Cara/Andrea here,
Here we are in August, those last few weeks of summer lassitude before Labor Day signals that we all must slough off our flip-flops and shorts and buckle back down to work. (Never mind what the calendar says about the Autumn equinox, here in America, the first Monday in September means the beach party is over.)
Now, in Europe, August has long been the traditional month to go away on vacation—France and Italy basically shut down as everyone takes the opportunity to venture far and wide for a break from the familiar. It’s been coming increasingly the same here. Where I am, there’s a noticeable absence of the usual crowds, and many of my friends are heading off for visits to summer beach or mountain houses, or exotic globe trotting adventures. (I can’t help but think of our Regency era characters, for whom August signaled the start of the country house party/shooting season, or the city Victorians, who could take advantage of the new railroad systems to vacation at the seaside!)
Alas, I am not sailing off to any exotic ports, save in my own imagination. (If you read a note of longing in the statement, well . . . maybe just a little!) I love to travel, so despite the fact that I’m staying close to home, I’ve decided to settle into my armchair and do some mental peregrinations. So where am I going? Since money and logistics are no object, I let my imagination run free . . . here are some of the spots that top my Travel Wish List:
The Scottish Highlands
The austere beauty of the Highlands has always struck a chord with me. I’d bring my hiking boots and walking stick so I could explore the loch and moors and tiny villages—along with plenty of buttery shortbread to fuel the trekking!
The Great Barrier Reef
The magical underwater sea life of this wonder of the world is something that always attracted me. (As a kid, I was hooked on Jacques Cousteau documentaries, and thought I wanted to be a marine biologist.)
An African Safari
I really want to see the magnificent animals of Africa in their natural habitat before that world disappears.
The Swiss Alps
The majestic splendor of the mountains is another lodestone for me. More walking, scenic vistas, charming villages—and chocolate!
Tuscany
There’s something ethereal about the light of Tuscany—its soft, shimmering nuances seem to make all stresses of everyday life relax and unwind. (There’s a reason the Italians have refined the art of living well.)
A deserted Hawaiian beach
I don’t often laze around, but the sounds and sights of a tropical paradise—the bright jeweltone colors, the sound of the ocean—makes it a perfect place to relax, read, and simply let reality float away for an interlude.
Because after all that traveling, I’ll want a suite at the Ritz, a bottle of Dom Perignon, and a romantic stroll over the Seine at sunset before heading home.
So how about you? Did you travel to a fun destination this summer? Do tell, so we can all share in the fun. And if, like me, you've been sitting in your armchair, letting your mind wander, what would be your dream destination? (Hey, the trip's on me, so go first class! <G>)