2 days in Florida: sunshine and rest

I spent 2 days at my academic mentor’s house with her husband and adult son. It was the most relaxing two days for a long time.

I spent most of the time in the follow position, on the lounge sofa watching my mentor and her husband spending a long time in the pool, cleaning the leaves, chatting with each other, smoking cigar. No phone, no music, just quiet sound of nature.

this is my room, like a museum, right? Soooo lovely

this is the view from my room in the first morning when I got up 7am, so peaceful

We had traditional July 4th dinner. I don’t think I’ve ever had such nice sausages and hot dog in my life. All the sauces were homemade by the husband, including the mayo

the husband is the chef, he makes all the meals and loves cooking as his relaxation activity. Don’t think he’s the houseman. He is not, his career is even more impressive than his cooking

On July 4, we explored St Pete area. I love the Vinoy hotel, so pretty. We had ice cream after walking around for an hour, all sweaty. Then we had some rest, dinner, watched fireworks from the balcony, and played board game. I slept well for the first time since I arrived in the US.

On July 5, I went out for run. It was so hot and humid that I had to cut the run short. The view was spectacular though

Got back, went straight to the pool. They got up pretty late, 10:30am and we had brunch almost at 11am. Then we prepared to go to the beach. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a parking space at Pass-a grill beach so turned back after 2 hours. Even from the car, I could see how cute this beach town is. We spent the afternoon by the pool, relaxing and chatting. The husband prepared us mamey smoothie, first time for me, which was so good. Then we went out for dinner at an Italian restaurant, had the best tomato bruchetta in my life. We came back 9:30pm and straight to bed for me.

This is the view from my room on the day that I left Florida.

It was so nice to spend 2 days with them. The last time I stayed at their Boston house was 7 years ago. Although I don’t see/talk to her often, every time we get together, it’s super nice. While they are ageing, almost 70 years old, they are healthy and active, very engaged at their profession. What I love the most is to see them being each other’s best companion after decades of being together.