Alabama

Do you remember the song, "Sweet Home Alabama?"

We didn't hear it at all, but it was on many licenses plates in Alabama. We got a condo in Gulf Shores for one month. Rent was around $850 a month which included all utilities at the Sunrise Village. Each condo is independently ran so prices may vary. There are 48 oil rigs on the shores of Alabama. They are not hidden. We had 14 oil and natural gas rigs on our beach which made me depressed.

The sand was breathtaking and very soft. Its definitely a family location and felt safe. Many locals did not care about the oil spill. They argue for more oil rigs because they like the profit. In my personal opinion, Gulf Shores might as well have been flying BP's flag.

Kelly on the other hand enjoyed the experience because she was able to see past the rigs in the ocean. They had a lot of outlet malls and fast food restaurants. I found a lot of oil globs on the beach, my heart cries out to the damage done to the environment and animals. I heard the rigs weren't even owned by Americans but the French and British. Why are we allowing this to happen? Please America, don't let the desire for money and profit undue our most beautiful treasure which is our land.

Our condo was nice and management was great. There were many super sized gaudy tourist trap businesses with cheap goods. Image is high but substance is low. The locals are friendly but I heard a lot of racism in the restaurants. Racism makes me sad and doesn't belong in the United States.

By choice I am a reformed Jew and will fight for my beliefs and for my security. I believe in fighting for the underdog and minorities.

All the homes are built on stilts. The steep two flights of wooden stairs made going out difficult but are needed in case of a tsunami. I saw a lot of happy old people complain about knee pains, but I must put stress on the fact they were happy. It's a very quiet neighborhood outside of the fire department blaring their horns every few hours because of routine testings. I think that was uncalled for and was a abuse of power. Kelly and I watched many fire trucks stall traffic and then turn their lights off after they got their jollies. I found a very gifted chiropractor, her name is Alicia. If anyone is interested in her contact information let me know and I will be happy to give it.

The welcome center at the border.

This was great chicken but I was allergic to the peanuts it was cooked in.

La Quinta in Birmingham. With the coupon from the visitors center we got this room for $40. Average cost a night is $150.

Montgomery Zoo. I rank this zoo 9 out of 10. The animals were at peace and appeared to be happy. The staff has done a great job in taking care of them. Two thumbs up!

In Costa Rica they are free. I very much miss Costa Rica. When Cecelia is 18 she will have to take care of herself because I want to take Kelly back there.

It looks moody.

We fed four girafffes. I'm so happy we got to see them. I love this zoo and was very happy to have had the experience. The giraffes were a happy family.

The pride of the jungle.

 I said out loud pork chops and it went running.

BBQ. The Northlodge in Gwinn Michigan has the best ribs in the world, or so I think. I've been to 23 countries and tried their ribs. This place was not that great but everyone else was happy. The sauce was tart and the service outside of one person wasn't impressive. The waitress who had a mom with egg allergies was very nice but I didn't get her name.

See, the sauce is runny and isn't sticking to the meat. I think the proper way to cook BBQ is to slow cook it and have it be juicy yet tender. Sauce should have a blend of rich tastes that are pleasurable to the pallet. Sauce needs to have a bold but yet zest kick and a good after taste. These ribs had none of that.

Our condo at the Sunrise Village. Sunrises were nice.

The units range around $175,000 each.

Nice beach with sand when you can't see the rigs.

Terrible Mexican. The food was drippy and cold. It tasted like it came from a can. Two thumbs down. Its called Tequila something.

These birds are up to five feet long. They steal the local fishermen fish.

Sigh. Its so not right.

A civil war navy base for the South.

There are half a dozen of these. They tried fighting the North but some admiral did a full on attack and only lost 1 ship. The south's navy was defeated within days.

I walked up the steps which was very hard.

 Cannons sat in the mounts.

 So many cannons.

For American history fans.

The local hang out, literally called the hang out.

 A lot of events. Its on the beach.

Live music. It was good music.

 It was good food. A lot better then the previous BBQ restaurant.

Sunset.

 Red moon.

Another restaurant which was average and overly expensive. They had cheap wings and beer which I didn't drink.

 She's rolling her eyes.

 Ciao.