The next day Kristina and I collected a rental car from Mobile's airport and hit the road bound for sunny Florida (the first US state I stepped foot in more than five years ago now). Over the border we stopped in at Steak 'n Shake for a quick bite. We pulled into the drive thru, gave our order to the speaker box, and proceeded to the window where we were greeted by a big fat black chick with a weird look on her face. She said to me "Is that really how you talk or are you just doing that?" hahaha! In hindsight, given how gorgeous she wasn't, I wish I had said something like "Only when I'm trying to impress the ladies; is it working?" but instead I simply told her I'm from New Zealand. "You're from what?!" "New Zealand." "What's that?!" hehe bloody hell, only in America.

After crossing another massive area of water, and passing the local motorcycle gang and about the 20th roadside American flag, we arrived at our destination of Destin to visit Kristina's aunt.

Golf. If you don't like it, this probably isn't the place for you. There are golf courses all over the show here, and in fact Ann's neighbourhood is built in the middle of one.

Yup, 27. Not 25, not 30, 27mph.

Like niece like aunt when it comes to dress sense it seems :)

Destin is part of the so-called Emerald Coast, known for its white beaches and emerald green waters. Ann took us on a tour through some of the little towns along its length.

Back in Destin though, I particularly liked this little neighbourhood (speed limit of 23mph).

This is Sandestin, a 2,400-acre premier destination resort consisting of 30 'charming' village neighbourhoods, featuring rental condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of luxury beach hotel accommodations. Its town centre here felt like something right out of a theme park.

As well tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centres, spas, ice skating and even zip lining, Sandestin also boasts four golf courses. Yup, golf. If you don't like it, this probably isn't the place for you ;) Though having said that, I'm not much of a golfer but I think I'd do just fine here!

Once upon a time, Destin was nothing more than a small fishing village but has since become a popular tourist destination and its beaches are one of the reasons why. The sand on Destin's beaches is purportedly some of the whitest in the world. Considering it's barely above freezing in the New York right now, this was heaven! My next move is going to be south I've decided - I'm done with cold winters.

Some folk have too much time on their hands - I wish I was one of them!

Stalking women with my long lens.

There is a military somewhere nearby here, and while soaking up the rays we had two choppers fly overhead...

A fighter jet...

And lots of seagulls.

That evening we had a quick wander along one of the many fishing docks in the city.

You'll never guess what I had for dinner that night.

And that was Destin and surrounds in a nutshell.