Day 7 - Vitamin D, the Palm Beach Grill and our BMV

Day 7 found the travelers catching up on their Vitamin D before their long trip home. Lounge time at the pool and surf imbued with golden Pina Coladas and salty Margaritas rounded out the day. We had decided to do the "last night" out on the town and go to the "place to see and be seen" - Palm Beach Grill, 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach. The Pooker called the restaurant. "We see from your cell phone that you are calling from a time share, so your options are: 5:30 PM Early Bird or 10:00 PM after we close. So what is your choice?", the reservation line said. "Early Bird", pronounced Pooker, under her breath, we will keep the table til 10:00 PM!

As we arrived at the "Grill", our Bentley Minivan ("BMV") did not go un-noticed. Many on-lookers waved us on to the employee lot, but "No, no, no", said Franco, "We will valet it!" So with a flip of his wrist Franco signaled to the valet to "take care o' the car" and flung the keys to the seat of the BMV. Moments later, the valet stuck his head in the restaurant and yelled, "Where are the keys to the Minivan?" -- As the crowd turned their eyes and attention to Franco - he said, "They are on the seat, do you need me to show you?" -- the valet smirked and went to park the BMV.

Dinner ensued. Bombay Sapphire Straight-up Martini. Vodka Tonic Tall. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir rounded out the drink order. Stone Crab Claws, Rack o' Ribs, Canjun Red Snapper, Heirloom Tomato Salad. Magnificent. Except they tried to jam the dinner into the salad and the team got back -- free round of top shelf wines. The finale was a kickin' Key Lime Pie.

As we exited the restaurant, the valet eyed Franco, and shouted "MINIVAN?" The onlookers from the crowd turned from their Bentleys and their Rolls Royce's to marvel at the wonders of Korean automobile construction -- the KIA Minivan. They were in awe as Franco spun wheels and exited the parking lot. "So long Palm Beach!"

Day 6 - Back to the Beach, Real Estate of a Gone by Era

Tired of work, the Tomba Team headed off in different directions to find "personal solace" and internal harmony through sun, sand, surf.... and the pool. Armed with iPods in ears, and books or Kindles in hand, the vagabonds spread to the four corners of the resort. Under the frawns of shady swaying palm trees and sunny skies, they longed for longer days with more "free" time, to enjoy the little things in life that make it worth living.

The team elected to stay-home today and cook-out tonight. On the eve of the Padalinos glorious 21st Anniversary, that fortunately was remembered by Tomba, Chef Francesco Salvatore prepared Delmonico steaks, grilled to perfection, with olive-oil baked potatoes and Caesar salad provided by the Pooker, and a fine Tomba Tours Cabernet Savignon to round-out the meal. As we watched the sun set, we all looked forward to things that might be. And took pleasure in sharing this time together and planning to do more.

At the end of our evening, we were joined by a couple of Tennesseans, that provided exquisite insights into the intricacies of making "moonshine" and gave us a new meaning for "Apple Pie". It seems that while the rest of the world enjoys Jack Daniels, the UT crowd enjoys their "own".

As the evening slipped into a moonlit sky, we fondly remember the days of yore, when real estate provided everything, from longer vacations to far away places, to fine jewelery and fine dining in 5 star restaurants, well now, we have a "cook-out", "friendship ring" and "late check-out" from the hotel. Ahhh, how we remember it well.

Day 5 - A Day at the "Office", Carmine's, The Breakers

Day 5 felt like had never left DC. Clicking keystrokes, dialing for dollars. There was definitely a "buzz" going on, but no alcohol was involved. What had happened to the vacation? Franco did a "three way" -- and we are not talking about sex. Sales reports. Management reports. OMG! We gotta get outtahere!

KIA loaded, Franco, puts "Carmine's" into the GPS and we bolted "outta da" garage. No damages. As we ramp on to 95 North, we are desperately trying to leave our "new DC office" behind and find respite among Franco's Italian ancestry -- at Carmine's La Trattoria. We are all chatting about the plan for the day, lunch at Carmine's, then onto Palm Beach to visit "The Breakers", when we are interrupted by the voice on the GPS, "Continue on the current road for 125 miles, then take a..." Whoaa! Could it be that Franco was so consumed by work that he deliberately programmed in a restaurant in Daytona Beach -- just to get as far away from "work" as possible? Well, Tomba took control and yelled out, "Take a right here!" The entire team breathed a sigh of relief, thinking about what could have been -- a 2 hour drive to get to a restaurant that is 5 miles from our condo.

Well, Carmine's was worth it. On the intercoastal, great Italian fare, fun discussion about "buying a place in Florida" -- uhhhh, NO. We re-boarded the Italian stallion, and got back on 95 south headed to the land o' the wealthy -- Palm Beach and "The Breakers".

The Paparazzi had not arrived yet, but Pooker was "getting ready" for the "wave-off".

Tomba and the Pooker reminisced about their first visit to "The Breakers" many moons ago. Fond thoughts of their "youth" and times long past -- wait a second, we are still young -- as compared to the avg Palm Beacher, so its our time now, baby.

We toured the hotel --built in 1916 -- and the grounds, took a few "classic" pics and sat at the "Ocean Bar" talking to Jennifer, our Barkeep. She told us that she had decided to leave Palm Beach and move to Aspen. Tomba and Franco's mouths dropped open -- how can she have want we want -- "beach and ski" -- and living it. They quickly tried to work in "when we are in Aspen, we will stop by".... she never told us how to reach her.

So what are the first questions asked by the young ladies of Palm Beach as they seek their "true love"?

(1) What kind of car do you drive? Check one:
___ Maybach ___ Rolls Royce ___ Bentley (If these are left unchecked, do not continue)
(2) What home "in Palm Beach" do you own?
(We are not talking about renting or using, we are talking "own" -- no mortgage, no boarders and it must be over the intracoastal within 2 miles of The Breakers" within the city limits of Palm Beach and this must be verified by an local real estate appraiser and the Barkeep at Ta-boo's.)
(3) Who is your investment banker?
(If its Madoff, back away from the car.)
(4) Can I have his number?
(It needs to have a 212 area code.)

We were told, this is actually printed on small cards and provider to many "grapefruit" purveyors.

Finally, we decided to finally take in "Amelia". And it was good. The Muvico Theaters had "love seats" - which we all enjoyed. Blue Martini Bar for drinks and dinner and then home. Just another "Day at the Office".

"Grapefruits" -- are they really good for your "health"?

It seems that everything that is going right or wrong with your health has to do with "grapefruits".

Native Florida "grapefruits" are very nice. Virginia produces some great "grapefruits". Argentine and Brazilian "grapefruits" appeal to some. However, guys on cholesterol meds aren't supposed to eat them -- or talk too much about "them". Florida supermarkets offer local and foreign grapefruits in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They are used as a proxy for happiness, as in "I like grapefruits.", or "Those are some nice looking 'grapefruits'." But, what we found last night is that if there is a misunderstanding about "grapefruits" it can lead to a lot of friction between men and women, and not the good kind. So as you begin your morning routine, have a grapefruit for breakfast. For men, it will most likely kill them. For women, it will make them happy. But remember, if you "talk about" foreign "grapefruits" too much, it's not good for your health.

As an example, this woman has some nice grapefruits. Enjoy.

Day 4 - Fore!

The Tomba Tour does Golf too!

Today, we ventured out to the links at the Monarch Country Club in Palm Beach, courtesy of Club Corp Signature Gold. The team had to play like a three-legged dog, as Pegalino injured her wrist puttin' down too many Jose Cuervo Gold shots while pole dancing last night after the IMPROV. Nonetheless, Tomba, Francesco Salvatore and the Pooker hit the links.

Brilliant sunshine and warm 80 degree + temps greeted the duffers. Many a challenging hole, it was Tomba who took the lead with a "birdie" on hole 2 -- from the fringe. At the turn Tomba held the lead by 1 stroke. The back nine proved his nemesis as Francesco Salvatore edge him by 2 strokes to win the back nine and all 18. Pooker won the "best woman" golfer of the day, longest woman's & men's drive, closet to the pin, including honorable mention for "best sand saves" and finest looking attire. You go girl!

Francesco won the following awards:

(1) Longest Drive
(2) Shortest Drive
(3) Best shot out of the water (drycleaning needed)
(4) First to have lunch.

All-in-all, the golf was great.

On the way back to our Ocean Front suites, we stopped at Costso to pick up steaks, wine, and various accoutrements to celebrate the day. Only in Palm Beach are there Rolls Royce Silver Clouds, Maybachs and Bentley's in the parking lot. I guess using Costco is how they afford the ride or maybe how the "bought" their ride. Sweeeet!

Time for relaxing. See ya tomorrow.

Emergency Exit: DO NOT USE -- EVER -- THIS MEANS YOU TOO, POOKER

Have you ever noticed the large red signs on doors that are armed and alarmed. Well, they are there. But when you are in a vacation stupor, mesmerized by the sun, palm trees and ocean air, you only see "through the doors" and you PUSH........

Day 3 - Working it out

Franco and his "magic" skillet marveled us again with "delicioso" omlettes and other morning gastronomic delights. Filled to the brim, we headed out to work-out, walk-out and chill-out at the pool soothed by the gentle sounds of the "Goombay" and Rastas.

It may be taboo to you, but it was Ta-boo for us too! After stopping at the Picower's for a dip in his Palm Beach Pool ("Honey, did you notice the body floating in the deep end?") we drove the "Bentley" mini-van down Worth Avenue. Frank successfully avoided the flying wheelchairs that were racing ahead of us to get the "Early Bird" specials at Ta-boo, but we quickly by-passed the "blue hairs" and headed to the bar for "half-price" Happy Hour. Moet Chandon Imperial, Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Salmon pizza with capers, Mushroom pizza with Franco, accompanied by conversation of the 6,600 altitude art colony in San Allende, Mexico and finding out that the "next place" for Palm Beach money is Istanbul, Turkey, because their "food is the best" -- Palm Beach Post proclaims: "Early Birds and Sun Birds get ready for Halal."

Back to CityPlace, where we chose Pauly Shore, live at the IMPROV, over Amelia Earhart, dead at the movies.