Step Aside Columbus, Lewis and Clark!

Just call me Explorer Mandy, please.  I'm a nomad just roaming around with my toddler in tow. 

Kirk started his new job yesterday which he said went well (how bad can a first day be when half of it is introductions and paperwork, right?). So while he was stuck in the grind, I jumped right in to play tourist. 

In honor of Columbus day on Monday and my first day on my own with Vivian, we decided to travel around our new city.   I didn't have a specific plan in mind.  I let my gut feelings direct me. 

Since our realtors drove us around over the weekend, I knew the main roads and felt like it was an easy city to find my way around.  I was mostly right.  I took several wrong turns and went in directions that I didn't mean to go in.  I got lost.  But then I found my way.  Then I became lost again and found my way again.  That's all part of the adventure though.

The first thing I did "wrong" was not turn left and I went over a bridge and ended up on a small island, Gulf Breeze, just outside of Pensacola.  This lucky mistake led me to a grocery store, Publix, that I'm familiar with from Alabama.  Since I needed a few items, I stopped in and did shopping.  I also spotted a Smoothie King store which I love (and I used to work for their Corporate Headquarters in New Orleans years ago and I still keep in touch with my former co-workers there).  So perhaps it was fate that led me there to Gulf Breeze.

After shopping, Vivian and I drove through several downtown streets.  I turned onto Palafox Street and followed it down until it became The Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier.  This is the site of Pensacola's newest waterfront public park that replaced the 2005 demolished auditorium.  It was serendipitous that I found it.







At this attraction, there are fisherman spots, a marina for yachts and boats and an observation deck. Mostly inhabited by birds, you feel a bit outnumbered by nature.









Of course Vivian and I had to look around.  She LOVED the observation deck and watching the egrets and birds fly overhead.  At one point, her head and ears became slightly stuck in the iron while peering through the bars.  (The Diva has a big head after all!)  I laughed knowing that she was okay and that she wouldn't try that trick again. 





The longer we stayed there, the braver Vivian became at moving closer to the birds on the grass or trying not to hold my hand.  I wasn't having that though!  Of course she wasn't happy when I placed her back in the car and we left.  But a few chocolate graham crackers and cheetoh's and she was like, "Plaza de Luna who?"  Oh yeah, she said it just like that too.  ;-) 

Before we left though, I noticed this cafe' on the corner.  It was a walk-up and order style place.  Perfect.  I could take something to-go. 



I was pleasantly surprised to discover they had shrimp and fish sandwiches.  I'll take a shrimp sandwich, please.  No pickles and light on the special sauce. 

Oh yeah, just see what you missed out on!  It was oh, sooo good.



After we both stuffed our faces, Viv and I headed in a different direction of the city - the historic district of East Hill.  We found J's Bakery which was highly recommended to us by two of my friends, Jen and Renee.  Thanks ladies!  It was a quaint place and the people there were so helpful and friendly. 



Vivian enjoyed looking at all the delectable treats in this bakery.  I took a brochure of their cakes and intend to order a birthday surprise for Vivian who will be two years old on the 29th.   Even better, we all enjoyed eating some cookies and petit fours from J's. 





After our visit to the sweet shop, we headed back to the hotel.  Vivian was ready for her nap.  I was ready to lounge around. 

So, maybe it wasn't an important expedition.  We didn't discover new land, gold or a fountain of eternal youth.  Perhaps our day was more like a Dora the Explorer episode instead.  Only without the cute animals, helpful tools and fun clues.

Still it was a mini-adventure and one that we both enjoyed.  I didn't even use a GPS.  That's right folks - I did it the old fashioned way - using a street map and following my instincts.  It was a great way to start my biggest expedition -- being a stay-at-home mom with Vivian.   And I can't wait to get out and explore more!