I will admit straightaway that I was completely wrong about the Holy Land Experience. I was sure that I would find cheap and tasteless replicas and a stomach-churning parody of the life of Jesus. Instead I found a simple yet graphical representation of key events from the Gospel that not only held me spellbound but which also led me to ask questions of myself. I was literally amazed.

We visited at Easter 2005 and when I entered the “Jerusalem Street Market”, complete with stalls selling all manner of videos and religious paraphernalia, I felt all my pre-conceptions being realised.

However, as we wandered at our own pace through the “Dead Sea Qumran Caves”, or the “Wilderness Tabernacle” I was really taken by the simplicity of the experience. It was Easter, it was hot, it was silent, and here I was watching ornately caparisoned Roman centurions lead a bearded “Jesus” through a Calvary dotted with palms, to the Cross ….

I know this will sound bizarre, but in so many ways I felt like I was really there - that I had gone back 2000 years, and was present at the Crucifixion…As I watched the empty winding sheet, abandoned on the cross and moving gently in the breeze, I was genuinely moved, and because of that I was puzzled and full of questions….

Later, as the evening cooled and as the wind picked up, we joined a large crowd in front of the “Great Temple” and enjoyed the theatrical representation of some of Jesus’ sermons. As I watched these episodes unfold - stories which I had been familiar with since childhood - they came alive to me and I felt again that I was present in a different time and that I could catch a faint tang of the excitement and emotion out of the past.

I have rarely felt ‘religious’ before or since, but there in a theme park in Florida watching Jesus die for our sins I felt full of emotion… Well, there I go again. Sentimental echoes from childhood or profound religious experience? Please, give this place a chance, and decide for yourself. I’ve not even mentioned the wonderful Scriptorium or the incredible model of Jerusalem circa 66 A.D. Take a drive up I4, past the Universal exit, and bring an open mind… David Evans

This privately owned working ranch is situated at, 3705 Poinciana Blvd. Kissimmee Florida 34758. Telephone number 407-847-4343. Directions are off Highway 192 towards the I 4 then straight along Poinciana Blvd. You will see the signs for Horse World.

They accommodate for most ages and sizes, and offer three levels of competence. The first and basic level is the” Nature Trail Ride” This ride is a guided, walk only through the woods. This is a one hour ride. “Intermediate Trail Ride” A guided trail with walking and trotting through the woods. This also takes about one hour and is for ages ten years and older with riding experience. “Advanced Private Trail” is a guided trail lasting about one and quarter hours with walk, trot and cantering. You must be an experienced horse rider and this must be booked in advance.

We took the basic ride which was a walk in the woods on horse back. It was a gentle introduction for both of us to the world of horse riding. It was very relaxed and it gave you time to see wildlife and take in the tranquillity of the woods and then admire the horse at work under a Florida blue sky. I hope to step up on my next visit to the Intermediate trail, Jack will be ten in two years time so we might have to wait! 

When you have finished your ride and after you have had a cold drink you can head for the small but well stocked shop to browse and look for that little memento to remind you of your day as a cowboy!

There is usually a supermarket or convenience store close to all villa communities now.  A Publix supermarket is just two minutes drive away from our villa at Manors North Westridge.  It is open 24 hours, except for Saturday evening closing.  Most gas stations also have a convenience store selling basic grocery items, and often much more besides.  For guests arriving on Christmas Day or other major public holidays – your villa homeowner will be happy to check supermarket opening times for you.

Berry Town Centre, just two minutes drive away from us at The Manors on Highway 27, has a Publix supermarket as mentioned above.  They have a British Foods section selling PG Tipps & Typhoo Teas, although these are much more expensive than UK prices – we always take our favourite brand of teabags in our suitcase as I cannot function without at least three cups of tea first thing in the morning!

Coffee lovers will be spoilt for choice with numerous blends available for filter coffee makers.  There are also a few instant brands available.

Other British favourites at Publix are Heinz baked beans (the American variety is an acquired taste if you are used to Heinz beans in tomato sauce!)  Other Heinz products include soups, and sponge puddings, also Ambrosia rice pudding, Birds custard powder, Cadburys biscuits & tartan shortbread etc.  You can also buy malt vinegar, and English mustard, as well as Heinz ketchup.  Most cereals are stocked along with the most amazing selection of other brands, but Weetabix is sometimes difficult to find.  Small bottles of  Ribena (to dilute & a favourite with young children) are sometimes available at Publix, but these small bottles are also expensive.   If you enjoy pickled beetroot, jars can be found in the Ethnic food section which is in another aisle.

Zephyr Hills bottled water is available.  There is also a distilled version on the shelves – bottles look very similar  – and could be a shock to the tastebuds if bought in error, so I recommend checking the label.

For those looking for healthier foods, Publix have organic milk, which can be found in small cartons in the chilled section near coffee creamers & butters.  The regular large gallon bottles of milk are in separate aisle.  I was pleased to find organic fruit juices, the cranberry one is really nice.  There are also a few organic fruits (including bananas), vegetables and salad items in a separate area.   I particularly enjoy eating lots of fresh fruit and salads (makes me feel less guilty after a plateful of pancakes & maple syrup and hopefully will prevent me from going up a dress size by the end of the holiday!)  I was surprised however, to discover that fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries & strawberries (in plastic containers from the chilled cabinet) have no sell by, or use by dates on them.  Close inspection is needed as they soon ‘go off’.  I asked a senior member of staff and was told these items stay on sale until they show visible signs of deterioration, and they are inspected daily.

If, in your travels, you find a roadside produce stall or farmers market, you will find fresh produce on sale at much cheaper prices.    We found good savings on cantaloupe melons.

Publix Deli counters are wonderful.  If you are undecided which cooked meat, cheese etc. to buy, the assistant will cut a large slice of each for you to taste.

Another tasty section is the bakery, for a scrumptious selection of fruit pies, cakes and pastries.

Unfortunately we have been unable to find back bacon rashers.  They all seem to be the streaky variety – where does back bacon go to we wonder?

There is an official website of items allowed/prohibited to take into the USA.  It is http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/va…restricted.xml

Now for an amusing tale – After getting a little fed up with eating so many French fries, I decided to request mashed potato at an Ihop diner.  I ordered cod in breadcrumbs, as I am not a big meat-eater.  When it arrived the mash was topped with brown beef gravy.  Apparently when mash is ordered, it always comes with gravy, I was told.  They didn’t think it was at all unusual.  I tried my best and ate most of it, but it was very off-putting and I had indigestion afterwards.  Hubby thought it was very funny!

It’s All About Timing
Besides seasonal considerations, certain days of the week are slower at the theme parks, usually Tuesday through Thursday. Arrive early to avoid crowds – timing your arrival can set the mood for the whole day.

Strategy-planning begins before you enter the gate. Study Web sites and maps to plot your priorities. Pre-purchase tickets if possible (multiple-day passes and Orlando Flex Tickets save time and money). Keep in mind that weather, crowds, ride availability and other factors can affect your plan, so be flexible. Do the most popular rides early in the morning, moving to the back of the park first. Use peak times in the early afternoon for eating, shopping and shows. Recharged, you’ll step out into the park ready for more thrilling fun. Ride lines often slack off toward late afternoon, so save the big attractions you missed in the morning for later.

Disney parks issue a FASTPASS outside some of the best rides (available to all guests at no extra charge). FASTPASS tickets set an appointed time for you to return to an attraction via special, shorter lines. Universal’s similar program is Universal Express (available at an additional charge; or free to guests at Universal Resort properties). Universal Express allows you to take the “express” line to some of the most popular rides, and does not require that you come at an appointed time.

If you’re willing to split up your group, opt for quicker Single Rider lines. Afterward, comparing the thrills of the ride with your family and friends is almost as much fun as the ride itself.

A one of a kind, custom built “MonsterTruckSwamp Buggy”… An off-road all terrain vehicle. Venture through a genuine working cattle ranch; see bald eagles, wild turkeys, deer, turtles, raccoons, cows and many exotic birds. See wildlife roaming free & travel into the pit of alligators.

I took one look at this Monster Truck and thought wow! I must have a bit of this. I was the first to clamber on board it took a climb to reach the seats high in the sky , it must be at least 12 feet tall, the tyres are absolutely huge, I reckon about six feet tall, they are huge.

I took loads of photographs before we clambered aboard this beast. My son Jack looked great in front of this swamp monster in his Burnley football top and shorts. He was again really excited about the journey ahead, it didn’t disappoint him.

We waited whilst everyone and his mother boarded this swamp beast! All aboard, our driver was a real,  old fashioned “Red neck”, he had the gift of the gab and talked us through every turn. We saw loads of creatures, or critters and birds. We saw close up Alligators, Wild pigs and Wild Turkeys, plus deer and other various wild life.

We even saw the symbol of America, the Bald Eagle, it was a magnificent site. We were shown retired Bald Eagle nests, or eyries, they were so big, and the size of a small house were the Eagles had built on year after year. We went through deep water, up and over the rugged terrain and stopped and marvelled at the sights!

But when the journey came to an abrupt end I can say that my neck, backside and back breathed a sigh of relief. This is not for the faint hearted, don’t get me wrong, but there is only so much banging and bumping around a man or child can take. However there were no complaints and a wonderful red neck guide in the process, who was more than pleased with his dollar tips. Not one to miss, but only one trip for me thanks you.