I've lived in Texas for awhile, but I've never been to South Padre Island - until today that is. I was here speaking for a conference and I had a ton of work to do after my last session, but everytime I peeped out my hotel window, I swear I heard the beach calling me. So I grabbed my flipflops and sunglasses, and scurried to the soft, beige sand. "Just a few minutes here", I thought, "and then I'll break out the laptop."
Two hours later I'm making my way back to the room, with feet and ankles covered in sand and a huge smile on my face. I had a balst! Just walking and feeling the warm Gulf waters and not-too-bright sun, and seeing clear sky...and all the other people doing the same. It was calming and exhilarating at the same time. And best of all, it didn't cost me a dime!
And to think, I was going to make a 'mall run' after finishing my work, because I wouldn't dare visit a new city without checking out the local shopping! I shudder to think what I might have spent on knick knacks and trinkets in exchange for a priceless experience.