Vacationing after the Vacation

It occurred in an exotic destination. I was there on the beach, resting leisurely on a lounge chair, inhaling the warmth of a tropical climate. Resting on my lap was a novel, but I was struggling with my concentration due to the distracting splendor of the surroundings. Waves maintained a steady rhythm with the occasional peaking eruption of foamy bubbles. The brilliant yellow haze of the sun’s rays meshed with the blue waters, forming a greenish border, separating water and horizon. If euphoria could be visually depicted on a canvas, this scenery would be its majestic portrait. To me, this reverie could be absolute heaven, but could it also be reality? It is definitely possible, but let’s face the truth: vacation time can also possess nightmarish qualities, as travel is not always convenient.

On many occasions, arriving at any heavenly destination was at a tiring cost and if I believed that I required a reprieve before I went away this year, well, traveling back and forth reinforced an additional need, such as taking a vacation after the holiday. All the benefits gained from our time at a beach resort were almost washed away by the trials of that trip back home.

Let me elaborate on the specifics of a Christmas vacation via airplane through airports, connecting flights, heavy baggage and other interruptions, and dispel some of the false rumors of absolute travel leisure that catalogues display. The adventure commences with the trip organizing and I can recall many years experiencing those hopeful feelings. The anticipation was sometimes more thrilling than the trip itself, as plans are usually devoid of many realities. In our home, I would pack for weeks while imagining all the beach strolling and reading by the water without the interruptions of a schedule. Only positive ideas were transmitted during our fantasizing. So I would continue to live in that world of vacation daydreaming, but this year I awoke to the truth of travel and I shall never overlook its draining impact again.

Primarily, arrangements must always be made in advance, as early Christmas organizing is necessary. Some people even reserve six or eight months in advance so that they obtain exactly what they desire. Even in this sagging economy where people are claiming to be restraining expenditures, reservations were not easy to come by. Although the flights were expensive, it took quite a few weeks before I could find dates close to when I originally wanted. Either my destination was extremely popular or very few airlines ventured there.

The wrath of winter’s fury erases some concern concerning that arduous travel itinerary, but our overwhelming desire to escape overrides the hardships. Ironically the flights are extremely early, and Montreal does not always fly directly to most places. Transfers and connections are unstable and weather is replete with storm warnings and yet we eagerly persevere to flee. I believe that our intense desire to feel some heat erases all negativity. In addition, we must dig out our summer clothes, which do not seem to fit due to winter weight and then we must travel in our cumbersome winter gear, as December is quite bitter. So there we are on a plane draped in our winter attire, heading towards the hot climate, with this intense hope that we fly out promptly to meet our next flight.

This year I observed the travel venue dilemma and it was a real awakening. As I dragged my comatose self out of bed on Dec. 21 at 4:30 a.m. for an 8:30 flight, I realized how much more exhausted I was going to be with this added bonus of an early hour and just a couple hours of sleep. All I could focus on was that I would have plenty of time on the plane to close my eyes. Upon arriving at the airport we were greeted to chaos, as we were not the sole travelers that morning. There were massive lineups everywhere and I realized that coming early was not a unique thought. By the time we checked in, went through customs, sent our baggage off with a prayer, partially disrobed for security, we barely made it on time to our gate. Fortunately, to make up for this tiring ordeal, all our flights that day were wonderful. Although the American Airlines planes are outdated, they are prompt. This journey to our destination did take us a complete day with connections, but it went smoothly… for once. Last year, our luggage was missing for a few days and we were on the other side of the world and our connections were too closely scheduled. This year we were fortunate, as we missed a storm before we left by about an hour. Luck was on our side, but true disillusionment followed soon after and that positive roll I believed to be on was nothing more than a good day.

The entire airport scenario on the return was overwhelming enough to keep anyone far away from flying. When we landed in Montreal after nine days of pure relaxation, we faced an airport scene that was both comical and depressing at the same time. Bedlam reigned as so many flights had arrived at precisely the same time. People were anxious to get home, students wanted to get to their dorms, and the weather outside was absolutely frigid. Besides the crowds, the luggage from five flights was transported onto one conveyor belt. I am not clear as to why since there were two others sitting idle but nevertheless, I believe that the goal was to keep us occupied and unaware from realizing that locating a taxi was to be an even worse obstacle. So we were immersed amongst mobs trying to reach the moving ramp so that we could recognize our black bags amongst all the other similar black ones. I was very tempted, while I was sweating from impatience and lack of breathing space, just to forget about my suitcases, as it did not seem as if I would locate them anyways. This scene of total frustration did not compare to the ultimate annoyance we experienced when we stepped into a taxi line that began at the luggage terminal. The airport was definitely not prepared to accommodate this busy evening even though they had expected it. The date was Jan. 4, the day before school started and personally we should have known better that it was not an opportune time to arrive. Now, after two weeks at home, I feel as if I need a rest, which is ridiculous as I just returned a few weeks ago.

Travel can wear you down and sometimes a more leisurely vacation can be in your own home. As I prepare to lay down for about 20 minutes and it’s only 1:30 in the afternoon, I know that my draining excursion (in addition to work) has quickly reinstated that ongoing weariness. Lately, I almost wonder, if I actually did go away? Did I feel those grains of sand underfoot as I gathered shells on the beach in the glorious sunshine or have I been really dreaming that such a place truly exists? Unfortunately, special times pass so quickly that it does not take long before you realize that what you have left of that leisure experience is just a fond memory and the hope to repeat it once more but not too soon as you must regain your strength before you go!