What is Luxury?

Dining room at Le Meridien

Most people would agree that staying in a 5-star hotel is probably pretty luxurious and I would agree. That’s why I thoroughly enjoyed my two-day stay at the Le Meridien in Ho Chi Minh City (the amazing bathtub and cloud-like bed especially). However, in my time traveling through Asia, I’ve realized I have a new definition of luxury:

Anything that isn’t absolutely necessary is a luxury in that moment. 

Library lounge at Le Meridien

So my thoughts about this started swirling around when I happened to stay in a hotel that had two items that for me were completely luxurious, a pool and a lamp by the bed that could be easily switched off when I’d had lulled myself to sleepiness by reading. 

The lamp was the first thing I focused on. Most of my other rooms required that I turn the light off somewhere near the door – therefore nowhere near the bed on which I lay prone, completely relaxed and ready to nod off.  I found myself so thankful for this simple feature as I rolled over and flipped the switch. 

Le Meridien's 9th floor pool.

It wasn’t until I stepped into the still warm salt water of the pool at my hotel in Siem Reap my first night there that I truly appreciated the magnitude of having a pool at the hotel. Oddly enough, I had one in Alona Beach, Philippines, and I used it. It was just outside my room, but this pool in Cambodia was somehow more relaxing and more enjoyable. The ownership had surrounded this one with palms and lovely cabana chairs. There was even an arbor to one side. This pool felt personal and therefore more luxurious. And on top of all that, I had the great pleasure of meeting very fun, nice people in and around that pool!

The pool in Siem Reap

In the little hotel I’m staying in here in Ho Chi Minh City, there’s not much that could be considered luxurious until you consider that the convenience store next door is open 24/7 in case I need something and anything I wish to eat I can find in one of the many restaurants within 50 feet of the hotel. Tonight I found wonderful Indian food I’d happily pay much more for – an incredible chicken curry – at the amazing price of $3.11. Now that’s luxury!

Perspective is the number one factor in determining luxury, followed closely by gratitude. What’s a luxury to you?

Bloody Mary versus Gin & Tonic

An actual Mary I consumed on Pub Street in Siem Reap!

Red and I have been sipping Bloody Marys on our verandas for as long as she’s been in existence (2011 by publication date) and I feel like a bit of a traitor here but I’ve just discovered the Gin & Tonic.

It’s a bit ironic to me that at the ripe old age of 63 I’ve just stumbled on such a popular drink that’s been around forever – well a long time anyway. Especially having been a cocktail waitress for a few years back in my youth. 

It happened poolside when I was hanging out with some new traveler pals and one of them ordered the tall cool drink and I caught a whiff of the gin. Ooooo baby, it smelled good!

So, of course, I ordered one and really, really loved it. 

There’s the downside of a gin and tonic, however. Unlike the Bloody Mary, I got a bit tipsy right away and discovered my limit is definitely one. With Marys I never feel any kind of inebriation – just a tiny bit relaxed. It must be all that tomato juice.

So, it’s a toss-up for me. Red’s a bit of a diehard on things like this so she’ll probably stick with the Marys. I will most likely alternate. 

Yes! That’s the only fair thing to do.

 

A New Veranda

Our new veranda.

So Red and I are sitting by the pool, in Siem Reap, Cambodia, waiting for our swimsuits to drip dry a bit…

Red: Shall I get us another Anchor beer?

Kathy: No, I’m good for now.

Red: I’m getting a couple for the frig for our veranda time tonight.

I just nod as she makes her way to the poolside bar and puts a couple of cold ones on our tab. She’s having such a good time, but trying to keep up with that girl! Oh, Lord, I may just have to allot myself a recovery nap while she explores Pub Street again! She returns, her alcoholic booty in hand.

Relaxation time!

Red: Ready? 

Kathy: Sure. What are you going to do while I take a nap.

Red: See that cute guy over there?

Kathy: (spotting the tall, dark and handsome she’s locked in on) Yep. He’s a looker alright.

Red: He invited me to play a game of pool.

I chuckle, knowing full-well she was trying to get rid of me so she could get acquainted with her latest interest.

The scene of the crime, oops, I mean pool game.

Kathy: Would you like me to take the beer up with me?

Red smiles sheepishly. At least she’s capable of feeling sheepish. I love my outrageous, audacious character/friend.

Red: If you don’t mind?

This time I give her a full-bodied laugh. 

Kathy: Nope. You have fun. I’ll see you in a couple of hours?

Red: Veranda time, right?

Red and I have traditionally had our best conversations on verandas (real or imagined) all over the world. It's nice to have a real one in a foreign country!

Kathy: Yes, I’ll be ready for some veranda time before we head out or dinner.

Red: See you then?

I lean in for the next bit.

Kathy: (whispering) Don’t you dare let him win!

She just grins knowing I know all her tricks. Hell, I invented them for her. I leave my protagonist behind to gather some rich material for the next book – See Red Run – a work-in-progress.

We've come a long way baby!