Go West Young Man

After a bout with bronchitis which had the potential to ruin my trip, I left for Palm Springs. My doctor wasn't so sure I should go, but since he never called me back with the chest xray results I chalked it up to him just covering his butt and I got on the plane.

I had never been to California before and was a little scared about traveling alone. My desire eventually overcame my fear. I'm glad I went. The weather was gorgeous. The pool and jacuzzi were a godsend. The people I met were genuinely friendly and personable.

I stayed in a gay men's resort in South Palm Springs. It was a bit far from the downtown area, but I really didn't care. I was there to relax and unwind.

Since my body was still on PA time, I got up extremely early and took a leisurely walk around the neighborhood which was full of rancher style homes with tile roofs and manicured lawns in the shadow of the mountains. The pic above was taken on one of my daily walkabouts. The sun hitting the mountain peaks at 7 am was breathtaking.

Getting to Palm Springs wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I had a layover in Dallas, TX which only lasted an hour. Not too bad. On the way home to Philly, my plane was diverted to Dulles in DC due to inclement weather. It felt like it took forever to get home.

But I finally made it in one piece. My parents looked after the felines who were surprised to see me when I got back. They had this look on their faces as if to say "Oh yeah...I remember you. Where'd you go?"

My goal on this trip was to relax and to see if I was strong enough to make that journey on my own. I'm proud to say that I did it.

While I was there I met a guy from Vegas who is in the military. We discussed how his family doesn't accept him and how he has to hide his sexuality at work so as not to be discharged. Don't ask, don't tell is a bitch.
I also met a couple from San Diego who were so friendly and interesting. We chatted into the night while soaking in the jacuzzi. There were others there from Connecticut, Chicago and LA who were all such nice guys. There was a real warm atmosphere at this place for which I was grateful. Sometimes with the gays it can get catty, but this wasn't the case at all.

There was also a Mexican guy from LA who was struggling with the murder/suicide of his uncle/father. He was in the closet and had a son. I really felt for the guy as he really seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Dealing with violent, unexpected deaths in the family as well as sexuality issues and not seeing his son as often as he'd like must be unbearable. He said he was in counseling which I was happy to hear. I hope he gets the help he needs.

All in all...the trip was a success. The only thing that bothers me is that with every trip I take I feel myself pulling away from Philadelphia emotionally. I used to think this city was great--full of character, culture and history. But it pales in comparison to other American/Canadian destinations. Maybe it's time to consider moving.