- 5 hours ago
Escape to Florida - Season 1 Episode 18
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00:00Welcome to Florida.
00:02We're having a party.
00:04Home to theme parks, golden tans, and 400,000 Brits.
00:08This one is the one with the view.
00:10Wow.
00:11Who've made the Sunshine State their new home.
00:14I feel blessed every single day.
00:16I'm living the American dream.
00:18I definitely am.
00:19They've swapped drizzly winters and gas bills for new careers
00:22and seemingly endless fun in the sun.
00:25Two, one, yay!
00:27Yay!
00:28Get it right, and life in Florida can be like a dream come true.
00:32I get to drive a convertible.
00:34It's fabulous.
00:35But getting here and staying here takes hard work.
00:38Good job, good job.
00:39Keep it going, team.
00:41Grit.
00:41Oh, bah!
00:43And determination.
00:44The glamorous side of living in Florida.
00:46These are the Brits who've made their own Escape to Florida.
00:54Today on Escape to Florida...
00:57Ah!
00:58I'm getting absolutely hammered.
01:01Golf pro Peter takes on novice wife Judy in a fight of the fairways.
01:05I'll be happy.
01:06Oh!
01:07It's so good!
01:09History comes alive for Holly, and she hopes boyfriend Aidan stays that way, too.
01:15Please don't die!
01:17Leave him alone!
01:19And it's no yoke for firefighter David at the annual Easter egg hunt.
01:24Just chaos.
01:25But it's great to see all the families, all the kids, that's what this is all about.
01:34The city of Palm Coast on the Atlantic side of Florida, known for being one of the most
01:39affordable places to live in the Sunshine State, is home to Hertfordshire couple Peter
01:44and Judy Cherry.
01:46Shall we get suitcases and we'll get packing?
01:48Yep, let's get packed.
01:49Peter has worked for over 30 years as a golf pro.
01:54Get that ball up into the air.
01:56One suitcase.
01:58While Judy took early retirement from her 32-year career in corporate recruitment just before
02:04they left the UK.
02:06I had to project manage this move, which was pretty massive.
02:10I don't know how I would have done it and working.
02:12It's a challenge.
02:13You have to have a really strong relationship and know that you can come home at the end of
02:18the day, you can sit on the sofa and you can laugh about it together.
02:21Where's my white shirt?
02:22I've got that one.
02:24They're now two years on from leaving Blighty behind, but Florida's always been a big part
02:29of their lives.
02:30And I've got that one.
02:33We were two weeks into our relationship and he asked me to go on holiday with him to Florida.
02:38I wasn't going because it just seemed a bit too much.
02:40I couldn't just take that much advantage.
02:42But every day he was away, he sent me a postcard from Florida to UK.
02:47It is kind of cute, right?
02:51Three decades later, they moved here and now they're settled.
02:55They love it.
02:57Because of the lifestyle that we have now, it feels like we're on permanent vacation.
03:02But today, they're off on a real vacation.
03:05Which one, Jude?
03:07The white one or the white one?
03:09Yeah, I wear the shirt.
03:10I love the shirt.
03:11Okay.
03:11I need a whole suitcase for shoes.
03:13Peter and I have been married 27 years in two weeks and we thought what a perfect way
03:18of celebrating our anniversary and taking a little road trip.
03:21They're my glam shoes.
03:23Super sparkly.
03:26So Peter's taking a well-deserved break from his full-time job so they can enjoy some quality
03:32time together.
03:33Peter's still working so it's not like we've just retired.
03:36He's still making it work for us.
03:38I feel really privileged to be able to live this life.
03:43What have you got?
03:43Check out the hat.
03:44There's that one.
03:45Does that give you enough coverage?
03:46Not sure.
03:47Okay.
03:49Peter and Judy's 800 mile round trip will take them from their home on the northeast coast
03:54all the way to the Florida Keys.
03:58I'm ready.
04:05It's a perfect look.
04:06Off to the Keys we go.
04:07Woo!
04:08Let's do it.
04:10We live in Florida, which is beautiful anywhere.
04:13But when you get to the Keys, you almost feel like you're in Barbados.
04:17Three pairs of shorts, couple of t-shirts and that would probably be about it for me, I reckon.
04:23I need some sparkly flip-flops.
04:25I think these will do.
04:26Yeah.
04:27Judy's not packing quite as lightly.
04:30So we've got three bags.
04:32Can I close up the suitcases now?
04:34Yeah, I think we're good.
04:35Having already explored a fair amount of Florida.
04:38We are good to go.
04:42Let's get this one loaded up first.
04:46They're taking the opportunity to see the sights along the way.
04:51It's such a long trip, so it's going to be quite good.
04:53We can actually have a stop and do some of the touristy things on the way.
04:57Okay, that's it.
04:58You locked up?
04:59Yep.
04:59All locked.
05:01All right.
05:01Let's do it.
05:02And we're off.
05:05Key West!
05:06Here we go!
05:07Woo!
05:13Like the journey to the Florida Keys, Davenport also draws in Brits for its nearby tourist attractions.
05:20Being close to 11 of the biggest theme parks in the world.
05:24Perfect for Holly, who moved here from Northampton at 18.
05:28The Walt Disney World Company has its own program where you can come over, work for the company for a
05:33year.
05:33So it seemed like a really good way for me to live here, then go home and work out what
05:37I was going to do with the rest of my life.
05:3919 years later, Holly's still in Florida, and she's not alone.
05:43How? Oh, this is what, 100 yards?
05:45This is 100 yards.
05:4718 months ago, she got together with professional jouster and blacksmith Aidan.
05:53There's definitely not a gushy love story about how we met.
05:55He insulted me in Latin, but I knew just enough to know that it was an insult.
05:58We reconnected two years ago, and we started dating about six or seven months later.
06:03I think I've got an easier way to...
06:06Are you going to untwist the roll?
06:07Yeah, just back up a little bit.
06:09Holly and Aidan travel the country working at Renaissance Fairs.
06:16Outdoor, historical-themed festivals with entertainment, music and stalls, where people dress up in costume.
06:23The Renaissance Fair world definitely blends facts and fiction.
06:27The cast are playing a historical part, but at the same point, we also have Vikings, we have mermaids, we
06:33have unicorns.
06:37Holly's job at the Renaissance Fair is to dress up and play a historical character who interacts with the guests
06:43for the duration of the festival.
06:47This weekend, we're going to the St. Petersburg Renaissance Fair, which is going to be set in the Elizabethan period.
06:52I'll be Lady Catherine Grey, possible successor to Queen Elizabeth.
06:56She will go and watch the joust, she will go shopping, and be there to make sure that the patrons
07:01have a really inclusive experience.
07:05But historical costumes can't cost thousands of dollars, so Holly makes and mends all of her own outfits, as well
07:13as Aidan's.
07:14It looks adorable when we walk around matching, everyone's like, oh, I love the matching outfits!
07:18Aidan is a professional jouster, he travels the country working for Renaissance Fairs.
07:22At the fair, Aidan is known as Sir Gideon.
07:25You get a lot of attention from the ladies.
07:27It's Sir Gideon that gets the ladies every time, it's not me.
07:30He's mine.
07:36Right, costumes are done, we just need to make sure we've got all of it so that we can get
07:39it all packed up for St. Petersburg.
07:42With these events mainly running at weekends, Holly recently set up a business selling medieval-style shoes at the fairs
07:49to try and supplement her income.
07:51I would love more than anything else to be able to be with Lady Catherine all year round.
07:55So fingers crossed, we'll manage to make it all work out, have the shop being really successful, and we can
08:00go back to doing the things I do best, dressing up and looking pretty.
08:03You are very good at that.
08:04I'm very good at looking pretty.
08:18In the coastal community of Jupiter Beach, it's Easter, and after finishing a long shift, firefighter of 20 years David
08:29from Dublin and wife Melissa can enjoy some precious family time.
08:33So, how's your shift?
08:35The usual.
08:36Jupiter is the most beautiful place on Earth.
08:40I grew up here, it's just a great place to live.
08:43You were waiting for me for breakfast?
08:44Yes, we were.
08:45Good stuff.
08:46We have been together for almost 25 years.
08:50After meeting abroad, David moved to Florida to be with Melissa, and they now have four children.
08:57Do you want me to make muffins?
08:58I'll make muffins real quick.
08:59Sure, well.
09:00We all make muffins.
09:03We have Sage, who is nine.
09:06We have Kayden, who is now 14.
09:08We have Kylie, who's 17.
09:09And then we have Shaylin, who's a 19-year-old.
09:13Delicious.
09:14It's gonna be good.
09:16Look at you, huh?
09:18Where did you get in?
09:19Eldest daughter Shaylin is usually away at college, but has come home for Easter and brought Irish boyfriend Ewan with
09:26her.
09:26They've been dating now for a little while, so they're just hanging out at their home for the weekend.
09:32When Shaylin went away to college, it was one of the harder things for me.
09:37Shaylin is a daddy's girl.
09:43So, yeah, I miss her all the time.
09:47With Shaylin living away and David's 24-hour shifts, he's making the most of their rare family time together by
09:54organising a lunch with their nearest and dearest.
09:58Dad, does this bag go in the back?
10:00You can keep it in the back seat with us.
10:02But first, he's taking youngest daughter, Sage, fishing.
10:11All right, watch your step.
10:13Pete was David's mentor at the fire station.
10:16And luckily for David, now spends his retirement out on the water.
10:20And we're off like a herd of turtles.
10:24My first day with the quest of fire rescue, my very first call that came in was a cardiac arrest.
10:30Peter was the lead paramedic that day.
10:33When I got on scene, I tried to hide back in the corner.
10:36He said to me, no, get right in there now, start doing CPR.
10:40And I was just like, wow, this is amazing.
10:43This is what I signed up for.
10:45And now the student has become the teacher.
10:51You see all the paddle boarders, you see the canoers, you see everybody.
10:54This is South Florida life.
10:58And the perfect chance for youngest daughter, Sage, to test out the rod.
11:02Just let it go down a little bit.
11:04Here you go.
11:05Open it up.
11:06Let it go.
11:07Yeah.
11:08You got it.
11:09It's just beautiful on the water.
11:10It's just a way of relaxing.
11:12Especially just taking advantage of what's around us.
11:15Hopefully you don't catch a shark.
11:20Pete will be joining the rest of David's family and friends at the lunch.
11:24So David's interested in his former mentor's opinion about his eldest daughter.
11:29Shailen's in town and she's got an Irish boyfriend.
11:32An Irish boyfriend?
11:33Yeah, so he's from Limerick.
11:34So you guys get to meet him for the first time.
11:36What's his name?
11:37His name is Ewan.
11:39Despite her best efforts, sadly, no luck for Sage.
11:42No fish today.
11:43No.
11:44Getting off now.
11:46Did you have fun?
11:46Yeah.
11:47But David's got bigger fish to fry.
11:51Pete, I'll see you at the restaurant, yeah?
11:53I'll be there, buddy.
11:53Excellent, mate.
11:54Seeing how his fellow expat gets on with their nearest and dearest.
12:01Hey!
12:03How's everybody doing?
12:05This is Ewan.
12:06Just wanted to introduce him to all of you guys.
12:08How's it going?
12:08How are you?
12:10I'm sure my wife is absolutely delighted that another Irish man is now coming to the family.
12:16And Pete's not shy about giving him the once-over.
12:20You taking good care of her?
12:21Huh?
12:22You taking good care of her?
12:23Yeah, yeah, yeah.
12:24Trying my best anyway.
12:25Because your dad will kill you.
12:27He will.
12:28We'll leave it at that.
12:29Yeah.
12:32Tough crowd.
12:33When it comes to ways to spend your Easter, though, it doesn't get much better than this.
12:39Best thing about living in Florida.
12:41Beautiful weather.
12:42Right on the water.
12:44Hanging out with friends on the weekend.
12:46And your kids.
12:46That's what this is all about.
12:48But as captain of a fire station, David's also got to host an even bigger event this weekend.
12:54An annual Easter egg hunt for the whole community.
13:06On the highway to the scenic Key West on the southernmost tip of Florida.
13:10Woo!
13:12Step on that.
13:13Golf pro of 30 years, Peter, and former corporate recruitment consultant, Judy, are celebrating
13:20their 27th wedding anniversary with a well-deserved mini break.
13:27Peter's the reason we're out here, and Peter is the reason that's keeping us out here.
13:31When he's not out coaching, he's on the phone all day, and he's talking to potential customers.
13:36With Judy retired from her high-pressure career in the UK, she and Peter now ought to spend
13:41quality time together exploring Florida's fun Atlantic coastline, ending with meeting
13:47friends in the Florida Keys.
13:51Do you remember that place we used to go with Jackson's Ice Cream Parlour?
13:55Yeah.
13:56Let's go there.
13:57They do the best ice creams.
13:59But before they take a trip down memory lane, there's someone special they want to see.
14:08Oh, it's so beautiful.
14:09Oh, it's lovely here, isn't it?
14:11We're meeting my sister.
14:12She lives in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth area.
14:15Deb!
14:15She's been here for 40-plus years.
14:18It'd be nice to see her, catch up with her.
14:20What have you got planned for your road trip?
14:22Oh, we're going to go to Jackson's.
14:24Do you remember Jackson's Ice Cream Parlour?
14:27Amazing, amazing place.
14:28I mean, it was you that showed it to us.
14:30I love it.
14:30That's a great place.
14:31Yeah.
14:31We just want to go and see some roadside attractions on the way.
14:35Then we're going to head down to the Keys.
14:37You're going to have a lot of fun, don't you?
14:38Yeah.
14:39Cheers, gang.
14:40Cheers.
14:40To our anniversary.
14:43Happy anniversary.
14:44Great road trip.
14:45Golf bro Peter's got an idea for an extra treat to add to their anniversary itinerary.
14:52You wait here.
14:53I'll be back in a sec.
14:54Okay.
14:55I'm waiting.
14:56All right.
14:57I've got a plan, all right?
14:59There's got to be golf involved today.
15:02So I'm thinking, let's do mini golf, mini golf, mini golf, mini golf, mini golf, mini golf.
15:07And she can choose from any one of those six.
15:09It'll be fantastic.
15:12A little selection for you.
15:14Something fun to choose from.
15:15Oh, great.
15:16Okay.
15:16There you go.
15:17Take your pick.
15:21Are you kidding me?
15:24Not the most romantic start.
15:27As always, lovely to see you.
15:29But next up, mini golf.
15:32All right.
15:35This was meant to be you and I spending some time together for our anniversary.
15:39And you bring me here.
15:41Oh, geez.
15:41It's quality time, babe.
15:43It's quality time.
15:44Quality for you.
15:45Mwah.
15:45Quality time spent together.
15:47Even though he plays golf for a living, Peter still takes it very seriously.
15:52We'd love a scorecard, please.
15:54Right.
15:54I'm going to go purple, 35 inch.
16:00Oh, blimey.
16:01I'll tell you what.
16:02Come on.
16:03Oh.
16:03That's a really good effort.
16:05In your own time.
16:07Ah!
16:10I'm getting absolutely hammered.
16:12Absolutely hammered.
16:13Says the professional golfer to the novice.
16:15Look at this.
16:16Oh, behave.
16:17Oh!
16:18It was so good!
16:19I just didn't realise just how good she was.
16:23Oh!
16:24Oh!
16:28Did you see that?
16:30And I feel a bit embarrassed because she basically wiped the floor with me.
16:37Yay!
16:39I won!
16:47To celebrate her win, we're better than their next stop with Judy's favourite, the turtle sundae
16:53party with vanilla, pecan and cookie ice cream.
16:57Oh!
16:58Oh!
16:59Oh!
17:00Oh!
17:01Happy anniversary!
17:02Oh!
17:04Thank you!
17:05Thank you!
17:06Thank you so much.
17:06You're welcome.
17:07Oh!
17:07Oh!
17:08The 70-year-old ice cream parlour isn't always this noisy.
17:12You know that siren that they set off?
17:15Mmm.
17:15That's like for special celebrations.
17:17And because of our anniversary, they did that for us.
17:19How sweet is that?
17:24I love Judy to pieces.
17:26This has been such a great move for us.
17:29And we have just bonded and just looking forward to making new memories.
17:34The double chocolate chip is to die for.
17:37Have a go at that.
17:38That's flipping lovely.
17:39Mmm!
17:40Oh, my God.
17:42I've been coming here since I was about 17, 18 years old.
17:45And now I'm back with you, my favourite person in the world.
17:48Wow.
17:48But with 125 miles to go and friends to meet at the Keys,
17:54it's time to get back on the road.
17:55I'm so dumb.
18:08Like her fellow Brits, Holly from Northampton is also on a deadline.
18:13On this bright sunny morning in the arty city of St Petersburg,
18:17she needs to get into character fast.
18:20I'm impressed at your head balancing skills.
18:22Oh, thank you.
18:23Oh, yeah.
18:24The Renaissance fair gates open in less than two hours,
18:27and Holly needs to turn into alter ego Lady Catherine.
18:31But it's 8am and already scorching hot.
18:35Oh, it's so hot already.
18:37So the first priority is creating shade.
18:40We like to have plenty of space to cool down, get ready.
18:43We should just walk around like this all day.
18:44Yeah.
18:46No, we should hire four people to walk around like this all day.
18:49There we go.
18:51With the tent up, Holly can begin the transformation into Lady Catherine,
18:55who will be escorted by her posse.
18:58All right, I'm running back to the truck real quick.
19:00OK.
19:01Like Holly, they must entertain the crowds by appearing in character all day,
19:06walking around and enjoying the fair.
19:09At this fair, I always have with me the Countess of Lennox, played by Grace.
19:13Then we have our master florist to the Queen, played by Stephen.
19:17And then finally, we have Father Rob, who is a legitimate priest.
19:23Not only is Rob a real priest,
19:25he also plays the role of an Elizabethan one at the fair.
19:28I am a Anglican papalist priest.
19:31I founded Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Anglican Mission Society,
19:36so I travel all over the world.
19:39I found the Renaissance Fair Circuit here in 2020.
19:43Obviously, the world shut down.
19:44I couldn't go home anymore.
19:45My life was kind of falling apart.
19:47Now, my best friends are all around the circuit.
19:51They're the most supportive community you could ever ask for.
19:57It's a good look.
19:57It's going to snap me in the face.
20:00The cast are paid up to $300 a day,
20:03but as it's only weekend work,
20:05Holly set up a medieval footwear company to help fund her passion.
20:10My lady, how much could this be?
20:12Uh, $150. You get $10 off.
20:15It's not even 9am,
20:16and on the other side of the fair,
20:19business partner Melinda has hit a problem.
20:22Even though I'm Lady Catherine at this fair today,
20:24the shop is still here as well,
20:25so I'm still taking business calls,
20:27making sure that my guys have everything they need.
20:28It never stops.
20:30Is it Debbie amid two-tone black and purple?
20:34I will try and find the message of which boots they are.
20:37A customer wants to pick up some pre-ordered boots,
20:40and Melinda doesn't know where they are.
20:42Fortunately, Holly digs out the customer's order.
20:45Everything's fine.
20:46We're going to sell all the boots today,
20:47and everything's going to be wonderful.
20:48All right, love you, speak to you later.
20:50All right, love you too, bye.
20:51Bye.
20:54The problem's solved without anyone seeing her break character,
20:57and she, Father Rob, Grace Steven, and his daughter Athena
21:01can concentrate on getting ready.
21:04All right, Mel, let's break a world record and get this on.
21:07Let's see if you can do it.
21:09In ten minutes, we have morning meeting,
21:10where we'll find out the storyline for today.
21:12It's basically the one time to get all the entertainers together
21:14and be like, here is your information.
21:17The characters have to follow a storyline specific to each fair,
21:21so if they miss the meeting, they won't know what that is,
21:25and Holly's still nowhere near ready.
21:27All right, guys, probably time to head off so we don't get yelled at.
21:30You're already speedwalking.
21:32But no-one knows where they need to be.
21:35Beep, beep, beep.
21:42No, we're not.
21:43We thought morning meeting was here.
21:44We'll do laps around.
21:45We'll do a lap.
21:46After a quick diversion through Holly's shop...
21:49So sorry, coming through.
21:50We'll be back.
21:51They find it.
21:52That's where we're meant to be.
21:54And it's already in full swing.
21:56Interact with them.
21:57That's kind of our purpose for being here.
22:00They've missed the storyline.
22:01When the gates open soon, Holly needs to make sure
22:04she's in character and on message.
22:22In the waterside village of Tequesta,
22:25Dublin-born fire captain David is getting ready to host the station's annual Easter Egg Hunt.
22:31Just help me pop this up.
22:33We're gonna let the kids squirt some water.
22:35We're gonna give them rides in our fire engine.
22:38We're super excited.
22:39We open our doors to invite the community in to meet the firefighters.
22:44So when they call us in their hour of need, maybe they can put a face with our names.
22:50And it's important that David and his team keep their community of 6,000 residents happy as well as safe.
22:58It's the people's tax dollars that pay for the firehouse.
23:01They're the ones that pay our wages.
23:03They're the ones that buy the trucks, pay for the maintenance on the building.
23:07Go up one more. Perfect.
23:09We usually get a big crowd here for these type of things.
23:11So, yeah, it's gonna get a little hectic around here now in the next couple of hours.
23:15Let's get these trucks out.
23:1820 years of firefighter, David's family values are as important here at the station as they are at home.
23:25We have a logo up on the wall in there that says, in this family no one fights alone.
23:30And that's so true.
23:31We've all been through good times and bad times together.
23:34We've been to each other's weddings as best men.
23:36We've been to funerals together and held each other's hands.
23:39When we move all these trucks out, we'll set the tables up.
23:42Just nice and easy, Joe.
23:45You can call any one of these guys if you're in need and they'll be there in 15 minutes, no
23:49questions asked.
23:50We are a family.
23:53If he's wanna come and just help me bring this stuff out.
23:57This is extra baskets in case any kids don't have it.
24:00Lara has worked with David now for over two years.
24:04Here at Tequesta, we work 24-hour shifts, so we all end up being really good friends and family.
24:08There's two, that's good.
24:10Captain Montgomery's a great guy.
24:15Stick that one in the middle one.
24:17Busy, busy, busy.
24:20What we're gonna do here in the next few minutes is lay out all the eggs the best we possibly
24:24can.
24:24From the front all the way down.
24:27The on-duty crew, you know the usual stuff.
24:29You're gonna show off the trucks.
24:30There's a lot of prep goes into these open houses.
24:32So although we have like seven or eight guys on shift, if the tones go, they have to leave.
24:38So we gotta bring in all the guys off shift.
24:40And what we do is we bring in their families, my daughters.
24:43They'll help whatever way they possibly can.
24:45This is my daughters, guys.
24:47This is Sage and Kylie.
24:49They're gonna be helping us out today.
24:50Kylie, you're gonna be in doing the pictures.
24:53And then Sage, you can help everywhere, okay?
24:55With food, fire engines, hose pipes and eggs to sort, it's a scramble to get everything ready.
25:02We got 3,000 eggs, start spreading them out, but keep moving that way.
25:06Try getting a bunch outside as well.
25:09Paramedic John has one of the most important jobs.
25:12So these are the golden eggs.
25:13And whoever finds these, they bring them back to us and they get a prize.
25:17So I'm trying to hide them.
25:18So it's like literally on both sides, yeah?
25:22Let's go spread them out, Sage.
25:25These kids will suck up these 3,000 eggs in about 30 seconds.
25:29And trust me, you do not want to get in their way because they will run you over.
25:32With the local community on their way, David and both his home and work families must finish up fast.
25:47Three hours away towards the north of the Florida Keys, Hertfordshire couple Peter and Judy are 360 miles into their
25:55epic 800 mile round trip.
25:58Oh my God, do you know what there is?
26:01It's a giant roadside lobster.
26:04Is that Betsy?
26:05Betsy.
26:06Betsy the lobster.
26:07100% we should go there.
26:09They're travelling from their home in Palm Coast south to Duck Key in the middle of the Florida Keys, celebrating
26:16their 27th anniversary.
26:18OK, let's see, the next stop.
26:20When I first met Jude, I knew there was something special about her.
26:24And look at us now, we are absolutely living our dream.
26:28With Judy retired from her demanding 32-year career, she and golf pro Peter are taking a well-earned break.
26:35And their next stop is one of the quirkier sights Florida has to offer.
26:40Right.
26:42What the heck is this all about?
26:47Originally created in the 80s to promote a fish restaurant, standing 40 feet long and 30 feet high, Betsy the
26:55lobster now has pride of place next to the main road through the Keys.
27:00Seriously?
27:01O.
27:01M.
27:02G.
27:03What have we got ourselves into here?
27:05Oh no.
27:06Is this what they stopped for?
27:07Betsy the lobster.
27:08Wow.
27:09This is insane.
27:10And we're the only ones here.
27:11They have this and there's no one here to see it.
27:14I'm not quite sure what it's all about.
27:16A lot of the Americans are obsessed with the roadside attractions and you know what?
27:20They'll stick a lollipop in the ground and call it a roadside attraction if they really could.
27:24Look at the size of that.
27:26Yeah, fabulous.
27:27After Betsy, let's get in that car because it's scorching.
27:31Hell yeah.
27:35With their sights set on Duck Key, their final destination in the Florida Keys, they're heading
27:40the road again.
27:42I really didn't think we would ever end up in Florida.
27:45It's not a chance I was coming here.
27:47You know, I've got a life, I've got friends, I've got family and here we are living this life.
27:50It's brilliant.
27:52Timing's everything.
27:53The string of over 1,700 islands off the southern tip of the Florida mainland has one road in
28:00and one road out.
28:02Oh, there's the ocean.
28:04Oh, look at that.
28:05That's amazing.
28:06Just fabulous.
28:17It was a heck of a long ride.
28:20Yeah.
28:20But we've seen an awful lot of great things.
28:22We saw Betsy, never to be seen again.
28:26This looks beautiful.
28:28It's right on the ocean.
28:29We're going to have a good few days.
28:30Yeah.
28:32And tomorrow, they'll be joining their friends for a special anniversary celebration.
28:44At the St. Petersburg Renaissance Fair, there's pressure on Holly from Northampton
28:49to be ready for when it opens.
28:52Go finish getting ready now.
28:54We now have 26 minutes to finish getting ready and at Frontgate and know exactly what's going on.
28:58All right.
28:59Ready, guys?
29:00Everyone's got parasols.
29:04Mama duck's leading her ducklings.
29:06Come on, Junkrat.
29:07Are we supposed to be out there?
29:09We will wait on the inside.
29:10Oh, wonderful.
29:11To welcome the people in.
29:13Having missed the briefing, they don't know today's theme.
29:17Luckily, boyfriend Aidan does.
29:19But Holly needs to be discreet, as her Elizabethan character would not have 21st century tech.
29:25Aidan has found the storyline out.
29:27Shakespeare is flirting with the Queen, and Marlowe is trying to run interference of which is going to be the
29:31best playwright.
29:37The characters can now follow the plotline as they greet the incoming patrons.
29:43Good day.
29:44Good day.
29:45Good day.
29:46Good day.
29:46Good morrow.
29:47Good morrow.
29:49A solid opening gate.
29:51Shall we go Maypole?
29:53Of course.
29:54Off to the Maypole.
29:58We actually all met at the Maypole.
30:00I was married at the time.
30:02I went through a divorce.
30:03The community is so welcoming.
30:06It is everything that I want and everything that I love.
30:12Huzzah!
30:13I think it's time for us to do to go shopping.
30:19Yay!
30:19Shopping!
30:20Shopping!
30:22Before Holly visits the other shops, she needs to check on her own store whilst remaining in character around the
30:28public.
30:29I wonder whose shop this is over here.
30:32Doesn't this one look marvelous?
30:33I know.
30:33Good day.
30:34Good day.
30:35Fine leather footwear and more right this way.
30:38To help fund her passion for playing a character, Holly needs her fantastical footwear business to make three and a
30:45half thousand dollars each opening day to stay on track.
30:49Fully stocked and ready to go.
30:51Yeah, that's good.
30:51It looks good.
30:52Yeah, of course it does.
30:53Well, yeah, obviously.
30:54Of course it looks beautiful.
30:55Excellent.
30:56We're going to wander around and see what shops are around.
30:58Very good.
30:59I will miss you.
31:01There are over 50 different stalls to see.
31:05Oh, look at that.
31:06That's gorgeous.
31:07I know.
31:07And Father Robert is looking for a new cup.
31:10Hello!
31:11Did you see these ones?
31:12I've always tried.
31:14I've always tried.
31:14As we walk around the Renfair, we can't be drinking out of water cups or anything that's modern.
31:19So we all have various different chalices.
31:21Or, in fact, Stephen has a rather lovely one here that he found.
31:24There's a spitting image of my mistress.
31:27I am not a fan.
31:29The likeness is there.
31:30The likeness is so there.
31:32I must be away.
31:33Yep.
31:34Fare thee well, Molly.
31:35Fare thee well, Anon.
31:36See you at Joustie Joust.
31:37Yes.
31:38I'll see you at Joustie.
31:39At the Joustie Arena, Holly's boyfriend Aidan's getting his, or rather Sir Gideon's horse,
31:44Hero, ready for the first of two shows.
31:47Hero has matching costuming to myself and Sir Gideon.
31:50So you'll see everything is in this beautiful Dupioni iridescent silk.
31:54All made by Holly, and Aidan's outfit completes the set.
31:58So Aidan's shirt will match my underskirt.
32:00I had this shirt first, so her underskirt matches my shirt.
32:04After gathering her entourage...
32:06Let's go cheer on to Gideon.
32:09...Lady Catherine and the gang join the queen to watch Aidan and Hero's performance.
32:14Bring forth your knights, Sir William.
32:18Bizarre!
32:20Aidan's life is pretty much a fantasy life.
32:25However, he is the epitome of how hard-working you have to be in our life.
32:30He has worked in the Ren Faire since he could war.
32:32We award this to...
32:34...Jean-Michel!
32:38I think Her Majesty has an affinity to the French.
32:43With Aidan gathering himself ready for a second guest later, Holly gets a quick update on her shoe business.
32:49Five pairs of boots, a bunch of shoes.
32:53Before she, Father Rob, Steven and Grace can have a much-needed break from character at their tent.
33:00Smile!
33:02My big head's in the side, there we go.
33:04There you go.
33:04I really enjoy Ren Faires because of the creativity, the music, the acts.
33:10So many talented people in one area and to be a part of it.
33:14It's really special.
33:16With the afternoon temperature rising and still over four hours left, they must all refuel and recharge.
33:23It's the heat of the day, I'm losing my mind.
33:25Ready to please their public once again.
33:43In the hearts of the Florida Keys, British couple Peter and Judy are celebrating their 27th anniversary with new American
33:51friends Sharon, Steve, Mary and Dan.
33:54Nice to see you.
33:55Nice to see you.
33:56Everything alright?
33:57Glad you made it okay.
33:59We've only been in the U.S. now for just over two years and making friends has not been difficult
34:05because they are seriously so nice and all want to get to know you, which is great.
34:09Let's go! Come on! Two men please!
34:15They've planned a special dinner together, but now while the chaps go fishing, the ladies are hitting the shops.
34:21We've got a shop. We've got to go to Margaritaville, haven't we?
34:25Yeah, yeah. I'd like to go into some of the art shops.
34:28Oh yeah, let's do that as well.
34:30Judy wants to pick up an anniversary gift for Peter and possibly a little something for herself.
34:37Right girls, where are we starting? Hats. Hang on. How's that one looking? Oh, it's a bit big on my
34:43head. Oh, but it kind of suits me.
34:46It's like Crystal Carrington, if anyone can remember that long ago.
34:50But Judy thinks pal Mary is channelling a different 80s TV character, a little less glamorous than the dynasty divas.
34:59Hang on Mary, what are you doing?
35:01I love, I love all this.
35:03I'm sorry, but I'm feeling Wurzel Gummidge.
35:06Hopefully, the British kids' Scarecrow series didn't make it across the Atlantic.
35:10We have to go in here. There's a lot of sparkly stuff.
35:14Oh, look at that. I love it.
35:18Do you know what? I think we'll put a rhinoceros head on the wall. How beautiful would that be?
35:23Time for a drinky poos.
35:25After a cheeky drink.
35:26Love you girls. Cheers.
35:29Judy has a flash of inspiration for Peter.
35:32Do you know what? It's not about the big value thing. It's about the memory.
35:36So I'm going to go in here, see if I can find a postcard, which he was to send to
35:40me when he was here 30 years ago,
35:44buying me cards and sending them over to the UK.
35:47Postcard bought.
35:49Judy can get ready for tonight's dinner.
35:54And add a finishing touch to her gift.
35:58Seeing as how we met, I thought what would be really cute, I would just buy him a little card,
36:05a little postcard, write a little note to him.
36:07But Peter's pipped her to the post with the surprises.
36:10It's our anniversary and I just wanted to mark it with just a little something just to mark the occasion.
36:16That's so nice. Thank you.
36:19Here's something fun.
36:20Oh my, it's so nice.
36:22Oh, that is absolutely stunning.
36:25I've got something for you too. A little surprise.
36:28Oh, how lovely. I wasn't expecting this.
36:31Oh, what is this?
36:33It's a postcard.
36:35Dear Peter, this is where it all started.
36:37And whilst we're still on our journey, I couldn't think or wish for a better Florida pal to be doing
36:43it with love you and happy anniversary.
36:45I'm going to fill up.
36:47Thanks, babe. That's so lovely.
36:49Remember when you used to send me postcards?
36:51Yeah. Yeah, I love that.
36:54Hey.
36:55Hey, gang.
36:57Come and grab a seat.
36:59Come and join us.
37:01This epic Florida adventure is finally at an end, but with the whole state as their playground, it probably won't
37:08be their last.
37:10Here's to our 27th anniversary.
37:13Cheers, everyone. Cheers, gang.
37:15Cheers, gang.
37:15Cheers, gang.
37:25In the village of Tequesta near Palm Beach, there are festivities in store for Fire Captain David from Dublin too.
37:32The people with the golden eggs will come to us.
37:35With the whole of his wage-paying community to please at the station's annual egg hunt.
37:40We'll have three or four-year-olds, five and six-year-olds, and then our seven, and then eight-year
37:46-olds will come down this one because they're the ones that are going to run all the way through.
37:5032 years ago, the small community of 6,000 voted to set up their very own fire department that now
37:57get around 1,500 emergency calls every year.
38:01I'm a firefighter. My job is to help somebody in their hour of need, so it's a very, very satisfying
38:07job because they're so appreciative.
38:12David and his team like to give back to the people of Tequesta with special events like this.
38:18Please do not stop right at the front or we're going to have chaos.
38:23All right? So run right through. There's loads of eggs. Keep going deep in.
38:29These highly trained firefighters are prepared for anything.
38:33Five, four, three, two, one.
38:38But they're not getting in the way of 150 kids and 3,000 eggs.
38:49They're like little ninjas rolling in and then they're on top of each other.
38:52The parents and the firefighters, we all get a good laugh out of it.
39:01Just chaos, but it's great to see all the families, all the kids. That's what this is all about.
39:07And David's daughter, Sage, helps make sure one of the golden eggs goes to a good home.
39:14So Sage actually got it and she gave it to two small kids that arrived late. Their mother came over
39:20to me to just say thank you so much.
39:22All right, we've got to clear the side so you can get the engine going. Now we'll start doing some
39:26truck rides, squirt the water.
39:28It's a chance for David and his team to show the local residents what their taxes pay for and how
39:35the equipment can help keep them safe.
39:39That's 175 pounds. That's bigger than me. Can we move it?
39:46Yeah!
39:48All right, hit the crash kit, hit the crash kit. Right there and go over.
39:55David's wife Melissa and son Caden have also come to join in.
39:58And he's roped in some of the station's former firefighters to help out too.
40:03All retired captains and chiefs over there.
40:07Including one very close to David's heart.
40:10Captain Boone, when I first started here, I was an intern. I was making $6 something an hour.
40:15He was always offering to pay my bills and everything just so I could get through the schooling and everything
40:19else.
40:19He kind of became like a father figure to me over here.
40:23The night Shalem was born, you called me literally 30 minutes after to say you got the job.
40:30And you were going on on the phone.
40:31And I said, bud, this is the happiest day of my life. Thank you.
40:34But I said, I just had a baby. I gotta go.
40:36Your dad made me the best compliment they could pay me, you know.
40:39But he said, bud, you're his father in the States. I'm his father in Ireland.
40:43He came with a heart the size of this building and it's never changed.
40:47And I love him with all my heart.
40:49All right. Thanks, Will. I love you.
40:54But there's no more time to reminisce. The firehouse is still at work.
40:59Oh, they're getting a call.
41:01When the emergency call goes off, David's on-duty team have to respond to a possible gas leak.
41:11But the show must go on.
41:14Excellent. There we go.
41:18It's been a great turnout. So are the local residents going away happy?
41:23Well, the event that they put on today is great. They do it great every single year.
41:26Super entertaining for everyone.
41:28They always make sure we all get involved and have a good time.
41:32Bunch of fine gentlemen. They showed us how to, you know, work the hoses, carry around some dummy dolls.
41:38All right. All right. Let's get them just ready to go. All the fun and games are over right now.
41:43Now we've got to put the firehouse back together again.
41:46With the emergency call dealt with, it's all hands on deck to get things back to normal.
41:52Guys are bringing out the chairs, cleaning everything up outside, putting the trucks away, getting everything ready to go.
41:57And with 17 hours of their shift left, they take a moment to refuel and recuperate, ready for when their
42:04next call comes in.
42:05We're here 24 hours a day. These guys work hard all day long. They're ready to respond at a moment's
42:12notice.
42:12These open houses, they're a big, massive group effort. But it's a fun day. It really is.
42:17And just to meet all the kids and see smiles on their faces, that's what this is all about.
42:29Over at the St. Petersburg Renaissance Fair on Florida's Gulf Coast, Brit Holley has been enjoying a much-needed break,
42:37ready to get back into character once more for the fair-going public.
42:41Just having a bit of a hope situation.
42:48Holly's next calling point is to visit some German mercenaries known as the Lances.
42:53They are very historically accurate. Their costumes are fully researched, beautiful and all handmade.
43:01So today we'll be training the squad in the art of swordplay.
43:06This is exciting.
43:07I'm excited.
43:09As we move the sword in front of us, we are stepping and striking at the same time.
43:19Not bad. Are you ready?
43:20No.
43:21Two, one.
43:23Well, you're dead.
43:24Okay.
43:25Three, two, one.
43:28Well, you're dead.
43:29Okay.
43:31Hey, you dead too?
43:32Yeah.
43:33I'm a lover, not a fighter.
43:35Fighting may not be their strong suit, but it is Holly's boyfriend, Aidan's, as she and her entourage accompany the
43:42Queen of the Renaissance Fair to see his second outing.
43:48Are you joining us on the dais?
43:50We would love to, yes.
43:51Final joust of the day time, so we are going to cheer on Sir Gideon.
43:54Fingers crossed he doesn't die, because it is a joust of the day.
44:00One of the most fun things about being Lady Catherine is that when I attend the jousts, I attend them
44:04on the dais with the Queen.
44:06So therefore, I've got the best view of the action.
44:08I call for Debrene and Copper!
44:11Sir Gideon!
44:12Woo!
44:16The only downside of that is I can also see exactly how it's all going down.
44:20So I can see anything that might be going wrong.
44:23Please don't die!
44:24Because I know the show's inside out.
44:29Stop it!
44:32Leave him alone!
44:35But after a fight to the bitter end...
44:38I give you the victory!
44:40Go!
44:41Gideon!
44:44Justice is done!
44:46And chivalry lives!
44:50Now stop rolling in the mud, I have to do your laundry.
44:53The crowd seem happy with everyone's characters.
44:57Did you have fun? Did you enjoy the show?
44:59Yes.
45:00I love your outfits.
45:01Thank you so much.
45:02All right.
45:03With the gates closing, Holly's posse are done.
45:06But there's one last thing for her to do.
45:09I'm now going to check my sales for the day.
45:11Keeping the shop on budget is the most important thing,
45:13because entertainment is what I love, it's what I'm passionate about.
45:15I love the Lady Catherine.
45:17However, she doesn't pay as well as I would like her to.
45:19To stay on track, the business needs to make $3,500 each opening day.
45:27We have done over $5,000 today, which means we are now ahead of budget.
45:31So we have had an epic day.
45:35Having successfully stayed in character all day, Holly and her entourage can finally relax.
45:44Huzzah.
45:45Continuing to live this fantasy, that's the dream.
45:48To do this, I have to be in America, and Florida is the best place to do it.
45:51It's Prosecco time.
45:54Cheers, guys.
45:56Cheers.
45:57Excellent weekend.
45:58A marvellous use of their historically accurate cups.
46:02We nucah.
46:03At the table.
46:04What do you know about it?
46:05Purpose.
46:24This is not a private cabinet for the entire Ash одну.
46:26Please unspunch these on seas!
46:30We're waiting for a little bit.
46:30We still need to register tonight to buy things
46:30But we need to do theses.
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