Florida trip re-cap

Made my annual trek to Florida last week for Fest 11 and managed to avoid the FestAids for the first time in five years. That was because I didn't fest, but opted instead to stay at my sister's house in Tampa. I admit that I have been suuuuper depressed and was nnot interested in going on a four-day bender in Gainesville. I also am kind of sick of seeing bands. I couldn't even fathom being in loud, dark, smokey bars all night and all day for the whole weekend. Plus, I was pretty turned off by the long line for registration last year, the fact that the hotels jack up the prices ($298/night for a two star hotel is highway robbery), and long lines at the venues/not even guaranteed entry because the bands I wanted to see were at the smaller capacity venues.

So, I stayed in Tampa and I am totally comfortable with that decision. I had a great time with my sister and for the first time in a long time, I actually felt rested when I returned home. Usually I need a vacation from my vacation.

Highlights:

Taaaaaaaco Bus (of course!)
Balybos for Mediterranean food
Frankenweenie (teared up a little at the end)
sweet costume party (I dressed like a wicked witch!)
baking cookies! (bats, tombstones, ghosts, and skulls)
guest gym pass
waterfront/marina to see boats and drink pumpkin beer! oh, and veg pizza!

Lowlights:

The hurricane (even though on on the Atlantic side) was creating huge surf and blowing sand, and we couldn't go out of the boat. But I did make friends with a dolphin dressed like a pirate with booty at Clearwater!