My partner talked me into taking a couple of sick days to get out of town for a much needed break from a lot of recent stress. It was absolutely and utterly amazing. There was none of the traffic and crowds and no waiting at the restaurants or standing in lines at the attractions. I'm totally convinced that traveling when everyone else is at work is the way to go from now on. And I'm not waiting until retirement to do it again.
We got to Hamanasett early Monday evening. Ashley and Glenn were there to welcome us and truly made us feel right at home, treating us like old friends even though we'd just met. How completely different from the stress and impersonal attitudes we have gotten while traveling to other places. Glenn even showed us a back-road shortcut into the heart of Philly for an afternoon of sightseeing that got us there in less then 30 minutes. I wish I had known about this place when I was going in and out of the city on business; it would have totally changed my negative feelings about corporate travel. This was so much like being at home.
Since we weren't there on a busy weekend, we got a personal tour of all the rooms and were able to really learn the history of this country estate. The owners have done a fabulous job in keeping all of the sense of history, but making sure we had every modern creature comfort we could ask for.
We stayed in the Carriage House, which had a great fireplace to curl up in front of with a book, a personal kitchen if anyone would have felt like cooking, and plenty of room to spread out in to relax. It was wonderful being able to have our Labrador travel with us. Sitting out on the porch, rocking as I scratched her head, it was hard to remember that we were so close to everything we wanted to do.
Breakfast was an absolute treat. It was candlelit, in a gorgeous setting, and with scrumptious food. I had forgotten how wonderful it felt for someone else to pamper us, anticipating our every need and making us feel so comfortable. Ashley was a wonderful hostess; she soon had us talking with the other guests as though we'd known them for years.
When we finally loaded the car to go touring some of the area wineries before heading home, I hated to leave. I felt like I'd made new friends, and I can't wait to get back.
I only have two complaints about the whole trip - that I waited so long to do something so completely for me and that I didn't plan a few more days here, as there was so much to do and see.
I've already told the boss I'd be taking some more sick time, even if I had to work some Saturdays to make it up. Who needs to fight the crowds when you can have such an intimate place all to yourselves?