You’re so sweet! Will plan to meet before we leave again.
Niels
27 Dec 2015Can one get homesick for a place which isn’t our home? These pictures make us pine for Florida yet again.
Happy New Year!
Jette and Niels
Jeannie
27 Dec 2015We’d love to blend our weather, it is so warm here. We plan to see you again during our 2016 travels!