Wynwood Arts District

A few months ago, we blogged about Valparaiso, Chile and the beautiful murals all over walls of that hillside city.  Several friends noted that the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami is similar . . . lots of art in public view with murals and great studios and galleries.  On this weekend of Shelly's birthday surprise, we couldn't resist a stroll, and it happened to be the monthly Wynwood Walls art crawl.  What a joy!  Damon and Jena recommended The Butcher Shop for dinner . . . a great meat-based dining hall and beer garden.  Then taking in all the great art in this redeveloping part of town . . . it thrilled my municipal wonkiness!  Take a look.

Happy Shelly and her birthday weekend!

Dozens of food trucks 

Shelly and Heather's favorite:
vertical gardens

Wynwood Walls

A great arts stroll

Heather and Chase

Wall sized happy birthday cakes

Shelly's Surprise 60th Birthday Boat Day!

For her 60th birthday, Shelly was kidnapped to an unknown destination (Miami) and made to spend the weekend with her husband, adult children, and their significant others.  The adventure and surprise is still unfolding, but today was Boat Day with Cap'n Damon providing an expert tour of Miami's exclusive islands and South Beach.  It was wonderful weather with loved ones and lots of fun!   Happy birthday!!

Overlooking Miami;s waterfront

Visitors wake Shelly up for a surprise!

Breakfast at the condo

Cap'n Damon and the family

Chase and Heather

Jena and Damon

Miami's skyline

Swimsuits stayed ON!

Happy birthday Mommy!!

A Whale of a Hotel!

'Twas our home for the weekend

While we were in the coastal city of Puerto Lopez for whale watching last month, we stayed in a very unique hotel . . . Hosteria Mandala.   The place seems hand-made with only the finest ingredients . . . with individual cabins set in a massive garden.  And just next to a wide expanse of beach where you can hang up a hammock and spend all day in a breezy cabana.  A great place to relax and watch the whales!  We recommend Mandala to anyone who wants a quality, laid back venue!   Save the Whales!!!

The splash after whale goes airborne

Two whales alongside our little boat!

Dolphin Lodge

Each room is a separate cabin in the garden

No better sight from the hammock

Flying dolphin statue

Hosteria Mandala is a huge garden located right on the beach. Shelly looks lost!

We had to stay in the Dolphin lodge!

Looking west to the sunset

We are far from wherever these signs point!

Pope Francis in Ecuador

Pope Francis arrived yesterday for a two day visit to Ecuador.  He will be in Guayaquil for two services and then to Quito for other activities and celebrations. There will be no fewer than a million persons at the service in Guayaquil. The Pope's motorcade will pass withing 3 blocks of our house, but alas we have chosen to skip the crowds and watch on TV.  Bienvenido, Papa Francisco!