"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.