Occhiali da Sole

Occhiali da Sole occupies a kiosk-​sized wall niche in the Westfield Mall. They are under the Sunglass Hut business umbrella. They retail overpriced, over-​endorsed, designer sunglasses from names that I can’t remember. Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Dolce Gabana, Fendi, Chanel? I don’t care. Just give me sunglasses that will reflect UVA, B, and C rays, are designed with feminine lines that’ll soften my strong, indigenous features, and don’t ostentatiously advertise their company’s logo on my temples for free. Oh and did I mention that I want them for a vacationer’s price? Maui Jim’s glass lenses are a respectable choice, but all of the store’s selection is so limited by its tiny space, I can’t find a pair. I settle on a $ 115 pair of Oakley shields. I’m happy with my purchase and the salesperson’s attention. Fifteen minutes span between entry and swiping my credit card. Done. Good-​bye mall, hello tropical breezes.
In response to the recent op-​ed article in the local paper that expresses bewilderment and disgust at Florida drivers who drive with their windows open and assumes their ACs are out of freon and can barely afford to drive their hoopties, let alone fix their ACs. Hey, I’m a native northerner, windows down means I get to absorb all of the balmy goodness of Sarasota’s breezes. Isn’t the weather the reason most people move to or visit Florida? It’s such a waste of perfect weather to drive with your windows closed and AC on. My air-​conditioner works just fine and my loaner vehicle arguably isn’t a piece of crap. It’s a late model Volvo. Bite me please! Anything to prolong my stay.