Sunday, August 17, 2008

Virtual Vacation

Despite the generous economic stimulus check we received back in May, we (H and I) won't be going on any kind of getaway vacation for a very long time. I can't be too sad about it, because I am pretty blessed and I love my life.

However, I've been reading Em's posts about Lucern and feeling super bummed that I live in Payson rather than Switzerland. As a result, this morning I started thinking about a "Virtual Vacation." I spent a few minutes online and came up with some pictures of the top five places I would visit if you asked me right now. So, here goes:



This is the hotel we will be staying at while we visit Emalei and Fabio. I know Em probably has a fabulous flat, but we don't want to crowd them out, and we really, really like staying at fancy hotels. And, since this is MY virtual vacation, I get my way. This hotel overlooks Lake Lucern so I'm sure if I go out on my private balcony I will be able to see Em walking along the beautiful streets, shopping at the farmer's markets, and waiting for us to join her and her hubby for a quaint dinner at a sidewalk cafe.



Our next stop will be on the Mediterranean (the only reason I spelled that right is due to spellchecker). We will stay at this beautiful hotel, but unlike the people in the photo, we will not be bringing our children. I love my kids and I want to take them to gorgeous places, too, but this is my VV, right? On our first VV, we aren't taking the kids. We will sun ourselves and enjoy the local cuisine, take in some parasailing and I will wear a white sundress, a large floppy hat, and and leather sandals. I will sport a healthy glow and H will wear khakis, a polo shirt and maybe some deck shoes(shout out to Dale!)



We will then head on over to Scotland, because no VV is complete without a trip to my motherland. This is Loch Lomond. We will have plenty of time to explore all the tiny villages we want, have some yummy baked goods, and visit old friends. The people there are amazingly kind and we will feel right at home. We will then take the train over to Edinburgh where we will attend....



The Tattoo. Every year at the Edinburgh castle in August all manner of pipe bands come together, military included, to perform the most amazing concert. (Using the word amazing is speculative because I did not get to attend this event while I was a missionary). We will sit in the stands and Harold will ask if he can buy a kilt. I will of course agree to this, and he will wear it (and this will be a major turn on) on the plane to our next stop....



Tahiti. This is a view of our hotel from above. We will of course be staying at one of the cool huts on the water.



I will don my sweet new bathing suit that fits my fabulous new body (remember, my "virtual" vacation). H and I will sleep, read, eat, sunbathe, and listen to sweet music. We will be amazed by the fresh produce and Harold will decide that he does like fruit after all. This will be a life-changing experience and we will eat healthier for the rest of our lives as a result.

By this time, we are ready to go home and see our kids, but only after we are sporting a nice tan, a completely relaxed countenance, and a very large bank account (because we befriended a lonely old widow on one of our trips and she, having no children, decided to bequeath her entire fortune to us).

At the beginning of this post I said I would I would tell you my top 5 places. Well, my #1 place is right here at home. Where my family and friends are, where I have a house and a yard, where I have lived, loved, and laughed.



Life is Good, right here in Payson, Utah.

12 comments:

Jeff said...

Love it. Sometimes a VV isn't such a bad way to go. The jet lag is much easier to handle. When I was scrolling down, I got ahead of myself and saw the pic of Payson and thought: "That's Pretty." Then I caught up reading and went: "Eeewww! That's Utah!" LOL. You're right. It's not a bad place to be.

mom/Janet said...

That's a clever post. Since you know that Bill and I travel alot, I'll tell you that I've been to all your VV spots except Scotland. You hit the nail right on the head with your choices and also the ability to relax. I have my favorites and Switzerland and the Mediterranean are two of them. Tahiti was a bit too hot for me but beautiful. So dream on baby, it's the way to go.

Abbie said...

Nice pics (and picks) Jeanna. I'll join along too. I don't know if I'll be getting a vacation anytime soon either.

Bridget said...

Hey Jeanna, if you need anyone to be your tour guide on this amazing trip, I am sure that Dane would be more than willing, and I wouldn't mind tagging along with him too:) sounds great!

Holley said...

I was talking to my Dad yesterday and telling him about your Virtual Vacation. He takes exception to you calling Scotland your "homeland!" He wants to remind you that the McGiven Coat of Arms was found in IRELAND!!!!!! Other than that, he sends his love and best wishes for you and H in dreamland.

Jeanna said...

In my defense: I maintain that the McGiven's came from Scotland, because Grandpa McGiven SAID we did. I believe him over my uncle. Sorry Gary!

Cote Corner said...

I'm pretty sure Justins bro Eric and his wife went to Tahiti for their honeymoon. They even stayed in one of those little huts on the water. Maybe some day!!! :) If a little old lady ever leaves me her fortune the vacations are on me! :)

Emalei Ambrosio said...

Wow Jeanna, I have to say this is one of my favorite posts ever! I can't wait for you and H to join us in Switzerland...for real one day! We would LOVE to have you. :)

Julie J. said...

I have to say that is the best vacation we have ever taken together! Thanks!

Brittany said...

i really enjoyed your vacation. very much. i am curious though, how do you get to your glass bottom tiki huts? it looks as if you have to swim to your hut with your suitcases above your head. either that or a boat. maybe theres more to it that i can't see. that's probably it. remember the time we went to scottland? that was awesome. just don't let harold drive, he tends to kill things.

Collette said...

Love it. I think I'll take my own vv tomorrow. Since, like Abbie, I don't think I'm going anywhere for a while.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanna,
we have never met but Emalei brought my attention to your post. Your post was very cute. I hope that your dream to stay at the Château Gütsch will become true very soon. We will be very happy to welcome you to Switzerland when that happens!
Fabio