Living the Good Life

Our hotel, The Pillars, has turned out to be centrally situated along the main river route of the water taxi. The boat plucked us right off the dock in to the front of the hotel. We paid $20 for hop on hop off 24 hour tickets. On the trip into the centre of Fort Lauderdale, the ferry captain told stories about the people who own the multi-million dollar houses along the river and the hundreds of huge yachts berthed down miles of canals. We noticed the canals as we flew in. They're like a series of giant mazes. The houses often cost 20 to 30 million. How can a single couple live in 20,000 square feet? The captain suggested they only bump into each other every second week. Another huge place was owned by a confirmed bachelor. Directly across the channel from our hotel, financier had purchased a second double lot beside his mansion, taken down the old houses and planted lawn to run his two dogs, Cash and Flow. We can't relate to the wealth evident here.

I like the way this hotel is designed. It has a kind of deep south feel. Two floors of connected, open balconies are supported by round columns, the pillars. All white, louvered doors and windows help cool a hot, hot climate. The pavers on the stairs, balconies and pool deck are off-white, like dark limestone. All the rooms look over the kidney-shaped pool but a sideways glance allows glimpses of the river. Orchids, palms, figs and hibiscus fringe the property. We had a great breakfast of Eggs Benedict served on the waterside terrace.

Joan if jubilant. Her bag was delivered about noon and she likes the new clothes she bought last night during the emergency. She's a double winner! Let's hope she finds room in her bag to stuff it all.

We rode the water taxi all day and watched the sunset on our final trip home. Great day and wonderful to be warm.