TAMPA, FLORIDA (Part I)

QUICK LOOK:

Location: Hillsborough County

Main Attractions: see Part 2

Transportation: Driving (lots of driving)

Holidays: Rosh Hoshanah, Columbus Day, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Election Day

Introduction: Hello, old friends. I know it has been a while since I last wrote. I wasn’t really sure if I was going to continue virtually documenting our journey now that our international sabbatical has ended. However, I was inspired to continue after our big cross country move brought on more Americana adventures. So, without further ado, here is my next post.

TAMPA - Two months after returning from our international travel abroad, Brad was offered a position in Clearwater, Florida. As much as I would like to think I am relatively open-minded, I couldn’t help the stereotypes—alligators, hurricanes, and bugs—from running through my head. Seriously. I was having dreams (or, rather, nightmares) about alligators roaming around our house. Thankfully, friends (and friends of friends) alleviated my fears—alligators do not roam around everywhere, Tampa hasn’t seen a major hurricane for 100+ years (just hunker down), and just wear bug repellent. Well, let me tell you, Florida welcomed us with two of the three (thankfully, not the alligators).

Brad left for Florida beginning of August, while the girls and stayed back a month to pack up, send the moving truck off, send the cars off, and say goodbye to dear friends and family. We flew east September 8th excited (and nervous) about our new adventure. Our first few days in our new home felt a bit unreal because our moving truck hadn’t delivered our belongings yet. Unfortunately, with an empty home (we live in a three-story townhouse, so we have neighbors on either side but none below or above), our sounds echoed. Two days in, a neighbor pounded on our walls and then rang the doorbell and left a note. I would have been happy to speak to this neighbor, but they had left before I could get to the door. Furthermore, they didn’t respond when I knocked or rang. I like to give others the benefit of the doubt (maybe they had to go back to work, maybe they were too busy to answer, etc.). However, it didn't feel right. After speaking with management on how to approach the situation since we were very willing to discuss this with the neighbors but were getting no response, management stepped in to handle it professionally (apparently, it is against code to leave notes on neighbors’ doors). Of course, no one ever confessed to having left the note (which we weren’t mad about; we just wanted to have a conversation with them so that both parties were heard and happy), but we pretty much know which neighbor left the note. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our warmest welcome, but we carried on and grew from the situation.

Not too long after, we were further welcomed with record-breaking Hurricane Helene in late September and then Hurricane Milton a month later. Thanks to amazing friends that helped support from afar, connected us with nearby friends, or gave very helpful advice (you all know who you are and I am forever grateful to you), we were as prepared as can be. Brad had been in Hurricane Iniki (category 5) in 1992, so he’s had experience. However, it was mine and the girls’ first hurricane (let alone a major one) and not something we were expecting when we moved to Tampa, especially not two major hurricanes in a row. I like to joke that Florida really wanted to induct us into its state. All that being said, I am very grateful to have been kept safe and am impressed with the state leadership’s proactivity and emergency responsiveness. I am heartbroken for the lives and homes that were more deeply affected, but I am grateful the damage was minimal compared to what could have been.

After the hurricanes, the girls were finally able to enter kindergarten at their new school. I have to say, their school community has been one of the best things that has happened to us in Florida. First, the girls absolutely love their class and teacher. Second, the entire staff has been so welcoming and helpful. The fact that I see their principal every drop-off and pick-up because he is so involved is so comforting to see. Third, the girls are growing academically. And, fourth, the girls are forming close bonds with other students. They’ve been enjoying play dates and come home with so many fun stories.

There was one incident, however, when the girls decided to ride their scooters to school. It was an unexpected adventure. Let’s just say that Florida roads aren’t the most pedestrian-friendly. They have nice enough sidewalks and walking paths, but there are also major roads to cross (they almost feel like highways). So, the morning we rode/walked to school, we were a bit late and Vienna even fell after hitting uneven pavement. Then, after I walked back home, I discovered I had gotten several bites on my legs. The notorious “noseeum” bugs (apparently, they are actually midges or various types of bugs that are just called “noseeums” because you can barely see them) finally got me. The first time they ever bit me was at a farm called Horsepower for Kids (more about this adorable place in “Part 2”) in Florida and they dissipated quickly. This time, however, was not the same. I am being very honest when I say I had 200+ bites (120+ on each leg). Not going to lie, it was a bit of an uncomfortable nightmare for weeks. My sister was sending me medicine and a close friend was sending me a Florida-based company’s spray and recovery gel called “The Bug Juice” (thank you, Veronica!!). I was applying tea tree oil and coconut oil like nobody’s business. Even the girls were helping me give my legs cold water rinses and ice baths. I still have some remaining bites and scars from the situation, but it’s much better. Phew.

Just to add to the noise complaint, hurricanes, and bug bites, it took me 60+ days for my Florida RN license to get approved. After two 2.5+ hour calls to the Board and four emails, my license was finally processed. Like I said, it’s been quite the adventure for our family, especially for me.

All this to say, we have now had time to discover more of Tampa and what it has to offer. See “Part 2” to hear how these challenges led to fun discoveries.

See you soon!