I'm writing this post from my hotel room at the swanky Tradewinds Resort in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida. Since the resort is right on the ocean, I'll probably go hang out on the perfect white sand beach when I'm done, take a dip in the ocean, that kind of thing. Later tonight, I'm sure I'll use my two free drink tickets at the Social Hour, followed by a middling dinner that will easily be covered by my allocated per diem.
Ah, the life of a business traveler. As a teacher, not something I experience very often. I've been teaching for 15 years, and this is only the second time I've been to a conference out of town. A few years back, I went to a conference at Disneyland. I had a good time, but I had a good friend to hang out with on that one. This time I'm with a couple women from work, and while they're very nice, socializing is awkward at best. I do have my own room, which seems like it would be great, but I actually feel strangely isolated.
I think I would be having a really great time if Meg and the girls were here. Meg and I have often talked about doing a resort vacation, where all you do is hang out at the beach all day. This would be a perfect place for that type of vacation. There's a fridge in the room, so we wouldn't have to eat out all the time. They have these huge inflatable slides and trampolines in the water. It's expensive, but it really is a great place for a family vacation.
This is my first time in Florida, and I feel like a whiner. I just can't get into it. My family isn't here, and that sucks all the fun out of a place like this for me. The truth is, I can't wait to get home.
Yeah, it really is all about the people you're with, isn't it? Wow, I bet the family was bummed they couldn't go too. :(
ReplyDeleteNice one Tim. You are putting on a good front. We won't tell Meg and girls about all of the fun you're having filming Hangover 3.
ReplyDeleteI used to travel quite a bit for work, and it's really not all it's cracked up to be. Especially traveling alone. I know that isolating feeling, as well. But the upside is that you have a little extra time for contemplation and note taking. And then there's the girls gleefully jumping all over you when you return home. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd you can always count on Florida for those Happy Hour vouchers. ;)
you should do it! it's totally worth it!
ReplyDeletefirst time in florida? wow!
you're such a sweet guy, take your family and have fun!
I hear you, I hated going on business trips to great places without my family.
ReplyDeleteI bet your wife and kids can't wait for you to get back.
ReplyDeleteHome. It's just...home.
ReplyDeletewow nice one - by amazing coincidence this is the hotel my sister was married at. Sadly haven't been back since and the marriage went down the pan, ho hum.
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand, no matter how great a place it, it's not fun when you're on your own. I really don't even like going to conferences for that reason.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about being away from them. I am fixing that by taking my whole gang to the islands next week for a very much needed vacation. I hope you do get a chance to enjoy yourself though.
ReplyDeleteSt Pete Beach is nice. Try and get to the Pass-A-Grille section (at the Southern tip of St. Pete Beach), the beach is quite nice there.
ReplyDeleteHas the great hunter returned to the cave? Was there much rejoicing?
ReplyDeleteHow well I understand what you're talking about. The first time I visited Paris, I was crying because my husband and daughter weren't coming with me...that's how much I wanted to share the beauty with them. I think you should just absorb what you see in order to share with them when you return.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean on not being able to enjoy it without family- or at least your wife. Just take a ton of pictures so that you can show them and not feel back about missing out on anything. You know they'll want to go then!
ReplyDeleteAva