Venice of America - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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We spent 10 hours one day cruising along the intercoastal waterway and New River (canal servicing the downtown) in Fort Lauderdale. A beautiful and relaxing way to see the land of the rich and famous. For one fare, we could hop on a off a water taxi, stopping at stores, restaurants and pubs (where you could grab a drink and take it on the taxi again!) Our "taxi driver" gave a running commentary on the history of the enormous mansions and yachts belonging to the likes of Sonny & Cher, Lucy & Dezi, Lee Majors & Farrah Fawcett, sports legends, owners of mega giants such as Staples, SunGlass Hut, Blockbuster, inventors of electric wheelchairs, the security tag on clothing, even the fortune cookie! My favourite yacht was the sleek black beauty shown below and owned by an unknown German, but thought to be worth over $300 million. One house was actually five homes connected by breezeways, each with their own theme, with a 3 storey fish tank that encompassed a shower on 3 sides. Incredible to see - we had to keep picking up our dropped jaws from the bottom of the boat.

Hollywood, Florida is also a favourite beach spot (just south of Fort Lauderdale), with 2.5 miles of boardwalk where you walk, bike and just hang out. It used to be home of college students during spring break, where it grew to 350,000 students congregating on the beach. Yikes! We were able to find a quiet spot to spend the afternoon and just suntan and relax for a change.

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Comments

[Penny]

I am so jealous!
Oh, don't! It all looks so fabulous - and did you say "sunbathing"?

[Mallory]

Wow
Those yachts and mansions are amazing! Nice to see how the rich and famous live!