Luckily, my friend and PIC (Partner In Crime) joined me thinking that a great holiday gift would be to take a flying lesson AND NOT a simulator but an actual hands on flight. That’s right Ms Traveling Pants and PIC took the controls of a chopper from Fort Lauderdale to South Beach and back. (see below a picture 500 ft above Miami with Ms Traveling Pants behind the controls)

Now mind you, I pride myself on being pretty good at most things that I attempt. I have mastered most modes of transportation such as driving a stick, motorcycle, jetski, sailboat, four wheelers, and the like, but helicopter flying is one that I may have to take the full 35 hour course in order to be competent and say that I have earned my “blades.”

If you are interested in earning your “blades” and learning how to fly helicopters, check out the Helicopter Academy with multiple locations throughout the U.S.

So, here’s to another good time with a good story.

What will be next?

Follow past, current, and future good times and good stories on Facebook and Twitter.

Aye, it is true Ms Traveling Pants has learned to speak Pirate. All that was needed was a visit to the Bounty in Palm Beach, Florida this past weekend with a bunch of me mateys! Our crew of Captain Jack Sparrow (as you see below) as well as other pirates led me ever-curious landlubbers aboard the Bounty, which is probably best known for its usage in not only Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest, but also the classic Brando film, Mutiny on the Bounty.

So let’s cut to the chase. Let me mate, Cap’n Jack Sparrow, and I give you a lesson in how to talk like a pirate starting with a short list of commonly used terms….

Ahoy – a greeting; “Hello”

Arrr – a word that can mean many things, from “yes,” to “maybe,” to “I’ll think about it,” “I don’t know,” “That was good,” “That was bad,” or “That hurts”

Aye – Yes or okay.

Aye Aye – I’ll do that right away, or “Yes, I understand”

Booty – Loot, treasure, spices, jewels, or anything taken illegally.

Grog- generically any alcoholic drink, but most likely rum

Jolly Roger – a pirate flag usually showing white skull and crossbones on a black background.

Lad, lass, lassie – a way to address someone younger than you.

Landlubber- Land lover,  someone not used to life on a ship.

Lily-livered- faint o’ heart

Matey – a friend and/or shipmate

Me- my and/or mine

Mutiny – a revolt against authority

Plunder –  robbing or raiding.

Scallywag – a bad person; scoundrel.

Shiver Me Timbers- an exclamation of surprise, shock, and many times of fear

Sprogs – untrained recruits

Thar- the opposite of “here”

Walk the plank- no need to define this one… it’s bloody obvious.

Wench- a “lady” (typically a working girl a.k.a. a pirate’s barmaid or hooker)

Yo-ho-ho- pirate laughter

Watch out you scallywags! The Bounty has turned Ms Traveling Pants into a multi-lingual, grog drinking, sailor in search of treasure. Don’t mess with me or me mateys otherwise I will force you to walk the plank.

With or without the Pirate speak, you know I am always up for either a good time or to turn some NOT so good times into good stories.   So pass the grog or some rum, and let’s yo-ho-ho together on more of me and me mateys’ stories.

Coming to Fort Lauderdale to escape the wintry weather for Super Bowl 2010 or perhaps Spring Break 2010??

Here’s a list of my favorite spots to enjoy in FTL…

Must do:

1) The beach and boardwalk: Take in the main beach drag, A1A, that follows the blue Atlantic Ocean waters and is lined with a beautiful boardwalk for pedestrians, bikers, roller bladers, and more. You will see the Super Bowl numbers featured in the post’s picture at the A1A & Las Olas Intersection, which is my favorite section of the beach for laying out as well as in front of the Elbo Room & Spazios (both worth a visit for a beer with a view).

2) Intercoastal and Water Taxi ride: Often called the Venice of the United States, a trip to Fort Lauderdale is not complete without witnessing the architectural beauty of the houses or as I like to call them, “McMansions.” You can see some of the canals from the waterside restaurants such as Shooter’s, Taverna Opa, Pier 66, but there is something about getting the feel of the New River, Las Olas, and doing it from the water on the Water Taxi which allows for getting on and off at multiple stops all day.

3) Are you a high roller or looking for a good club scene? The Hardrock Casino is ideal for a little gaming and a night at Pangea (especially on Friday or Saturday night). The casino is located a short drive or cab ride from Fort Lauderdale in Hollywood, Florida. There you will find a Mecca of restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, and an array of concerts.

4) Interested in gator watching? Holiday park is located West of Fort Lauderdale past the suburbs of Plantation and Weston and into the Everglades.  At Holiday park, you can take an hour long airboat ride through the Everglades to see birds, alligators, and other “swamp things.” Afterwards, you can take pictures and hold alligators as well as witness an alligator expert demonstrate the strength and agility of the park’s many alligator residents.

5) If you are interested in great views of the beach (like picture below) and some of hot South Florida beauties stop by the W Hotel for its pool party called Salvation Sundays from 12:30pm to 8:00pm (21 and over).

Must eat:

1) For something with a beach view for lunch or dinner, try Casablanca – Right on A1A sits this historic home serving up seafood, American and Mediterranean fare, & nightly entertainment.

2) For something on the Intercoastal with a constant parade of the luxurious boats, experience Taverna Opa.  At this Greek eatery, let the ouzo flow freely with dancing staff, napkins flying, expert belly dancers, & sturdy tables to loose your inhibitions with your dinner companions or new friends.

3) For high end, fine dining experiences, try Johnny V’s on Las Olas, da Campo Osteria, or Steak954

4) Off the beach on Sunrise Blvd, you will find Canyon. It is a small, but very popular Southwestern restaurant with a twist.  Whatever your choice from the menu, do try their specialty drink, the Prickly Pear Margarita, which is well worth the trip.

Look forward to seeing you down here in Sunny Florida for a festive Super Bowl, Spring Break, and beyond!!

Follow me on Twitter @MsTravelingPant and on Facebook.

Looking to escape the wintery weather this year with a visit to South Florida?  Or are you a local looking to spice up your typical routine?

Here you go, a list of top spots in one of the HOT, up and coming US culinary scenes, Bienvenido a Miami….

Must eats:

* Sra Martinez or Michy’s are both excellent culinary destinations with James Beard award winning, Michelle Bernstein as the Executive Chef. Native to Miami, Bernstein blends her Latin and Jewish heritage into “luxurious but approachable food.”  So that you can make your choice, Sra Martinez is a Spanish tapas style restaurant located in the Design District; whereas Michy’s is more of a modern bistro using local farms and seafood on Biscayne Boulevard.

* Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, located in the Design District as well, is the creation of Michael Schwartz.  With a relaxed, bistro feel, you can enjoy an impressive wine list in combination with foods from its wood roasted oven. Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink comes recommended by not only The New York Times, but one of my well traveled peers, @Travelogged.

* Bin 18 is what Chef-Owner Alfredo Patino calls, “Roadside Mediterranean Cuisine.” Located within minutes from the Art Center, the European bistro allows its guests to explore wonderful wines and an ever-changing menu amongst its unusual decor of cement slabs on top of wine barrels.

* The Red Light, once a Chinese restaurant, has quickly turned into a budding sensation by Chef Kris Wessel. I stumbled upon this through a recommendation by another of my travel peers (via @Kcom). The menu changes weekly often featuring regional produce and seafood such as Florida spiny lobster or a wahoo fish dip.

Must see (walk, explore, rest, & perhaps eat/drink some more)

*Art Deco District – walk by the neon, pastel colored signs of the hotels lining Collins Avenue and stop in the Delano Hotel for a MIA cocktail at the Rose Bar. Don’t forget to head outside past the Blue Door Restaurant to take a peak at the pool, cabanas, and the view. (Thanks for seconding my opinion @Travelogged)

*Walk amongst the beautiful people and end at the Southern-most point of South Beach’s strip to spend a pampered, lazy day at Nikki’s beach. The ideal agenda is to grab a cabana and enjoy a pitcher of Mojitos (typical Cuban cocktail made with rum, sugar, mint, and soda water).

* Take a paseo on Lincoln Road while viewing the funky stores & art galleries including Britto and more. For a bite, perhaps stop at Pizza Rustica or Ice Box

Come and visit South Florida, where what’s hot is a combination of the weather, the people, and the culinary scene!!

If you have other favorites that I didn’t mention, please comment and share the must see / must do / must eat in Miami!

Earlier this month, I took a chance on the weather and ventured a little further out of my Fort Lauderdale backyard to my favorite isle of the Florida Keys, Islamorada. Located about 2 hours from Fort Lauderdale, Islamorada is not only a water sports aficionado’s paradise, but also one of my ideal spots for catching a Florida sunset (as being an East coaster that doesn’t happen very often).

Although the day was covered with clouds combined with the doom and gloom of weather forecasters, I knew that by mid-late afternoon the summer showers would clear to be a good, cool kayaking afternoon with an impressive sunset.  After a late departure, I arrived at Islamorada nearly at 2:00 PM.  Luckily, with the rain gone and the sun not at its highest peak, it was a perfect time for kayaking.

I stopped at my favorite kayak shop, Robbie’s.  This locale has fishing charters, “Feed the Tarpons”, a small diner, shops, and most importantly kayak rentals.  I chose a moderate kayak route from Robbie’s passing through the “Feed the Tarpons” (mind you they are bigger than humans) and under the US1 bridge.  This route allows one to explore the oceanside and around an island located roughly a half-mile out.

I was amazed by the crystal clear water and the varied depths from channel depth to very shallow and rocky with only inches of water.  Believe it or not, there were places along the route that the kayak was bottoming out.  With the water so shallow, it was not uncommon to see a passing fish or stingray.  Robbie’s does offer another alternative if you want to experience the mangroves.  I prefer the oceanside, but the mangroves are good for bird watching and dodging crocodiles or alligators (I believe there are both in the Keys).

After cleaning up enough to be what I would call “Keys Presentable” (flip flops, shorts, t-shirt, and hat), I went to my absolute favorite restaurant in Florida, Pierre’s. As a restored house with East Indie décor, the bar and restaurant overlook the gulfside.  The downstairs is the bar surrounded by an outdoor porch with wicker chairs for lounging.  Upstairs is a fine dining restaurant, where my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon dinner.  With a good hour before sunset, I found the most comfortable wicker chair, glass of wine, and enjoyed people watching.

As my words will not do justice for the actual beauty, take this video as your evidence that Islamorada is top-notch for sunsets, bar none.

Keep you posted on my journeys in and around the South Florida area as well as my up and coming trips to Vegas, NY, Nashville, Quebec, London, and more.

For Life’s a Beach installment three, I take you to Fort Lauderdale. Nicknamed Fort Liquordale, it is no secret that Fort Lauderdale has been host to many a memorable Spring Break as well as home to icons such as the Elbo Room. However, one must not forget that above all Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful beach with plenty of activities from hobie catting, volleyball, kite surfing, and just plain sunbathing.

I would like to share with you a perfect South Florida day at Fort Lauderdale beach with my beach view, recommendations for great pizza, and hopefully entice you to come and visit the FTL area.

To watch the third installment in South Florida Beaches, click the video above or this link.

Don’t forget to become a fan of Ms Traveling Pants on Facebook as well as a follower on Twitter @MsTravelingPant

With only a day remaining until those of us in Florida enter into a new hurricane season from June 1st through the 30th of November, many are preparing by buying batteries, bottled water, canned soups, generators, extension cords, and the like.

It is with the start of this Hurricane season that I remember my first summer in Florida 2004. It was no more that one month into our lease at a new apartment and with a new car (without garage) that the trilogy of hurricanes came through Broward county and gave us a quick, crash course into Hurricane preparedness. For those that don’t remember, it was the year of Frances, Jeanne, and Ivan. Notice that the storms go alphabetically alternating gender of name (Check out this year’s names here).

We filled the bathtubs with water, duct taped the sliding glass doors and windows, turned the dining room table on its side to sleep behind, filled up all the Tupperware with water and froze, and filled the radio with plenty of batteries.

For those of you that have not experienced a Hurricane, they are something unbelievable. They are so powerful, unpredictable, and well scary. The whistle of the wind at 100 mph or more makes the foundation of your apartment or house crackle never knowing when it will be over. Then as a cruel joke, after a series of hours you have a small rest and the of eye of the storm passes over making everything seemingly calm. Then, it hits you again for a second reprise of the wild winds, sheets of rain, and offshoot storms.

So I am crossing my fingers for the next few months. Please spare us for yet another hurricane season. However, I will be getting ready. My trip to the store this week will include some of my hurricane favorites: Boboli pizza crusts, peanut butter, couscous, canned veggies, assorted crackers, little cocktail wienies, and nuts. (Notice that I didn’t say cheese; although, it is a Ms Traveling Pants staple. It isn’t the best when without electricity.)

BTW, I don’t know if you noticed that I mentioned that we had no garage during the Frances, Jeanne, and Ivan scare. Somehow, our one week new Silver Honda Accord was safely parked between a SUV and truck. A large tree fell onto the two of them. We were spared.

Good luck to us all.

Do you have any hurricane recipes or survival tips?

As the tourist season is coming to an end in South Florida, there is a notable difference on my drive to work as well as at the beach.  Typically known as the end of “the season” by those in “the Biz,” yesterday was Mother’s Day.  Now, without the “Snowbirds” or “Spring Break Vacationers,” the beaches and roads have been taken back by the locals. And even better, so have the restaurants and bars.  It is back to the locals only.

I think almost every tourist destination has to find a balance between embracing tourists and then the resentment of tourists.  Some never get this equilibrium as seen on this Hudson Valley truck.

As an avid traveler, I have been witness to a large amount of tourists that want to do and eat the same as they do in their hometown without experiencing the local culture. Firsthand, I have even been a victim of being invited to eat at McDonald’s in Paris. I decided to have a beer; at least that was a non-American way to enjoy McDonald’s. But, travelers like those alluded to are often those that bring a bad name to tourists.

Enough said…..those of us still in South Florida, we are about to enter the time that parking at the infamous Fort Lauderdale beach is doable; there may be a table for lunch at Aruba in Lauderdale-by-the-sea, or that one can get an Intercoastal view at Le Tub in Hollywood to enjoy the big, juicy burgers without showing up a couple of minutes before noon.

Tell me about your favorite, “out of season” experience in Fort Lauderdale or your tourist Mecca.

For those of you unfamiliar with Art Basel, it is a modern and contemporary art exhibition that is held annually in Switzerland and for the last 7 years has traveled to Miami. Yesterday was my first time experiencing the event in South Florida despite hearing of the fame and celebrity draw. Only now, can I truly attest that Art Basel is a whirlwind of people watching, perplexing art, and lots of shock value. I spent a half day there and left no better than how I felt after running the 2004 Boston Marathon in 80+ degree weather. It was exhausting.

The majority of the pieces involved not only your visual sense to be engaged, but also the inner being…..how do I feel about this piece?. It was clear to me that shock value has much to do with this chapter in Art. You must walk by and then revisit many of the gallery exhibits for you to truly understand…..what did I just see? And, what in the hell was the message behind this?

The PJ champagne was flowing from carts zigzagging the halls and many Ferraris and supped up cars were lining the street; however, the overarching message despite the glitz and glam was that Art is to provoke emotion. Whether you enjoy traditional pieces like a portrait photo or canvas work, those positive emotions are not all that can be addressed. Through daily life, emotions such as fear, disgust, sexual freedom, anger, and prejudice are silenced, but not at Art Basel.

It was inspiring. I left feeling that my senses had taken the test. And now, I feel that I have another creative juice running through my veins. It is evident that if you put yourself in an environment so unlimited that you too become unlimited.

It is with theme of no limits that I leave you with….

Art and Travel have so much in common; they allow deep exploration by crossing boundaries whether physical, mental or emotional.

I have been Basel-ed….