Last Spring Break ever

I treasure my Spring Breaks. Why? Because I never had one during undergrad (except once, sort of, when they needed the students to clear out for the Olympics). I remember thinking it was really great that we got out of BYU a week earlier and whatnot, but I sure am glad AU doesn't follow the same policy. With this in mind, I've tried to make the most of the two Spring Breaks grad school has bequeathed to me.

How do I take advantage this year? I go to Fort Lauderdale to meet up with David after his work trip, kick it with Leslie and Alex, and get Scuba certified!

We had so much fun hanging out with Leslie and Alex. They took us to Miami (bienvenido) for Cuban food, and they practiced one of their taco truck dishes on us (I think it was borrowed from Lori?). T'was divine. If I could find a taco truck here that sold this dish, I would go there every day. Just saying.

We also got to spend a little time on the beach by their house.

Turns out there's a pirate alley on the beach with a pirate gift shop, pirate bar, pirate wax figures, and a pirate photo op. Of course, we had to partake.

Obviously, David makes better pirate faces than me. I'll have to practice.

Leslie also took us for an airboat ride in the Everglades! Trivia for you: Did you know the Everglades is actually an extra-wide and extra-slow-moving river?

On our way down, we tried to figure out the difference between Okeechobee and Okefenokee. Mostly because they're just fun to say. Do you know the difference? Without asking Google?

We saw a lot of birds and one single alligator. Then we celebrated when we got back to land by sampling some fried gator. They did the same thing at the Mamba village I visited in Kenya. Both times, I was a little disturbed that they show you the wildlife and then feed it to you. Both times, I partook anyway.

Scuba certification is something I've had every intention of getting done before now - but I didn't. David thought it might behoove me to get that taken care of. In case I might need it. In a couple months. For whatever reason.

In short - I loved it. It was a surreal experience. Once I figured out the buoyancy, I felt so freeeeee! On the open water dives we saw sea turtles, lots of tropical fish, a couple of nurse sharks, and a lobster - which my instructor, Erin, proceeded to catch with her bare hands.

Even though the paces are completely different, I would compare the sense of freedom to how I feel when I'm skiing. And that says something! I can see myself getting hooked on this hobby. Or maybe I already am?