I am over-packing or at least I think I am. It's going to be killer hot and I expect to change my clothes a couple of times a day. AND I hate doing laundry on vacation. I'm taking the massive suitcase I bought myself for my birthday two years ago. It's the one that made the trip to Tahiti with me. I still love it and it makes me smile when I look at it.
It should be returning home a bit heavier as I expect to pick up some shells on the beach. I know exactly the type I am looking for so that pretty much guarantees I won't find one. LOL But I will enjoy looking.
Fast forward to Sunday morning.
I arrived at BWI in plenty of time for my flight. Parked the car at my favorite parking place and rode the shuttle to Southwest. (Note: Thank God I prepaid for my reservation. The lot was full!!! Although I do have their loyalty card so I am guaranteed a spot. Anyway, back to Southwest. They offer curb-side check in and it boggles my mind why people just go to the first area they see. There was a line a mile long and just 50 steps away was another curb-side check-in with three people in line.
I am now sitting at a bar near the gate drinking a double bloody Mary with a crab claw and a bunch of yummy vegetables and olives on a stick!
OMG I have to tell you, I am also thanking God that traffic was non-existent on the way down. I was still in PA somewhere on 83 South, I crested a small hill and 10 feet in front of me a deer was running down the right lane—directly in front of me. Instinct kicked in and I swerved to the left and was very out of control and careened right again all the while braking. I think my heart pounded for a good 10 miles after that. My guardian angel was working overtime.
Here’s to a smooth and safe flight to the beach. It’s really overcast here and raining. I’m sure the ride up will be bumpy as hell. UGH. The nice part though is a little of two hours from now, I will land in my happy place!
I am staying at a place right on the beach. I found it on Trip Advisor and when I went out to the website, they were offering a special – stay 2 nights, get 1 free. So—4 nights for the price of 6. Not a bad deal. I have a 1 bedroom condo and the resort is right on the beach. They have everything right there—even a grocery store! A bunch of pools, restaurants. Can’t wait to get there.
Took off right on time and landed a bit early to overcast skies. What????But the skies cleared up by the time I got my bag. And I think for the first time EVER, my bag was one of the first ones out! So, I rolled on out of there and across the crosswalk to the car rental place. Again, lines 10-15 people deep at the rental counters. Alamo—2 people in front of me. I was directed to the parking garage where I could choose any car in a particular row. I chose a white Dodge Dart. I put my luggage in and look at the key fob and I have no idea what to do.
I try putting the thing that looks like half of an ignition key in. Nope. I’m sitting there sweating not figuring this out. An older couple comes to the car next to mine and I actually have to ask them how to start the car. It would have never occurred to me to put the thing marked PANIC into the ignition. So, I thanked them and climbed back into my car and put the blessed air conditioner on. My car is so old, I’ve never seen anything like that.
I bumble around the lot and finally found the exit and was on my way! Traffic was light and I think it was about a 45-minute drive to get here. It’s a different place than the last time I visited. Many, many more people here and it is really hot and humid. Check-in was a breeze and I was off to find my condo.
It’s really nice. A 4th floor unit with a view of the ocean and a screened lanai. Very beachy!
I unpacked, changed into my bathing suit and walked over to the main building for a quick lunch. I’m pretty sure I won’t be eating a lot of meals here. A bottle of water was almost $4 and it wasn’t huge and it wasn’t designer. The main pool is large and has 2 slides, lots of loungers, umbrellas and shaded areas with ceiling fans. It was packed. It also has a bar, pizza and ice cream shops as well as foosball, bean bag toss and ping pong.
I walked over to the pool closer to my condo and it’s smaller with none of those things but was still filled with families and tons of kids. I strolled down to the beach and the water is WARM. Of course, maybe it’s cooler farther out but I had all my stuff and no place to put it down. I sort of thought they would have chairs and umbrellas here but they don’t. You can rent stuff or use whatever the owner has in the condo.
I walked back up to the pool, found a semi-shaded lounger and set up camp. It’s just like a cruiseship though—chair hogs everywhere. People leave their towels and other belongings on and around the chair and go to the beach or whatever for hours. There are several signs that state: No floats of any kind in the pool, no food, no glass containers… blah blah blah. All of the rules were being broken and there is no one there to enforce anything. I was slightly annoyed—not annoyed enough to leave though. I got into the pool a few times but the water is like bathwater. But it still felt pretty darn good.
The early start to the day and the heat did me in. I went back to the condo, took a shower and tried to watch a little TV. After dozing off a few times I decided to head to bed. My stomach was feeling sort of bad. I fell asleep right away and woke up at 1:14am sick as hell. About every hour I was up again and sick. Blah. I kept hoping by morning I would feel better because I had to get to the airport and pick up my friend. No such luck—now dizziness had set in. So, first thing this morning, I called and arranged for a shuttle to bring her to the condo.
After sleeping all day and continued sickness, I finally started to feel like I could down a Gatorade. I think I am recovered—although I feel weak as a kitten. So glad this appears to be short lived.
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