Welcome to Toni's Tuesday 4... all about ideal situations.
1. What's your ideal road trip/vacation?
Travelling a long distance by car, stopping here and there at key places. This allows me to see as much beautiful scenery as possible. If I'm on a road trip in my own country, I like to visit family and friends along the way too.
If I'm in another country, I want to see as much of the scenery and sites as possible. I don't tend to spend too much time inside, such as in museums. Instead, I usually tire myself out by walking about and seeing the natural beauty of a place, and trying to figure out how the locals live. I'll also spend some time in the shops to see what is being sold and compare prices. I do actually visit museums too. I don't like to be inside one all day long but one does need to spend adequate time in a museum to see it properly.
I've discovered I like to be on the move when I go somewhere. My husband noticed that about me many years ago when I hadn't even noticed it about myself. He observed that I want to go, go, go and not stay in one place and he was right. I am happier that way.
Long ago when I travelled, I'd always bring back souvenirs and trinkets for myself and for others but I don't do that anymore. It usually ends up being clutter. If I'm buying anything it tends to be something practical such as an item of clothing I'll wear while on holiday and maybe some jewellery. Usually the jewellery is earrings that are made with materials from the place I'm visiting (examples, silver earrings from Taxco, Mexico and Bohemian Garnet earrings from Prague, Czech Republic).
Besides seeing the natural beauty of a place, I like to relax in a good coffee shop or to change the pace, I love to spend an afternoon in a spa being pampered with a facial, a massage or a pedicure. I might have all three if the price is right. It's an indulgence that I often allow myself when on vacation.
I've been fortunate enough to travel a fair bit and I would love to go back to several places (Australia, Germany and Kenya) to experience the beautiful scenery and lovely people. But since I've travelled extensively in these places already, I'd like to experience new places, possibly Egypt, China, Japan, Great Britain and/or Southeastern Europe, specifically the Balkans. I'm at the age where travel is getting physically difficult so the trip would have to be easier yet still allow me to see a lot. I've been searching on line for all of these places at the right price and time. So far I haven't hit on quite the right ingredients for a trip.
2. What is your ideal evening out?
Attending a live theatre event, concert or movie with a friend and stopping for coffee/snack/meal beforehand.
3. What is your ideal way to handle criticism? Brush it off? Take it personally? Reflect on it?
Probably reflect on it. Usually for a little too long analyzing what was said, whether it was warranted and how to action anything I might need to do. I'm also getting much better at brushing off anything that doesn't warrant attention. I think that comes with age. To be honest, I don't usually have to deal with criticism. Perhaps it's because I tend to avoid negative people.
4. What is your ideal day off?
My ideal day off is spent enjoying a warm, sunny or even slightly breezy day by the waterfront taking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the sights, taking photos and indulging in a few snacks. If I'm alone, I'll have a book to enjoy reading while I sip some delicious coffee. If I'm with a friend or a family member, we like to chat and catch up as well as enjoy taking photos and having some snacks while enjoying the scenery together.
