But things are possibly changing.  Whilst the USA will most likely continue to be associated with the National Football League, ice hockey, baseball and basketball, there is a definite sign that cricket is making inroads.

There is a long history of cricket in the States – whilst today the big international rivalries are perhaps between England and Australia, or India and Pakistan, the first ever international cricket match was between USA and Canada, way back in 1844.

Since then other sports have dominated – but that may be about to change.  At the time of writing (April 2010), a series of international matches is being planned between New Zealand and Sri Lanka – to be staged in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  And there is already a thriving cricket league in Florida.

My local club, Tunbridge Wells Borderers, play in the East Sussex League in England, but also try and play in a variety of overseas locations.  And 2008 saw the club visiting Florida to take on a couple of local sides – Silver Spring Shores and Poinciana.

The two local teams consisted mostly of expatriates from the Caribbean, and proved to be excellent hosts.  Although their hospitality was restricted to ‘off the field; - the home teams won both matches by a comfortable margin.  The wonderful Florida weather sapped the energy of the visiting English team in temperatures seldom seen on the cricket fields of England.

But, in spite of the defeats, Florida proved to be a wonderful venue for a cricket tour.  The hosts hospitality and the Florida weather provided the backdrop as the English cricket team spent their time as tourists, enjoying golf, the theme parks, plenty of shopping……and, of course, the fabulous choice of restaurants.

Our touring party stayed in villas.  This proved to be much more cost effective than hotel rooms, whilst giving us the luxury of private pools, plenty of space and the convenience of self catering.

But whilst these malls are big and offer a wide range of goods, if ‘big’ is important, at the time of writing (January 2010) the mall claiming to be Florida’s biggest involves a drive to the east coast.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is on Florida’s east coast, just north of Miami.  It involves a drive of several hours, so we took the opportunity to visit the area when we flew into Miami instead of ‘our usual’ Orlando (most scheduled airlines permit open-jaw arrangements, where you fly into one airport but return home from another - an ideal arrangement if you wish to visit Miami, Fort Lauderdale or the Florida Keys as well as the Central Florida attractions).  Another reason to find yourself in Fort Lauderdale is to join a cruise (perhaps to the Caribbean).  And whilst in the area, a visit to Sawgrass Mills is a must for shopaholics.

Sawgrass Mills

Sawgrass Mills claims to be Florida’s largest retail and entertainment centre, featuring more than 350 name-brand outlets.  A mixture of open air and ‘covered’ shopping areas makes this a very pleasant place to visit and spend a few hours - and also spend a few dollars. And with seven day opening well into the evening, there is no need to rush and miss any shopping opportunities.

Shops

Many of the names here are well known to international visitors.  Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Ron Jons - as well as names better known to locals.  With over 350 to choose from, it is easy to be parted from your dollars.  It’s also easy to get carried away - remember how much space was left in your suitcase.  Or, for visitors from Europe travelling by scheduled airline, make full use of your luggage allowance - if this will require buying an extra suitcase you are in the right place to save money on this as well.

Entertainment

As well as a cinema, there is also the opportunity to eat - either a snack, fast food or a sit-down restaurant.

How To Get There

Sawgrass Mills is located at the crossroads of West Sunrise Blvd. and Flamingo Road just 15 miles from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and 30 miles from the Miami International Airport.