December 11-13 - 2017 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Monday, the 11th we made the shortest move of our whole trip.
50 miles/80 km north to a campground in Fort Lauderdale.
That is also where we are going to store (oplagre) our camper for the next 3 months. The good news is that we got to store the car here also, for the price of one. (Originally, we were told that we had to pay for 2 spots, and therefore made arrangements for the car in Miami).

We have done some last-minute shopping. Getting the vehicles ready for storage, and not least packing our suitcases. Packing has always been a big project after being in Minnesota for 3-4 weeks. Well, it didn’t get easier after being around for 3½ months. We did it though. The exciting part is to see if everything made it without braking, when we get home

Christmas has been creeping up on us, during the last 6 weeks. Even before Halloween, we were seeing preparations in the stores. In mid-November, and especially after Thanksgiving, Christmas “exploded” everywhere. We see decorations, hear music, see lots of ads for Christmas gifts on TV, and in the stores.

First signs of Christmas at a store display - October 14!!!

First outside decorations - November 8, Pigeon Forge

November 14, Nashville

December 2 - now private homes have started decorating.
This house had LOTS of lights. This is only one third of them!

WE can not get in the Christmas mood. Is it only 2 weeks until Christmas? It definitely does not feel like it, or look like it. People are wearing shorts and sandals, swimming in pools and at the beach. We are surrounded by palm trees. There are even still some flowers in nature. 70+ F/20+ C is NOT Christmas weather for people who have grown up in Minnesota and Denmark!!!!!!

 

 

December 5, Kennedy Space Center

 

December 7, Key West

December 8 - Key Largo

The campgrounds are decorated now too. December 10 - Miami

December 10 - Miami

In a day, we will be home in Denmark again. Hopefully the 32 F/0 C temps and seeing family and friends, will help us “get in the mood”. We will be plunged into get-togethers and Danish Christmas traditions, so we think it will. And if not – Christmas will come anyway, and it will be great to be home, with the ones we love.

Written by JJ and Mary