12/14 to 12/20 West Palm Beach, FL- Part One

 West Palm Beach

 & Family - Part One

December 14 to December 20

Even though I have no use for Florida drivers, the ride was uneventful with two stops for brunch and fuel. The view that Florida drivers are all New York transplants holds no water, sorry, they're the worst.

Winnie's temporary campsite. Electrical service available; no sewer hookups but water was available if needed. The amenities like the heated pool and dining privileges are terrific. The staff and personnel I've encountered were welcoming, polite and just all around terrific; the weather, perfect when the sun decided to shine and the humidity dropped. The owners gave me a senior discount for my stay which I thought was above and beyond. Later in the week we were visited by a family from Milan which I will write about in Part Two of my blog here in West Palm Beach.

Home cooked meals, prepared by Chuck and Silvia, be they lunch or dinner were outstanding. Such a welcomed and nice change from "eating on the road" with my frozen prepared meals.  They were from scratch, healthy and plentiful. Thank you.

One afternoon, Chuck and I walked a block to Celis Juice Bar. A health oriented juice, coffee and sandwich cafe.

Celis Juice Bar is "a casual eatery where comfort meets culinary creativity, offering a diverse menu that satisfies all appetites." Their motto: Fresh Is Best

Check out their diverse menu HERE.

I chose the Avocado Melt: Smashed avocado, pesto and mozzarella on a toasted Everything bagel.

In this part of Florida, I try to get together with long time friends, Jim and Missy who live in Boynton Beach. Jim is a fellow Blue Mountain Middle School retiree who taught Social Studies. Chuck, Silvia and I met them at Thaikyo Asian Cuisine in  Manalapan, FL, about ten miles south. For my sushi loving friends, check out their selections HERE. 

L. to R: Silvia, Chuck, Jim, Charlie, Missy.

Thank you to our server, Jennifer, for taking the photos.

Bangkok Shrimp Roll: Cooked; shrimp tempura, cucumber and cream cheese, topped with avocado, rock shrimp with pineapple, spicy mayo, togarashi and sweet chili sauce

Father Mark

Friday night before Christmas, we attended St. Ann's "Christmas Around the World" concert that featured an impressive array of talented performers from the parish including family friend and parish priest, Father Mark Gustinelli (he's French). He sang  a traditional French Carol and brought awareness to the parishioners of the many carols we have that have their history originating in France and have been translated from the French such as: "O Come All Ye Faithful," "O Holy Night," "O Come Emmanuel, "Angels We Have Heard on High," and O Come Devine Messiah." 

Other carols representing the USA, Italy, Russia, Germany, Ireland and Spain/Latin America as well as violin and piano solos added to the performance. Refreshments afterwards in a breezy courtyard was the end of a delightful evening.

This will conclude Part One of my West Palm Beach Blog. Next comes Christmas Week and the arrival of Silvia's family from Milan. Their visit is always something I look forward to. See you at the end of that wonderful week.

As I continue to add the miles be they in the winter or during the sunny, warm season, I'm sending warmest Christmas greetings to each and every one of you. May your holidays be filled with joy, safe travels, good company and all the magic this season brings. here's to peace, love, and adventure ahead.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!