Catching the last little wave at the end of the day. Manhattan Beach, California, USA
Nikon D850, Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8D.
My friend Claudia, Aruba
Claudia has to be one of the most popular people on Palm Beach, Aruba. Her warm smile and engaging personality welcome friends and strangers alike. She used to tend bar at the Kibrihacha Bar, but has since moved over to The Beach Bar, near the Playa Linda. Here’s a photo of Claudia and I together.
The famous Claudia on the left.
I’ve known Claudia for quite a few years now. She puts up with my poorly spoken Spanish and teaches me the correct way to say things. She also makes a fine drink. So, if you’re on Palm Beach during your visit to Aruba, stop by and say hello. Bon dia.
Popi’s Restaurant, Philadelphia
In South Philadelphia, not far from the sports stadiums, you’ll find Popi’s Restaurant. This is a neighborhood place with lots of regulars, entertainment on weekends, and some very good food.
I’ve been going to Popi’s for years now, sometimes stopping in for a drink at the bar, other times having an expansive meal with friends. Either way, you’ll find yourself in a friendly environment, hosted by people who truly care about your experience.
Last night, my wife and I were there with a dear friend, the three of us at a corner table, relaxing, catching up, and generally having a great time. After a trio of salads we moved on to the entrees. Our friend ordered the chicken marsala, which is pictured below:
My wife likes Popi’s crab cakes and ordered them as her entree, as can be seen here:
I’m a simple guy and last night was looking for hearty food. Thus, I decided to go with rigatoni bolognese, an old standby.
Add a few glasses of wine, lots of conversation, a great waiter, and it all comes to a fine evening out. Popi’s is the kind of place you think of when you want a quality italian meal in a setting where you feel like you belong. The staff is on point, the hostess keeping an eye out, and everyone else in the place is enjoying themselves. That feeling is contagious, which is why I keep coming back to this place. Sometimes my wife and I will stop in just for dessert and a drink at the bar.
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, or not, give Popi’s a try. After all these years, they’ve never let me down.
Iguana Harry, Aruba
Harry the Iguana lives at the Paradera Park Apartments, located as you would expect in the Paradera neighborhood on the island of Aruba. Debby de Weerd, the manager at PPA took this photo of him.
Brilliant photograph of Harry, eh? There are tons of Iguanas on this island, most of them not very large. However, from time to time, you come across one that is three feet long. Just one of the many types of wildlife, like those owls I posted about a while ago, that can be found here.
More important, if you’re looking for a different place to stay for your island retreat, give the Paradera Park Apartments a try. They are located inland, away from the crowds of the high-rise area. Yet, the beaches, restaurants, and sights are only a short drive away. The rates are more reasonable, which allows for a longer stay on the same budget. Furthermore, you’ll meet interesting people who like to get off the beaten path, explore, and experience a culture from the inside out. This year, I had the good fortune of meeting Judith, who introduced me to her friend Will, and so on and so on and so on. This is an aspect of Aruba that makes it the cross-cultural mecca that it is, thanks to places like the Paradera Park Apartments.
So, if you see Harry, say, “Bon dia,” and if you’d like check out the Paradera Park Apartments, give this link a try: http://www.paraderapark-aruba.com/. It’s a good place to start your travel planning.
Bon dia from Aruba.
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