Giving up solitary travel
I am a solitary traveler. I've floated, flown, walked and driven by myself. I toss luggage onto the second beds in my rooms; read books while eating in restaurants and stretch my legs onto the empty seats next to mine on buses. I never minded being a party of one; it is relaxing and rather freeing to explore the world alone. Still, on my last big trip, during times when I was away from the tour group and truly by myself, I would think it would be nice to have someone else around to talk to and share the experience.
This is why a recent trip to Boca Raton, Florida, was particularly special. I've been to Florida millions of times. I know the interior of the Orlando and Palm Beach airports like the back of my hand. If it wasn't for the tides continuously smoothing out the shoreline, you'd probably see long, deep ruts carved into the sand at Boca beach from all the miles I have strolled up and down its shore. I've seen buildings erected, tore down and the skeletons of new ones that have taken their places. It's as familiar and recognizable as home; the place my grandparents lived. Despite its humidity, absurd over-crowded-ness, and crazed drivers, Boca is special to me. The city is special because even though Boca is not home it is the gathering place for my family.
When I am in Boca, I am not alone. This is a destination place for multi-generations of my family; when we travel to Florida it is not to just to make an escape from routine and work but to be with each other. I can't remember a time when a member of my family made a solo journey to Boca Raton.
The most recent trip was made earlier this month. I traveled with my parents and it was heaven to once again have co-travelers on a trip.
We dined on seafood, strolled on the beach and I helped my mom peel layers of dusty, ballet-pink wall paper in the living room in preparation for the condominium's upcoming renovation. We took an evening cruise along the intercostal; a salt-water tributary that became a hot spot for multimillion dollar mansions. We sat on the top deck of the ship, sipping cocktail drinks, and admiring the enormous residences that lined the waterway. A steel drummer, accompanied by recorded music, could be heard playing everything from Jimmy Buffet to rock tunes. The sun slipped away and the lights on docks were illuminated in the black, silky looking water.
It was a tranquil evening and our surroundings were picture-postcard perfect. I felt so relaxed, so content and so happy that I was among family to share the experience.
When I am in Boca, I am not alone. This is a destination place for multi-generations of my family; when we travel to Florida it is not to just to make an escape from routine and work but to be with each other. I can't remember a time when a member of my family made a solo journey to Boca Raton.
The most recent trip was made earlier this month. I traveled with my parents and it was heaven to once again have co-travelers on a trip.
We dined on seafood, strolled on the beach and I helped my mom peel layers of dusty, ballet-pink wall paper in the living room in preparation for the condominium's upcoming renovation. We took an evening cruise along the intercostal; a salt-water tributary that became a hot spot for multimillion dollar mansions. We sat on the top deck of the ship, sipping cocktail drinks, and admiring the enormous residences that lined the waterway. A steel drummer, accompanied by recorded music, could be heard playing everything from Jimmy Buffet to rock tunes. The sun slipped away and the lights on docks were illuminated in the black, silky looking water.
It was a tranquil evening and our surroundings were picture-postcard perfect. I felt so relaxed, so content and so happy that I was among family to share the experience.
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