For as long as I can remember vacations were spent doing things. I can't remember the last time I just relaxed on a vacation. Vacations are for FUN! For exploring. For being busy.
I have been to some lovely and peaceful spots on both coasts in the not so distant past- but always exploring. Never just relaxing.
There has been Key West and Newport. Rockport and Booth Bay Harbor. Mendocino and Monterey Bay. I partied in my youth in Virginia Beach. Even took a Club Med vacay back in the day to Martinique.
But I have certainly never hopped to an unspoiled Caribbean island, a picturesque undiscovered gem, where I'd have to drive a jeep onto a tucked away beach, and have it quite possibly, all to myself.
Honestly, that really isn't my style. My style, at least for as far back as I can remember, has been to plan to do things on a vacation. You know, take a trip and pack in enough to get your money's worth. When you come home so tired from your vacation- you need another vacation from your vacation, just to recover.
You can sleep when you're dead, right?
And for the most recent past- vacations have mainly involved going to France or Italy and working, researching, planning. Having fun, none-the-less, but fun on the run.
So, never have I had my own private slice of life, lying on the sand like a beached whale, staring into the horizon at nothing in particular until my eyes glaze over and drool starts to slowly creep out of the corner of my mouth.
But, I think it is about to happen. And perhaps, my opinion is about to change.
Yes, I know. My enthusiasm is quite overwhelming isn't it?
Most people would be jumping for joy, would die for the opportunity. Honestly, I am a bit more reserved about the whole thing.
You see, for the last four trips to Europe, the pseudo-husband has been patiently waiting and praying for his dream of a beach vacation. And who am I to deny him this- especially since he is in his forties and has not experienced the Caribbean.
Seriously, he owns and has watched the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy more times than I have seen Amélie and Under the Tuscan Sun, combined.
It is his turn.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am very excited. And will be for at least the first day.
But how many days of a laid back lifestyle can I take, is the question.
Some of the thoughts I have running through my head:
It would be nice staring at the beautiful scenery. Cool aquamarine water, as far as the eye can see. Looking down through the turquoise waters and being able to see right to the bottom. White sandy beaches, with palm trees. Trying to catch a glimpse through the tiny spaces of the green fronds that are swaying with the breeze. A drink in one hand, book in the other. Pastel colored umbrella shading you from the bright sun……
But, beach vacations generally require donning a bathing suit. Of which, I am not a fan. For oh so obvious ( I am no longer 20 years old and 120 lbs) reasons. Oh. Gawd. No.
The vacation would come at a good time, offering a break from the shitty-ass winter weather we generally have in the Northeast……
But, there will be the risks associated with winter travel. The stress and worry may overwhelm me! What if it snows? Robin doesn't fancy flying in a blizzard. Robin would not like to hear the word de-ice in regard to a plane. De-ice my mojito, sure – that means more rum, right? De-ice my plane, not so much. Well, I mean…YES. YES. DE-ICE THE PLANE. But, I don't want to have to think about it.
It will be very exciting to see a Bioluminescent Bay. With all the glow-in-the-dark micro-organisms……
But perhaps not so fun if I tip over in the kayak (have a mentioned I am not the most co-ordinated girl) in the middle of the Caribbean sea in the middle of the night in pure darkness. With sharks. I did see Jaws you know.
And then there is the the whole 'bored' factor. I tend to bore easily. I have trouble just sitting around. How many books can one read laying on the beach? How many seashells can I collect? How many mojitos can I drink out of a Thermos? The answer to the later might be seven. Please DO NOT ask me how I might know that.
But, here I am. Starting to plan what is now likely to be our next trip. Puerto Rico and Vieques in January.
And looking forward to being very excited. At least about the first day.
The others that follow?
I'll let you know after I sit here and soak it all in.
Special thanks to Oscalito , MsDivinity, DavidSC78, drrt and Lee Cohen for the wonderful Veiques photos on Flickr. Credits are in the order the photos appear.