Vacation!
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 06:13PM Main Entry: 1va·ca·tionPronunciation: \vā-ˈkā-shən, və-\Function: nounEtymology: Middle English vacacioun, from Anglo-French vacacion, from Latin vacation-, vacatio freedom, exemption, from vacareDate: 14th century1 : a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission
2 a : a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b : a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
3 : a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation <had a restful vacation at the beach>
4 : an act or an instance of vacating (Websters.com)
I'm going on vacation tomorrow.
I know what you are thinking - "Isn't this guy ALWAYS on vacation?"
Well, I do tack a few days on to many of the conferences that are located in interesting locations (Mumbai, Tallinn, Cairo, etc.). And although I enjoy these travels very much, this is happily quite different:
- No ties or dress shoes in the bag.
- No flashdrive with slideshow backups in the carry-on.
- No expectation on balancing what's happening in the district while on the road.
- I am still debating about whether to even take my computer.
I am heading to New Zealand to visit my son Brady. He's been living and working in Wellington for about 18 months now and if I don't go visit him soon, I won't get the chance since he comes home this summer. I don't need another "Bad Dad" certificate for my wall.
We're meeting in Auckland and will do a road trip (wrong side of the road + jet lag = watch out, Kiwis!) to Wellington. Late the next day we will fly to Nelson for the start of a 5 day tramp of Abel Tasman Park - day packs and lodge accommodation - yes! On return we'll point the car north again and wander back to Auckland via Rotura, probably.
Our last adventure near Port Douglas, Australia, 2006
I have always really enjoyed traveling my kids. When my daughter was in high school in about 1988, just the two of us did the "Worst Bathrooms in Asia" tour through Hong Kong, China, Philippines, and Hawaii. When Brady was in high school, we headed to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid, primarily to visit art galleries - the "Great Nudes of Europe" tour. More recently we visited Sydney, Cairns and Port Douglas. Son, daughter AND a grandson all did Disney with me not long ago. Did I mention that I love traveling with my kids (and the LWW for that matter.)
As a family we have three basic rules of travel:
- Never bring more than you, personally, can carry in one load.
- Always have something to read.
- Never eat anything you can't translate.
Anyway, tomorrow morning I will take care of a few loose ends in the district and head toward the airport.
See ya when I get back!
Reader Comments (5)
Oh, man am I jealous. I have friends there who are always bugging me to come. Enjoy!
Hi Ninja,
I'd respond, but, like, I'm on vacation.
Doug
We just got back from a vacation in Puerto Rico - yes, even retirees take vacations - and loved every minute of it. Have a wonderful time!
Your twin wetsuits image there makes me just a slice more excited for the field study I will take with my Marine Biology students coming up from April 2-10: Http://stjoeh2o.ning.com
However, similar to your conference travels, this too will be full of.... ok, well... SOME structure. ;)
I have daughters of 3 and 1, and your descriptions of travel with your kids are inspiring. Except perhaps the "worst bathrooms" tour. ;) Your actions inspire me as well as your words.
;)
Sean
We'll look out for you on our roads.... on the correct side we hope!
From the land of the long white cloud