I was deathly sick with a fever, runny nose, watery eyes, headache, ringing ears (made excessively worse by the flight), and sore throat, yet I was grateful to be sick during my four day trip to Panama and Westin Playa Bonita. Why would anyone want to have the flu on vacation? The answer is simple; I was traveling alone and I have a toddler daughter at home.
The room, with its black-out curtains, crisp whit linens on a king-sized bed, and huge soaking tub was just what the doctor ordered. I laid in a hot bubble bath for at least thirty minutes before climbing into bed and listening to the sound of the waves below.
The next morning, I ordered room service and quietly ate on my own in the Westin’s robe and slippers. Everything was on my own schedule and calming. I was stuffed up and groggy; the rest was critical.
Peppermint tea was my only company on the private balcony that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It was warm enough outside that even though I had a chill, I still felt comforted. I relaxed there, drinking the throat-soothing tea, for an hour while I waited for the medication to kick in.
Activities were planned for me, but nothing too extreme and a spa treatment was part of my package. Sensory Spa’s Vitality Pool was like a mother’s love, warm and soothing and the massage loosened up my aching muscles.
My all-inclusive package included several restaurant choices for dinner. With Minestrone Soup as a starter option, I opted for the Starfish Grill on the night that I felt most sick. There’s nothing like soup to help fight a cold.
No one wants to be sick. It’s miserable, but if I have to be sick somewhere, it might as well be a place that offers comfort foods like soup that are prepared for me, hot bubble baths, room-service, massages, a huge bed, and fluffy robes. I hate being away from Athena, but being the mother of a toddler is demanding. There’s no time to be sick; there’s usually not even time to shower. Forget being sick! I was grateful to get the worst of it over before returning home to my beautiful, happy, loving (yet very active) daughter. Sometimes being sick on vacation isn’t that bad.
Bucket List Publications 
My heavens, that was awful being so ill! Hoping all is well now! Cheryl
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Thanks, Cheryl.
I’m still not feeling 100% and we leave for Germany tomorrow. Hopefully the flight won’t be too bad on my ears since I’m still stuffed up. Athena is joining me on this trip so I don’t think I’ll be getting a lot of sleep regardless 😉
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I have a problem with flying private and commerical with my ears and the plane when descending. If the descent is too many feet per minute my ears cause piercing pain. Chewing gum does not help! It is difficult traveling with a toddler feeling 100% MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU! Cheryl.
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Well you turned what could have been a miserable stay, into a positive experience. Well done!
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like to have a small cold on that balcony of yours 🙂
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Now there is some positive thinking Lesley. Stay well for the trip overseas. Likely not quite as much rest coming up. 🙂
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Somehow I don’t think I’ll get as much rest in ten days as I did during these four 😉 It’s all an adventure, though, and I look forward to it 🙂
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Both great adventures…just different. 🙂 Have a great time!
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You got your needed time to relax and recover Lesley 😉
Have you ever thought about that school teachers often get sick in their vacations? Then they have the time to relax….
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I was a school teacher for 8 years. I must be stuck in that mode 😉
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I educated too and became sick in the beginning of almost every vacation.
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Hope you’re feeling better now – and what a great attitude to have. Most people would be fed up that their holiday was ruined rather than looking at the positives!
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I hope you are doing much better sweetie! Hugz Lisa and Bear
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I hope you’ll be feeling better soon so you can enjoy your Germany trip with Athena! You’re in my prayers. It’s no fun to travel when you’re sick. I know from experience…
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Glad to hear the worst is behind you and you fell ill at the latter part of your trip. Have a great time with Athena in Germany. Already I look forward to pictures and stories. ❤
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Ohhh poor you!! I hope you are better now 🙂
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Being ill on vacation can be awful but it looks like your room was a comforting one. I love the hotel.
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I’m glad you were able to find comfort while getting better. 🙂
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Talk about making lemons out of lemonade! I have to agree though, a little pampering while sick would NOT be a bad thing. Plus, that view!
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I wish I was sick….
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You have lot of stamina and perseverance. You made the best under the circumstances. Shows your experience in travelling. Did you talk to your daughter every day?
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Way to look at the positive side! So glad you got to recuperate. That is what vacations should be about!
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Fluffy robes and big beds sound divine.
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get better, be well, and God bless! Time for self is a therapy all by itself when raising children:-)
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Hope you’re feeling better! i love having a the chance to languish in my hotel room. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Lakeview Fireplace room comes to mind. 🙂
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Get well soon!
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Lesley, I been reading your post as they come almost daily. You keep on moving on and it is great to see you find the time to let your community know how you are doing. Let me know if you follow me. Things can be going on that I share also. Not always dramatic I have to say. Take care, Nsasi
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Sorry to hear you were sick, but it sounds like everything ended up alright. Now, for some unwanted advice for your cold 🙂 Neti pot a few times before you leave to help clear the nasal passages and take some sudafed- the real stuff with pseudo-ephedrine in it that you have to sign for at a pharmacy- as much as possible before you leave (and take some with) to help decongest. It should help with the pressure in your ears and sinuses. Safe and healthy travels!
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I’ve been sick at AI’s before. There is nothing better than being waited on hand and foot with no worries while you are sick. In one instance, the kitchen staff hunted down ginger root for me to make a tea!
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Sorry to hear you were sick but glad you managed to get some relaxing moments out of it. Quiet adventures are still adventures 🙂
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I’m so sorry you were sick, but you are right, you couldn’t have had better timing! Thanks for taking the time to read my little ole blog while you were down and out. It looks like you are living life to the fullest. Fun to follow! Thanks again. – T
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I do feel bad that you were sick while doing this review, but what a way to get well! I am glad you got to be on your own and being pampered while you were sick.
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At least you were in a pampered, comfortable environment to speed up the healing:)
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I’m almost jealous that sounds so nice.
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I think sometimes, because we are so desperately busy, that our bodies wait to break down when there is down time, so we can relax and heal for a while. Or conversely, that because we are so desperately busy, our bodies break down anyway, to
force us to relax and heal…… Yes. It was very convenient for you that you could do that in so much comfort… 🙂 Lovely.
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