Vacation Preview?
As I jogged up to Maile, it felt like the first day of summer for me. It was the last day of the school year for Lakewood, and the sun was shining brightly. That mood continued when I arrived at my destination, as I heard a resident jamming to Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” as he stained picnic tables in his front yard. The music was loud enough for me to hear it at the intersection of Maile and Detroit. I must admit I was singing along as I started my walk.
Strangely, I couldn’t find a “Maile” street sign at this intersection though. What I did find though was India Garden. My niece is getting married in India later this year, and we are already getting excited about this vacation. A few weeks ago, our family walked up to India Garden for a preview dinner and enjoyed a feast. Just be careful what spice level you order. They give you a choice of 1-10, and I chose 7 as I really like spicy food. It was flavorful and delicious, but the sweat started on my forehead within seconds of taking my first bite. I might have to dial it down a little bit when I am actually in India.
After walking the length of the street, I arrived at Riverside. Amazingly the building located at that intersection reminded me of the second part of our upcoming vacation (our plan is to go to Lisbon on the way back from India). The multi-family home looked like a European residence in some portside city. The walls were stucco, and the awnings were even held up by long metal halberds. Who knew I could experience the feeling of Lisbon and India all on a short afternoon walk in Lakewood.
