Hello blog readers!

I'm Aidan, one of two interns invited out to work for Jabil at The Sunshine State here in Tampa. And barring the ridiculous thunderstorm we had on the day following our arrival, Florida has lived up to its reputation in sweaty style! Stacey and I arrived on Thursday night thoroughly worn out but nevertheless excited from our three flights, having begun our time zone-defying day at 6am at Edinburgh Airport. Upon arrival at our accommodation only two minutes drive from the airport, I crashed out on my kingsize bed for a good few hours in the Land of Nod! This is my first time not only living on my own but having an ensuite too. A pleasant change from sharing a bathroom with four other guys at my flat in Edinburgh. 

Simone from Jabil has been our (wonderful!) tour guide this past weekend, and its been a really tiring, highly strenuous and physically straining experience, one that I don't think words manage to quite communicate. However, this picture grasps it pretty well:

HELLO BEACH! Yes, turning over onto your back so you can tan the other side was a particularly tiring maneuver.

In all seriousness, we did manage to drag ourselves off the beach to explore some more of the area. We have a Walmart, an International Mall and Food Court, and even a pool and tennis facilities right on our doorstep. We couldn't ask for a better location. On Saturday we took a practice drive to Jabil's HQ, which is actually situated in the nearby city of St Petersburg, a 20 minute drive from our apartments, which is again ideal. St Pete is known as a bit of a vacation destination for many American and foreign holidayers, due to its amazing beaches (pictured) and history. It also plays host to a recently opened Dali Museum which I am extremely eager to see at some point, with it holding the largest collection of the artist's paintings outside Spain.

In amongst this touristy weekend we were taken out for meals here and there, including being invited to dinner by Steve (a fellow Jabil Scot from West Lothian) and his wife to the famous Cheesecake Factory, known for its massive portions and book-sized menu! It was here that the dream of a Peanut Butter Cheesecake was realized (which followed a delicious main course of Cajun Jambalaya Pasta!!), and boy was it good. Best meal I've had here so far. 

I started work today which was great, and I reckon I'll blog in a couple of days about how that's all going and what I'm involved in. Stay posted, and feel free to comment!

P.S Boy Scout Boulevard is a street nearby our apartments - I am constantly impressed by the creativity with which they name some of their streets! Brilliant.