Or...

[sun_set_bravely]

What about a day and a half in Myrtle Beach?


I researched Bar Harbor, Maine, online last night, came up with a few places I could afford to stay, and then retreated to my bedroom to call US Airways and get my ticket. A woman named Deanie answered my call, and her voice sounded low and tired.

I told her where I wanted to go, and for what days. She said, "One passenger?" and I replied, "Mm-hmm." I thought to myself, "I should have said 'yes ma'am.' She sounds like a person who would appreciate that brand of manners."

She was quiet as she checked, then she said, "I can get you into Bar Harbor on the 3rd or the 6th." I said sadly, "Well, no. I can't get that day off work. I -- uh, ..." I went silent, trying to figure out what to do. I knew that if I got off the phone and tried to research another destination, I would get my heart set on another town that I couldn't get to.

I stumbled over my words, feeling a little sad for myself, "Is it -- well, this might be too big of a thing, -- but can you check your destinations and tell me where I can go on those dates? Is that possible?" She was quiet.

"Is it that you want to go to the coast?" she asked.
"Really, all I want is to get out of the city for a weekend. But the coast would be nice," I replied. She was quiet again for a minute.

I said, "I really appreciate this." She replied, "Honey, I've been in that boat before." And then she went silent again. By this point, the tears were riding down my cheeks and I tried not to sniffle too loudly.

We tried Portland, Maine, but it didn't have my dates either. Then she found something for Norfolk, VA. "Are you able to drive -- to rent a car?" she asked. "Yes." "I was thinking that you could fly into Norfolk and drive down to the Outer Banks." I wrote "Outer Banks" on my piece of paper and said, "That sounds good."

Then she said, "Let me check one more thing." She lapsed into silence again. I doodled on my scrap of paper, wondering where I would end up for the weekend.

"What about Myrtle Beach? I can get you a day and a half there." I asked her which one she thought would be better. She replied, "Well, because of the hurricane, Norfolk might not be all cleaned up yet. Myrtle Beach was south of the storm." So I said, "Let's book that flight, then."

She put my ticket on hold, and said that I could change it if I thought of somewhere else I'd like to go.

I hung up, grateful, after a fifteen minute call that felt so much longer. Thank you, Deanie, for understanding, and for going an extra step to find me an escape for a day and a half.


So this is where I ask for travel advice once again. If you're all tired of this, please tell me to shove off and leave you alone. Has anyone been to Myrtle Beach? Should I be excited or scared? Where can I drive from Myrtle Beach?

~ ~ ~

And now I leave my house and enter the One-Computer-Dial-Up world of Work. This is ridiculous.

Comments

[dew.livejournal.com]

Myrtle Beach is touristy no doubt, but of course that means there is lots to do. As far as places you can drive to, Charleston is about 100 miles away. Very neat city in terms of historical offerings.

Between the two are a number of plantations that make interesting tours.

Savannah is about 200 miles away although I've never been there.

I found your journal through anoisblue.

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the information. It would be interesting to see a plantation or two.

And welcome!

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

For a day and a half? Sit on the beach, walk around, get yourself drinky-drinks, eat well, write as needed.

My uncle and (late) aunt had a condo in Myrtle Beach, and they loved going there. I'm glad things worked out for you. It'll be an adventure.

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

Good prescription. :)

[woobiewoobster.livejournal.com]

I lived in MB for three years. It is touristy but this time of year you won't run into that too much. There are some great food sites there, and as someone else mentioned there are plantations to be toured. You could drive out to Pawley's Island, famous for their handmade hammocks, that might be interesting for you. Otherwise the beach is always nice and there are interesting places to drive. Good luck.

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

Hammocks! Yummy! Thanks for the advice.