Farewell Florida

A week before I left Florida we went on a final excursion: boating to Cabbage Key.

Firstly, we had to drive for about an hour to a marina where our boat awaited us.  When we arrived at Cabbage Key by boat, we explored a bit, had drinks and swam... on the drive back home in the evening we stopped at 'Snook Haven' for some authentic Floridan dining.  It was a great day and a perfect way to wrap up my three months in Florida.

 

The view

Swimming amongst the dolphins; there was a dolphin about 5o meters away from me in this pic.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get any closer to it

Hungry people! L-R: Danny, Myself, Omar, JP

Dining at Snook Haven

Deep fried food!  Included is ALLIGATOR MEAT :)

Trying the alligator...it tasted like chicken LOL

Working in America: A different experience (May - July '11)

While in Florida I was fortunate enough to hold two part-time jobs.  The first was with Vector Marketing selling a product called CUTCO.  The other was at Macy's where I worked as a Sales Associate.  Both were a great and unforgettable learning experience for me.

I don't have any photos from Macy's, but I do have a few with my CUTCO workmates/ friends.  My fellow sales reps at CUTCO were mostly young (in college or out of high school) because of the nature of the independent selling we did. Although it was a very challenging job, it was the perfect place to meet and make friends.  

We did a LOT of team building exercises - this was on an army/ combat themed night!

The team in Fort Lauderdale for the Summer Conference One (SC1), June '11. 

L - R: Lena, Samantha, Krystal and I.  This was after a fun evening getting our make-up done with a lady, Angie, whom I had befriended on a CUTCO appointment and who sells Arbonne make-up products.

Having dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings... that was a funny night - one of our team members attempted to eat the spiciest wings as a bet from the waitress, but couldn't do it!

This is my friend Whitney -she's an amazing singer and has two gorgeous sons (driving the shopping cart).  She had invited me to her church service one Sunday; this photo was taken at Winn-Dixie after church

July 4th Weekend, 2011 - Independence Day in the USA

Saturday, July 2nd - Friends over for dinner

Making food using a ... CUTCO knife ;)

JP and Juan

Uncle Danny cutting up the BBQ ribs (yum)... Note: we had a few more people over for dinner that night but they are missing from this shot.

 Sunday, July 3rd - Watching Offshore Racing (Speed Boat Races)

The boats were so loud they're comparable to aeroplanes noise

Boats way faster than helicopters

 

Monday, July 4th - Selby Gardens/ Fireworks

I had to work at Macy's on the 4th, but before I went to work, my Uncle and I visited the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.  Not only is it a beautiful place, but it is special to me because it is where my late grandfather, Hans Wiehler, worked as a botanist for many years.

In the evening, after having burgers and hot dogs (typical July 4th food) at home, we walked to Marina Jacks to watch the fireworks!