The beautiful Amelia

Arriving in Amelia after 20 hours of driving, not to mention the additional driving around in between, fatigue and exhaustion took a back seat as excitement and relief aided our ability to hold conversation and enthusiasm. Meeting the family was beyond wonderful, primarily because, simply, they are wonderful. The Amelia Island Plantation was isolated, serene with natural elements in abundance, classy, clean yet simply stated. A getaway from the city, a contrast, but with the easy of good taste and top service.

Our days consisted of hanging out at The Ocean Club, soaking in the Florida sunshine, the state in which it is teased. Walking across the protected Dunes over a wooden walkway, we had the white sands between our toes and the warmth of the Atlantic Ocean lapping our bodies. Horseshoe crabs and Turtles were a common sighting, as well the beauty of the dolphins in the back line. Franki found a shark tooth, and to my jealousy made it my mission to find one too, and of course as the sayings go, when you looking for something you will never find it, it will sit on your shoulder softly when you turn your attention to other things. Much to my disappointment, my souvenir shark tooth was never found. Scrumptious lunches were enjoyed, in which the Steak Beachcomber salad soon became my favourite.

Nuggets for the kids wouldn't be complete without an Oreo smoothie. Thunderstorms were frequent and fast, and the roar compiled the pool staff to vacate swimmers for 45minutes, in which we sheltered and waited for the scorching sun to return. Family dinners were pleasant and entertaining, especially pasta night, where every conceivable type, shape and colour of pasta could be enjoyed with any topping, shaving, sauce or side. Wine was easily consumed, and I became attached to a Kir Royale chambord, a try something new drink. We watched Step up 3 in my upcoming anxiety to experience Miami, the place in which it was filmed, I concentrated on all the scenes with great focus to later gasp at the recognition.

 Named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain, Amelia Island is rich in history and tradition. Exploring a little bit of the old buildings that still stand, and the local buzz of the town, driving past one of the oldest saloons, the Palace Saloon, a 1903 still brewing business that has been the pit stop for many characters from pirates to tourists.

 Cycling and the golf cart were the common means of transport from the Club to the little shop that sold the most delicious home made ice-creams. Franki's 4th birthday was celebrated on the trip, where she teared open presents and  ate pink green and yellow cake on her Hello Kitty decorations of party hats, cups and plates. My gift of a Hello Kitty pillow pet/back pack, as well as a shirt, stickers and colouring books was a big hit, I proudly state. Checking the mail box religiously, I was eventually rewarded for my patience with my new Kindle Touch from my dear mother off amazon, in which I fired up and downloaded in a matter of hours. A great 3 weeks spent on a precious little island with some warm and wonderful people... But counting down the days to Miami was still on my mind.