Florida, a modern state with an existing tribe? (Blogpost 1)

We know that Florida has a melting pot of diverse nationalities and cultures, mainly the Latin American and European. However during my holiday at Florida, I chanced upon a middle-aged women while chilling by the beach. Through her, I learnt that there is actually another group of population since the early establishment of Florida that lived till today. 

They are the Seminole of Florida, meaning "wild people" or "runaway." They were the descendants of just 300 Indians who escaped being slaves when the land of India was invaded by the French and British. While the Red Indians was forced to make the Black Indians and Africans slaves, only the Seminoles refused and escaped into the swamps of Florida.

As she told me how her ancestor helped their tribe to gain freedom, she started tearing and became very emotional. 

She shared how from 1739 to 1858, the Seminoles and other refugees waged three wars with the United States to finally gain their freedom out of slavery. Only in the late 19th century they began venturing out to trade. They lived through agriculture and selling crafts and improved their independence by adopting a legal form of government.

They currently visit schools and festivals across the state, performing traditional dance and music to share their history with non-Indians. 

It was amazing for me to know that the existence of the Seminole has impacted Florida today, such as the woman in Florida's flag and names of many Florida places that was taken from Seminole languages, both Creek and Miccosukee. 

After hearing such disconcerting yet surreal story about Seminole, a part of Florida's history, I am so glad to know that its culture and tribe still lived till today to share their stories to the rest of the world.

The lady whom i spoke to:

Getting to know Florida

Living up to is name as the Sunshine State, tourists and Floridian can almost assure themselves a perfect day full of sun under the pleasant tropical weather. This beauty is found on the peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, in the South eastern section of The United State.  

Summers are usually long, hot and humid; therefore its beaches are a popular place to keep cool. In terms of the Floridian, nothing is more symbolic than their Palm trees. Dotting the state's landscape, Palm tree seems to represent Florida and even included in the state flag.

Coming from Singapore, I find Florida's flag really beautiful and intricate in representing the state. On a white field with a red cross and the state seal, Florida's flag represents the land of sunshine, flowers, palm trees, rivers and lakes. The seal features a brilliant sun, a cabbage palmetto tree, a steamboat sailing and a Native American Seminole woman scattering flowers. 

Something which I found it interesting is that between 1868 and 1900, Florida's state flag used to be a white cloth with the state seal in the center. However, a red cross was added during the late 1890s so that the flag does not appear to be a white flag of truce or surrender when hanging still on a flagpole! 

Florida is made up of 341 cities, which I am sure most of you are familiar with their popular ones such as Miami and Orlando. Florida has the most coast line at roughly 1200 miles *Gasp*.

As a coastal and border state, Florida is greatly influence by its large Latin American and European population which affect the culture and even the architecture. I thought Floridians's first language would be English since they are part of The United States, but no! Instead, Spanish are widely used by the locals which really surprised me. Never expect that even language would be affected too.

If you are trying to settle down for a meal anywhere in Florida, you will find yourself surrounded by a blend of Spanish, Cuban, African and Caribbean cuisines. Foodie could easily dine in on food based on seafood recipes, plantains and fruits, and not to forget their famous alligator meat! (If you are up for the game).

Not to forget, Florida is home to the largest theme park in the world, Disney World! Tourist are draw to it perpetual sun and warm weather, as well as the endless beaches and amusement park. Aside from its beautiful beaches, other leisure activities that are popular in the state include hunting, surfing and hiking. 

These and much more could be experience in Florida, so stay on to this blog as my next post will show you the other side of this sunny state.

“To travel is to live” 

― Hans Christian Andersen, The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography

Hello to readers of Florida

Have you dreamt of going Florida with only the impression of its sunny beach and Disneyland? Then you are in the right place! I just came back from my two months holiday trip from Florida, also known as the sunshine state and it was definitely one of my best travelling experience. 

Therefore I have decided to create a blog to share what I have learnt and experienced during my trip in Florida. Keep reading and you will soon realize that it is more than just a place for amusement park and beaches!

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” 

― Gustave Flaubert