Cuban, Coconuts, and Coral

Photo credit: foodgps.com

16 August 2014

Well, rather than fly across the country, we decided to explore within the city limits. This weekend demanded some solid veg time. Saturday afternoon got kicked off with a drink that punches you in the jaw—tamarind juice from El Palacio de los Jugos (a Cuban place that resembles a mini-mini market in the middle of the city). 

You can choose from the wall of 15 different juices, the baskets of tropical fruits and vegetables, the shelves of Cuban treats (all different combinations of flour, sugar, and nuts), the trays of meat meat and more meat, the dishes of fish, freshly brewed café, and Cuban sandwiches. Then, to a nice surprise, you can buy fresh coconuts or bottles of freshly poured coconut water!! Needless to say, it was a nice cultural experience for my eyes. If I ever start eating pork or lard again in life, I’ll try returning to try the foods. 

In the evening, we ended up in Key Largo on a sunset boat ride. I’m going to assume that most boat rides are similar to the one we went on—booze, island music, conch-shell blowing contests, and those sad children in the corner who were dragged on by their parents and have too much energy to burn to enjoy the relaxing sunset and soft weather. We live in a paradise!  

17 August 2014

With freshly cut pineapple in hand and the lingering coconut water in the jug, we headed back south to try snorkeling. Lucky lucky dogs--- two days of great weather!! We took the noon boat ride an hour out from shore to a reef. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the coolest state parks in the US (and we live just 90 minutes away)!! 

I saw some cool fish, barracudas, jelly fish, and a sting ray. No sharks this weekend. I don’t have a waterproof camera yet (nor do I have a diving certification), but my memory and simple snorkeling ventures are doing just fine for now. 

Book of the week

Cycling, Simplicity, and Soil

August 10, 2014

It was another weekend that supported the saying "it's not the destination but rather the journey".
I woke up at 5:30 in my Miami bed and biked over to Kelly's place to load our road bikes into her car for a 50mile group ride with a Miami cycling club around Homestead, FL. Well, things often seem to go wrong for us, even though we're both huge planners  and relatively organized people. We were late and the group already left. That left us with no other reasonable option but to explore south Florida on bicycle tous les deux--just the two of us. :-) Without a group of riders to lead the way and the pace, this ride brought out my lethargy. But wait! ... Luck can step in and we had a positive collision with another Miami bike club at an intersection as we were making our way back to our starting point! With a jammin' pace and some new friends to entertain the ride, we had lifted spirits... And some belly room for a juice at the farmers market stand on the side of the road.

South Pointe Park-- South Beach, Miami

Later that day, we met up again after our small naps to ride to south beach for yoga in the park. My mom always says she lives in paradise. Sorry Mom, my Saturday evening could have out-paradised your tropical town. It couldn't have been more perfect-- the light breeze, the soft grass, the fading of music as cruise ships left for their adventures, the roll of skates down the sidewalk. Yoga was sandwiched with another biking adventure around south Beach. The heat of it all reminded me of Venice beach in California (but definitely tamed down).

For dinner, I made cactus. If you're able to buy it at the store or it's on the menu at Mexican restaurants, definitely try it. Such a lightly tangy addition to a meal!

Sunday-- I started my garden: beets, lettuce, basil, sunflower, radishes. We'll see what actually works out...

The hopeful garden

Book of the week