From the Middle of Richmond to the Middle of Nowhere

Out of here to another place entirely. While trying to see how long it would take me to drive to a buddhist sangha in Durham, NC, I  looked at the ocean and wondered just how far Google earth would take the whole drive yourself thing. I panned over the Atlantic, looking for Europe and got distracted by some tiny dots in the middle of the water. Turns out those dots are the Azores (named after a once plentiful bird).

On the island of Terceira (about the middle of the dots) is this lovely hotel, Hotel do Caracol. They have a New Year's Eve package going right now, which looks like fun. And they also offer "Wellness" options, such as a nice hot volcanic stone massage, "floating in emotion", and a special version of tai chi. I'm there. I'm totally there. Just send me your credit card.

Hiking in the Wild; Relaxing in Natural Luxury

What could be better than natural luxury? A lovely hot spring under the night sky is great and even better after a 17m "moderately challenging hike." Too bad it's in New Zealand. Take me there! I promise I'll be good for the rest of my life.

A Real Vacation

Next week I'll be spending a few days in Coralla NC, part of the Outer Banks vacation area. Even though we have Virginia Beach close by, many from the Richmond area seem to end up at the Outer Banks (if the number of OBX stickers on cars is any indication). I'll be staying in one of those beach rentals with my mother and visiting my son and his family. Hopefully I will get a lot of sun – not that I've had a lack of it this year, yet more is always good. Hopefully I will get to lay on the beach and do some salt water swimming.

Take a Giving Vacation

And you will give. But you'll also get: language learning, exotic travel, unique experiences. Have a lot of money and time? Try this.

Run, Run, Run, Run ... run away

Time to run away to the Greek Isles. Yes. Oh yes. The best thing to do when one is unemployed is take a long vacation very far away. I'm accepting all donations.