LauderBlog
Aug 21: Lazy Afternoons
Posted On: August 21, 2007 2:59 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
This past weekend, I enjoyed a couple of lazy afternoons in Hollywood. Both Friday and Saturday were intensely sunny. So wandering slowly through a park or lounging around a café seemed a perfect thing to do. On Friday, I’d been writing all day and needed to get away from the computer for a while. I drove down to Hollywood Boulevard, parked my car and headed over to the ArtsPark at Young Circle. Several other folks were hanging out as I sauntered past the musical baobab tree at the west entrance. Yes, music comes from this tree. I took my time, walking through the sunshine past the lovely fountain and making a circuit on the park’s sidewalk before returning to Hollywood Boulevard.
I went into a small sidewalk café and bought a Perrier. Then I sat outside to sip my sparkling water and peoplewatch. I felt lazy in that pleasant way, with the heat giving me all the excuse I needed to just do nothing more than relax for a while. I took a short walk around the street afterwards, glancing in some shops before heading home. Then on Saturday afternoon, I found myself on Hollywood Boulevard again. This time, a buddy and I headed downtown for lunch at a new Greek restaurant called Yamas. Very good – and worth a blog all its own sometime. Despite the heat, the outdoor tables were surprisingly crowded and my friend preferred to find some air conditioning anyway. So we grabbed an inside table and munched on some appetizers and a refreshing Greek salad. I washed it down with a Greek beer.
Then it was time for a lazy stroll down the sidewalk, much as I’d done the afternoon before. We drifted along, moving so slowly we barely broke a sweat, talking about politics or something. Somehow we found our way into Dolce Vita, a great gelato place on Hollywood Boulevard. And somehow we found just enough room in our stomachs for a small dish of that wonderful Italian ice cream. Now we ate outside, soaking up the heat and the languid atmosphere along the street. Less than an hour later, I dropped my friend off at his home, then headed to my condo where I resisted the urge to sleep as long as I could. I almost never take naps. Just isn’t my thing. But on Saturday afternoon, I eventually plopped on my couch and slept soundly for a full hour before getting together with another friend for the evening. I have to admit that the nap was delightful. Sometimes the summer heat makes a great tonic after a hectic week, forcing us to slow down a little as the temperature goes up. Sometimes doing nothing at all in South Florida can feel like doing just the right thing.
I went into a small sidewalk café and bought a Perrier. Then I sat outside to sip my sparkling water and peoplewatch. I felt lazy in that pleasant way, with the heat giving me all the excuse I needed to just do nothing more than relax for a while. I took a short walk around the street afterwards, glancing in some shops before heading home. Then on Saturday afternoon, I found myself on Hollywood Boulevard again. This time, a buddy and I headed downtown for lunch at a new Greek restaurant called Yamas. Very good – and worth a blog all its own sometime. Despite the heat, the outdoor tables were surprisingly crowded and my friend preferred to find some air conditioning anyway. So we grabbed an inside table and munched on some appetizers and a refreshing Greek salad. I washed it down with a Greek beer.
Then it was time for a lazy stroll down the sidewalk, much as I’d done the afternoon before. We drifted along, moving so slowly we barely broke a sweat, talking about politics or something. Somehow we found our way into Dolce Vita, a great gelato place on Hollywood Boulevard. And somehow we found just enough room in our stomachs for a small dish of that wonderful Italian ice cream. Now we ate outside, soaking up the heat and the languid atmosphere along the street. Less than an hour later, I dropped my friend off at his home, then headed to my condo where I resisted the urge to sleep as long as I could. I almost never take naps. Just isn’t my thing. But on Saturday afternoon, I eventually plopped on my couch and slept soundly for a full hour before getting together with another friend for the evening. I have to admit that the nap was delightful. Sometimes the summer heat makes a great tonic after a hectic week, forcing us to slow down a little as the temperature goes up. Sometimes doing nothing at all in South Florida can feel like doing just the right thing.
RSSComments
I am trying to plan a trip to Ft. Lauderdale to celebrate my 50th birthday. Can you give me some pointers as to the best area to stay in? I would like to be near the beach but do not want to spend my entire budget on a hotel. I would also like to know what places are a must see. <BR/>Any good places to eat would be appreciated.
Posted By Anonymous | 08/23/2007 10:37 AM
Posted By Anonymous | 08/23/2007 10:37 AM
Posted By LauderBLOGGER | 08/23/2007 2:08 PM