Travel

Sipping Tiki Cocktails 

“I see you two are working on your tan.” The Slovakian accent came from over our shoulders as we were walking hand in hand across the muted grey slate patio at the beach resort. We turned in unison to be cheerfully greeted with open smiles by Andrea and her mother. Regaining our composure from the aftershock of being recognized from behind took a split second before we settled into charming introductions and comfortable conversation.   (Andrea and her husband are the discerning owners of our luxury condo, residing above us on the second and third floors as their own year-round permanent residence.)

Although Andrea’s mother (Matka) spoke no English, we discovered she was visiting her daughter for the winter months to escape from the cold, snow, and harsh weather of her native homeland. The wrinkles on her eyes were unique and lightly creased as if they were made for her. In unfeigned fashion, her universal smile was as refreshing as a couple of Mai Tai tiki cocktails sipped poolside. She went on to point to her right forearm while Andrea translated her message: “Matka was working on her tan as well.” It just goes to show you, the inner child in all of us is willing to leave our cares and winter coats behind to head for a paradise of luminous sand, sparkling blue water that stays summer warm, and golden rays of sunshine. 

This Old Man of the Sea

The slender European stood sentinel at the water’s edge one foot barely touching the base of a black lava boulder, the other steadying himself against the shifting sand. Wave after wave broke ashore turning soothing colors of turquoise, aqua and finally sea foam green. His short red swimming trunks were marked with a tiny striped flag, no doubt proclaiming pride of his native homeland. As he raised his hand to shield his timeworn eyes from the reflecting sun, he squinted at the horizon. Following his gaze, I saw a tiny silver-haired pinhead bobbing up and down on each incoming wave. This Old Man of the Sea who radiated wisdom and experience stood there protectively keeping watch on his cherished partner, the love of his life, as she slowly and methodically swam toward him. 

King of the Island

A speckled rooster crowed as he strutted around the beach chairs with head held high acting as though he were “King of the Island” and we were all expected to clap our hands in applause at being in the mere presence of him. Slowly and methodically a hunchback wiry old man with a weather-beaten brow sauntered toward the cedar shelter, his gait slow, wearing nautical swim trunks. A full-face snorkeling mask was dangling loosely around his neck. Each step reminded him of how he had taken his vitality and physical strength for granted only a few years ago. The crashing waves of high tide seemed more of a challenge this morning than he initially thought. 

Kaua’i.  First Impressions.

Cooling sea breezes, palm trees swaying, a sandy shoreline under a cerulean blue sky. A bikini-clad toddler with a pixie cut races across the beach in hot pursuit of a red-combed rooster while Nana follows close behind recording the adventure on her cell phone.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Dining Outside the Home: Marriott Beach Resort on Kauai, Hawaii. Dinner and a Movie was a festive holiday experience from the wood-fired outdoor pig roast complete with traditional Hawaiian menu to the indoor feature presentation of the “Miracle on 34th Street” at the indoor theater. What an exciting holiday twist with refreshing tropical flavor. Mele Kalikimaka means Merry Christmas…..to you!

Dining Outside the Home: Calico Café in Coldwater, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Calico Café in Coldwater, Ohio! One of my favorite places is the Calico Café in Coldwater, Ohio. You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted the sublime burst of flavors in Mary’s golden crumble mixed berry Calamity Cobbler! Eat it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or savor its natural sweetness with a steaming cup of gourmet coffee. Yes, please!

Historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego is an Architectural Marvel 

Historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, California is an Architectural Marvel! Explore this district by foot or trolley to appreciate the area once known as New Town, simply because the gas-lighted street lamps marked saloons, gambling halls, and bordellos for sailors on shore leave. Today the area is a hub of shopping, dining, and nightly entertainment with music, festivals, and other events. The buildings are still magnificent, having been restored and utilized as a popular focus for local flavor. Grab ahold of the past as you enjoy the present while soaking up the character of these dynamic painted ladies. 

La Jolla Shores Park is Home to Sea Lions in San Diego, California 

La Jolla Shores Park is Home to Sea Lions in San Diego, California! Among the rock formations, cave crevices, crashing waves, and sandy beachfront lies a hidden cove where wild sea lions congregate and claim the area as their own. This seal sanctuary gives passersby the opportunity to step gingerly on sandstone cliffs to get a closer look at the colony of marine mammals at rest and at play. Watch them safely from above or bravely head down to the ocean’s edge where snapshots can be taken effortlessly. After all, these sea lions enjoy the sun, wind, water, and company of seagulls just as Nature intended. When you follow the scenic walkway along the shoreline, expect to see pelicans in flight, body surfers, scuba divers, and snorkelers. Not far from Shell Beach, against a concrete barrier, the tide pools fill La Jolla Children’s Pool which is another gorgeous spot to marvel at breathtaking sunsets and unpredictable sea life. Although it’s a temptation to gain proximity, stay a safe distance away and keep the interactions to a minimum. These creatures are, after all, in their natural habitat. It is best to pay attention to the bark or growl warning when invading their space. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Point Loma in San Diego, California Offers a Cliffside View

Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California. Imagine discovering a land of plenty with unbridled beauty from cliff to sea. The 16th century explorer, Juan Cabrillo, managed such a feat on a voyage that began in Europe and ended on the California coast. Today it is known as an Historical Landmark. Many years later in 1855, 422 feet high above sea level, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse served as a coastal beacon and California’s first of its kind. Challenge yourself to ascend the spiral staircase leading to a 360° panoramic bird’s eye view of the Pacific Ocean, the skyline of San Diego, Coronado Island, and the Mexican coastline. During the winter months it’s not uncommon to walk around the grounds and watch migrating grey whales from several vantage points. Visit Point Loma for a view to remember.