Good Cuban Food in ATL

When I am in Atlanta and I want good Cuban food, I go to Papis (216 Ponce de Leon). They have daily specials that include a choice of meat, white or yellow rice, beans, fried ripe plantains (platanos maduros), and salad for less than $10.

When you walk in, you hear Spanish music playing throughout the restaurant and the place is full of people eating and talking loudly. It’s the LATIN way. The place is decorated with picture of Cuban life. The atmosphere might lead you believe that  you stepped into a restaurant in Havana. You seat yourself and wait for someone to give you a menu. If I based this location on the service alone, I would probably not go. Some of the wait staff are not always as friendly as they could be. They are cordial enough, but I cannot if tell if they are pleased to have my business or annoyed that they have another table to wait on. Fortunately for them, the food is awesome!

My last visit I had jerk chicken and my friend has ropa vieja (cut of thinly sliced beef with onions). The food was full of flavor – very delicious!

We had so much food that we did not order dessert. But they have tres leches and flan. One day I will go just for dessert just for that.

 

Reflections of a Star

Night illuminated by a full moon

Stars shine brightly, big and small

Twinkling, moving as if they were participating

in a well choreographed celestial dance

As I stare upward

lost in the magnitude of the universe

deep in thought

meditating, ruminating, wondering, reflecting

on the particulars of my life

recalling every special event

asking myself what is my purpose

why am I here and

how can I make a difference

walking along as the moon lights my path,

however miniscule I realize each star plays a part in the cosmos

for I am like the small, shining star

Participating in this thing called life

Recognizing I am important

to complete a masterpiece

with seemingly insignificant ways

I make a difference

By spreading positivity, joy, and happiness

 

Visit Belize City

When you land in Belize at the Phillip Goldson airport, you might feel a wee bit nervous. The small wheels will jostle as the plane touches down on the bumpy, worn asphalt runway. The chances are that the weather will be sunny and you will bask in the Caribbean heat.

What should you expect if you are visiting Belize City?

Belize City has an atmosphere that is quiet and relaxing. For the most part, the people are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Some people might find that locals are very persistent when trying to sell their handmade goods. Just remember that many people in Belize are poor and they depend on tourist dollars to support themselves. If a person seems to be interested in buying something, a Belizean will try to make a sale.

The downtown area of Belize City is small enough that a person could walk around to most of the stores. Although tourist may walk around during the day, it is not advisable to walk about the city at night.

One store that is very popular is Brody’s. It is similar to Wal-Mart in the sense that they sell a lot of different items. They sell foodstuffs, liquor, house wares, cosmetics, personal care items, souvenirs, and have a pharmacy. It is one stop shopping and the prices are competitive to many tourist shops.

If you want to eat like the locals, a visit to a local restaurant called Ditz is in order. Ditz has been serving locals for years. An example of the items on their menu includes tacos and empanadas. They also sell a lot of different desserts. Two popular treats are coconut tarts and caramel cake.

There are a few nice hotels in Belize. Baltimore Best Western and The Princess Hotel and Casino are two of the most popular. Baltimore Best Western is situated about 10 minutes from downtown. The Princess Hotel and Casino is on the waterfront. Both have restaurants and bars. The food at the Baltimore Best Western is less expensive but not lower quality. Of the two, Baltimore Best Western is a quieter hotel. The Princess Hotel and Casino is busier because of the Casino. A lot of locals also go to the Princess.

If you are looking for an adventure, Belize City is a great place to visit.

 

Innocence Lost

Like one would spit out chewing gum that has lost its flavor

She was unceremoniously cast aside

She cannot understand the cruel, evil game where she was an unknowing participant

A sinister plot to steal her most valued asset by

Tricking her into giving it to him willingly

He must be laughing at her now

Pleased she did not detect his lies,

So amused with her naivety.

All that is left is her vitriolic, acerbic feelings of bitterness.

Damn him to hell.

Concise Movie Reviews

Couples Retreat – had its funny parts but was not as funny overall as expected. The yoga guy made for some interesting scenes.

The Other Guys – had its funny parts but was not as funny overall as expected. And I was a little confused as to the point of the movie.

Salt – was action packed and although I do not like Angelina Jolie (for reasons that will not be explained here) I think she did a good job with this character. Some of her action moves stretch believability but so does some of the stuff that James Bond does.

Valentine’s Day – had its corny parts but still a cute date movie.

Vampires Suck – A complete WASTE of time and money. I would suggest you do your laundry by hand than watch this movie. Totally disgusted at how NOT FUNNY this movie was. Ughhhhh.

Haiku - Sadness

Sorrow in her heart

Finding an outlet through tears

Her feelings were crushed

Haiku - Soul Mates

Even in silence

Your thoughts scream loudly to me

Unbreakable bond

Review Simply Massage Greenville

Make sure you ask for PATTY!!!!

 

I chose to go to Simply Massage because I received a special deal certificate on an hour long massage. Before booking my massage, I did not know they were located next to Whole Foods on Woodruff Road.

I did not know what to expect, so I checked out their website. It was suggested that first time client arrive 10 – 15 minutes earlier than scheduled appointment. When I arrived, I liked the warm, inviting environment. The music playing was soft and relaxing.

The receptionist greeted me as soon as I walked in the door. She asked me to complete a questionnaire. They wanted general information about health problems. When I completed that, the receptionist told me that my massage therapist would be available shortly because she was finishing another appointment. While I waited, she also asked if I wanted something to drink. They had hot/cold water available. There were different varieties of tea along with sweeteners honey, sugar, and Splenda.

While I was drinking my tea, my massage therapist named Patty, approached me to lead me into one of the massage rooms. She asked me what I wanted to achieve from getting the massage and I told her that I wanted to relax. I said that I like deep tissue massages because I have tense muscles in my shoulders.

Once she started, I could feel myself drifting off to sleep. Between the ambient music and kneading of my muscles, I could not fight the feeling any longer. Then Patty woke me up and said that she was leaving the room so that I could get dressed. When I got up, I could not believe how relaxed I felt. All the tension that I previously felt was gone.

 

Rathbun in Atlanta

I went to Rathbun because I saw they were featured on a Food Network show.

I LOVED the sweet potato donuts and the eggplant fries.

I LIKED the Australian lamb chops.

I was not too happy about the service from the hostess or their disorganized reservation system.

I would probably go again, but sit at the bar and order those awesome eggplant fries. Yum!