Most folks dread the vacation to visit family. Many think it’s not fun or exotic or…whatever. Not me!
I just got back from a great vacation with my hubby. We went to visit my daughter and son in law as well as my sister in law and her hubby. It was pretty awesome. Proving that vacations are really what you make them.
We took the Auto Train to Florida. It was our first challenge to just get to the station. After spending a few hours caught in traffic on the BWI because…well…basically it was on fire (Yes, a brush fire closed the road. We had to drive a sports car across the grassy median and go the other way, then local roads to come out on the other side.), we made to the station with an hour to spare. The lady that gives directions on our Google Maps knows her stuff!
The train and I have a strained relationship. I can deal with everything but the bathroom. I am genetically unable to cope with the Auto Train bathroom. It all started when we had a room with the private bathroom. The bathrooms make broom closets look spacious, but they serve the purpose well. I was pretty content until it turned on me at 3am. Train rides can be pretty wiggly affairs so they provide grab bars in the head to help you get up while the train in doing 70 down the track and 35 side to side. When I went to grab the bar to get up, I accidentally got the silver handle next to the grab bar and rained cold shower water down upon myself, my jammies and my ego. The towels are conveniently placed out of reach so I had to slog out of the bathroom into the room and dry off. Kinda funny now, but “wet hen” was a pretty accurate description of the moment.
Rethinking the bathroom strategy, we opted for a roomette this time. A small block of space with fold out cots but a shared bathroom with no shower! You think the problem would be solved. However, the sink turned enemy when the forceful gush of cold water hit the bowl shaped sink. With the same effect as turning the faucet full force into a spoon. Instead of washing my hands and face as was the original intent, I ended up wiping down the door, walls, mirror and counter in the bathroom. Future trips to the toilet included a towel to drape over the ticking time bomb of a sink while I washed up under the protective cover.
Arriving early in Florida (Thank you, Amtrak), we embarked on our Floridian adventure. The weather was really humid and warm. A great change from the never ending winter that PA had been suffering from this year. Not a big fan or hot and humid or alligators or bugs the size of your head, I already know that Florida is not the place for me to live. My thoughts were further pushed in that direction when I saw a sign on bridge crossing a lake warning of insect swarms. But my mission was to spend time with my family.
Luckily, I was able to make the most of my time by visiting my sister in law and hubby at their beach house on the Gulf coast. A lovely little cottage with a great proximity to the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sitting in the breeze, at the shoreline was wonderful. That part I could live with for a long while.
After two nights of maritime beauty, we moved on to my daughter’s house. It is located between Tampa and Orlando amid a bevy of lakes. The lakes worry me a bit. Isn’t that where gators hang out and stalk people? Luckily, no gators were seen during my stay. I don’t mind that at all.
Her pets were overjoyed to see us. The daughter and son in law were glad too have us as well. They had gone out of their way to assure us a great stay. I am not the person who likes things like tourist attractions or even Disney (there I said it…I mean it…I’m sorry). Hanging out with my daughter was the best event ever! Girl time, binge watching tv, and lots of talk is what I wanted, needed and got. Their friends were so welcoming and prepared a Puerto Rican feast for us one night. We found some great Barbecue and a good restaurant on the lake with excellent sunset views from a breezy patio.
Reconnecting with family transcends all issues with train bathrooms, humidity and insect swarms. There is nothing like sitting around a table talking about our lives that are and were. Sharing stories and hopes, dreams and laughter with the people who color our lives in so many brilliant ways. We’ve laid aside our issues and focused on the precious time we have together. THAT is what a family focused vacation is about.
Heading back to the Auto Train for our journey home, I wondered if I could live in Florida. It’s a huge change from PA and the richness of our history, location and seasons. I wondered “what if…”, then I saw the insect swarm sign and…nope! I’m going home.