Turkey actually WON’T be the first stamp in my new passport. I was offered the opportunity to babysit for my cousin’s children for nearly three weeks at the end of December… in Aruba.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I should go for the whole time—though my Istanbul ticket was still unpurchased, I knew I was aiming for an early January departure. I thought that three weeks in the Caribbean, following my three weeks in California, might not leave me enough time for the whole “preparing to live abroad” thing.
Then I realized… Boston is cold. Aruba is warm. My departure date was not set. This was not a hard decision.
So I booked my Istanbul ticket for the end of January, and spent most of December HERE.
Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Boston anymore.
We stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club and the Marriott Hotel. These are both part of a long strip of hotels all along the beach, each with their own set of pools, stretch of beach, and distinctive towel-pattern.
Normally, I have a very hard time sitting still on vacation: I prefer seeing new things, exploring everything, being active.
But for 19 days I just sat on the beach, and it was GLORIOUS.
I read thirteen books. I watched nearly every sunset. I swam laps. I drank piña coladas. This was pretty much the extent of my exertion.
And in slowing down, I found I was able to appreciate what was around me even more. I could relax, I could contemplate my upcoming Istanbul adventure, I could wear a big straw hat and take pictures of endless palm trees.
And I did.
Endlessly.
Even the rainy days in paradise were special. One day a storm blew in and everyone left the beach.. except me.
Ominous storm clouds.
I finished my book under an umbrella and when I looked up, I had the whole place to myself. So I sat in the hot tub in the rain at the Ocean Club, and then Lexi (the six-year-old) and I watched the sun set crazy pink on our now-private beach. It was one of my favorite days of the whole trip.
Really, I wouldn’t trade this trip for anything. The beauty, the warmth, and the opportunity for some quiet and reflection before the dive into the unknown was invaluable. And, Aruba has made me reconsider my feelings about low-key beach-centric vacations… now I feel much more inclined to go on another one!
Luckily, I hear the beaches of Southwest Turkey are lovely…
Thank you again to the Mason family for taking me along on this wonderful vacation.
🙂
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