I’m planning a surprise trip for my husband, but…
If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you’ll already know this: my husband Josh and I have never taken a trip by ourselves. Since our kids are now 10 and 12, this is kind of a big deal. Sooo…I decided to plan a surprise trip for him.
The destination: New Orleans.
The timing: August.
The surprise: well…
I had to tell him last night. Between our two jobs (we each travel a lot for work), our two regular life schedules, our kids’ camp and sports schedules, and potential social engagements (parties, camping, dinners with friends…) I just couldn’t hold the space on the calendar anymore. So I gave up. Unfortunately the way I told him about the surprise wasn’t the greatest…in fact, I blurted it out when we were in a fight. Luckily – even though we weren’t getting along very well at the moment – he was still excited about the trip.
Josh has never been to New Orleans. I’ve tried to explain the feeling of it to him, but it’s impossible. You kind of have to go to understand. It’s one of my favorite places in the world. From the time I was little, I’ve always known I would love it there. I remember being enchanted by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, riding it over and over and imagining myself to be on the Bayou in New Orleans. I remember reading Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice and being mesmerized by her descriptions of the city. Finally, one of my best friends and I went there for the first time in 2011, and we’ve been back twice since then. It’s exactly the way I imagined it to be, and more. It feels like…home.
So, Josh and I are headed there in a few weeks, and needless to say, I’m really looking forward to it. I’m wondering what Josh will think of the city that I love so much. Will it have the same resonance with him?
I’m also wondering: have you ever traveled to a place that felt like home? Where was it? And what did you do (has anyone moved)??
Josh will love New Orleans, great food and and lots of places to visit.
Karung99 – I hope so!!
YAY!!! How fantastic for you both!
Hawaii has always felt like home to me. I took a trip one year – must have been in the early 2000s, and from then on visited regularly (at least annually). After a few years, I took the plunge and moved in 2010. It’s been an incredible experience and one I wouldn’t trade for the world. Super glad I did it while I had the opportunity and was young enough to really enjoy all the islands have to offer. Doesn’t mean I’ll stay forever, but sure am glad I explored the move and took the leap.
Rebecca – Absolutely! I’m sure it has deeply shaped who you have become.
Hi! New Orleans sounds fantastic! I must say that LA, particularly the Valley feels like home and Portland too. But, love the LA weather. Although I’m a Bay Area native all the way, I love to explore new places.
Rima – Sounds like you are at home in lots of places. Lucky you! That’s a great quality to have. 🙂
A friend told me about an astrocartologist who charts the ideal places for you to travel and/or live (and those to avoid), based on birthdate and related details. I’ve wondered why some places just feel like home to me, when based on a criteria list, I’d never have guessed it. Whether or not Josh connects with New Orleans, he’ll surely have a blast. (BTW, I caught N.O. fever from you and hope to go in the next year.)