Only in Palm Beach

On Saturday morning my parents left for a little sojourn to Florida. Their annual visits usually take place during Christmas break, when I'm away at a swimming training camp. How convenient that this year, when I am no longer committed to that training camp, they decide to go smack dab in the thick of first semester. So, while I'm stuck here in Toronto, trekking through leaf-mush and battling the torrential downpours and hurricane winds that typify this time of year (at least in our environment's current, sorry state), they get to- uh- tan. And shop. And drink. And they don't even really drink!! Oh, God love them...

I find most of Florida to be pretty tacky. Trailer parks and Disneyland and old people. DULL. However, there is another side to Florida that most people rarely see. My parents prefer the dignified modesty of Singer Island. I prefer it's neighbour, Palm Beach- still dignified, but not so modest!

Palm Beach is paradise. It's American aristocracy and Mediterranean mansions- basically luxury and exclusivity and BOMB! Beyond it's extravagance though, there is something just so comfortable about the place- it's my ultimate.

No image captures the essence of Palm Beach better than Slim Aarons' 1955 portrait of CZ Guest and her son Alexander poolside at Villa Artemis, their Palm Beach house. Slim Aarons was the unofficial photographer of the era's "international nomads", and his iconic images can today be found in four printed compilations- A Wonderful Time; Once Upon A Time; A Place in the Sun; and most recently, Poolside With Slim Aarons. I highly suggest all four- perfect on those nasty autumn days when you just don't want to study and your parents have abandoned you for more glamorous, sunny climes.