Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

 

I’ve always enjoyed watching people.

So, when I get the chance to do some traveling, half the fun comes from seeing people from other areas and observing how they speak, dress and even interact with others.

The last few days we’ve had the chance to take a family vacation to Florida.

We’ve never been to the state, and my husband and son have never seen the ocean.

To say that Minnesota and Florida are a lot different is an understatement. I’m sure the heat would be welcome during our Minnesota winters, but it was sweltering. From what I hear, it wasn’t too much better in Minnesota.

Despite the intense heat, I was pleased to find pleasant people everywhere we went — like the woman who sat next to me and my son, Landon, on the airplane, who was probably the most patient person I’ve ever met. She put up with three hours of back-to-back questions and comments from Landon — and a few tantrums, too. And all with a smile on her face, answering his questions sincerely, never acting annoyed or like she wished she could trade out seats.

There were also people we met in the elevator at our hotel, in the swimming pool and in other places. Essentially everyone we encountered met us with smiles and acknowledgement. How welcome that was when traveling with a young child who doesn’t always understand the reasons behind long waits and different places and who isn’t always the perfect child.

Though everyone was in the middle of their own activities and going their own separate ways on their trips, it was nice to see people overall acting positively and interacting with common courtesy.

And, oh, did I mention how lovely it was to not hear anything about politics in the last few days?

It was music to my ears.

By the time you read this, we will have returned to Minnesota and to Albert Lea.

Though vacations don’t last forever, it is nice to see new places, make memories and settle down from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

I encourage you to try one if you haven’t in a while — even if it’s just a weekend away.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.