Via Lido
Ingredients;
1
Cup Of Clear Blue Sky
4 Cups Of Sunburst
Sprinkles Of Coastal Sand
Splash Of Salty Ocean Water
1 Pint Of Pleasure Yachts
1 Tbsp. Of Harbor side Boardwalk
4 Cups Of Pelicans And Seagulls
Abundance Of Fish Mixed Together
1 Bucket Of Harbor Seals And Sea Lions
1 Rounded Tbsp. Of Moonlit Night
1 Wooden Bench Overlooking The Harbor
2 Pinches Of Starry Nights
2 Large Breaths Of Fresh, Cool Ocean Air
As we combine these basic ingredients, we have the quaint little Village
of Lido Island. Through town at Via
Oporto, you'll find cobblestone streets and plenty of boutiques for shopping.
This area is one of my favorite areas to visit.
Nestled along the water is a beautiful harbor side boardwalk with exotic
yachts docked and restaurants with breathtaking views.
My favorite place to sit is on one of the wooden benches next to the
bridge overlooking the harbor. Here
I can sit back in the warm sun, enjoy the scenery, mix up all my ingredients
above and dream of the wide open seas.
People nearby are dressed in lightweight clothing, sandals, sunglasses
and bathing suits. Valet parking is just around the corner as you shop one of
the local supermarkets. The Island
sits just off the Balboa Peninsula surrounded by Newport Bay and is the home of
one of Lido Islands' wealthiest residents.
He is generally an elusive character but on a rare occasion you can spot
him roller-skating through town. Dressed
in his California casuals, flashy sunglasses, straw-hat and fast rolling skates,
you'll witness the Islands one of a kind "Purple Pelican, Pierre."
Pierre was spoiled by the tourists.
Every day they would buy exotic fish from the nearby Cannery Village and
leave it on the boardwalk for him, hoping to catch a glimpse of this exotic
bird. Then one day Pierre showed up
in his flashiest attire as he hopped out of a lavish limousine.
He entertained all the kids with his wit and charm as he led them singing
songs and clapping their hands. He
showed them all of the sights on his Island and the kids just couldn't get
enough of him.
Pierre became a legend that warm summers day and tourists came from all
around to witness his magical charm. The
local residents decided to name a street after him called; "Pierre D'
Port" right in the middle of town! This
delighted the purple pelican and he decided to do something nice in return.
He donated all the money (as well as the fish) that he received from the
tourists and bought a fleet of small boats so all the tourists could tour his
beautiful harbor.
Pierre was captain of the largest boat called; "The Purple
Pelican," and it was completely filled daily with kids.
They came from all around to hear his sea stories and watch him in
action. Pierre had a wonderful
voice and would sing songs to the kids aboard his large boat.
You could hear the songs and laughter for miles!
All eyes were on Pierre as they finally returned back to shore. If you would like to meet Pierre too, find a quiet bench in
the warm sun, take in a deep breath, look out over the vast sea and mix up the
special ingredients above. If you
are visiting California, Newport Beach is not far from the famous John Wayne
Airport and approximately fourteen miles from Disneyland.
To get to Lido Island, you would take the 55 Newport Beach Freeway over
Pacific Coast Highway (Also known to locals as PCH) and make a left into Via
Lido. Take a quick peek out over
the calm waters and you might even see Pierre, the famous purple pelican of Lido
Island!
Copyright
1997 by Author Patti Tricoli
