Sitting in a cool and comfy lounge in the Montego Bay Airport while waiting for my friend Ambika to arrive. Back in June, she made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, which was a week in Negril, Jamaica at an all inclusive resort. She is a fabulous writer and teacher who travels the world and offers the wisdom she has gleaned over the years.  She will be teaching yoga classes that I will be taking. Imagine, yogaaaaahhhh in Paradise.

This is the first major out of the country vacation I have taken in 20 years or so. The biggest stretch (as much I will be doing on the mat)  was taking time off of work. My supervisor insisted, despite my intention to write articles for my full time job while lounging by the pool. Instead, I will just lounge by the pool. Imagine that~

For someone who has been addicted to work,  this is quite a big deal. Initially, there was a panicked thought, “Uh oh, who will I be if I’m not being productive?” I guess I will find out.

I have learned to be a well planned out traveler who has her ducks in a row, so that I can leave room for potentially unexpected events. I packed and put everything where I can easily access it. I always pack light, since I do carry on. I learned my lesson when on several occasions, my luggage took separate vacations when I checked them. Stayed over at the airport so I could just zip right over on the shuttle. Slept lightly, checking the clock every few hours, to be sure I didn’t miss the alarm and have to swim to Jamaica.

Made it in plenty of time and swept on through TSA ….. except that they found contraband …. they confiscated my sun screen since the bottle was too big. Good thing it was the cheap stuff. I’m sure I’ll find something here. Minor inconvenience. I am learning not to sweat the small stuff. I am feeling blessed to be in rest and re-create mode.

Who knows what delights await?  New friends, adventures, basking in the sun, splashing in the crystal clear ocean, walking on the beach, time to get to know my friend better. I’m sure that there is even a hammock with my name on it.

I’m equally sure that the woman who will be winging homeward in a week will be worlds away from the one who is typing these words.

Let the vacay begin!