HIB to MSP to MCO Orlando and Cocoa Beach, FL

As the weeks and days passed by and my business trip became more real, I freely admit the nerves began to set in. And, of course, the excitement too! I love to travel, I always have.

I’m a “list maker” by nature. I love a good list! Grocery list, to-do list, places-to-go list….I love it all! So, I made lists leading up to my first business trip in nearly three years. Packing list, to-bring list, to-do list, things to see list. I modified them again and again.

I arrived in Orlando tired, a bit warm but very happy to be leaving the snow and cold of Minnesota. While Orlando is widely known for its parks and resorts, I was staying across the street from Universal with no plans to visit them as a tourist this trip.

I spent time each day just sitting in the sun and soaking it up. I drove around the area without a destination, just looking at what is there. On departure day, I checked out of the hotel and headed to Cocoa Beach. My husband and I had been there with friends many years prior, so I was somewhat familiar with the area. I made the hour drive and was excited to see the ocean and the sand again. I found public parking with beach access and trekked across the soft sand to the water. I collected a few shells, breathed in the salty air and while staring out at the water I was already making more lists and planning my next trip.