Should I blog about Orlando, the city that is 8th in population growth in the United States? Its Greater metropolitan area now has a population of over 2.13 million people, but some 51 million tourists visit each year.
Or, should I go back to basics and blog about Oranges, the fruit that made Florida famous? Before Orlando became a theme park destination, after all, there were oranges (and a man I will blog about more in my "P" post.)
I remember visiting passing through Orlando in 1972 and again in 1975 and 1976. When I next returned, in 2006, it was as if a small city had been replaced by New York City. Yet, there is a lot to explore outside of the theme parks. So, Orlando is my pick.
Here are some non-theme park oriented pictures I took on a January visit.
The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, a 400 foot tall ferris wheel. It became a fascination, watching it change color at night.
And one more shot of Eola Park. You would never think, if you know where to go, that you were in a major metropolis.
Anyone interested in Orlando history can access a website called Historic Orlando for more information.
"O" day of the Blogging from #AtoZChallenge and day 17 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge #blogboost.
I see Orlando in my future. I haven't been there since the 80's so nice to hear your update.
ReplyDeleteYou just can’t avoif theme parks in Florida
ReplyDeleteAlana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting yesterday and I'm sorry for the difficulties you had leaving a comment. I did address this in my response to you on my site. Whenever I think of Florida, I do not think of theme parks or Orlando first. OMC, no I do not! Instead, I think ORANGES! I absolutely love good oranges and orange juice that is not from concentrate. We always get Florida Naturals. Mmmm, that's some kind of good!
Maybe, Batman didn't move to Florida but because of his hero status, he just get preferential treatment no matter where he goes. That's a huge Farris Wheel! There's a big one in Pigeon Forge. Good golly, Orlando gets the visitors. I cannot imagine what it's like to be in the city during the busiest part of the tourist season. It sounds like it would be a nuthouse there and the traffic? Oh good heavens, no thank you! I remember when we were visiting Florida in 2013 and we weren't in the Orlando area just coming and going the main arteries from Naples to Knoxville. It was horrible all the way through the state but it did get worse the closer we got to any large city. How do people survive that kind of constant craziness? *sigh* Anywho, thanks for the share. I enjoyed your post. :) Whenever you get a chance, you're invited to check out my daily A2Z iPad Art Sketch of a big-eyed owl.
My complaint about Orlando is the visitors. Most of whom clearly never left whatever village from which they emanate. Surprised that an 8 foot stuffed animal is not something that can pass as carry-on, blocking thousands behind them from traversing the security (sic) gates, from waiting until the last second to seek out their identification or boarding passes, or simply walking at 1.1 mph five across on the sidewalks.
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures (and I love oranges) win/win. Enjoying getting to see a bit of Florida.
ReplyDeleteLeanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
O for Open Your Eyes
Having grown up in Anaheim (where Disneyland is), I know that a city with a Disney park can be a whole lot outside of it. I'm sure there's lots to explore.
ReplyDeleteYou SO make me want to go, Alana!
ReplyDeleteOrlando and Oranges...I'd be surprised if you hadn't brought them up in your Florida theme. Oranges make me think of the Anita Bryant orange juice commercial, and Orlando...Arnold Palmer's golf course...my husband played there once.
ReplyDeleteI don't see my self moving to Flordia but It would be great place to see. Different then North Idaho
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
Having had to traverse I4 across central FL, I can say I will do anything to avoid the Orlando area. There may be wonderful things beside the theme parks (more outrageously expensive every year), but the traffic situation is a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Orlando back in the 70's and Eola Park was a favorite place to visit on Sundays.
ReplyDeleteDonna B. McNicol|Author and Traveler
A to Z Flash Fiction Stories | A to Z of Goldendoodles