Throughout all my travels, I have always been a “places” person. When I choose a destination, I do so based on redeeming qualities like scenic beauty, architectural ambiance, or wonders of nature. Oh, sure, I talk about going for “the culture,” but I am really there for the eye candy.
Egret Egress
I have a dear friend and former colleague, John Burkin, the only person I have ever met who loves to travel more than I do. Though we never traveled together, we always mirrored one another’s itineraries. After the trip was done, we would laugh as we compared photos. Although we had been in the exact same locations, John’s photos were always of people; wise old weathered faces full of expression, dirty chins of the playful children, or determined women of the marketplace, marketing their wares. Even though I had been to the exact same market, my pictures would be of places; the beaten path leading to the market, the unique items for sale, the rudimentary scales for used for measurement….but no people. It is the “intimate lens versus the distant lens” not only in photography but in writing as well.
Mittry Lake, or Molokai?
Chris in his kayak
So I have always plotted my course based on the visual rather than the visceral. If there is going to be any “chatting up of the locals,” it falls to my fellow traveling companions. My view of immersing myself in the local culture is usually limited to asking for directions. I get to know a place by searching out the palpability of the beauty, not the behavior.
Overlooking the canal from the hiking trail
Which one of these is not like the others?
Have I mentioned lately how much I love my solar?
So I had both concern and curiosity about visiting such a place as the “border town” of Yuma. It seems to elicit a vast difference of opinions, from descriptions evoking a “gag reflex,” to Mecca for a million snowbirds. I looked forward to seeing it for myself.
That’s California across the canal.
Note to Self: Don’t step out in front of Gayle for a photo when she’s going downhill. 😉
Admittedly, Yuma has to be one of the most unpleasant and unappealing towns I have visited. Flat. Hot. Dry. Dusty. Crowded. Boring. Homogenous. Geriatric. Frustrating. Downright Decrepit. If you try to go anywhere or get anything accomplished before the “Early Bird Special” dinner hour, forget it. Grocery carts move at a snail’s pace. Fender Benders are frequent. And the Post Office is a gaggle of snow geese. The freeways are lined with miles of RV bone-yards, an echo of abandoned dreams.
Barbie’s Boondock Hair
Barbara’s “Palms” RV and Denise’s Toy Hauler across the canal.
Kidnapping attempt in progress
So why is a “places person” still in such a dreadful place? Well, for the people, of course! 😉 We have amassed quite a gathering of people and pets here on the bluff overlooking Mittry Lake, just 15 miles north of Yuma. Jim and Gayle, Debbie, Chris, Jeanne, Kim, Barbara, Denise, and Jimbo, with a few “cameo appearances” like my lighthouse nutter buddy Nina, all people I have met through six degrees of blogging.
Wheelingit Nina comes for a visit!
Tribal Meeting
Seeing Hans and Lisa again, and meeting Ian and Kate.
It’s probably the closest thing to a sixties commune I will ever experience. And the best part of communal living is, there is always someone going in to town for water, groceries, etc., so it is possible to enjoy Yuma without the “Yuck.” 😉
So do you tend to be a “places” traveler or a “people” traveler? No fair saying “both.” If you want a clue, look at your photo card….
(P.S. For those who asked for the recipe for the Portuguese Soup, I posted it at the bottom of the comments section of the previous post.)
Sounds like you’ve been having lots of fun with people – a continuation of what I’ve noticed for the past 6 months. You may not take many people pictures, but you’ve clearly found a bunch of folks you enjoy.
I’m definitely a “places” person, but as you have found out, spending quality time with quality people is pretty good, too.
Could not agree more with your thoughts on Yuma or being a “places” person. I think we found a spot that would rival the slow pace in the stores, crowded restaurants and horrible traffic. Fort Myers, love the people we are visiting here but cannot wait to leave!!!!!!
Introvert here…Places for sure!
It seems you’ve found your “road tribe”! The one thing that can redeem Yuma…
as they say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder…”
I am with you – totally a places person all the way. But…sometimes the people are what make the place so special. Oh, and you’re description of Yuma is spot on 🙂
I have always considered myself eye candy. Does that make me a people or places person?
JIm
That is so funny!
I’m absolutely a places person. Only occasionally do I wish for people. The exception was Alaska, where I was amazed at how different life is way up there, especially in the wild areas. It was interesting to talk to folks and see what they do everyday.
Totally agree about Yuma. We stop once per year for less than 48 hours so I can shop. NIce to see you having a good time with friends.
Our very first destination with our brand new travel trailer was Yuma. Our response was one of horror. We left for Tucson as soon as we could.
Hey Suzanne, You got some great pics of our little paradise here at Mittry Lake. Mind if I borrow some ? I haven’t taken a decent pic yet !!
Hi, Denise! I would be honored! Let me know which ones you want, and I will email them…
Your honest review of Yuma shows you have both “balls” and good taste. 🙂
That you endure it to be with friends, shows you also have a good heart…
BCB Mark
The Yuma Chamber of Commerce will be coming to see you later today……. 🙂 I think all your adjectives were completely accurate. But “sunny” seems to trump them all this time of year. My photos say places person but our travel plans currently focus on people so we’ll see how that goes :-)))))
Loved this posting. I am a people person, but my pictures are of places. Some times people are involved, but I do not do the people studies that you describe in your friends pictures. Mostly I think that is as I am a private person and respect the privacy of others and save the invasive pictures for family.
Keep up your fascinating postings we enjoy them always.
Definitely Places. In fact I have to remind myself to take photos of people on the few occasions I gather with them. Yuma has nothing to offer me. But Mittry Lake is nice, although I haven’t been there in years.
What a wonderful post Suzanne. Your pictures are fabulous. I love your first one and the great reflections in others. I am a places person although I love to people watch. However, if I had a great “hippie commune” opportunity like yours, I think I could become a more 50/50 places/people person pretty easily. Really appreciate your honest appraisal of Yuma – LOL at Jodee’s Chamber comment. Wish you’d bring your bunch to Florida since it looks more and more like I may never be able to get out there were all the communing is going on.