Winter Vacations
In an unexpected twist, in a conversation with a neighbor, I was told, “I don’t like going south in the winter. I love the warmth and coziness of my own home. I get blankets and a quilt or two and I am in heaven. I don’t need to board a plane to stay in a hotel. My den is much more comfortable.”
I was taken aback because I thought it was a universal desire to reside in the warm sun during the winter months. Do bathing suits, and short-sleeved polo shirts make us happier than scarves, earmuffs, sweaters and woolens? I started to think it over carefully.
My couch and my quilt give me a lot of pleasure. I should also include my TV set with its hundreds of channels and old movies. A nice drink, either hot or cold, alcoholic or teetotaling adds to the serenity. Recently through LIPA I have had my home sealed with foam insulation. It is really, truly comfy!
Air travel is never ever easy and simple. You are usually traveling either too early or too late. Getting to the airport is always quite a hassle. Sitting around airport waiting rooms, even with multi-food courts, is not an enjoyable experience. Deplaning and waiting and picking up your luggage from the huge lazy-susan is frustrating.
No, I’ll just slip under my favorite quilt on my favorite couch with the remote control held tightly in my hand and laze away the time.
I get the daily newspapers and keep myself abreast of the local and world condition. On a southern vacation, I would generally be out of touch with the daily events of the universe. All that swimming and sun-tanning would eventually bore me and make me miss my couch up north.
I am not going to mention the money I save, but that is also a factor. Those trips cost a fortune.
I am starting to agree wholeheartedly with my neighbor.
P.S. This column was written after this bad winter was over and spring started to rear its lovely head.
