Ahhhh, vacation. It’s what we full time employees look forward to every year. Some of you are probably able to take more than one vacation a year. Although I have between three and four weeks of annual paid vacation, my family and I generally only go away once a year for a week. I try to use the other days for long weekends and/or short road trips, but oftentimes they are used for doctor’s appointments or going to the DMV. Which makes that one week of vacation extra special and important.
Our family traveled to the Florida Keys for our holiday this year. Because, you know, Florida in July is THE place to be, particularly if you love humidity the consistency of a wet blanket and heat that is off the charts. I lived in Florida decades ago, so I knew what we were in for, but since Pennsylvania can be just as hot and humid as Florida in July, I figured we could adapt. We would also have the benefit of being a mile from one of the nicest beaches in the Keys, and our hotel had a pool, so we had ways to stay cool.
We coped with the heat fairly well, at least when we were on the water. We enjoyed one day on a catamaran snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing, and another day and a half on a very large boat (okay, it was a yacht) with our friends Dave, Gudrun, Greg and Pennie. The day we spent strolling down the quaint downtown streets of Key West, well that was just plain uncomfortable. But every so often we ducked into a t-shirt shop to take advantage of its air-conditioning. And at the water’s edge we had happy hour drinks and appetizers at Alonzo’s Oyster Bar for half price. SOOOO worth the sweaty journey, even though I needed a shower once I got there.
A Seafood Extravaganza
So back to the day on the yacht with our friends. These are very generous friends (obviously- they invited us to spend time with them on a yacht! And the seafood lunch? Check it out- fantastic). We also have a history with these friends where I make cocktails and we all drink them. Simple as that. I love coming up with a concoction that elicits a few oohs and ahhs, and I can always count on the gang to come through and give me the ego boost that I need. This one is called the Calypso Breeze, in honor of our wonderful ride, the Calypso. One sip and you’ll be transported to the tropics. Just let Captain John do the navigating- of the boat AND your car once you disembark. The Calypso Breeze will kick your relaxed, sun-kissed booty.
Calypso Breeze
2 oz Bacardi white rum
1 1/2 ounce spiced rum
1 oz coconut rum
2-3 ounces pineapple mango juice
1-2 ounces mango nectar
Pour all ingredients over ice in a tall glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple and an umbrella. Ahoy!!
