Florida Fun

A few weeks ago we had a long weekend here in Canada and I thought feck I need to go some where do some thing. (Despite the fact I had just got back from my England/Ireland trip) So I booked a last minute trip to Florida. I have never ever expected to take a trip to Florida but with cheap flights and knowing I can spend a few days by the ocean I thought screw it lets go to Florida!

The Beach Bar

The Boardwalk on Hollywood Beach.

A classic tourist information both!

The beach was nice, wide and sandy not pebbles but to be honest I think Queensland beaches are more pristine, but hey 2 years away from the beach I wasn't complaining!

The Atlantic Ocean!

O'Malley's Ocean pub.

Lunch at the pub!

They're big fans of the old beach umbrella in Florida!

This house is made out of CORAL!!

I'm guessing The Little Mermaid lives here.

The little beach shacks reminded me of those that once stood on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts

Beach Bikes!

I was surprised how clear and clean the water was!

The Hostel I stayed at was literally meters from the beach!

Court yard at the Hostel

Night time and the beach still looks inviting!

To be honest I really did not get up to much other than laying on the beach, swimming and drinking Coronas. Basically I had a horrible time! Ha! 3 days was more than enough though, I wasn't terribly interested in doing any touristy things just replenished my vitamin D before facing another Canadian winter!

Shook me all night long - A wedding!

My trip to the England and Ireland this year was not just for a leisurely four day cycle and a peaceful drive around the English country side. The reason for this trip back to the British Isles was to attend the wedding of two of my favourite people in the whole world. Tim and Meabh!

(The bh is pronounced as a v for those of you unsure on how to say Meave's name ;)

I've known Tim since I was about 10 years old and Meabh since 2005 when I lived in Ireland for a short time. I was delighted to hear that they were engaged and couldn't wait for the wedding, simply because I knew it was going to be a fantastic night. As it turned out the event was actually 3 days of fun, laughter, dancing and hang overs. To invite a bunch of Irish, Aussies and Kiwis to a wedding could only mean one thing.... a massive PARTY!

Hudson Bay Hotel in Athlone, Ireland was the location of the reception that kicked on until the very early hours. After the very entertaining speeches were delivered, the scrumptious dinner was served and the cake cut the tables were pushed back and dancing that could only rival the very best of "So You Think You Can Dance" began!

The lovely Irish ladies playing some traditional tunes before the 80's rock took over!

Strutting my stuff, with I think Tim's brother Ben in the back ground!

Uncle Tony carving up the floor!

is that uncle Tony with Nicola or John Travolta himself?

Put your right leg in, put your right leg out....

The beginning of the bridal waltz.

There was a debate out on whether Meabh would have chosen Meat Loaf or ACDC for their bridal waltz, thankfully she chose "Glory Days" by Springsteen!

But don't you worry she did get to rock out to ACA DACA

Meabh's Mum and Dad showing where she got her smashing dancing skills from.

Tim's Parent's also passed on the foot loose gene

Everyone getting in on the act

Michelle and Sakae twirling around the floor.

Tim shaking his booty

Chris showing us how it's done!

Gayle and Elaine Swinging around the dance floor.

Group Hug

The two Limerick girls, not sure if they are about to come to blows or they're arranging a lunch date.

AWE!

Vicious faces of marriage haha

Gayle and the Bride

My pin head actually looks comparable to Tim's massive head in this shot!

Both exhausted from head banging and cartwheels, we needed a drink!

Chris and Gayle!

The Ammo brothers

Tim celebrating not only his wedding but his birthday with fabulous head wear.

You can't touch this.... dodudodudo...you can't touch this...

Those who were left standing at 3:30am were decorated in traditional wedding garments. E.g the sashes from the back of the chairs! (Thanks to Eimer for the photo!)

After a fabulous weekend with old and new friends the only thing that kept the tears at bay when saying good bye was the memories and the mementos of one hell of a wedding!

My desk chair back in Toronto!

tehehehe every time I sit at my desk these days I think of Meabh and Tim and a fabulous night!