Roam: Back to the USA: Spacecraft, legos and the farm!

In early July, the Roulier/Jones crew left the relative calm and comfort of lovely Costa Rica and headed back for a vacation in the States. An inexpensive and short flight took us first to Florida, with the plan of visiting a few spots we’d not experienced in the past. Having never lived in Florida previously, it had seemed to me a lush and tropical flatland with exotic plants and animals in addition to the largest collection of Disney characters anywhere. For this visit, however, the sunshine state had more of a familiar feel than in the past, in part thanks to its climate and vegetation. I’d also never before experienced, while scanning radio stations in the car, hearing the same chatter you hear anywhere, but in English, Spanish and French, depending on the station. Can't think of too many places in North America where this particular triad of languages can be found so easily.

The kids didn’t seem to have missed a beat after having been gone from the States after six months. There was no culture shock but everybody seemed to be struck by the amount of concrete we experienced in South Florida. They also appreciated being able to communicate easily with everyone without having to work to listen or speak Spanish.

Florida flora and fauna

Like father, like son

Having two boys less than ten years old, we were excited to have the opportunity to visit Legoland. In the end, though, it was fun but maybe a bit disappointing given what it could have been. Heavy rains and ever present strong air conditioning made us feel cooler than we’d felt in quite some time. The flora in the park, which is partially located on the old Cypress Gardens, was rich, beautiful and reminiscent of Costa Rica.

For me, the relative highlight of Legoland was the impressive artistry of the sculptures and the replicas of world cities and other scenes. One of the coolest constructions had to have been a scale replica of the Kennedy Space Center, all in Legos! Speaking of which. . .

Miniature Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space center, in Central Florida, is a national gem. Without a doubt, it is a shining star amongst the attractions in the area. Located at Cape Canaveral, this was the home of the US Space Program during the Apollo missions as well as the site of the space shuttle launches. Tours of the enormous complex are offered in part by bus. The mobile launcher platforms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Launcher_Platform) were immense unique structures used to move rockets and shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pads. Each launcher platform weighs more than 8 million pounds unloaded and screams along the ground at 1 mile/hour. Astoundingly, they are now for sale (http://www.wired.com/autopia/2013/08/mobile-launcher-platform/). Any takers?

Mobile launcher platform

In addition to the Atlantis shuttle, the Saturn V rocket on display was incredible in terms of its size and technology for its era. They were used to transport the Apollo capsules into orbit. Unfortunately there is no clear equivalent in today's era and the government's role in space exploration has become much less well defined. Still, the fortitude and technological prowess of our great country is rather impressive.

Sullivan and the Saturn V rocket

Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden

Another short flight, this time on our own independence day, took us from Florida to Ohio. After a brief night in Columbus, we ventured to Erica's sister's family's farm, in SE Indiana. Though the scenery is especially beautiful, visiting with their cousins was unquestionably the highlight for our kids. Isn't this what summer is all about?