LOVE THE ENDING - HYSTERICAL!!
Sorry you didn't see alligators in the wild; that I do remember, but think our trip embarked somewhere near Ft. Lauderdale. Assuming from your venues, the cousins live south of Miami, so you were exposed to many fascinating things.
Prior to my departure from Miami, I was "the welfare lady," as I was called, with a caseload in Perrine and Goulds, south of Miami but north of Homestead. So my southern exposure was work-related. I know it's a whole different world now. Back then, it was agriculturally oriented; it's probably subdivisions now. At the age of 21, it was a real "eyeopener" for a city girl and an education as well.
Can't thank you enough for the videos, particularly my "blue water ocean fix!!" It's very difficult to explain to someone who didn't grow up with the ocean how it's really a part of you!
Best to you and Penny and hope you'll share your future travels with us!