Broward County, FL 33308, 33062
… more pix n videos pix Yelp
A lovely small beach town on the Atlantic Ocean, population 6,198 (2020 census). It’s 8 miles north of Ft Lauderdale, predominately white, 81.98%, (Asian 1.45%).
My diving master suggested: swim out from the beach (Datura Ave) for the shallow reef, which is about 16 feet deep.
Datura Pier
House cleaning is a cottage industry: well organized and professional mini corp. They’ve front person, usually a man, some even have a name tag clicked on above his breast. Cars with their company logos, and buckets of tools and gadgets.
They’re more expensive than in New York, in light of housing price and income.
My first one and two are from a local business site. Then I get referral for the mini corporations:
… more pix on TA
Swimming here is pretty satisfying.
Will return, although I’m not a beach bum -:) there is just so much to do, and not crowded.
The sunrise
Love the location: the long stretch of beach is very easy to access from the boardwalk with a bicycle lane, and the hotels. The westside of the N Boardwalk lined with hotels, restaurants and shops, which means you’ve the convenience of both sides: ocean and foods.
The sand is clean. The short time I’m out on there, I see police patrols the area on their big sand wheels vehicles.
Unlike Venice Beach in LA, California, neither trashy nor crowded.
I tried to swim but unable: the big wave makes it difficult, just like Jones Beach in New York.
This part of Atlantic Ocean is emerald green.
777 N Ocean Dr.
Hollywood, FL 33019
… more pix & videos on Google Maps, Yelp, TA
Will return.
This relaxed roof top bar looks out to Stranahan River and North Lake, the view is beautiful, especially during the sunset.
It’s a minute walk from our hotel, on a Monday. Without reservation. We were seated immediately.
The service is good, so is the food. We’ve Greek salad and Fish tacos. My glass of Pinot Noir $6 (omg … should have 2 more!), cost less than the Lagunitas IPA draft $9 -:) obviously I don’t know beers.
… So, the sofa section that is to the edge of the bar facing the water is reserved by a large group, perhaps school. A family of four comes and the mother looks agitated and navigates through the tables, and goes over to the group, asking if they could take a family photo under the Sunset State of Mind sign. They then take a few more by the railing, with the water as the background. After the photo op session, the family leaves.
I’m amused.
One, first, they have to squeeze between people’s tables, then into the group section, is pretty rude. Secondly, what is so special about a bar sign?!? This is worst than the group at Clássico Beach Club @ Urca, Rio de Janeiro.
253 5th Ave N,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
… more pix on Reddit
St. Pete opera at Palladium Theater, which is at the above address.
This opera was by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), premiered in 1926.
The background is set in Beijing. Turandot is a princess, any prince wants to marry her, must answer three riddles, or face death.
Calaf is played by Simon K. Lee from Busan, South Korea; Turandot by Kelly Slawson of St. Louis, MO. Liu by Chelsea Lehnea who is the most attractive of the cast. … I know it’s an opera where and when the casting is limited, and I for one, visualize a love story with younger and attractive couple … so, it’s hard to see two middle aged persons playing the parts… Oh well. What do I know.
Movie director Zhang Yimou had staged it live in the Forbidden City in 1998, Zubin Mehta conducts. I remembered watching a clip, the young Chinese soldiers are warned not to interact with the ballerinas or the operas singers.
There is a young lady outside of the theater who is a fire inspector, to guard our safety per city/local regulation, “making sure the doors are open …” She agreed to the photo, that I can post on social medial.
We’ve lunch at Terra Gaucha and light dinner @ Allelo.
We parked at the garage by the James Museum. There is a small commotion when we go to retrieve our car: a white Nissan Rogue is in front of us and isn’t moving for a long time. When we lightly beeped it, it got upset. A young woman in a slimy out fit – low top and high front side cut of a long skirt came out … She claimed that they’re trying to pay but unable.
As we’re out of the garage and on the street, it veneered to the right and waited for us to catch up, then throw something hard at our car. Talking about being rogue, or road rage?
1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, Florida
… more pix on TA
This is, perhaps the 3rd time we’re here. All is great, as usual. There is a long table for about ten of military people, all male, young and dressed up in camouflage. I made a mental note, to ask the restaurant, to pay for part of their meal, to thank them for their service, then forgot all about it with our friends. The next thing I know, there is another table with four middle aged men in civilian, perhaps paid for the meal because the camouflage go to their table to shake hands before leaving. Oh well, hope I’ll have another chance.
It’s funny to note, some dinners do ask if they can take some food with them. I thought it’s a common sense at a buffet that either you eat or leave, without a doggie bag. Oh well.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Ave,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
This museum was opened in 2018. The eagle statue was done by Vic Payne (1960-) in 1996. I didn’t go in, just passing by after parking.
“Legends tell os the capturing of the golden eagle by the Plains Indian who believed the feathers were infused with the wisdom of the great mystery. The capturing of these eagle feathers was also a test of manhood for adolescents to become warriors. These coveted feathers, when displayed in the war bonnet, symbolized the capture of the essence of the Great Spirit. – Vic Payne
300 Beach Dr NE., Ste 128
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Downtown St. Petersburg
This is our second restaurant on Beach Dr NE, after Parkshore Grill.
Definitely will return: it’s better than Parkshore Grill next door.
It has a sizable outdoor section that looks out to Tampa Bay, with sofas and regular tables. The indoor decor is tasteful, dominates by a big mural, which was done by artist Annette Gloomis (?). High ceiling, with three exposed fat pipes. Fresh flowers on the tables, handbag hooks under the tables.
Allelo is short for Allelomimetic -> allelomimetic behavior.
Stems, tableware and utensils are all really good: especially they use smaller spoons for desserts – thank you!
We’ve 4 glasses 2021 red from three countries:
The asparagus (sunflower, aleppo, pecorino butter) is yummy. The sauce is light and lively. Too bad we weren’t hungry after the big lunch at Terra Gaucha.
We’re able, however, to squeeze in a piece of tiramisu – it’s to die for, with prominent dark rum taste; and I love the coarse texture – I don’t like my food being massaged too much. The cake is made in the house.
I like the wall paper in their bathroom too -:)
Itzhak Perlman (伊扎克·帕尔曼; 1945- ) is an Israeli-American violinist, who was born in Tel Aviv on August 31, 1945. His parents, Chaim and Shoshana Perlman were both Polish Jew, moved from Poland to had immigrated to Mandatory Palestine in the mid-1930s; met there and eventually got married. At age 4, he contracted polio and walked with a crutches since. He had a toy violin at age 3, bought by his mother. The rest, is a history.
Av. Pasteur, 520 – Urca,
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-240, Brazil
… more pix and videos on Google Maps.
Will return.
Either hike up or take the cable car up, this is a must go.
After a few drinks at Clássico Beach Club, we hike the downward spiral trails that are heavily shaded. One side is the gleaming water and one side is the green hill: tranquil and refreshing.
