After some confusion about ferry parking and a brief argument over where to get off the rotary (if you don’t have a rotary in your town, think National Lampoon’s European Vacation…the scene where they never can get off), we made it to the Woods Hole Ferry where we will dock on Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard, MA.

I talked to a friend of mine and told her that I was going to vacation on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and she immediately changed her voice to the haughty imitation of a bourgeois (boogee is the slang term for upper middle class or wannabees, implies a behavior of superiority or elitism) chick and says, “Oh, well. I’ll talk to you after your visit to the VIN-Yard.” I laughed and then I just hung up. I always thought of people who had summer homes or who went to resorts has been people who knew how to live. Summer is my favorite season and I believe that we all need a change of pace, a change of scenery and yes, there is a socioeconomic class that has this opportunity, but there is a lot we can learn if we’re open to new things and new experiences.

1. I haven’t heard a police siren, ambulance or fire truck for several days. I didn’t realize how noisy city living was until I came out here. I initially couldn’t sleep because it was TOO quiet. How crazy is that?

2. Trees are a much needed part of cultural existence and should be preserved. I didn’t understand (I mean theoretically I did) the effects of suburban sprawl and commercialism. My driving experience was instantly peaceful as I was able to drive stretches filled with trees, water, naturally created hills and cliffs. WOW! How awesome it is to LOOK at what’s around you instead of always thinking about what time it is, what you have to do when you get home.

3. The friendliest people I’ve ever met have been the people here on the Cape. I mean people are moving slower, looking for ways to help you, saying crazy things like “Ma’am would you like to sit? I’ll stand.” or “Excuse me.” I am not saying everybody is rude, but I do have to say that every week, I have an experience with someone who bumps into me, cuts me off or doesn’t say thank you when my children open the door for them. Manners are never out of style.

I have a ton of pictures and every picture has a story so you all will be hearing more about the trip and seeing the beauty of it all. My mom, my sisters and I have already decided to com back and bring all of the kids and stay for at least a week. This is the first vacation that we’ve been on together (and we’ve done family vacations as adults for many years) that we haven’t yelled at one another for running late or complained about spending too much money (I had to stop my parents for doing the annual Disney trip…another $6 hot dog and I was going to burst!). My mind has been expanded as I’ve seen people ride bikes, sit on beaches and just chill. I know it’s not high stress tourist season, but this was a perfect time for me to “do the Vineyard” as a novice.