A journey of surprises

We're still very much in the early stages of our trip, but already there have been several things and places that have really surprised me on our journey. And I don't just mean the prices of the drinks in the clubs in Miami or that iHop is open and serves it's full menu 24 hours a day (this is us there at 2am)

I have learnt things about myself, my friends and the US I never knew or expected - and I'm certain I'll learn a lot more over the next 4 and a half months.

I've been surprised by how much I felt at home in Miami after 5 days; how much I enjoy going out diving on my own; how non-slimy dolphins are; how quickly we all began pining for a washing machine and clean clothes; how brainwashed some Americans are (the views of our friend Thomas in Naples shocked us all); how quickly we could learn the state nicknames and capitals (we thought it would take weeks rather than a day); how our state knowledge is now better than a lot of Americans; how fun it is being out on the road - ok, I did kind of anticipate that, but the sense of freedom and contentment you get is absolutely something else.

But the real surprise for me so far has been Tampa. A big city, known for little more than business, Busch Gardens and being the home town of Channing Tatum and his seedy 'Magic Mike' strip club. Not the sort of place you'd want to visit, right? Wrong. The cute streets in the historic district of Ybor City, the lively strip of bars, the drink prices ($1 a drink - could you ask for more?), the friendly people. I loved Tampa. Admittedly, with a long day at Busch Gardens followed by a drive to Orlando the next day, making the most of the city may not have been the wisest decision we've ever made (for Chloe at least) but I'm certainly glad that we did.