Palm Trees and Inspiring Travels

I never knew that palm trees have air roots. Ever since I was a little kid on vacation with my parents and older siblings, I’ve known what a palm tree looks like, growing out of sand on the beach, grass or some mulch, right out of the ground like other trees, but tall and skinny, with the fern-shaped leaves growing out of the top in a spiky whorl. Sometimes they grow coconuts and as an adult I heard about “palm kernel oil” harvested from pine nuts. Kids who have been to a beach will usually draw a palm tree in a basic lollypop shape, with the more artistic ones adding spiky fronds.

But on this latest trip with Mr. H to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, a first-time visit for me, I noticed several palm trees beside our hotel growing with air roots, similar to how a mature orchid plant extends air roots above soil. The aboveground roots looked as if they gave the trees more stability in strong winds.

We’re staying at a hotel that’s beeen here a while, with beautiful beach views. I suspect this palm tree is very mature and has been pruned carefully to maintain a compact shape that can be seen well from the ocean-view terrace, but it’s possible these trees could be a different variety from the other trees on the island, which are similar to what I’ve always seen.

I enjoyed seeing the fruit on the air-rooted tree. It wasn’t a coconut, so maybe a palm nut or kernel.

Some beaches seem to change daily. This one has three large boats on the horizon. They haven’t moved much since yesterday morning, but two of them have turned from pointing due south, giving me a clear view of their sides, to pointing out to sea in three different directions. Where are they going and why did they wait so long? Meanwhile, another ship is in the distance, a ghostly white polygon almost out of sight, and sailboats travel back and forth.

This beach looks different from the Georgia beaches which are so familiar to me. From the hotels there’s a highway to cross, with a few elevated pedestrian walkways.The beach itself is very narrow, with a steep incline down to the water. I love the ombre color changes of the water, green to blue-green, then indigo like your favorite jeans further out, always changing. A photo can’t quite capture the beauty.

The beach people are all types: young families who don’t have to worry about kids in school yet, older couples, young couples, dog walkers, dedicated runners and folks who just love the beach.There are “beautiful people” and ordinary folks like me. A lady dressed for a “ladies who lunch” gathering, has been sitting on the sea wall for at least an hour. We’ve met people who come here regularly. It’s not crowded in November but plenty warm. I’m so glad I remembered sunscreen (imported from our trip to Vienna) at the last minute.

Our first night here, we went to a wonderful restaurant, Casablanca Cafe, in a historic 1920’s home, the first beachfront home still in Ft. Lauderdale. Good food and pleasant service. I loved the curves archways and the original tiles, including those going up the stairs. The restaurant could be a wonderful museum, but dining there is an enjoyable experience, a view of “old Florida.”

Travel is a luxury and an educational experience that I didn’t have growing up as much as often kids seem to do today. I’m glad they do! I’ve learned something on every trip, whether it has to do with museums, nature or just from the people I meet on the way. I appreciate every trip I’m able to go on, absorbing each new experience and enjoying the occasional repeats. I wonder what new experiences the next trip will bring.

Wishing you all safe and happy travels in the years to come!