Well, this was unexpected.
Usually, we look out our hotel room and admire the astonishing landscape. One of the high points is the long building with the red roof, at the upper middle part of the photo. That’s the National Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
(Regardless of your religious views – if any – that site is worth visiting, if only as a quiet haven in a busy city. And for its magnificent sculptures, inside and on the grounds. Even better, it’s free to visit… a bit unique for Orlando.)
Yesterday, from our 15th floor hotel room – now accustomed to the scope of what we can see from here – we noticed something else.
It was startling. Those weren’t rain clouds or fog hanging over the landscape. It was smog.
Most of the day, it looked like that photo, but growing worse through the early afternoon, and then lightening (only slightly) at dusk.
And, as you can see, the highway traffic was very light for this area. (Cars are leaving I-4 at the main exit for Disney World. I think it’s Exit 68.)
The heavy pink/grey cloud over the landscape reminded me of when I used to live in L.A., back when smog was a big problem there.
Until yesterday, when I could see the bigger picture (literally), I had no idea that Orlando – at least near I-4 – might have pollution. (I know. I was overlooking the obvious: How could the air be pristine with all that car exhaust?)
This morning, the air looks fairly clear. Far better than yesterday. But for those with allergies or lung issues, check air quality reports daily, and take precautions as needed. Don’t let the weather – including air quality – spoil an otherwise wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime visit to Orlando!