Live from Miami Beach... This is the Florida Report.

Bush leads by 537 votes, but now it's up to the courts to decide.

So much to see and do, and so little time. I've been in Florida for the past five days, starting in the Orlando area and gradually heading south. Planning to go all the way to Key West, the southern-most point in the USA.


I spent a day at Epcot, Disney's Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which was both educational and entertaining - a combination of attractions/rides focussed on the history of human evolution and technological progress, and a showcase of the arts and cuisine of several countries throughout the world - no mention of Australia though. I also spent an evening at Pleasure Island, Disney's sole 'adults only' destination. It's a precinct of bars, clubs, and theatres when the one cover charge gets you into everything - street entertainment, a jazz bar, a 70's dance bar, a rock 'n' roll club, a comedy theatre ... you get the idea. Fantastic, and in typical Disney style they celebrate New Year's every night with a fireworks and dance display.


Thursday was Launch Day at the Kennedy Space Center, and lucky me (and three other Aussies that I met at the Orlando hostel) went out to the Space Coast for the full tour of the Space Center and then hung around on the coast south of Titusville to see the launch at night. Clear day, no clouds, slightly chilly. Thousands upon thousands were gathered for the launch. At precisely 10:06pm as scheduled, the launch site (about 10 miles from where we were) lit up like a huge ball of fire, and the Endeavor rapidly headed skyward. Absolutely awesome. The sound wave didn't hit us until about 90 seconds after the launch, which was definitely something one isn't used to. We were able to follow the rocket in the night sky like a shooting star for the full eight minutes until it finished its second burn. If I live in Florida I think I'd definitely turn into a launch junkie.


I left Orlando on Saturday having felt that I should really be staying at least another week - there is sooooo much to see and do in the area (save it for another time), and drove down the turnpike to Miami. Miami is the place to see and be seen. It's a town of body worship. People walk around in fancy clothes, dine in classy restaurants, and then hits the clubs to dance the night away. If your car isn't a late model sports car or a hotted up pick-up truck, leave it at home. Most amusing town - it feel so surreal and superficial. My favourite aspects of the place would definitely have to be the weather (it's dry season in the tropics here), and the Art Deco architecture. (you'll have to wait for the photos)


Went to the Everglades National Park today. Amazing wildlife - Turtles, alligators, and countless varieties of birds hang out in the waters. Great photography opportunity - kind of wish I had a better camera. I'm up to my 12th roll of film now - I've taken over 300 photos!