Do they know it's wintertime at all?
The view from my room in Naples, FL. Nice place to spend a couple of days for business or pleasure, right?
This was my first trip back to Florida since Dad died and I was surprised by unexpected emotions. The arrival event was held on the beach and that's where it hit me - hard. Very surreal to be surrounded by colleagues and feeling something so personal at the same time.
Overall the emotions infringed on my ability to network and relax like I normally would have, but the trip managed to be informative and rewarding despite all that.
I was planning to visit Florida that weekend anyway, a pre-India trip, but I think the circumstances and being "alone" at the water - Dad's favorite place was the beach - helped me deal with some emotions I may have put off for a while... and I recognized my ability to still enjoy things Dad loved.
Here I am, the open book again. I'm telling you - the hotel had a hell of a view!