Before I had met my Amazing Husband I had been to the outer regions of exactly nowhere. Vacations were never priorities because frankly, we couldn't afford them, but also because for my entire life some parent or grandparent lived on the serenely perfect Dunham Lake and we were able to visit there frequently. With a place as perfect as it was (I'm sure it still is) why go anywhere else? I'll tell you why....because it's fun!
Enter Amazing Husband and all that changed. We made several trips to California, Door County, Minnesota, Canada. With each trip we learned that traveling together was a whole new dimension of joy for us. Getting away from home, as much as we love home, creates all new memories and experiences. Then, if that wasn't good enough, his job required some travel and I got to go along.
In 2009 we attended a conference in Nashville at the breathtaking Gaylord Opryland.
AH attended conference during the day and I discovered Nashville through Grayline tours who very kindly (bless their hearts) picked me up at the door and brought me right back at the end of the day. Nashville might not have been my first choice of travel destinations, but I had a really fantastic time. Beautiful country if you like hot and muggy cuz it was all kinds of hot and muggy.
Last year he had training in Red Bank, NJ and I got to go along. Once again, New Jersey wasn't high on my list of places to visit, but I had a very nice time.
We stayed at the Oyster Point Hotel and our room had these incredible floor to ceiling windows with a killer view of the bay. There was less to do in NJ than Nashville, but I kept myself busy during the day. At the end of his training we were able to take a few days and drive to DC for a fast look around the capital at the peak of the cherry blossoms. So cool. Actually, it was hot there too....like in the 80's. Maybe I bring it with me.
This April a work conference being hosted at the Loew's Portofino will take us to Orlando.
Again, Orlando wouldn't be a box I would tick on the "can't wait to go there" list, but I think I can force myself to lay by one of the 3 pools or perhaps spend some time at the spa while AH attends the conference. In the evening we might take a water taxi to Universal and see the Harry Potter experience. Maybe. Did you know that a ticket for 1 day at Universal is $123? For one person! I'm not sure I want to see it that bad. Time will tell. I hear there are some discounts available if I search hard enough. Any hot tips? I'm already trying to decide what to pack! I might just have to buy a swimsuit! (ACK!)
I find that I really enjoy making friends with the places where we are staying; finding the little out-of-the-way spaces, making the aquaintances of the room service and house keeping staffs. I wish my Spanish was better! I feel a little bit guilty that I am having fun while AH is essentially working, but not guilty enough to stay home. :-)
There are knitting shops in the surrounding towns. I found a nice one in Altamonte Springs and there's a great one in Tampa, but you'll need a car.
If you want to improve your Spanish there's an online free program called"Before you know it" or byki.com. I'll be happy to practice with you. I'm pretty fluent!
Posted by: Connie Garry | January 18, 2013 at 04:50 PM
And even the teensiest town usually has a) a yarn shop or b) an art gallery or at least c) a good coffee-shop/diner where it's OK to stalk to strangers. And even if there's ONLY a hotel lobby, you can take up urban sketching. I think we're heading for Dartmouth or Burlington Vt later this month!
Posted by: Dana Whitney | January 18, 2013 at 05:31 PM
I'm laughing - I almost posted the same thing as my mom, although, I don't "stalk to strangers", I more observe quietly. Knitting and coffee in someplace new will get you far. Mom talks to anyone and everyone! (Love you, Mom!) I just like seeing the different paces of different places. Enjoy!
Posted by: wenders | January 19, 2013 at 08:13 AM