Weekend Getaway

 

Our first trip away from the city was to the cutest town, Solvang.  We needed a break from the city after a year and a half of being quarantined.    Being cooped up in our home wasn't too bad, we got to know each other better and have been able to spend quality time with our pets, but we needed a change of scenery, pronto!

We arrived on a Friday afternoon to the cutest Airbnb I had ever laid my eyes on.  It was located right outside of Solvang in Santa Ynez.  We decided to stay in a private location rather than a hotel to avoid sharing too much space with others.  

 

The home was such a chic space, and you could tell that the host did everything she could to make us comfortable and give us privacy. I love when people make your experience all the better with their attention to detail and privacy measures to make you feel comfortable.

Our first night in Solvang we had our first dine-in experience.  It had been such a long time since I had been around people and it made me nervous.  We all conduct ourselves differently and I was not sure if others were going to wear masks or what the new social rules were for dining in.  Luckily, I was overthinking the entire thing and ended up having a  great time!  We went to a divine Italian restaurant Osteria Grappolo.  The food was delicious and the service was great.  Warning: the portions are large so bring a big appetite!

On our first full day in Solvang, we went on a wine tour.  We were taken to four different wineries with a small group, which was a bit nerve wracking.  You never know who is and isn’t vaccinated.  Plus, we were riding in the same vessel.  I was shocked with how much anxiety I had being in close proximity to strangers, but managed to put it out of my mind and go with the flow.  It is surprising to see how being quarantined has effected me.  I was unaware of how much of a nervous nellie I can be.  

 

I had fun letting my hair down and learning about wine, drinking wine, and bonding with a mom and daughter who was part of our group.  They were so much fun, and I enjoyed hearing the mom try to set up her daughter up with one of the winery owners.  They were both hysterical!

On this trip, we decided to bring our big guy with us, which he absolutely enjoyed.  We were out in the open country, and he took in the fresh air and enjoyed being with his hooman parents.  I think he is a country dog!  He enjoyed seeing llamas and horses while out on our walks. 

Being out in the open space is so calming and makes me so happy.  I grew up in a small farm town, so I enjoy being out in the middle of nowhere.  The open space centers me and it’s nice to get away from the city.  I like looking out and seeing nothing but open farmland.  It is my happy place.

 

The weekend went by in a blink of an eye.  We were sad we had to leave our little oasis.  We enjoyed being away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  I especially enjoyed that my boyfriend was completely disconnected from work.  It is nice to put down our devices and live in the moment.  I do get frustrated when I find myself telling him to get off his phone! LOL.

I will admit that I missed our little fur ball, Archibald.  The lad was left at home since he does not do well traveling.  Luckily, he did not seem too bothered we were away.  He was sound asleep when we came home on Sunday.  

A part of me cannot wait to get back on the road and travel.  The other part of me is very scared to do so.  With everything that is going on in the world right now, I feel hesitant to be too social.  I feel a sense of responsibility to do my part in keeping others safe.  There are so many people that look healthy, but have underlying health issues that can die if they contract COVID or its variant.  

I do not know how the next few months will play out.  I think we were all shocked at how long quarantine lasted and how it has affected us all.  I will admit, I used to be super social and could not wait for this to all be over so that I could go back to business as usual, but this has taught me to live in the moment and appreciate the people that I choose to interact with.  The last thing that I want to do is contribute to an huge problem.  

As I slowly reintegrate myself into this new world, I can only do my part in stopping the spread by limiting my contact.  I know that sounds super strange, but it is the least I can do while we we see how the spread of the variant rages on.  The last thing I want to do is contract it and spread it.  With that said, when out and about make sure to stay safe and healthy!