Monday, January 21, 2008

Thoughts on flying solo

As people have heard that I'm going to Puerto Rico, it seems the inevitable question is this: who are you going with? I tell them that I'm flying solo on this one, and they often say, "oh, that's too bad" or something similar. I tend to temper this by saying that my brother was thinking of going, but it didn't work out for him, as if that would explain why I'm going by myself.

Look, when you're single and 37 you get used to doing things by yourself. I can really have a great time by myself on vacation and there are certainly huge benefits to being able to completely pick out your itinerary or what the next day will bring. That being said it goes without saying that I'm going to be looking forward to being able to travel with my wife, whenever God sees fit to bring her to me. But I honestly think some people are surprised that I would go to a Caribbean island by myself. What do they expect? Should single people put their lives on hold just because they're single? It's absurd. I'm going to Puerto Rico, and I'm going to have a great time.

I'm sure there will be times when I'm there where I'll get a bit melancholy, pining for a wife to share trips like this with, just as I still find moments of loneliness hitting me as I go through life here in Michigan. That's my cross to bear right now, though compared with the crosses a lot of us have to bear, it's a small thing. And let's be honest: how great a cross will that be to bear when I'm basking in 80º weather? If that's suffering, give me more!

4 comments:

Montana Sherry C said...

In the immortal words of Stephen Sondheim:

Puerto Rico,
You lovely island,
Island of tropical breezes...
Always the pineapples growing,
Always the coffee blossoms blowing...


Ever since Andy was in a big production of West Side Story, we have mused about going to Puerto Rico someday.

Whenever things get difficult or tedious, one of us will whine to the other, "When are you going to take me to Puerto Rico?" as if it would be the magic cure-all.

I hope you have an incredible time. When are you going?

Dan said...

I'm heading out on February 11, coming back on the 17th. I've never really done anything like this, so I'm really excited. Today I'm going to sit down and plan my trip out. I really am pretty excited!

Let's hope it's a magic cure all--and I think it will be. 80º weather is just what the doctor ordered, if you ask me.

Anonymous said...

If you'd like an insider's perspective on Puerto Rico, give me a call.

I have a friend (and former co-worker) who is Puerto Rican and lives in San Juan now, but grew up in Michigan. I'm sure he'd be happy to offer some insights or direction if that would be helpful in making your experience more enjoyable.

Ellen said...

I have a friend who won't go anywhere unless he has someone to go with. Which means years are passing by without him seeing the places he'd like to see. Crazy.
I write a blog called boldlygosolo.com because I've been traveling on my own for decades. I love to do it. And I've learned a lot about the benefits. So I encourage others to take the leap.