Random Thoughts...and a Giveaway!
My family and I left chilly, snow-bound Massachusetts last Thursday and we're now in Florida, spending ten days with my parents before my husband and kids fly home, and I meet up with my sister for a week-long cruise. What is it they say about fish and relatives? That after three days, they both begin to stink? Ah...not true. My mom is one of my best friends, and I've loved spending time with her. My dad still wants to be that single man in my life who knows what's best for me, but thankfully he and my husband get along really well.
I'm always amazed how you can spend three hours on a plane, and feel like you've stepped into a different world. Everything is so warm and lush and green. There's wildlife everywhere, including a 10-foot alligator who suns himself in the grass behind my parent's house.
So we've done all the things I typically love to do, like visiting St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, and having lunch at Harpoon Harry's in Punta Gorda, and lounging on the beach on Manatoba Key (I think that's right).
We went to a circus in Sarasota last night, and although it was just a small venue, the acts really were first-rate. There was a group of four Ukrainian men who called themselves Crazy Flight, and the strength and agility these young men possessed was amazing. Really amazing.
The only thing I haven't done is...write! Tonight we're heading down to Naples to visit my sister, but tomorrow, I'm definitely pulling out the laptop and getting a chapter or so written. Really!
I'd love to know where your favorite vacation spots are, and what you like to do once you get there! Are you strictly an R&R person, or do you enjoy doing touristy things? Or, like me, do you like a combination of both? Share, and you can have a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Just remember, you have to be registered to win (it's easy and free).
I've lived a sheltered life...
...and I haven't even been ANYWHERE! I've never been on a plane and have only been to one other state, and that's only because I live on the border. Pretty pathetic being that I'm almost 30, huh? :(
If and when I do get the chance to do something fun for vacation, I would probably divide my time up between both relaxing and doing the tourist thing. I'd honestly much rather lounge around by the pool or on the beach and just chill, but I think time would go by too fast then. At least that's how it is when I'm just lounging around the house. POOF! it's dinner time and I haven't done a darn thing all day, you know? I'd hate that to happen on a perfectly wonderful exotic island somewhere--I'd want to get as much out of my vaca as I could. :)
Sounds like you're having a great time, even though you haven't managed to write yet. Think of it as research and creative fuel for when you get the chance to sit down to write. :) Enjoy the sunshine! :)
Thanks, Sassa! We've
Thanks, Sassa! We've actually done those 7-countries-in-3-days type of tours, and though you get to say that you saw certain things, it does wear you out. I'm with you; lounging around a pool is the perfect vacation!
I'm like you :)
I like a combination of both, though it kind of depends where we are -- in a city, it's more go go go, though you can park in coffee shops and hang out different places for R&R, too. I love sitting on a beach and napping or reading, but I also like to get up and see what's around, take in local activities and sights. I love walking around places if possible. I walked all of Boston, except for taking the train from spot to spot, D.C, and NYC is a wonderful place to walk, of course.
I do like to stay in off the beaten path locations, except in cities where your hotel spot can be a key to what's close by. But when we go to St. Petersburg, we have a favorite spot, and when we went to the Caymans, we stayed at a place several miles away from the busy tourist beaches, and it was the best. In Virginia, we've often stayed in less usual locations as well, small town inns and hotels along city beaches that are very interesting places, indeed... :)
You're killing me, I can't wait until our Summer vacation, though we have a few outings planned before that, thank goodness! LOL
Sam
You know, I have to start
You know, I have to start out by apologizing for not being timely with my responses; there is no wireless internet here, and my parents' computer isn't very accessible, so bear with me as I try to keep up!
We spent today at Englewood Beach on Manasota Key (I think I wrongly called it Manatoba in my first post). A storm was coming in and the surf was amazing; huge swells and crashing surf, but the kids were totally loving it, so we stayed for several hours and played in the water before driving down to Naples to see my sister...the kids are completely wiped out, but oddly enough I feel completely energized!
Sam, we have our favorite haunts, too...like Sharky's restaurant and Longboat Key.
I love going to the beach
And it doesn't even have to be hot. I just love watching the ocean, smelling the salt air and feeling the sand under my toes. We've been going to Cape Cod a lot lately and I love how empty the beaches are on the Outer Cape. There's a huge protected area with loads of trails through the dunes and I love to run there. Oh yeah, and all the great seafood!
I am looking forward to the kids being old enough to go on some "culture" vacations. I think my DS is ready as he keeps begging to go to Rome (he loves ancient myths, etc) but my DD is still too young and would be whiny and annoying :-D
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
We love the Cape, too
In fact, that's where we're going this summer -- we used to go every year, but haven't the last few -- I can't wait! It is so gorgeous there...I love setting books there (where my summer anthology story is set, as well as Untouched. Other books are in the general Boston area, Salem, etc). There's this one little restaurant, I think it's in Harwich area, and we get such a kick out of it, because it's pizza and Mexican -- and Mexican pizza. And then there is Betsy's Diner, in Falmouth. LOL But yes, the seafood is also to die for... except for fried clams, which I found out the hard way are not the fried clam strips I am used to, but the whole clam, fried - tastes like a crunchy snot (I know that's gross, but it really does...). LOL....
Sam
LOL!
My DH loves the fried clams, so does my DD. I'm more of a sauteed scallops gal myself ;-)
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Jennifer, you'd fit in
Jennifer, you'd fit in perfectly with my family! We were all so stressed out (for various reasons) and once we were within sight of the ocean, smelling the salty air and feeling the sea spray, it was all good. You could actually feel the tension draining away.
I'd love to take the kids on a culture vacation, but even at 11 and 14, I'm afraid they might be whiney, LOL!
Right now my favorite place
Right now my favorite place would be somewhere warm, since I've been sick with a cold for 2 weeks now! Bleh lol
seriously though, this past novemeber I went to montreal and I had so much fun. I loved the city and the places there, it was so much fun. it was also really cool not knowing what anything said lol
I like to do touristy stuff, but I've never taken a vaca just to relax...id love to
Ashley
Oh, Ashley, hugs on the
Oh, Ashley, hugs on the miserable cold! Sending warm thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!
favorite vacation spots
I love going to warm places near the ocean. I like a combination of R & R and doing touristy things.
St. Augustine Florida
St. Augustine is my favorite place to go. I use to live there and miss it so much. There is so much history in that town. I use to live on the island and only had to ride my bike 6 blocks to get to the beach. Most of my happiest memories are from there and now I have a reasont to go back. Just recently my parents and sister moved back to St. Augustine so now I have the best reason to vacation there. I love to do the tourist thing, seeing the fountain of youth, touring the old fort, and visiting the gator farm. I love to walk the beach and get sea shells. I guess though I like both R&R and doing the tourist thing. What is a better way to end your touring than to relax on the beach and watch the sun set.
My family has gone to Panama
My family has gone to Panama City Beach every year (except one) since I was 2 years old...that really is the only vacation or trip I have been on. Oh, and I did go to (and LOVE) St. Augustine, FL last year...it was great...lots of things to see and do...I even climbed to the top of the lighthouse there...something I never thought I'd do...and went on a ghost tour.
I would love to travel more though and maybe actually leave the country someday. I am more a combo of both R&R and Tourist when I go places...I like to stay busy ususally.
Ooh...ghost tours...I've
Ooh...ghost tours...I've always wanted to go on the ones they offer in Salem, MA but have never gotten around to it. Maybe this year...
I *heart* travel....
Favorite vacation spots? Hard to choose...I'm a native Nova Scotian and love going back to visit family every summer. Fish and chips at Freddie's Famous, or this little place in Hackett's Cove, just before you get to Peggy's Cove. Or San Francisco - I'm going to National and I'm going to get a pizza at Zachary's, preferably in Berkeley, where the restaurant in a couple of doors from a Half Price Books. Pizza + books = heaven!
Right now I'd give almost anything to be anywhere warm. Winter seems like it will never, ever leave Nebraska and I'm so sick of bundling up. Have a great time, Karen!
Oh, thank you! My parents
Oh, thank you! My parents used to go up to Nova Scotia every year on motorcycles (my sisters and I are children of hippies) and still talk about how beautiful it is there. Someday we'd love to take the Cat (the vomit-comet) from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia!
VACATION
To me a vacation means spending time relaxing at a beach., The last time we went was three years ago and I enjoyed it. Walking along the shore, reading on the beach and then in the evening walking on the boardwalk. This was the ultimate.
TIME OFF
When I do get off I love to travel to interesting spots exploring new areas and seeing new sights. We spent a couple of long weekends away last year which were fascinating and touristy but not overcrowded. Just easygoing and fun. My fave of all would be a cruise which I have never taken and would love. I want sunshine, warmth and total relaxation.
HOLIDAY
When I was younger I used to only go to the seashore for a holiday. I do still think it is the best place when you have a young family, but now I want to travel to Europe and see history, culture and romance in Italy. That is my escape.
Yes, our favorite trips were
Yes, our favorite trips were to the beach, and we'd stay until the sun went down.
Combination!
I like to do a combination of touristy and relaxing things. As for where I like to go? Well, the mountains are always a good bet. One of the more 'exotic' vacations I took was to Amsterdam. I love that city!! When we were there, we did a bike ride of the country side - totally relaxing - and we toured a couple of museums - touristy. I'd like to go back and go on a canal ride at night. And I'd like to see it in spring with all the flowers.
EVERYTHING
If I had the choice it would be something totally different and memorable. I have rarely travelled and this would be special. A Mediterranean Cruise is definitely appealing since it provides everything, seeing all the fascinating spots and having the time in between to indulge yourself as well.
FUN
I would love to travel leisurely through various countries in Europe. England, Spain, Italy and see charming towns and villages and soak up the culinary delicacies. No time limit since there would be plenty to see and do. Touristy to a certain degree but places that are obscure and quiet as well.
Oooh...a Mediterranean
Oooh...a Mediterranean cruise sounds wonderful! I'd love to cruise the Greek islands. We spent a week in Santorini once, and it was so beautiful. But you're right...a combination of the Mediterranean with all that good cruise food would be perfect.
Cathy, we spent a couple of
Cathy, we spent a couple of days in Amsterdam and I loved it, too. We had all our belongings stolen from the trunk of our car while we were in a museum, but the people were so friendly...they helped us scour the side streets for our things, and we ended up recovering everything except our cameras. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
What an adventure!!
It is awful that you had to look for stolen things, but the spirit of everyone helping you was one of the things we loved about the city! I'm glad you kept a positive attitude about it. So, wanna meet up in a cafe (not a coffee shop!) there sometime? :-)
Favorite Vacation Spots
My favorite vacation spot is usally near the ocean. Loved our big family vacations to Maui and Honolulu, but also spent some fabulous weeks at Pismo Beach in California. We stay in a trailer home right on the beach and spend lots of time in town checking out the fun shops and eating wonderful seafood dinner's at the local restaurants. While my men love to surf, I tend to just walk the beach. We've always lucked out with gorgeous weather and I come home feeling wonderfully relaxed and refreshed.
Hi Cathy! I've never been
Hi Cathy! I've never been to the West coast. My nephew headed out there a few years ago and swore he'd never come back, that's how much he loves it out there. He's a cook at the House of Blues at night, but spends his days on the beach. A perfect life for a guy in his late teens (says he).
vacations
As an army brat I have travelled a lot in my life so holidays for me are times to spend with family, chilling out and catching up.
To Err Is Human - To Purr Is Feline.
Cruise
For some reason we've gone on the same Carnival cruise several times. It's a 4 day cruise that leaves from Miami with stops in Key West and Cozumel. We do the touristy things like sightseeing and shopping and at night we party and drink. My favorite vacation spot so far is Las Vegas. There's so much to do and experience.
Hi Jane! I'm really looking
Hi Jane! I'm really looking forward to the cruise part of this vacation. I've never been to Las Vegas...it does look very exciting!
I don't have a vacation
I don't have a vacation spot, mostly because I haven't vacationed yet but when I do, I'd probably be mostly R&R with a wee bit of touristy things. I think it depends on where I'd go. I'd like to go to B&B near the coast, or a ooh, Ireland! I'd love to vacationed in Ireland, rent a little cottage by the sea sounds lovely. :)
Jinx, you're speaking my
Jinx, you're speaking my language! I've always dreamed of renting a little cottage on the Irish or Scottish coast. We saw a great movie called Half Light with Demi Moore, set on the Scottish coast (although I think the actual film location was Wales) and it was breathtaking. Of course, the hunky Scottish actor didn't hurt the movie, either!
Love a lot of places
I love a lot of places. The last foreign country I went to was Poland over 15 years ago. They just broke the communists' yoke and were just starting to get more touristy. You could see the cheap t-shirts and keychains in some of the places. That kind of broke my heart because Poland is known for its beautiful wood working. I LOVED the cloth hall of Krakow where a lady that was with me from my church helped to bring the prices down in the market! She grew up in Poland and came to America after WWII. What a time we had at a little perogi bar that was in the town square! They only sold perogis (kind of like ravioli). I had the best blueberry ones on the planet that day. I enjoyed going to the various places, sampling the local fare and seeing some of the historical landmarks. I'd love to go back but economically that's just not happening right now. Well...you can always dream!
My favorite vacation is
My favorite vacation is Bethany Beach, just hanging on the beach, reading. Wave jumping. Going to the boardwalk. Basically, just relaxing.
God help me, though, this year we're going on a two week cross country RV trip....
M
Read in bed!
www.meganhart.com
Okay, now I have to ask (and
Okay, now I have to ask (and show my ignorance)...where is Bethany Beach?? I'm laughing at your anticipation of the RV trip...did you see the film that came out a couple of years ago with Robin Williams called (I think) RV? Totally hysterical.
Combination
We don't go on vacation much. I don't care much about traveling. I think its because I get stuck with all the work, like packing,loading the car and things like that. We can't aford to go on vacation much. The last vacation we had was to Myrtle beach and it was pretty good. I do enjoy R and R but I also like to see the sites.
Oh, I hear you! I used to
Oh, I hear you! I used to feel that way about camping. Lots of fun, but I always got stuck doing all the packing and setting up camp, and then all the cooking and cleaning. These days, give me a hotel!
Mine's a mix
Hi Karen,
Glad to hear you're enjoying FL! I'm jealous, as I'm stuck up here in cold and snowy OH. (And I'm actually going further north, to Boston in March!) As to favorite vacation spots, I haven't been to too many places, but they're all over the place. Austin, TX, Boston, MA, & DC. I'd throw in NYC and Taipei, Taiwan as well, but the last two mostly were/are for family - which is fun, but overwhelming. I love going to do touristy things... then spending some time to collect myself and relax, then going out and doing it all over again!
Send some of that sunny weather up here, please! :D
Oooh...Boston in March?
Oooh...Boston in March? Hopefully the snow will be gone by then. Sounds like you do a lot of traveling! Stay warm, and thanks for dropping in!
I hope so too!
Actually, I don't get to travel much - but when I do, it's to big cities. I'm telling myself that Boston will be warm - maybe if I believe it enough, it'll come true ;-)
R&R, baby
For me, it's all about enjoying myself without time restrictions of any sort. I can enjoy myself whether it's strolling on the beach or aimlessly wandering through any shop that catches my eye. I love NYC, but I'd also love to see a palm tree one of these days (and a flamingo that isn't plastic!) A cruise sounds heavenly to me, all that water, ocean breezes...
Enjoy yourself, Karen! :)
Cari
Thanks, Cari! When I was
Thanks, Cari! When I was younger, and before we had kids, I was very into structured vacations where I had every minute planned. I've learned to be more flexible, and now we just sort of let the days evolve as they will, and it actually turns out quite nice!
Beach!
I love to go to the beach in general and relax, however I don't like those places with so many tourists, which have made them less enjoyable! So I enjoy my bit of beach in Lebanon, my family's country :)
I once went to the Rocheuses, and it is such a beautiful spot... I recommend to everyone who likes scenery!
Sight-seeing :)
I love to go to any city which has history... I love Paris in general because the museums and the monuments are breath-taking... however I have also enjoyed in the US Atlanta, Boston (such a chic city) and New York... especially for the MET, plus let's not forget the great shopping experience!!
OH.. so many...
We love visiting our National Parks. Our favorites have been Yosemite, Zion and Arches. While we are there we are hiking and doing things.
Another quieter vacation is going to the Cape (Cape Cod of course). There it is mainly an R&R type. Going to the beach and being a slug while reading.
Someday, Ann...one of my
Someday, Ann...one of my dreams is to visit the National parks. I'd love to see the Grand Tetons and the Grand Canyon and all that specatacular scenery.
Oh, how I wish I was going
Oh, how I wish I was going on another cruise. I hope you have a great time! I'd say I like a combination of both. Last year, for my 20+ wedding anniversary my husband and I took a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. I stopped at each one for a day or so and did a little bit of shopping, site seeing and spent some time at the beach. Though, the best time was sitting on the balcony of the ship and reading. I also loved all the food. I couldn't control myself. lol I hope I don't have to wait another 20 years to go back.
Oh, Kim, I am in so much
Oh, Kim, I am in so much trouble! I haven't even reached the cruise ship yet and I think I've gained ten pounds. And that's just from staying with my parents and going out to eat too often. It will be serious diet-time when we get back!
Touristy things
I love doing 'the tourist' thing when on vacation because there are so many interesting things to see as each place is usually new to me. I love going to the West Coast of Canada and touring the many gardens, picking sea shells from the beach, watching the boats on the ocean, etc.
We shop also and go to interesting restaurants.