If you have read my previous blog posts, you should know that seemingly, the nexus of my high school experience was joining swim my freshman year- “the worst and best sport”. Accordingly, it was the worst decision ever, but somehow also the best one, because it led me to an amazing trip to Florida on a random weekend last February. 

The plans for this trip began last November, when we bought our Southwest tickets on Travel Tuesday (an occasion following Black Friday that I didn’t even know existed). I remember back then telling Jordyn that our trip was so far away, to which she responded “it’ll come faster than you think”. As always, she was right! In the blink of an eye, it was February 16th, and I was driving myself and Evette home following the fourth period so that we could finish packing and get ready to leave. Maizy’s mom drove us to the airport, we (as in Maizy) checked in her massive suitcase, and off we went! Going through TSA with Jordyn, Maisy and Evette really made me realize that the airport is not as difficult as I thought it was, as I am accustomed to the chaos my brother usually ensues when he somehow forgets the liquids limit, or that he has to have his pockets empty, etc.. At 4:30, we were boarded and ready to go! I sat next to Evette on the ride there- a mostly peaceful experience with a bout of turbulence that made Jordyn freak out. 

The first night was very domestic, as we got to the house, swam a little bit, and ate a multitude of food. We had McDonalds, soup, Mac and Cheese- we were really living life. We also decided which rooms we were going to have for the trip, which is a very precarious situation for us. The issue stands: Jordyn needs absolute silence when she sleeps, and Maizy snores. So, Maizy and Evette were in the room across the hall, and Jordyn and I were in the other. Spending every day, all day with somebody really teaches you a lot, and the main things I learned about Jordyn are that she and I are both quite messy, and that she sleeps like she is DEAD. No wonder she needs absolute silence, because SHE is absolutely silent. She would fall asleep in a matter of minutes, and I was constantly worried that she was not breathing. 

All that aside, the next day (as all the days were) was very laid back. We went shopping, went back to the house, swam a little bit more in the 85 degree weather, changed into nicer clothes, and went to a sushi restaurant Maizy had made a reservation at. But this was no ordinary sushi restaurant- the music was dialed up to 100, the DJ was having the time of his life, literal sparklers were going off, and we could not hear one another whatsoever. Every time our waiter checked up on us, he would look at us, give us a thumbs up, and we would give a thumbs up back. Turns out he didn’t even speak English

, but we chalked it up to the music being really loud. We then went and explored Naples’ famous fifth avenue, which is truly the fanciest place I have ever been; Bentleys as far as the eye could see, dresses and suits for miles. 

On Saturday, we went to the farmer’s market, where I had the most amazing olive, beignet, and crab cake. We also ran into a Naples resident who was from Medina, Illinois, and had friends

 with him from Naperville. The world is truly a small place sometimes! We went back to the house, swam a little, and then changed into our nicest attire for Jordan and Evette’s birthday dinner. We ate at a place called Verginia, which was a fancy restaurant in the front, with a dance floor and DJ in the back- a common Floridian theme we were beginning to pick up on. Sunday was a picturesque day, the epitome of a Florida trip. We went to a European brunch place, and then took our co

olers and towels to the Naples beach, where we spent the rest of our day. Evette and I dug a heart out of sand, and we stayed for the sunset. It doesn’t sound like we really did much, but I guess that’s what it’s all about!

Sadly, we left Florida on Monday, and flew back home. On this flight, I sat by Jordyn because Maizy ‘wanted to sleep on the plane but if she sat next to Jordyn she wouldn’t be able to’ . Another thing about Jordyn- she’s terrified of air-

planes, so I held her hand and talked to her practically the whole flight. We also made a new friend, Greyson from Omaha, who communicated with us with his ipad through the crack of his seat. 

Really, it was the best time, and we made so many memories that I will hold onto as we soon part ways and start our new lives! It’s kind of weird (we know), but we call ourselves the Quadruplets, and the Quadruplets taking on Florida was a time I will remember forever as a highlight of my senior year- the best trip, with truly the best people.