Day 6: Beach, Floridian Food, and Company
Tuesday
was full of calm seas and good food! My mom and I walked to the beach in the
morning, and there were some very small waves rolling to the shore and a little
bit of cross-currents pulling at the water. I spent my time swimming and
collecting anything unique I spotted on the bottom of the ocean (you’d spot me
by looking for the girl with the tangled hair and goggles plastered on her
face). The water was absolutely beautiful, and Mom eventually came out to join
me in the water. I think she’s getting braver! After swimming for several
hours, we headed back to Mummi and Pappa’s condo. At this point, my chest began
to itch horribly. I was so incredibly uncomfortable! I recall putting some face
sunscreen on my chest since it was all we had with us, but I’m not sure whether
I blame that particular sunscreen or possible sunburn for my discomfort. On top
of the itching sensation, my hair was one big nest of tangles. I figured this
wouldn’t be a big deal since we had conditioner at the condo. I was happily
showering and reached for the conditioner bottle to quiet the battle scene
taking place on my head. To my horror, all that came out from the bottle when I
squeezed was a gust of air. Fabulous! I ended up wrestling my unruly locks for
about a half an hour, using some detangler Mummi had found, a brush, and a
comb. I tired myself out to the point where I plopped onto the bed and stared
at the ceiling in defeat. Finally, I gave up and twisted it all up into one big
bun. Oh well, I could always try again tomorrow once I purchased some
conditioner, right?
NOTE TO ALL LONG-HAIRED PEOPLE: BRING LOTSSSS OF CONDITIONER
TO FLORIDA!
Everybody
was waiting impatiently for me to finish with my hair situation so that we
could go out for lunch. Hair piled on my head and fresh clothes donned, I
emerged from my room at last to join the crew. We piled into the stylish
mom-van-type car and drove over to John G’s for some good food. Mom and I
ordered fish and chips and a gorgonzola salad to split, and they were pretty
tasty. I’m usually not one for fried fish, but it was fun to eat it while in Florida.
We then visited a Swedish bakery called the Polar Bakery that Mummi likes to go
to every-so-often. (I know, another Swedish place; they’re just too good!) There
was Swedish and Finnish candy, breads, and baked goods present, and the bakery
was decorated Nordic-style. I chose out a bag of licorice and salmiakki (salt
licorice) and two different types of macaroons to share with the others. Mummi
and Mom contented themselves by buying some more pastries, candy, and
traditional foods for future use and for company we were expecting that night. I
highly recommend this place! The goods there are very difficult to find in the
states and truly are a taste of the Nordic countries. Also, everything there
was delicious!
Once
back at the condo, we prepared for some Finnish and Swedish guests my
grandparents were having over. They were all middle-aged (I feel as though it’s
been years since I’ve hung out with people my age!) and were extremely nice.
They were all the same religion as us and one was a minister, so we held a
small home service at the condo. Following the services, everyone ate (of
course Mummi’s “little snacks” were closer to a dinner) and socialized. We had a pretty bomb fruit platter that my mom and I had put together as well. As we
were talking with one of the women, we discovered that she was the mother of a
Swedish girl who was coming to stay with a family from our church.
Coincidentally, her daughter is the friend and soon-to-be traveling partner of
the Swedish girl who will be staying at our house for the next couple of
months! Disney’s right: it’s a small, small world! After our guests left, I did
a quick workout and headed to bed shortly after showering off.
All in all, it was a pretty good day. :) Life is good.
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