3 years and finally alone again...

It has been 3 long years since I have travelled on my own and I have to say, its been nice. I have been able to take trips with friends and family and I have loved the opportunities to share memories and experiences. But there is something special about setting out on a trip all alone with just myself to keep me company. It really does force you to know who you are and what you want.

This holiday season, I am heading to sunny Florida. In the Spring when I was planning my holidays, I had access to a condo in Ruskin, FL for dirt cheap. That was a big draw. Not to mention the fact that I would be in Florida where is doesn't really get THAT cold. So I went ahead and booked the condo and flights. And ever since, I have been waiting. And waiting. And I have to say, I was more excited once winter hit at home and we were seeing day after day of freezing temperatures.

So today, on Christmas day, I am on my way south. This year I was extremely grateful to have the time to spend with my family for Christmas. And as they were all curling up in bed full of turkey and fixins', I was on my way out to the airport for an overnight flight. I guess the down side of going someplace warm was I dressed for mild temps (so I didn't have to pack clothes I wouldn't be wearing) but still had to get from the car to the terminal in -25C. Thank god for a lone shuttle bus that was sweet enough to pick me up. Merry christmas indeed!

So now I sit in the new terminal at the EIA (very pretty by the way) fighting sleep. So I thought I would post (since it has been forever!). I will be flying into Tampa (via Houston) and staying in Ruskin (40 minutes south of Tampa, still in the Bay area). 6 days of rest and relaxation. At least, that was the plan. As I am sure some of you are aware, when I book a trip, I am obsessive about doing research and coming up with a plan to maximize time away. I will be the first person to admit this is not always restful. So when I booked this trip, I told myself I would not plan anything and just see how things go once I arrive. Well, I think I lasted a few months before reading about a few things to do in Florida. And wouldn't you know, I ended up booking one thing. And then another. And then another. Very quickly, I ended up having 4 things booked and paid for. Yikes! So, I now have a bit of a plan (but in my defense, if I didn't book in advance, I wouldn't have been able to get the tickets I wanted). But I still have 2 days with absolutely NOTHING planned. This is BIG!!!!

So, do you want to know what the plan is? Of course you do!

I fly into Tampa on Dec 26 (in the morning) so I am thinking of going on a tour of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stadium before checking into the condo. Maybe see a movie. Maybe have a bottle of wine and walk the beach. We'll see.

Dec 27 will be spent at Busch Gardens - so excited for this. I will be doing the Jungala tour before going on a Sunset Safari (where I get to feed giraffes!!!)

Dec 28 is... a DAY OFF!

Dec 29 is an early start to go snorkelling with manatees at Crystal River. Then a day of shopping in Ellenton before going to Punta Gorda to see the Russian State Ballet in "The Nutcracker".

Dec 30... another DAY OFF!

Dec 31 (new years eve) will be spent on Orlando. No, I am not going to Disney World or Epcot of any other amusement park (didn't want to be the lonely person surrounded by families) but I will be seeing my second NBA game with the Orlando Magic playing the Miami Heat. Should be fun!

January 1 is when I fly home (in the afternoon) so will be pretty chill. So that's the plan. Cool, huh? I think this sounds very scaled back but should be a nice balance of things to do with also time to lay around and do absolutely nothing.

Well, I am quickly losing the battle against sleep. Just need to make it to the plane... So I'm going to walk the airport. But I wish you all a very merry Christmas and I will check-in later.

Love, Lisa