We are on Vacation! A Real Vacation!!!! I am not ungrateful...we missed ski trips and a trip to Slovenia during the pandemic. But we were lucky enough to work out of Savannah, GA (3 times), Winter Park, Co (2 times), Bozeman, MT (once) and Columbia, SC (once). So, we travelled...and we worked. But now, we are actually on vacation. Originally, I had booked two weeks in St. Lucia as I thought that Europe would not be open to us. As it got closer and closer to the cancellation date and St. Lucia had restrictions, I cancelled that trip. So, where to go in the US for those that would rather be in Europe? I settled on the Middle Keys of Florida....landed a house in Marathon on a canal with a pool. We are not beach people. Cate did not want to bring anyone. I have to admit, Jamie and I were a bit nervous. Will this work out? Will this be a vacation? I planned several activities from food tours, to snorkeling, to deep sea fishing and an overnight in Key West.
We arrived yesterday. We rented a Jeep Wrangler...I don't know why...it just seemed appropriate. Flew from Pittsburgh to Dulles and then from Dulles to Key West - all First Class...why not? On the way to our rental, we stopped at the 7 Mile Grille and had appetizers - Conch Fritters and beer. Loved the place. Stopped in Marathon at the Publix and picked up basic provisions and then on to our rental house. It is quaint...totally enough size for the three of us and the pool overlooking the canal doesn't stink. We had dinner outside - crab dip and crackers, simple steamed shrimp and key lime pie. A great way to start the trip.
I am reading a series of murder mysteries penned by an author called Jean Luc Bannalec. He is actually a German author but his mysteries are all set in Brittany...hence my interest. In his latest book, the main character and his girlfriend are on a 2 week trip to a coastal town in Western Brittany. The author's writing is very descriptive and I think I will have to visit this place. The girlfriend of the main character is all about relaxing...lounging on the beach, reading a book, swimming, etc. The main character is going nuts in the matter of 24 hours. As I read the book, I wonder if Jamie will be the same.
After a nice first night, I sleep until 8:30. I hear Jamie roam around the house at 7am, hear him leave around 8am. I am up before he gets back...he has been in search of coffee. By 9am, I am lounging by the pool. He comes around from time to time, keeps me updated on the neighbors and their boats. But I can already tell...he is the main character. He takes off the roof of the Jeep and at lunch time, the three of us head back to the 7 Mile Grill for lunch. We already feel like regulars.
He loosens up a bit in the afternoon...swims with Cate in the pool while I nap. She and I have an aperitif around 4pm. By 4:30, she is having a siesta, I am showering, and Jamie....he is taking a drive...
It will be interesting go see how the next two weeks go...for all three of us! Tonight, we are cooking Red Snapper on the grill. Tomorrow, our activity is a kayak tour. I am hoping that is enough for everyone. Jamie is already talking about a possible trip on his own to Austria in the fall as he has 10 weeks of vacation to use before 2022.
One thing for certain...we are not working!
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