Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

Less than 2 days. At times it seemed these last hours would never get here. My camera has arrived, so all is ready to be packed. Just need the time to pass. Folks on Barbados drop in to say hi, and set up a day and time to get together once I am there. Margaret is joining Bobbi and me for souse as soon as I land. We will more than likely meet up with Sue and her group...I will be made to feel at home and comfortable. Heard from Brad, he has a several friends that want to meet me and visa versa. Absolutely amazing! Virtual will become reality!  Friends of friends are e-mailing greetings and phone numbers are piling up. Loving it all.


Serious packing underway. How many pairs of shoes do I need to take, should I bring dresses(yes)? This will be the last part of the plan other than getting myself to the airport on time. After that, the pilots take control and I go into vacation mode. The stressed out Woman of today will evaporate as we soar above the clouds.....Is 9 in the morning to early to get a Rum Punch? Hmm....Maybe...we'll see. No rules, no lists, no "have to do", no more City overstress, no more waiting for this day to arrive!

Now to a secret, that will no longer just be mine. Working hard everyday, and having a very set routine is not a really bad thing to me.I have good friends and enjoy my life in NYC. It was the Winter Blizzard that got me dreaming, and that dream took on a life of its own as I fashioned it in my mind. Started with a need to colorize my bleak white landscape with greens and blues....was nebulous...where, when, and how were all blank spaces. There was just the need...or even lack, in which the space in my Vessel was created. My Soul was open to suggestions from all. I just wanted ....more...plain and simple. Wasn't sure if reality would take the place of my imagination. It was what  got me through walking in waist high snow drifts, freezing temperatures, and long Winter nights. A dream. It was mostly my online friends that helped shape this dream to its present state...Reality!

My planing was aided, abetted, shared and encouraged by so many.  Can't say anyone was against my going to to Barbados. There are no words that can express how amazing, how beautiful, how reaffirming of life this journey has been. That is the name I gave this blog...Journey to Vacation.That is what it has been for me. Like a vacation from the City many evenings when the weather kept me bundled up inside. So many have shared this journey with me. Hope they enjoyed it as much as I did....I Do...

Going to turn this Journey to Vacation to the....Journey of  Vacation....Please come along with me and enjoy it either Virtually or in Reality...All are welcome...

2 in the shade, better than 1!

See you all in Barbados! My time in Bim is going to be wonderful. Have total Certainty of that!!

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles................

Nothing is mine except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what I imagine of it 

Seems each day will never end....Minutes stretch and linger. Wonder if that moment vacation starts will ever arrive? "Yes, yes of course it will, have patience". I hear you. Seems so backwards... working all year to get these next weeks off....Bartered pieces of my life for for this....on the other hand have total trust deep in my soul that its going to be great maybe even trans-formative time. There is no doubt at all that however it unveils itself, spectacular, will be part of the description. Have to let it all evolve as is should. Just let go.  Good advice! Think I will take it.

This will not work!

Now on to packing...in my head for the moment the dialogue goes like this, ...1) Want to take...2)  Need to take....and, the most important of all...3)  Will fit into suitcase. If I were going almost anywhere else many things would be bought after I landed. Everyone has warned me Barbados is very expensive, and to bring as much of what will be needed for these weeks as possible. Therefore packing toiletries, sunscreen(lots of that!), moisturizer,mosquito repellent,  and things like coffee and tea.  Clothes...Barbados is not the US, so cut offs and flip flops and hats to protect from the Sun are fine for day, but evenings....something more is needed, and therefore  more clothes than what I would have usually packed.  Three weeks! Three weeks of clothes. Can't remember packing for so long a vacation. Swimsuits,....forgot I even owned the ones I found..(Didn't need to buy that new one. Darn!..It is cute though) How is this all going to fit in?

My flight is a non stop. Longing to be on the plane. It will be the best moment, my whole vacation in front of me....4 hours....Have been assured  that customs and immigration will be short and painless. That mine is the first flight in, and the rush from Europe and places beyond starts after I am through and out of the airport. Great news. Feel really happy about this.

Message on FB from Bobbi...."What time does your flight land? I'll come get you".  Thank you! On a previous post, I said no plans out of the airport. How fast  has that changed? Hurray! Going to meet Bobbi and think also get to try the non pork version of souse,( I am not a meat eater), maybe have an Banks Beer too. Nice way to start vacation don't you agree?

Having a chat with Adrian , "which flight are you on"(lol) Continued chatting about the various beaches and ocean, and Reggae. "Do you scuba?" " No, snorkel, would like to learn scuba." "I do, was raised in the Ocean. I"ll teach you". Wow! Yes! Thank you. Also now know where to go to have a lively evening and hear a great Reggae artist Buggy Nhakente Fully Loaded. Going to be great!!     http://youtu.be/qeMdrVX_Epk

Party Time

Veronica...drinks ...same with Laura Lin, and Brad, (Actually he's my first FB friend from Barbados)

Ownway should be back in Bim  shortly...

Also want to meet Dawn...Joy... Patrick...Andrew...Kaye..Margaret...the list goes on...(smile)

Going to have a FB and friends get together...

Pan Pun de Sand with Bobbi ....

There are other Crop Over things to learn about and perhaps participate in ... Grand Kadooment

Some friends from NYC may fly down after all...

Want to see Andromeda Gardens, Harrison's Caves, and sail around the Isle for a few hours...and.....and.....


Sue has all sorts of outings planned with her group. Know I will  join in for some of those....

Seems all is evolving organically. Not an "alone" vacation at all.  Just being open, making the space, has provided me with an amazing experience. Its, well, delicious to be welcomed so warmly. Friends...that is the best measure of a journey, a life, and certainly a vacation. Three weeks is a nice amount of time to see much and meet so many friends as well as those still to be known to me, and at the same time have freedom to wander around on my own.

Going to spend a good amount of hours in one of those chairs. Probably the one most in the shade. Hope a friend or two will join me in doing......nothing....except, maybe sip an iced drink,  read, daydream, or even  sleep.....I am really liking my no plan, plan so far!

The best things arrive on time- take 2

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.

Time for the Journey to take off and climb

July has finally arrived, the 4ths festivities are gone and Summer is here in full blast, high temperatures and the same for humidity. Thunder and  lightening storms are spectacular and almost as loud as the fireworks of last week. The blizzards of the Winter are alive in photos, but are a distant memory.  I recently heard someone saying,  "Its so hot, I wish it would snow."  Not my sentiment... Still here in NY, but my mind is slowly focusing on a week from now....Looking out to the sky and feeling that airline seat under me.

After the dedicated detective work to find and book air travel and hotel arrangements I am strangely reluctant to make any "plans" for my visit. I get off the plane and..................,

That is as far as I get in my mind. No plans. Maybe 'cause the immigration and custom lines of the past as the total antithesis of the words, relaxed, fun and vacation. Can't seem to imagine  me out of the airport. Perhaps its a safety mechanism to chill me out and let me work all next week? Friends ask, "What are you going to do there"? Enjoy and have fun is the only answer.  This attitude for me is not a usual. More of a take charge and lead. Now sorta floating between....all work has been done, and soon will be the time for my reward.

The very strangest part of this is that even though I have not set foot on Barbados in this lifetime, because of all the wonderful input, help, warnings, lectures, laughter, fun and support that I have been privileged to get from so many wonderful Bajans, it feel like I am visiting old friends. Only my memories are not old, rather they are fresh and young.

 This journey is part of a path.  My adventure – self-determined, self-motivated,  it will allow me to have firsthand encounters with  Barbados and Bajans. The land  people the way it and they are, not as I  imagine.  My body and soul will collide with the earth and sand and sea and people. Learning, experiencing,  adjusting even experimenting all as a part of living my life. I want to be a  traveler and not a tourist, so will change me. Nothing will  be the same. It can't be if I am not.....Guess I am going to find out!

"When we get out of the glass bottle of our ego and when we escape like the squirrels in the cage of our personality and get into the forest again, we shall shiver with cold and fright. But things will happen to us so that we don’t know ourselves. Cool, unlying life will rush in.” – D. H. Lawrence

Perhaps.......... ?

"All I want is a room somewhere far away from the hot night air"

 "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover".
                                                Mark Twain



Now lets see.....Vacation time- Check
                          Plane Ticket - Check
                          Gibbs Bay Inn - Check
                          Hilton Barbados - Check
                          Last 12 nights.........Oh dear
   
That is correct...after months of planning and research....12 nights....without shelter. There is no doubt in my mind that I checked out most of the places to stay in Barbados. Looked at the web sites of the ones that cost $$$$$$$ through the ones that cost $. From 5 star to no star. Inland, mountain, garden and beach. Nothing, no connection.

I leave in less than 2 weeks. Time to get serious. Lots of people have suggestions.Check on most of them. Actually Bobbi, Rude, Own, and Patrick all recommended the same place.Hesitated..( It was before Gibbs Bay arrangements) and by the time action was taken it was totally booked. The same happened with some very small guest houses. My needs and wants for the next stage of my vacation have changed a little, but not too much. Thinking that  having a place to cook my own meals, chill out with a glass of wine, or a rum punch, see and hear the ocean from my terrace and be out of the Sun (sorta know I will get a sunburn at some point of this trip) are important now. My goals are the same as before. Enjoy my stay...no hassle.

Sightseeing easy, fun, and natural. Swim of course no issue. Boating, yes please love to. Walking to and from the Gap is important. Actually my days are not the issue. Walking around (almost) anywhere.To and from evening activities.Not saying I wouldn't take a bus or a  taxi, after all I'm a NYC woman and taxis are a way of life here.


Sue tries to help me again. She talks to someone at one of her hotels, and gets me a nice place to stay. Something in me says...no..not there.Laura offers a studio to stay in. No, not there either. Brad makes a suggestion. No. I just haven't "felt" any of these places. My senses are not tickled. Honestly feel bad saying no....but say no I do. Starting to see how silly I'm being about  this. What a huge fuss! "Audrey just pick a place and make a reservation"! "What is your problem?" Annoyed with myself .

Still looking , now, some hotels are saying will not take online booking less than 14 days in advance. Wow! Is my vacation so close? Seemed like just yesterday...but no...it is in less than 2 weeks! Okay then girl! Get yourself a place and a room. No more of this lallygagging. And...magically (or so it seemed) a place I don't remember seeing before pops up on the net...then another. A check of both ..one no rooms available...the other? Yes! A room that I instantly fall for with a view of the beautiful ocean.

Coral Sands Beach Resort:
On the beach, self catering, pool, AC, internet, not small, not big, nice room, kitchen, near shops,easy to walk to the Gap, Accra, just 10 minutes or so from Hilton...easy move.This property is talking to me. The vibe is there and it is a good one. I check with a friend and she says "Perfect". I feel the same. Reservation via net..Done....... Hurray!!!!!

 I will enjoy this view

Now to go, meet, see, do, visit, taste, and experience. The fun begins...


Goldie Locks found her something soft and cozy too is my guess....Happiness

P.S. -  On reading the above post the stress of trying for a stress free vacation was very evident. Its important for me to really thank all the people that helped me navigate through this. When I said I was a stressed out woman that was no joke. Its been a very difficult year for me thus far. Many issues and obstacles besides huge snow drifts. It is a year that has held little delight and much angst. Most of that has been dealt with. So thank you all...Actually to many of you to re-name...But...I'm hoping to have a chance to thank each of you in person while in Barbados. Your kindness and grace was and is much appreciated. See you soon!

Passport Saga

There is nothing more miserable in the world than to arrive in paradise and look like your passport photo...............

In the midst of making travel arrangements a small notation on the very bottom of a page caught my eye.
"After 9/11 Caribbean Nations will only allow holders of passports that have more than 6 months till expiration to enter"  Huh? Oh oh.......I got my passport and checked it out. It would expire 5 months and 27 days after my return....Did that mean I would be turned back at Barbadian Immigration? Is this a joke? Doesn't seem funny to me. It is now 3 weeks before my trip. Want to understand, why 6 months? Seems arbitrary to me. Especially if one has a return ticket for much sooner.


I check out US Passports on the net and learn that it usually takes 3-4 weeks at this time of year to get a renewal. Oh!.I can make an appointment to get one sooner, but on the web site it says that will take at least 2 weeks and a day of standing in line. Also read that if i get new photos and go to a designated Post Office at a designated time, I may get some help. Got a photo taken at a local shop. Have to let you in on something..My last passport photo was the worst photo of me in creation. So, even though now 10 years older this is a vast improvement. 

My local PO is a designated one and I am there on time. Short line..Thank You. I give my Passport, photos, and renewal application to the woman behind the counter. "When are you traveling?" "July" "Where" "Barbados"..."You are? I just came back". We proceeded to have a great conversation all about her trip and my upcoming one. "Don't worry, you will have a new one on time". Credit card swiped and all papers signed and sent on a Wednesday evening.

My new Passport arrived the following Tuesday!

A journey to me leads to a place where there is some surprise. Because that is how life is - full of surprises

 Early June

What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.  


My first 3 nights are secured and I am very happy with my choice of Gibbs Bay Inn. You may ask....why are you going leave it  for another place? Good question...the answer is...after 3 days and nights snorkeling, maybe diving, and of some peace and quiet....I will be ready to have some other kinds of fun, and would have gotten my bearings. Want to go sightseeing, shop, art galleries, experience other beaches, go to those caves I have read about, explore other parts of the Island eat new foods, and kick up some fun at night too. Now that my travel companions have bailed...I want to be able to join Sue and her crew for some of these activities . So where do I stay?

As I was looking for another accommodation Sue sent out a list of hotels that she had an  arrangement with for those traveling through her to choose from. One of them was the Hilton Barbados. Yeah, OK I hear you ...a Hilton?? Too expensive and too little Barbados. Must interject that I like Hilton's, stay at them  frequently and agree that the photos of the one in Barbados could be a Hilton anywhere. They are a brand and its easy to know what you are going to get as a room when you check in. They are mostly the same....anywhere....that is part of the charm and part of the lack of charm in a chain hotel. This Hilton is close to Bridgetown, the Capital of Barbados. It has many shops and galleries, as well as being a port. Walkable.
Oh yes don't know if I said this before, really don't want to spend my days(or nights) driving. Will rent for a day or 2 if I have to, but really want to rely on my feet, bus, or taxi for transportation.

It is also the most expensive one on Sue's list. Now as adventurous as I have claimed to be in previous posts, I am aware of the fact that as a woman traveling alone there are certain issues that have to be addressed. Safety being one of them, comfort in just being by myself at restaurants another,  just walking around the town, and the ability to have random conversation with fellow travelers without raising eyebrows. I check out the other sites on her list, to be honest, only one other seemed OK for me, and it was the second most expensive. All of the hotels would have been checked out by Sue...it was my needs and wants that were the issue. If only I had a roommate this would have been so much easier.


 During the time I was was going through my Summer clothes to see what I needed to get for the warm weather both in NY and Barbados. In one of my drawers....all the way in the back of the draw....almost hidden....I found a large red envelope. It looked kind of familiar, but what? Inside... nicely printed out was a very generous gift certificate for travel that I had received seven years ago. It had been totally forgotten.  Surprise! Was it still good? According to the date....yes...Hey! Now this could be great!!

It was from a specific brand name travel agency...Were they still in business? Yes! Made a phone call...first office said no they no longer would accept the certificate...grrrr....OK..another call to one across town, "Sure come in and bring it with you". and so I did. Yes it was good,  and yes  could use it for Barbados, but not for every or any hotel. But.....it was good at The Hilton! So...a reservation was made for 5 nights at the Hilton Barbados. The travel agency even got me a really good rate. Almost like Divine intervention a second time in the planning of my journey.

First plane ticket price drops, now this....

Have no complaint about this gift! The Sun setting on the water will be a lovely view for me to enjoy.

Now I am all set for 8 nights.....The Hilton is still too expensive for me to stay for the rest of my trip.....So...Now what do I do? Still feeling like Goldie Locks....Have too hard(Hilton) Just right( Gibbs Bay Inn) am I headed for too soft? Wonder what will the next phase of the planning of this journey? Wonder of the vacation itself will be as interesting and fun?

Searching for Paradise.....

Paradise is open to all kinds of hearts

Well, well, well....I have 3 weeks vacation and a plane ticket for Barbados for 21 days. Much time was taken looking for a perfect place to spend a few days and nights converting to vacation mode. Life in NYC is great and I love it, but it is also a pressure cooker. My time away and hopefully void of stress is longed for. I am looking for ideal, for Paradise....want the Garden without the snake..... the Ocean without the serpent.

There is definitely a budget for this vacation. I was originally going for 2 weeks, but at the last moment changed to 3. My reasoning, a girlfriend was able to join me if I extended one last week. That didn't work out for her, she can't go, and now here I am....planned budget shot full of holes. Have some serious rethinking to do.

Meanwhile, there is one place where I must spend some time:

Gibb Bay Inn:

www.gibbsbayinn.com

Its a converted old plantation house across from beautiful Gibbs Bay and close to Mullins Bay,in St Peters on  the West coast of Barbados. Owned and operated by a couple, it seems to me a wonderful place to land. Toby Syson and I exchange several email messages and he makes me feel welcome even holds a room while I go through my 2 week/3 week vacation inner debate. Finally my plan is set. I will go directly from the airport to Gibbs Bay Inn. They will even arrange for a car to pick me up if needed. My  stay: 3 nights. Seems a quiet and elegant  space for me to convert to vacation mode.The cost for all this seems very reasonable to me.  Also the Inn is not a huge place or a small guest house where my being lone stranger would leave me feeling odd. Like Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears....this one seems just right! No bears in sight, just a really nice couple to help me get my footing.Hmm...wonder if there is an option for porridge?

The accommodations are just what I want and need. Lovely room, AC, ceiling fan, and internet, full cooked to order breakfast, and traditional tea in the afternoon, shaded areas by a lovely pool which will be used to full advantage; know that a challenge for me throughout this vacation is not to burn up in the Sun. Perfect! There is also a kitchen I can access as well as someone else to cook a dinner for me if that is wanted. This is going to be a wonderful time for me, of that there is no doubt.
Coffee in the morning is a must and being able to make my own is a huge happiness!

I see me in the above photo. Do you? The antidote to stress and City life. Have plans to walk a lot on that shore....early morning and just before sunset. Want to swim and float, and dive through the Atlantic. Think and dream..Just writing this makes me smile. Toby assures me that snorkeling, diving, boating arrangements will be made, as well as some dinner options awaiting my arrival. I will update this post after I arrive and post  stay. There is no doubt that this will be a interlude.

If you notice, seems I am basically alone through all of this. Not really my plan to be that way. These are my list of what to do and hopefully how my being will feel. There is no desire not to share with others, just a space created for me and room for another(others?) to share.

After changing plans several times to make it easier for different friends to vacation with me, I now acknowledge that this time is for me. There are lots of people on the island that know I am coming to visit. All know this is my first time here, and all know where I am staying. It will be interesting to see who spends time and who doesn't.I have taken the attitude that all that is supposed to occur will....and so there is no need for me to "make" plans before I need to. Part of this vacation is for me opening  to letting  events and people in my world and allowing me into theirs.

In the meantime.....Now that my first 3 nights are taken care of....Where will I spend the remainder of my Barbados Vacation?

May in Indianapolis, Indiana

Beginning of May:

I haven't been everywhere...but its on my list

In the midst of planning for vacation, a conference in Indianapolis, Indiana took me away for 5 days.Its a fast non stop 2 hour flight from NYC.

Happily I swiped through at the airport to get a boarding pass, and all my luggage was carry on. The line to be searched and frisked moved swiftly...not too many babes, strollers, or wheelchairs to slow things up. Leaving on a Saturday does have its perks.Nice flight...no hassles..Thank you Delta Airlines.

Had visited before...several times and like the vibe there. Nice people, great ball teams. It is laid out in a way that a traveler, especially a lone woman finds easy, fun, safe and convenient.

Stayed at the Marriot Indianapolis, which is part of  a "Skywalk" that connected it, several other hotels,convention center, many restaurants, and most important a lovely shopping mall together in a above ground walk access. In inclement weather one never needs to walk outside to get around most of the City..

The days I was there the weather was wonderful and the Sunshine a great change from the still cold that enveloped NYC. The reason for my travel was to attend an educational conference. There were folks there from all over the USA. Went to the hotel bar my  first night...ordered a drink, and before it was poured was in a conversation with several people. Nice evening. One couple was celebrating their anniversary. Happy events are great to share. I find it easy to meet, mix and mingle. Also easy for me to be alone....in fact at times not only enjoy, but need it. In fact any break from the routine helps get my battery recharged.

Though in no way shy......there is no hesitation in me to go to things by myself rather than having to have a huge discussion over where, how, when, and with whom. I am very comfortable on my own, and like to explore and get to know new places. Once registered for the conference and back in my hotel room I planed For the next few days. The next morning I walked into my first educational offering...walked out 2 hours later with more knowledge as well as plans with new acquaintances for lunch and dinner. That seemed to set the tone for the rest of the time I was in Indianapolis. Long days of classes followed by long nights of shared food, drink and laughter after classes were done for the day.  Enjoyed the ambiance of Sensu an Asian Fusion Restaurant and Club, as well as Oceanaire Seafood Restaurant. Both standouts. If you like Jazz Bars, The Chatterbox is somewhere you should go when you get the opportunity.

Should add there was also some shopping done. Summer and vacation clothes, including the dreaded swimsuit.so much easier to do there and have the store ship back to NY...Free shipping I might add!
Great trip...excellent classes....happy evenings... Back to NYC.

Next have to figure out where am I going to stay in Barbados?

"To travel is to take a journey into yourself."

 Early May 2011

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes..............

 My destination ....Barbados....now have to have a way to get there, only 2 airlines fly directly from NY. Seemed they were not in competition. Neither had a great deal. Since time was not an huge stress I resolved to watch the fares. I did that and saw them get more expensive each week! My friend Sue had a small discount with one of the airlines, but only for certain travel window. Didn't see that working for me. No problem....it will all work out. Don't know why but that became my mantra. "It will all work out".

Also needed a place to stay. May not sure about where, but know what I am looking for. Easy, comfortable, elegant, beautiful, ocean, beach, safe, fun, and not a fortune. I am now going on the assumption that my travel would be solo, so cost factor changed. The internet is a great way to find, check out and see many places. Reviews by travelers helped , as did lots of Bajans. Saw a few photos of several places on Facebook...checked them out. There were two that really got my interest for the transition period between Big City Stressed out Woman.....and Vacation Chillin Woman... Both on the West coast..both small and  immediately upon seeing and reading about both understood that  I was going to spend time at one of them.
I had email and Facebook conversations with the owners of both places. All the while, the lack of an airline ticket prevented me from finalizing any reservations. Availability and dates were discussed. Sue and I also spoke of her group and where folks were going to stay...(sigh) Ideas exchanged...but still...no ticket..no reservation! The thought of staying overnight in Miami started...it would be way less expensive even with the extra night of Florida hotel included..could hang by the pool....darn! NO! Don't want to do that.

Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash

Then just as discouragement was settling in.....a casual check of the American Airlines site revealed an amazing thing...the price for the flights I wanted had dropped by just about half!..I rubbed my eyes and double checked...still there...not a mirage.....Thank You, for the miracle that I have received...  Less than 5 minutes later I was the owner of a round trip New York - Barbados...Barbados - New York ticket! I called Sue and told her about this wonderful state I was in....Her response..."Are you sure?""Yes really I am sure!" Sue bought tickets that same day too! In case you are wondering, the next day the price was back to its high cost. I now really believed....

Now it is settled...three weeks in Barbados!....OK time to secure some lodging.

Decisions Decisions!

 
 

Now for a little information. In order to get a vacation for the Summer it has to be requested by December 1.  Therefore my decision about when to go had to be made right after Thanksgiving. As  mentioned in a previous post Australia was on the list, so were South Africa, Barbados, Costa del Sole, Paris, Provence. There may have been even more, but this was the list I faced the Friday after Thanksgiving.

It seemed that to be fair to those I work with no  more than 3 weeks off would be taken by me.( only 2 nurses could be on vacation at one time). The days of July18- August 7 were chosen  and approved. That alone kicked South Africa and Australia off the list. It takes 2 days to get to them and 2 back....Not the kind of vacation I was looking for... long trip in a tourist class plane seat with layovers ....Nope. Another minus the airfare...ridiculously high.

One of my most favorite trips included a week in Paris. Lovely City, but not even the Parisians like it much in Summer....So off it came. Provence and Costa del Sol...would love to rent a villa with a large group of  friends in either place we all would have a lovely time that way. While thinking this through  it really became apparent to me that I wanted low key, chill, and easy, not a that kind of outing at all. ...beach, ocean, shade, hammocks, iced drinks with coconut and umbrellas, palm trees, casual,  maybe some Reggae. I was looking for.........

.

Barbados

Another reason for a trip to Barbados being my vacation choice: I have a couple of great Facebook friends from Barbados.We had "met" over several years and most were people that I exchanged views and thoughts, photos, songs, and news-clips with on a mostly daily basis.  A Virtual FB friend  Brad and I were chatting about my upcoming vacation. When I suggested visiting he gave me an enthusiastic positive response, letting me know he thought I would really love Barbados. When asked the others agreed.. During dinner one night with a fabulous woman named Sue, the only Bajan FB friend I had really seen  in NY,.as an aside,  we had met when Bobbi (another virtual  Bajan friend who I really look forward to seeing!) suggested we friend each other. Sue and I were instant Sisters.  Sue was organizing a group  to Barbados during Crop Over, and the dates overlapped my vacation time! There was a whole list of places to stay and things to do to choose from and it was strictly a la carte...Could be as busy or as at leisure as I wanted to be and this group already had a leader. So we started to talk and laugh and plan  about it over dinner one night and then chatted some more...More of the Bajan group chimed in all with plans for me and things I must do and see. More dinners with Sue and exchanges with all the above ........OK I am in...Lets go!

Winter Break - Atlantic City

 The urge to gamble is so universal and its practice is so pleasurable, that I assume it must be evil.  ~

I was still pondering the goal of vacationing in Australia when I got a wonderful call right in  the middle of a thaw. My Niece and Nephew in-law ( M&M) were leaving their  Florida Sunshine and Warmth to spend time in AC...They had a 2 bedroom suite reserved... would I like to join them? Yes! Thank you!  Got an extra 2 days off and made plans to join them for a long weekend. AC is about a 3 hour drive. Didn't want to do that. So looked around for a bus. Not hard to find in NYC.Found Megabus, got a schedule, made reservations, and let M & M know when I would be arriving.

The bus left from the Port Authority. This is a huge and complicated structure. Buses leave her continuously for all parts of the Country. It is multi level and 3 City blocks long.If one is not careful getting lost is not a hard thing to accomplish.....Naturally I had that pleasure...Totally turned around and in the wrong building. Since its a given that no one else had a clue where bus # 302 on level 3...er ..3and 1/2....So like any smart person, I got outside the building walked around to the front and got directions from the woman in the booth. I am convinced she know everything there is to know about that building and all the buses leaving. With her help the bus was found by me. I even had time to get a bottle of water before we left exactly on time...non stop ride, AC here I come!

As the schedule said 3 hours later I was in the parking lot at the Taj Mahal Hotel and saw  M &M were waving at me through the glass. One more thing happened before I got off..A representative from the Hotel/Casino welcomed all of us to AC by giving each of us a gift card that more than covered the round trip bus fare. That was a welcome surprise. More about that later.( Remember if you are in NY and want to go comfortably and FREE to AC, find  Megabus).Now I was happy to hug and get hugged by M&M and go into the hotel. Beautiful space bigger than my apartment back in Manhattan, great rooms, views of the Atlantic and the company of two people I really love. This is what I needed! We chilled for a few hours and caught up on lots of news. Then out into the Winter Sunshine.

A nice 2 hour long,  bracing walk on the windy and freezing Boardwalk including a run through the sand to touch the bitter cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and my being was totally refreshed and renewed. If this small but wonderful interlude helped me so much, what would a long Vacation do for me? Of course the fact that I was with people I love and who love me helped more than anything. But I wanted a different kind of get away....

I couldn't remember when I had taken more than 10 days off to vacation. Also it had been way too long since it was to a new place. Adventure! To feel free and just enjoy each day without any hindrance....ahhhhhhh.....think I must make this happen...How much time could I take off? How much money did I have? Where to go?Very important questions. Lots of things to look at and much decision needed.....and the deadline for vacations the second third of the year fast approaching.....Only thing I was sure of......It was going to be warm there.....No skying, Alaska, or Iceland or Greenland ( all places I want to go)..Not this time.

 Mean time in AC its after a lovely dinner at a local Italian Restaurant that folks at the front desk of the Hotel told us about. The recommendation? "We go there".  Great food,  little money and friendly helpful people both customer and workers alike." Atlantic City Italian! What nice homey and warm place. When in AC please drop in, you will be happy you did.

Now .....where is that Casino gift card? Got it! Taj here we come. Like a moth to a flame. The Taj Mahal is a big noisy place. Just what was wanted. I was at a slot that "felt" right after a quick walk around to "feel" the machines.  In went the card...less than 2 minutes later. Jackpot!..WOW!!...Now, do you know anyone that leaves a Casino in less than 5 minutes?..............Me neither!! Still don't. All I can add is that after several hours of great fun, winning, losing and much cheering by all that surrounded me I still left with much more money than what the card was worth!! The sounds, bells, smell of a casino cheered me up. My smile was intact and there was even laughter in my soul. Have to admit that I really like the vibe in a Casino..Doesn't even matter if I am playing or not. The air seems to be alive with hope, fun and the sounds of bells and laughter. Perhaps the fact that most of the times I have left a casino there was more cash in my pocket than there was on the way in may play a part? True statement!

The rest of the weekend was a delight and passed way to quickly. More boardwalk, some shopping, and lots of shared talk and laughter. I don't get to see M&M often enough, and always enjoy my time with them. Alas all too soon I was back on the bus, waving goodby and speeding towards Manhattan...On the way I pulled out my laptop and started to Google......:)

Just saw this and thought it appropriate to add...Enjoy!

Take One: Guatamala here I come......

“In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

The Winter days continued, with major a snowstorm of more than 2 feet, followed by another major snowstorm...followed by.....(sigh). My world was very monochromatic...greyish hues. So was my mood. The need for something other than my surroundings on which to focus was becoming very clear to me. My friends noticed the change, that my usual sunny disposition was eroding with each snowflake that landed on my patio.

A good friend Cynthia told me about her volunteer opportunity in Guatemala scheduled for May. A Dental Clinic for kids in a remote area. I am a Registered Nurse, but would be working to assist the dentists. Volunteers paid their way and worked most of the day; but there would be time to explore the area and a day or two before and after in Antigua......OK...... My reaction? "Sign me UP"! There would be forms to fill out, classes to be attended and shots to be had. No problem, let's go! My schedule now included these 2 weeks as "vacation". This new interest sparked lots of reading and internet exploration. Cynthia and I had several great conversations about this while sharing dinner, wine and news of life in general.

The more I learned the more excited I became. Cynthia is experienced is this area,  has volunteered for several years and now leads  missions in Nepal, Somalia, and other parts of the world. Guatemala is considered "easy", because it is so close, and "only" 2 weeks, I was totally psyched...Could not wait to start the whole process.  The color of my world now had some light and green in it, my smile returned. Yes, Yes, Yes!....Then....the BAD news....all slots were filled, in fact overfilled. Should have signed up earlier. Maybe next year.......Crash!!..Sigh.....Sob....Grey world returns.....

OK..enough of this sadness.  Get yourself together Woman! There other things to do and places to go.....so......Now what?

In the Beginning: The Genesis of a Stressed Out Woman in the City

"Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The dreamer must awaken."  Frank Herbert

How do dreams start? Where does the idea come from?
It was a really cold, snowy, dreary and very long winter in NYC. The Sun seemed to have deserted  our shore. Work was stressful and life just tired and a bit boring. What to do, what to do?.While lamenting this state of being with some friends the subject of vacation and travel came up. Someone was off to Jamaica, another to London for her Birthday, Japan, Dominican Republic, Italy, Guatemala and lots of travel to Florida. My life as a Nurse at a large teaching hospital in NY and member of a team negotiating a new contract for many of the  Registered Nurses working there too,a member of many Professional Organizations and a Political volunteer, as well as a friend to many left me in the City without plans to leave...at least till Spring.
Hence I now was officially a 

Stressed Out NYC Woman     

 
So....while walking through snow drifts, and sitting at a Negotiating table, and while sipping my morning coffee the idea and then the dream took shape. I would leave all the stress and board a plane....to....where?..when?
And so the dream began......

Hello World!

This is day 1 of my blog. Why would you or anyone for that matter want to read this? Well...as the title suggests, I am on a journey. At some point I WILL be on Vacation( Holiday to much of the world.)Throughout the long and cold winter a warm spot in my being has been MY Summer Vacation. It is now Spring and although the temperature has risen, my quest for my now longed for time away has not abated.This the story...frustrating, funny,crazy, and the fun of all that went into "The Journey"!