There was a time when I couldn't wait to get on a plane and travel the world. In 2009, I visited Europe three times in six months. I went with a group of girlfriends who loved traveling as much as I did.
Paris in the springtime was my favorite trip. During those two weeks, I walked so much that I had blisters on top of my blisters. Ouch! When we visited the Louvre, all I wanted to see was the Mona Lisa. After waiting in line for an hour and jockeying for position to take a picture, I realized it was an 8 x 10 painting placed behind glass and then more glass. I remember thinking, Wow, I'm sure glad I didn't stand in line all day! It definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Now, all I want to do is stay in one place. Traveling has lost its luster. We just got back from seeing our kids and grandkids in Pennsylvania and one passenger decided that he wasn't going to wear a mask. Chaos ensued with four TSA officials and three police officers restraining this crazy guy. The pandemic has changed our world so much that even the thought of traveling on a plane makes me break out in hives. And I remember when it used to be fun!
I'm so thankful we live just minutes away from Anna Maria Island -- my forever vacation home. I don't even have to get on a plane or deal with crazy passengers. It's a blessing that I never take for granted. I'm sure one day, the world will get back to some semblance of normal, but in the meantime I'm just enjoying the view outside our kitchen window. Until next time...the beach is calling,
