Lisa's Adventure in Paradise 8/9/22-8/19/22

[Andrea J.]

NOT delusional! Make the appointment
Eat the butter.
Buy something that sparkles.
And for God's sake, yes take that nap!

Is it Saturday? I'm having trouble keeping track!
Up at 7ish (the alarm was set and did go off but I had it on vibrate for some unbeknownst reason so it was closer to 7:30!). I really didn't want to get out of bed. But I did and went down to claim a palapa then breakfast at Ike's since I had no energy to walk any further. Perhaps a weird choice but I opted for oatmeal with strawberries and blueberries and granola on top (and caffeine of course!). It was REALLY good. I, of course, had to add a bit of 1/2 & 1/2 since that's how we always made it at home. It was a huge portion (for me at least). On the beach at 9ish (and I was by no means the first one down!). Lots of clouds today (overcast at times) and pretty hot. The tradewind comes and goes. I listened to my playlist for a while and just gazed at the clouds. The book I was reading was pretty heavy so I decided to switch over to Nora Roberts' new novel (which I've been saving for a few months). I got into it but almost dropped my Kindle in the sand several times because I kept nodding off. Then I realized I'd forgotten my water bottle in the room. Really? I have to walk all the way up there? Turned out I was glad I did because at 11am my room had already been straightened up for the day. An idea began perculating...
Back to the beach and reading but I just wasn't into it today. I had a vlog I wanted to watch so I trekked over to Pega Pega for lunch. Happy to see my two favorite people, Fabian and Joseul, working the bar. Love those guys! Apparently, I'm in a rut because while Fabian was taking my lunch order (burger & fries), Joseul went ahead and made me a frozen lime daiquiri before I could even order it! Of course, I had to drink it...
Hung out there until around 1pm watching my vlog and then went back to the beach. But I knew I was done and knew my nice, clean room was awaiting me! So here I've been since 1:30pm, all showered and relaxed, just hanging out and playing on the computer. A nap may happen which is unheard of for me. It's just so exhausting doing this beach thing...
I'm not even venturing out of my little Manchebo safe zone tonight. It's Local Menu Night at Ike's which I've never done. I'll report back with a critique.
I have to remember to make my spa appointment for Thursday afternoon. I always spend the afternoon of my last full day getting a long relaxing massage, an aloe facial and the aloe cucumber body wrap. I feel like that fixes whatever damage I've done to my skin for the last 9 days (maybe delusional on that but ask me if I care; go ahead, ask!). Ugh, this typing is so exhausting...later.

[cpjones]

Really enjoying your visit ... I have the same problem with Josuel. When he's working, my Bright just plain appears even if I don't want one... (not!).....

[Laura in NH]

Sounds like a great day. Looking forward to the dinner review if you choose the local menu dinner!

[LisaGrn]

He's a very special and warm young man. I sure hope they truly appreciate what a gem they have in him. Not sure what I'll do on Monday when he's off...

Really enjoying your visit ... I have the same problem with Josuel. When he's working, my Bright just plain appears even if I don't want one... (not!).....

[LisaGrn]

I truly am being a lazy bum...and make no apologies for it! There were a few months this year (after the evil ice incident) that I truly thought I wouldn't be able to make it down. I wondered if I'd still be in a sling; how the heck I was going to handle the luggage; if I was even going to have the full use of my arm back; you name it, I thought it. And many a tear was shed for so many reasons, some not having anything to do with the fall. It has not been the best year for me but certainly better than many others have had so I count myself very lucky every day to be here and enjoying my laziness.

Okay, on to more stuff that interests you people - food!! The local night dinner at Ike's was really delicious and accompanied by two glasses of my favorite Pinot Grigio. I went for broke tonight and had all three courses. For an app I had potato cheese croquettes with a small mixed green salad and mango salsa. You know, I tell people I don't really like mango but I love the salsa they make here. Hit #1. Main course was a tough choice but it's rare that I'm able to resist shrimp if it's on the menu. Sauteed black tiger shrimp w/mashed potatoes, grilled green asparagus and a "traditional" Aruban papaya salsa (can you tell I'm reading the menu so I don't get this wrong?!). It had a very light cream sauce over it all. I also supposedly don't like papaya either but I basically licked the plate except for the potatoes. I don't leave shrimp and asparagus behind. It was really delicious. Hit #2. I momentarily thought about skipping dessert but I really wanted to try the Pan Boyo (bread pudding) with cinnamon ice cream. I did leave half the pudding but not because I didn't like it; I just couldn't fit anything else in, and it's hard to find cinnamon ice cream which I love. Accompanied by a yummy cappuccino. Not cheap but I knew that going in so wasn't shocked (and just about what I had estimated it would be). In case any of you haven't caught on yet - I like to eat! LOL!

Oh, the anticipated nap this afternoon didn't happen (not surprising; it's a rarity for me; I usually can't turn my brain off long enough for that). Instead I made myself a cup of tea (Earl Grey teabags go everywhere with me) and chatted online with a friend. Next thing I knew it was dinner time.

So it's 8:30 on a Saturday night and I'm already in my PJs and ensconced on the dream bed. I'm a happy camper and will continue to watch my series with a glass of vino. Sleep will not be difficult tonight (not that it has been).

I've decided to let myself sleep until I wake up tomorrow. Maybe walk down to Santos for breakfast. Then again, I've never had a Dutch pancake and I think TOF is open for breakfast tomorrow. That's the only plan I have for Sunday (except to stop by the spa to make that all important appt). Maybe beach; maybe just a couch in the pavilion with my Kindle (it's still the beach but without the sand all over me!). I'm craving pasta so may explore that possibility (anyone been to Elliotti's? Is it any good? All I know is that it will be another "come as it may" day on the Happy Island!

I do go on a bit, don't I? I write like I talk! Sorry!

[Andrea J.]

We like Elliottis, don't love it...if you are an "Italian food foodie" you might be disappointed.

Your dinner tonight sounded wonderful.

Sleep well, I am wanting to be in Aruba too!

I truly am being a lazy bum...and make no apologies for it! There were a few months this year (after the evil ice incident) that I truly thought I wouldn't be able to make it down. I wondered if I'd still be in a sling; how the heck I was going to handle the luggage; if I was even going to have the full use of my arm back; you name it, I thought it. And many a tear was shed for so many reasons, some not having anything to do with the fall. It has not been the best year for me but certainly better than many others have had so I count myself very lucky every day to be here and enjoying my laziness.

Okay, on to more stuff that interests you people - food!! The local night dinner at Ike's was really delicious and accompanied by two glasses of my favorite Pinot Grigio. I went for broke tonight and had all three courses. For an app I had potato cheese croquettes with a small mixed green salad and mango salsa. You know, I tell people I don't really like mango but I love the salsa they make here. Hit #1. Main course was a tough choice but it's rare that I'm able to resist shrimp if it's on the menu. Sauteed black tiger shrimp w/mashed potatoes, grilled green asparagus and a "traditional" Aruban papaya salsa (can you tell I'm reading the menu so I don't get this wrong?!). It had a very light cream sauce over it all. I also supposedly don't like papaya either but I basically licked the plate except for the potatoes. I don't leave shrimp and asparagus behind. It was really delicious. Hit #2. I momentarily thought about skipping dessert but I really wanted to try the Pan Boyo (bread pudding) with cinnamon ice cream. I did leave half the pudding but not because I didn't like it; I just couldn't fit anything else in, and it's hard to find cinnamon ice cream which I love. Accompanied by a yummy cappuccino. Not cheap but I knew that going in so wasn't shocked (and just about what I had estimated it would be). In case any of you haven't caught on yet - I like to eat! LOL!

Oh, the anticipated nap this afternoon didn't happen (not surprising; it's a rarity for me; I usually can't turn my brain off long enough for that). Instead I made myself a cup of tea (Earl Grey teabags go everywhere with me) and chatted online with a friend. Next thing I knew it was dinner time.

So it's 8:30 on a Saturday night and I'm already in my PJs and ensconced on the dream bed. I'm a happy camper and will continue to watch my series with a glass of vino. Sleep will not be difficult tonight (not that it has been).

I've decided to let myself sleep until I wake up tomorrow. Maybe walk down to Santos for breakfast. Then again, I've never had a Dutch pancake and I think TOF is open for breakfast tomorrow. That's the only plan I have for Sunday (except to stop by the spa to make that all important appt). Maybe beach; maybe just a couch in the pavilion with my Kindle (it's still the beach but without the sand all over me!). I'm craving pasta so may explore that possibility (anyone been to Elliotti's? Is it any good? All I know is that it will be another "come as it may" day on the Happy Island!

I do go on a bit, don't I? I write like I talk! Sorry!

[Pegmeister]

I do hope that Aruba is turning your year around. You’ve had some some challenges to get through and deserve a relaxing vacation.

We’ve been to Elliotis but it has been a few years. I remember that they served the red wine chilled which definitely isn’t my preference but the food was good. At the time, the dining room reminded me of an old school neighborhood type of place. I believe they had a fire a year or so ago so I’m not sure what it’s like now.

[LisaGrn]

I really want to hear that you and Tom are coming down, Peg. You truly deserve too!

I do hope that Aruba is turning your year around. You’ve had some some challenges to get through and deserve a relaxing vacation.

[Laura in NH]

So happy you are having the fun relaxing vacation you need and deserve. Dinner sounds fantastic. Is Ike's open to the public? I might need to venture over there. I might have to add another week just to fit all the meals in that I keep adding to my list.

[LisaGrn]

Yes, it's definitely open to the public. Reservations are required and it's credit/debit only. Just wait, Laura - Monday is Lobster & Shrimp Night. Guess where I'll be dining that night?

So happy you are having the fun relaxing vacation you need and deserve. Dinner sounds fantastic. Is Ike's open to the public? I might need to venture over there. I might have to add another week just to fit all the meals in that I keep adding to my list.