On Vacation!

A few weeks ago, after several nights with racing, chattering dreams, like mice running around in the attic, I threw clothes in a suitcase and gave a very tearful goodbye to my honey and son. I left DC with shoulders hunched around my ears against the cold, and muscles tight and achy from stress and lack of sleep.

I flew to Miami to meet up with Emmie Chase, my best friend from childhood, to celebrate our 40th birthdays together for a week; a trip we planned many years ago. We were so happy to see each other, but were exhausted, too, and ambled around South Beach, ate dinner, and slowly began to acclimate to this idea of a vacation. We kept asking each other with tired smiles, “Is this really real? We’ll be on an island tomorrow?”

After a long, winding, and scenic ride with our proud, chatty taxi driver, we arrived at Cap Maison Hotel in St. Lucia, which was luscious and beautiful. It was just the vacation we needed, with lots of rest, fresh air, and laughter to loosen our minds and muscles. Locals taught us that hanging out and relaxing is referred to as “limin’,” which we did well.

Some favorite moments:
Connecting with nature and being outdoors (without a winter coat)!  A kaleidoscope of colors at sunset and sunrise; a buttery, beaming moon in the evenings; sparkling stars; tree frogs singing; hummingbirds with shimmery, emerald feathers; flamboyant tropical flowers; and lolling waves. And evening video chats to catch up with our husbands and kids, so we didn’t feel so far away from them.

Delicious fruit, baked breads, brightly colored salads, and fresh seafood. Sweeping views of mountains rising out of the sea, boat rides, produce and craft markets, exploring the botanical gardens, the Spa, naps, and dishing (not dishes)! Afternoon rains called “liquid sunshine,” and a local festival and art gallery visit.

What a fun and restorative journey! Where will we go in ten years to ring in the next decade?