Nomad Practice
TravelSince I’m likely moving back in with the folks (temporarily at least) in a few weeks time, I decided this past week to take some time off to do some nomad practicing, if you will. I figured, I’m not working right now and there are a few things I would like to do in Florida before I left.
I’d been meaning to go some of the theme parks in Orlando and just never set any plans, and trying to coordinate with friends who are working would’ve been too much hassle, so I just up and left on my own one morning and decided to just wing it. I figure I’ll be doing a lot of that anyway in the future, so might as well get a little practice in now.
I drove up with no hotel or tickets purchased, and decided to just figure it all out once I got there. I guess I was inspired a bit by Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
The other reason I decided to go last week was because of a seminar that was in town that I had been to before (past attendees can go for free), so I was going to see if I could get in at the last minute and just combine a little business and leisure. The seminar didn’t work out, so I just did a couple theme parks instead. Afterall, I’ve been wanting to go before I left the state anyway.
The first day I went to Sea World and then I went to Disney’s Epcot the following day. I’m not really into roller coasters and other thrill rides of that ilk, so I tend to gravitate toward the educational-type entertainment (I know, I can be a bit of a nerd sometimes!). It felt a little weird just going there on my own at first, but it was also very liberating. No having to deal with family or small kids and different people wanting to do different things – no offense to my family and friends 
Gotta love pengiuns!
Overall it was enjoyable, plenty to do for the adults at these parks. The shows at Sea World are amazing, especially Clyde and Seymour (the sea lions). Very funny! Plus anytime you have a chance to see penguins, I think it’s a good thing. The Shamu and dolphin shows were also great to see, one has to appreciate the training that it takes to put these shows together. Of course I would be remissed if I didn’t mention the free beer at the Anheuser-Busch pavilion!
Epcot was also good. Where else can you go through Mexico, China, Norway, Germany, America, Morocco, Japan, France, the UK and Canada all in one afternoon? I particularly enjoyed the circle-vision videos on China, France and Canada. The French one I think is the same from when I was first there probably 15-20 years ago, but the classical soundtrack with the likes of Debussy and Saint-Saenz adds a great touch. The scenery of China and Canada was awesome. I did a lot of the attractions in Future World, although I didn’t get a chance to do Soarin’… lines were too long (80-120 minutes). Some people I was talking with while I was there said that was the single best attraction in all of Orlando.
Entering "China"
I decided to drive back that night after leaving Epcot, but got tired on the way back home and stopped at a hotel for the night. I knew I was nearby some friends of mine so the next morning I gave them a call and spent the day with them, then went back home the next morning. Not a bad little trip.
Now that I’ve had a few days to reflect, I’m thinking that going to those theme parks was a good reminder of how to be a kid again. Among the themes at these two parks are following your dreams, believing in ourselves and taking care of our environment. Of course when we are little, everyone tells you to never give up on your dreams, which is exactly the opposite of what many of us end up doing once we reach adulthood. I hope the kids are able to learn the lessons in all the messages being delivered about culture, attitude, science and the environment. I know I did when my parents took me there when I was little.
So yea, all in all, it was a good experience and good nomad practice, albeit on a very small scale. Nothing really like the mini-retirements I have in mind for the future.
