Are you the same person when you’re on vacation as you are at home or are your more Gutsy?
Do you try new things like:
- Parasailing
- Bungee jumping
- Sky diving
- Helicopter rides
- Wave runners
- Snorkeling
- New foods
- New drinks
- Dancing at local night spots
- Meeting new people
- Morphing into a crazy, wild person
Here are 9 things you don’t know about me when I’m on vacation.
1. I let my hair go wild and curly: its natural state.
2. I love to dance. My husband and I lucked out with the Bag of Donuts, and The Molly Ringwalds, 80’s music. Pensecola Beach has live music everywhere, and my poor ears are not used to loud nightclubs. I shall remain deaf for weeks.
3. I drink and eat a little more while on vacation. Pensecola’s specialty drink is called: The Bushwacher. It tastes like a vanilla shake with Kahlua and rum: a great smoothie for hot weather and dancing.
4. I try to workout a couple of times at the hotel gym, and am happy when the equipment is in good condition.
5. I love to walk along the beach at sunrise, with my first cup of coffee.
6. I bring my own ground coffee fom Peets to our hotel room, as well as cashews, almonds and cookies from Trader Joe’s for the flights since they no longer offer meals.
7. I hate sunbathing. Many of my European friends can sit for hours in the sun. As long as I’m swimming, walking or doing something other than sunbathing, I prefer to be outdoors.
8. I enjoy talking to people and making new friends. I met Nancy, the jewelry lady from our hotel, and we shared our travel stories. My husband enjoys reading for hours, and like most women, I have to talk.
- Sonia and Duke on Snorkeling/Sailing boat trip
9. I try to do something different every day. Either an activity like snorkeling or parasailing, or visiting local sites.
- Cannon at Fort Pickens
We visited Fort Pickens, the largest of four forts built to defend Pensecola Bay and its navy yard. Built in 1829 and completed in 1834 by African-American slave labor. Fort Pickens was named after Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens.
What about you? Please share 1-9 things about you when you’re on vacation.
I love being on holiday somewhere else because it’s essential to break out of old routines and habits. And of course, gaining new experiences broadens the mind.
Lady Fi recently posted..Just for you or how I became a serial blogger
I know you like to take photos of historical buildings in the U.K. Did you enjoy Euro Disney? A little too commercial, but a place for children.
I am not that type to try something new each day:) I must admit I am sort of the same level of organized as I am at home:) Of course, I like to try new food, new drinks etc. I usually spend time on visiting places and trying to see as much as possible-I am curious not only in places but I always want to know how people are living, what their lifestyle is, what is different, what is common, etc.
Ola recently posted..Dlaczego uwielbiam greckie wakacje?/Why I just love Greek vacations?
In the U.S. there are more similarities than differences, I think. You find the same chain restaurants and hotels in each State, however, the people are different. I always enjoy touring Europe from the histroical perspectve. Sounds like you do too. Thanks ola.
I took up skydiving in my mid 40’s. I learned a lot from that experience including to not let fear keep you from doing the things you need/want to do.
We like to vacation in Mexico, though with the current crime issues, not sure if we will be doing much of that in the future.
Snorkeling is a favorite of my wife’s.
Robert the Skeptic recently posted..Death of a Statesman
Hi Robert,
I’d never heard of such a great reason to try skydiving. Did it actually make you less fearful of most things? I wonder if sky-diving would work for those scared of public speaking.
We actually very seldom take holidays. We’re retired, and are thus on permanent vacation. We have a beautiful place to live — a place to which tourists come. I think the term is “staycation.”
If we were to go somewhere on a vacation, we would probably go north, to lakes, and rock, and evergreens, and Loons. Probably a somewhat rustic living space.
1. Swim regularly (depending on water temperature and quality).
2. Watch birds (especially Loons).
3. Walk along the water’s edge (if the mosquitos aren’t too bad).
4. Check out little art galleries and craft shops. We have found the loveliest things in those locations for gifts.
5. Mediate and pray, in a different surrounding.
6. Stay out of the sun, except for short periods. (I burn easily.)
7. Take lots of pictures.
8. Talk with the locals about the place.
9. Chat with other visitors around the place.
Sounds like you and your wife prefer a cooler climate to Florida’s. Thanks for your list and I can tell you both have the same interests and enjoy soicializing with the locals. This made me think of Scotland or Ireland. Pehaps you would enjoy a vacation there. Have you visited that part of Europe?
Sadly, we haven’t made it to the British Isles. The oral history of my mother’s family says they were Welsh. If I were to visit, I would go to Wales. I’m even trying to learn the language. Maybe that’s as far as I will get.
Bear recently posted..BEAR, IMMOBILIZED (Sorta)
What a great place you are visiting….I lived near there many years ago.
I will try some things, like parasailing, once just to say I did it. I mostly like to learn about the people and their lifestyles when I visit new places, and of course the food. I am going to London next month but so far have not made a plan about what I will do, but I’m sure I will have at least 9 things by the time I go.
Jeanie,
Is this your first time to Europe or to London?
My Danish friend and I spent 3 days together in London and started out with the tourist double decker open-top bus which shows you the main sights and then you can hop on and off once you’ve decided which ones you’re interested in seeing. I think it’s a 2 day pass andthey have the same in Paris. Have a wonderful time and take tons of photos.
We owned several weeks of a time share on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota for 20 years. Every year that was where we went to completely decompress and relax doing almost nothing. It was glorious.
I’m much busier now during retirement. Go figure.
Bob Lowry recently posted..My Promised Cooking Experiment
Bob,
I don’t know if it’s the blogging and e-books keeping you super busy during retirement, but I’m sure that’s one reason you’re not relaxing like you did in Sarasota.
Right now, although I am not on vacation – my son is here on vacation – from the Ritz-Carlton! ???? Yep, he lives there as a musician.
Yeesh – I need a vacation – and all I would do is sit by the pool and drink iced tea; I would read two books a day; and I would smile a LOT !! 🙂
But for now, I am glad he is home on vacation with us. (I just cannot imagine leaving the Ritz to come home for meatloaf. 🙂
Marsha Young recently posted..We Are Not at the Ritz-Carlton
Marsha,
Just read your Ritz-Carlton story and felt envious of your son’s life. I wonder if he can continue with this career for life? He must meet some very wealthy and influential people.
Hi Sonia, I try to stay in vacation mode even when I’m home by trying new things and getting outside my comfort zone. The zebra nails helped this week:)
I think I’ve been here. Is it near Destin, Florida near the Red Neck Riviera?!
We had a good time too and I even saw a turtle. I have a funny story about the tip too, thanks for the reminder.
One thing I do know about you is you have a lovely line in pretty, colorful dresses! Let’s go shopping when we meet;)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..My Life as a Zebra
Annabel,
Can you believe I’m still hooked to my laptop on vacation? I read your zebra nails story and they do look quite wild and crazy, so you are in the Gutsy women crowd.
Yes, Pensacola Beach is near Destin, but I prefer this place. There is a scenic route along the beach and we also visited the Pensacola naval air station yesterday. What a huge and amazing museum and our tour guide was so passionate about WWI and WWII planes, that I was fascinated by his stories.
I will be happy to shop with you, although I don’t know stores in LA. You’ll have to come with me to Orange County, for dinner at my house.
We haven’t had a holiday for a long while 🙁 Now we have a farm we’re too tied. But that was our choice and we’re OK with it. We have days out and go for lots of bike rides and walks around home. Your holiday looked wonderful, Sonia. I imagine it’s given you a big boost and recharged your batteries!
Stephanie recently posted..A Silver Day
Stephanie,
Happy 25th Anniversary. Ours is today, August 1oth, what a coincidence. I have another post regarding social media and being on vacation.
I have been to Europe and I went to London about 3 yrs ago with a friend. We did do the Red Bus and I am sure I will do that again. Please suggest anything out of the ordinary that you think I might miss.
Two things we did that might be a little different were:
1). Christies the auction house is open to the public during the week and is quite interesting. They only do auctions on Saturdays, I think, but you get to see them setting up during the week.
2). The natural history museum was wonderful too. Many more dinosaurs than I’ve ever seen before, plus the building is beautiful.
3). I have a friend Maggie, who lives in London,my “Gap year” post and others too, if you’re interested.
Just found your blog. I allow myself to eat out and eat whatever I want on vacation (of course the fact that I ate my way through Europe the seven years I lived there may have to do with all the dieting I’m doing now). I always figured the northern Europeans spent all that time sunbathing to make up for all those early winter nights. For people like me, Portobello is worth a full day in London, Lol.
Barb,
Just found your blog very interesting, especially living frugally in the U.S.,and admire how you’ve kept positive and dynamic after the loss of your husband. I look forward to reading and hearing from you again.
Being at the beach every weekend (or often more) is like having a weekly vacation. I bike and walk more at the beach, but it’s not the same as going away.
I always try to eat at local restaurants when I’m on vacation… avoid the chains at all costs. Actually I do that at home, too.
Anyway… I believe the point of vacation is to explore unknown territory with a proper mix of relaxation.
Hope you’re having fun!
b
Barbara,
Yes, the local restaurants are the best. We tried “Native Cafe” and “Paradise bar and Grill” definitely more locals there in Pensacola and I loved them both. We had the best fish tacos at Native Cafe.
love to hear how you enjoy your vacation time! looking forward to doing some of these things myself in the coming weeks…. including:
cooking for my family (yes – since we stay at a place with a kitchen and bbq grill) fresh fish and shrimp from s. carolina
having a rum and tonic before dinner
before the run and tonic, going for a run with my husband before dinner, followed by a jump in the ocean
hanging out on the beach with my family, favorite book(s) and spf 50 😉
just being with my kids and family – the best
i could go on and on….but you get the picture! i’m sure i can come up with 9, but these are the top ones that come to mind 😉
We must both enjoy shrimp. I had a ton of shrimp in florida as well as oysters. they taste delicious in Florida. Much fresher than California.
Did you have a chance to try low-country boil in Florida? I have an awesome pic of that delicacy from my stay on Eagle Island, off the coast of Georgia.
BTW, I congratulate you, Sonia, on the lively discussion you’ve started about vacations and the way they help us snip the umbilical cord to our comfort zones. In my experience, nothing turns an insular, small-minded person into a more worldly, empathetic and understanding individual than an appreciation of other cultures. Time and money spent towards that goal is well worth parting with!
Melissa,
No I didn’t try low-country boil in FL. What is that? Melissa, always nice to hear from you and your adventures.
First time commenter here with this one about me when “on vacation”. (Not to be confused with an educator’s favorite, “What I did during the Summer”.)
My wife and I just returned from a vacation with and to extended family in the mid-west of America. It had been five years since we had flown anywhere. And this was the first time we had ever been house guests in these branches of the family tree. Our daughter has honored herself and the family by marrying one charismatic, spiritual, and brilliant mid-western son now turned Californian. He is a CEO in San Francisco and she is a teacher in The Bay.
“On vacation” was a time for me to expand my comfort zone. To appreciate the cultural diversity that does exist within America and even within a race. “On vacation” this time was a growth opportunity and humbling experience. I feel expanded and more connected as a person and husband after this last week spent with family in the mid-west of America
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QwkDrw recently posted..Mixed Land Use Big Box Store Site Planning
QwkDrw
Glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation in the mid-west. My son has been studying in Michigan for 4 years and I love the people there. I am interested in your comment, ““On vacation” was a time for me to expand my comfort zone. To appreciate the cultural diversity that does exist within America and even within a race. Would love to hear more about what you mean.
Another attempt here to comprehend the moving parts within a personal revelation may or may not be all that interesting, or accurate. However, there was a personal flash of clear understanding that over time before being “on vacation”, a possible lack of comfort zone stretching exercises may have caused comfort zone atrophy — a sort of ‘shrinkage’, as the character of George might have said in an episode of the situation comedy “Seinfeld”.
We have only traveled to and in the mid-west a few times during our boomer lifespans. Similar to you, we also generally love the good people and interesting places there that one finds. And now specifically some amazingly capable, wonderfully talented, caring and generous folks that we have the honor of being with in an extended family
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QwkDrw recently posted..Mixed Land Use Big Box Store Site Planning
I am currently on vacation, how apropos! 😉
1. I don’t do well without a schedule (even on vacation). I like having plans of what we’re going to do.
2. Normally, I prefer a glass of wine when I’ve had a tough day. On vacation, I like rum & tonics (raspberry cruzan rum is the best!)
3. I eat wayyy to much. I love good food, so I usually diet for the 2 weeks before vacation so I can splurge on food during vacation.
4. I try and go for a walk every day (so the food isn’t so bad for me)
5. I prefer laying by the pool or beach to hiking or water sports.
6. I love to pick up something from every place I visit. Art is my favorite to collect, but it gets expensive quick (I am VERY picky with art).
7. I over-pack. I hate being unprepared so I will always pack at least 3 extra outfits.
8. I only read gossip magazines or romance novels on vacation. No other reading is allowed.
9. I try and be as tech free as possible, but with owning my own business, it’s hard to ever be completely disconnected. I did it last year for the first time – 2 weeks, no internet at all. It almost killed me.
Kirsten Wright recently posted..It only happens once a year, but thank goodness it does!
Kirsten,
I’m a bit like you in that I also like to make plans and have something to do for the day. I’ve never tried rum and tonic but Amanda and you both mentioned it, so I think I shall try.
Enjoy your rest and relax, (if you can!)
Interesting, Kirsten. I love your work, but we are complete opposites on vacation. Being a travel writer and living in Amsterdam (my dream city), my vacas are seamless with my life, passion and work. That said, I can’t abide schedules, drink local bevvies wherever I go and eat little because I’m always talking and can’t stop long enough to put much food in my mouth. Having lived in SoCal all my adult life until now, I hate relaxing by pools and beaches. I much prefer cycling, hiking, walking, exploring, getting lost and finding my way…usually alone. I’ve traveled enough to know over-packing is costly, inconvenient and leaves no room in your suitcase for souvenirs. On the road, I read guidebooks, memoirs and anything I can get my hands on about the culture I’m immersing myself in. And staying connected is my #1 priority. I have a funny story about finding WiFi on Rhodes…my search turned into a local competition between the island’s B&B owners!
Melissa,
Melissa, I agree with you, but in Kirsten’s defense, let me say, she’s a young woman who started her website design and social media business a couple of years ago, and puts in tons of hours to make it successful. She designed my website with me, and I have to say, she’s always there for me when I have a question. I can understand she needs time to relax and do “nothing” although I know she’s still connected to her clients online.
I also have to say that in my 20’s, I was sunbathing and working on getting as dark as possible by the pool when I lived in Strasbourg, France. I had a very different outlook than I do in my 50’s.
Thanks for sharing what you love to do.
When I’m on holiday, I change personality. At home, I’m a loner. On holiday, I’m social.
I try new things like paragliding.
I eat a lot more and if I could, I’d drink a lot more.
I love sailing or getting on a boat anywhere.
While I won’t go into the sea in CA, I love going in where it’s warm and welcoming.
I walk much, much more.
I feel free and unencumbered, which is the main reason for a holiday. Let the office, home, business, whatever, take care of itself.
I go to the theatre much more, or any event or exhibition, even when I wouldn’t in my hometown.
I also catch up on my reading and also write a lot – more than I normally do because all these experiences inspire me.
Thanks for asking us. Looks like you are having a great time.
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