No Motel Six
Posted: April 29, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized 1 Comment
Twenty five years ago, before Russ and I got married my father gave him a nice present with a card that read, “Never take my daughter to a Motel 6 again.” This was in reference to the Super 8 motel in Anaheim, California where Russ and I went on a business trip together and I first noticed him.
I am happy to report that Russ has lived up to my father’s demands and has never taken me to any hotel with a number in the name. Now I am thinking my father should have also mentioned that Russ not take me to any place that was “Anaheim like.”
Tuesday is our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It is quite an occasion to make it all these years and still really like each other. Since we got a surprise new sewer line and are replacing our roof and painting our house all this month I told Russ that is what we were getting for our anniversary. Russ thought that was not good enough, so he offered to take me on a business trip to Florida. It is more like Anaheim than I expected. My father would not be happy.
We are staying at a nice place and we had a fun day visiting botanical gardens, doing a little shopping and walking, walking, walking. The highlight of the day was going to the Italian market where Russ got a giant hoagie for $5.50 that tasted like it was right out of Philly.
As we walked the five lane beach road to go to dinner we passed many motels that could have been mistaken for Motel Six. I felt twenty five years younger. It was as if Russ and I were back in Anaheim, just falling in love. I am quite thankful we have not recreated the hot tub scene in the parking lot of the motel with music blaring from the biker bar next door. Some things are best not relived.
Less Dana, More Good 
Dana,
I am glad you and Russ are enjoying your trip to Florida. I have not been to St. Petersburg in many years, but your experience does not surprise me. So much of Florida is just what you describe — many chain hotels and restaurants, five lanes of traffic, and not exactly charming. Much of Orlando is like this, too. We do have nicer places too (i.e. tranquil, beautiful, well planned, etc.). I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit, though. Sounds like the Dali Museum made it all worthwhile.
Love,
Ellen