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

[LisaGrn]

A relaxing "couldn't decide what to do" kind of Sunday. I slept in until 8:30. Decided I just wanted to hang out so indulged myself in room service. Croissant (yes! I ate the butter! still not sure about it though), fruit plate with yogurt and a pot of coffee. I only ate half of everything so tomorrow breakfast is settled (except for the caffeine). I was in the washroom when I heard a strange sound. I couldn't figure out what it was. Then I realized it was rain! I quickly went and opened the curtains and sure enough it was raining cats and dogs. Got my coffee and stood on the balcony a long time just watching it. My first Aruba rainstorm. Walked over the Spa del Sol and made the appt. for Thursday. Unfortunately, Patricia is on vacation so I'm hoping I get someone just as good. It was pretty hot and sticky after the rain so I just got a palapa and read for a bit in shorts & t-shirt. Couldn't decide what I wanted to do. The breeze started to pick up so went back up and got on bathing suit and went back to the beach. Read my book, had some lunch and a cocktail and then just felt really sticky and as though I might be burning a bit. I'm just going to hang out in the room this afternoon and play on the laptop. I love not having any chores to do and can just vegetate guilt free. At home there's always SOMETHING I should be doing. I still want pasta tonight but I suddenly remembered that Twist of Flavors has some pasta dishes so that decision is made. I'll go early so no need to make a rez (in case my indecisive mind wanders again). Oh! It's clouding up again...

[Jacki]

LOVING all your relaxation time!! Sounds fabulous!

[Laura in NH]

I don't know if the same people who do the massage also do the wraps, but last year Erlinda did my relaxing massage and it was the best I had since 2011.

[LisaGrn]

Will make this short because I have a live chat at 9pm. The indecisiveness prevailed and I decided to just go down to The Chophouse for dinner. Fortunately, I was able to get a rez. It must have been karma because I was lucky enough to be served by the incomparable Harold. He usually works outside in the garden section of the Chophouse for the last couple of years. It was lovely to catch up with him. Opted for filet mignon, no app, and tiramisu for dessert. Stopped by Ike's Bar to greet Fabian and got a glass of Port to bring back up to the room. So here I am at the end of a mixed up but yet enjoyable day. I may take a taxi downtown tomorrow since I think it might be best to give my fair skin a break from the beach. "Tan" is and never will be in my vocabulary...
Andrea, have a wonderful trip up to New England! I hope the heatwave I left behind me has broken!

[cpjones]

I may take a taxi downtown tomorrow since I think it might be best to give my fair skin a break from the beach. "Tan" is and never will be in my vocabulary...

Seems we'll be hearing about sparkly things tomorrow evening! Unless I read it wrong! Really happy that you're enjoying your Aruba stay so much!

Harold is delightful and we always ask for him when we dine at the Chophouse...!

[LisaGrn]

Well, Chuck, sorry to say no sparkles today except the diamonds sparkling on the ocean. Woke up to simply a gorgeous day. Barely a cloud in the sky; tradewinds blowing (sometimes fiercely but I love it). All thoughts of getting in a taxi to head downtown to shop quickly went "poof". This was definitely a full-on beach day not to be missed. So I ate the rest of my breakfast from yesterday (with the in-room coffee which fell far short of my caffeine requirements) and found my spot on the beach. Read for about an hour (can't put down this Nora Roberts novel) and realized I still had time to get a caffeine fix at the coffee bar. A latte with a double shot of espresso fulfilled the daily need. And while it was still a bit rough this morning (REALLY rough this afternoon as the wind kicked up dramatically), I finally got my lazy arse and a noodle down to the ocean and blissfully floated around for about 30 minutes. It must be a sight from shore - a middle-aged+ woman floating along with the current with a noodle, her sunglasses and bucket hat on. No shame and no apologies; I was a happy and content camper. And I managed to climb out of the surf without too much trouble. I stayed on the beach until around 3pm but the wind was starting to send sand daggers at me so I took the hint and am up in my room all showered and surfing the net. Tonight is Lobster Night here so I've got two more hours before I have to think about anything. So I won't! I'll check in later with a food report!

[Laura in NH]

Yay for a great beach day! I sometimes put on a great comedy when trying to exit the water on Druif Beach. I tell the onlookers it's ok to laugh so they don't have to try so hard to conceal it

Looking forward to your dinner report. I have only tried Carribean lobster once and that was in 1995. I think I might be due for another.

[Pegmeister]

I’ve always been curious about lobster night but have yet to try it. Hope it’s wonderful. I did have Caribbean lobster at Madame Janette once and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[LisaGrn]

Laura, both of us being New Englanders (along with quite a few others here! CP, Peg, Andrea, Jay off the top of my head), who know their lobster better than anyone, it's definitely not the same. Not as tender or sweet. But it is still very good. In all fairness I've only had it twice down here (here at Manchebo and once at Atardi up at the Marriott; delicious on both occasions) and it's been a few years. I always feel like I can't be a good judge since I was raised on NE lobster and don't want to turn anyone away from having it. But one of the dishes they offer is a trifecta for me - lobster, shrimp AND risotto. Since risotto is one of my signature dishes at home with friends and family, I'm anxious to see how it measures up (wow, does that sound snobbish or what?!! Didn't mean it that way! LOL!).

So I'm having a real little "cocktail hour" with me, myself and I. Didn't have much for lunch so was feeling a headache coming on earlier. Knew I wouldn't last until 6:45 without something in the tummy. Then I remembered that Manchebo leaves grapes, brie and crackers for returning guests. I polished off the grapes a few days ago but the brie has been in the frig. So I'm munching on brie, crackers and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc while watching my BTS boys on the internet. The curtains are wide open, the palm trees are swaying, the white caps are scurrying across the very blue ocean, and I can even see waves crashing onshore. Life doesn't get much better. I'm feeling very fortunate that I'm able to be here and do this. So many never have nor ever will have these kinds of opportunities. I try never to take it for granted and savor every moment I can. Life is hard; it's important to truly appreciate those sometimes rare moments when it isn't...hmm, maybe no more wine for Lisa until dinner but my heart spoke there for a moment.

Looking forward to your dinner report. I have only tried Carribean lobster once and that was in 1995. I think I might be due for another.

[Pegmeister]

Very well said! Your day sounds perfect. I love that Manchebo brings the cheese tray and wine to returning guests. It’s always appreciated.