Sunday for most is a time for worship, and relaxation at home with the family. However, since I have rejoined the workforce–this is a day like any other. One week it may be the day of relaxation or play, the next maybe dedicated strictly for work.
This time I was fortunate to have this day off. And most of my time off I try to turn into a mini-vacation, and since I had very little time for an island escape or a European rendezvous, Gary and I decided to stay locally.
Gary learned about a quaint local spot through some friends and wanted to give it a try. We headed North of Miami on I-95 to Delray Beach and made our final stop at a Victorian-style establishment surrounded by a lush garden with tropical plants, called The Sundy House.
The Sundy House built in 1902 is said to be the oldest house in the Delray Beach area, and sits on 1 acre of lush vegetation with a variety of exotic plants and fruit trees. The original occupants were Delray’s former Mayor Sundy and his family. It has undergone some improvements and has been transformed into a chic boutique hotel with 11 beautifully decorated rooms for guest accommodation. And also serves as the areas most talked about eatery, The De la Tierra restaurant which serves up a delicious Sunday brunch.
We dined in the Taru Garden, a perfect backyard setting at a table for two that sits on the bank of one of the many ponds and streams that flow throughout the garden. We felt at home amongst Guyana chestnut trees, miracle bushes, tranquil bamboo and hundreds of other variety of exotic fruits and plants.
Our brunch started with a cup of coffee for Gary and a shot of mimosa for me. Brunch continued with florentine eggs benedict, ham, truffle pasta while Gary gorged on beef-duck combination. And of course there was a perfect selection of dessert for all to indulge.The garden was the perfect setting for us to unwind and enjoy the authentic garden experience.
Before dashing off back to Miami we toured the garden grounds and took a dip into their fresh water swimming pond. With no prior knowledge of the doctor fish or spa fish practices, I dipped my feet in the pond, they were immediately surrounded by a school of exotic fish nibbling at the epidermis of my feet. It caused a tickling effect but was refreshing as I really needed a pedicure. 
I had a mini fish pedicure. A practice which I later learned was common in Israel, Turkey, Japan, Croatia, Singapore, France and other regions of the world. It was introduced to the US but was banned from several US states like Florida due to unsanitary practices that could spread blood-bourne viruses such as Hepatitis and HIV.
With that piece of discovery, it did not affect my lovely time spent at this beautiful garden. And we were back on Valentine’s Day for a romantic night in the garden. This was definitely a nice retreat and a shift from our usual Miami spots.
