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