It’s been a much-needed break this semester and at a perfect time. I much prefer the gap in the middle of the semester rather than a few weeks before the end like Thanksgiving break. With the weather getting warmer, I definitely feel more refreshed and motivated to do schoolwork.
Over spring break, my family visited my grandparents in Cape Canaveral, Florida. They have had a condo there for 23 years, and this was our 13th and final visit, as they are selling it next month. Since we had planned to go to Universal, we decided to stay there for a few days before to enjoy the beach and their company.
On our first full day there we went to the beach and built a sand castle with the toys we used to use when we were little. Then we went to watch the cruise ships depart after the Terran I rocket launch was scrubbed. The second day was another chill day, with walks on the beach and a drive down to Cocoa Beach to check out the shops. On our last day, we went up to the Canaveral National Seashore to see the manatees, alligators, and other wildlife. We had visited there once long ago and decided to bring Grandma and Grandpa out for the last time since they don’t leave the condo very much when they’re down there. We finished the day off with a meal at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, then sat on the balcony, enjoying the view.
The next day, we said goodbye to my grandparents and drove out to Orlando. We decided to go to Disney Springs to get out of the hotel and do some shopping and walking. We figured we wouldn’t be coming back any time soon, so we needed to soak up every last bit of vacation nostalgia. Then we turned in early so we could get a head start at Universal.
It was our first time going to Universal, and my dad and I were really excited. We did feel kind of guilty because my mom and brother are not rollercoaster people, but they found ways to kill the time. While my dad and I rode Velocicoaster, which was probably the best ride I’ve ever been on, they got to wander around the other islands and take it all in. We went on more rides together than we thought, considering it was a cold day and we didn’t want to do any water rides. But we picked out some tame rides for the whole family to go on, and after that, we were free to explore and immerse ourselves in the worlds. We’d already been to the Harry Potter studios in London where the actual sets are, but seeing a large version of Hogwarts was so exciting! With that castle and other places like Marvel Island, we really all felt like we were transported to our favorite stories.
Sadly, all vacations must come to an end. We left sunny Orlando and came back to cold Iowa. But hopefully, the weather will warm up soon and the campus will come alive again! I’m so excited about the green grass and pretty flowers that lined the walkways during the summer. It’ll feel much better to study, hang out, and even walk to class in the bright spring sun. This break definitely felt like the perfect transition from winter to summer.
