Yesterday was a Memorial Day = Holiday = Long Weekend. We went to Virginia Beach, which was Eldar’s sister idea. Me, Daniel and Eldar went together in Eldar’s rental car (Lincoln Town Car - big and nice. I took a nap on the back seat, using our beach towel as a blanket). We left Brooklyn Friday night around 6-7 p.m. and it took us about 9 hours to get to the destination place (well, we spent some time for a dinner at Applebee’s).

Virginia Beach was a lot of fun. Even though the ocean was still not all that warm, we went to swim in there numerous times on Saturday, and on Sunday we were playing and swimming and laughing in the water for more then an hour. I guess that’s why I got a cold. Sneezing and coughing and have a mild fever now. But it was totally worth it. Like my boss said today - it’s good to be young!

We also went to see “X-Men: The Last Stand”. For one thing, I wasn’t bored. Lots of action, some story, development of old and introduction of new heroes- what else one could desire from the movie of such kind? We’re definitely planning to see the next one when and if it comes out.

This trip to Virginia Beach was mine and Daniel’s second visit to that area. We spent an entire vacation there couple of years ago (summer 2004). Back in the days we stayed in Comfort Inn, which is 2 blocks away from the ocean. This time Danya and Eldar picked a more fancy place - Courtyard by Marriott Oceanfront Hotel. A room was a bit overpriced IMHO, but we enjoyed a beautiful view from the little balcony. I love the sound of the ocean. It interconnects with the shrieks of the people - special beach noise.

We got burned by the sun. Was my fault mostly. I decided that I want to look like I spend a couple of days on a beach, so I didn’t use a sunblock lotion. Danya just totally forgot about it (he loathes the whole procedure of putting it on, so I usually do it for him). So we spend about 3 hours on the sun unprotected and even though Danya tried to cover his back with the towel and Eldar put his t-shirt on it didn’t help. I was proudly and mindlessly wearing just my new swimming suit and I’m still paying the price. My back and shoulders hurt!!! And in the last couple of days the suspicion arouse in my mind that bra was originally designed as a special tool to torture stupid women like me. Oh well, next time we’ll be more careful.

One more thing that I enjoyed is drinking Corona with lime on the balcony. I was surprised by the taste. Added a lot of lime slices (Eldar had to cut them with a plastic knife) and it just gave the beer the aroma and unmistakable bitter-sour lime taste. Yum! But I guess the view, sounds and warm breezy weather added to my perception of this beverage.

It took us about 11 hours to get home. Traffic was terrible. But we expected it and weren’t too frustrated. All in all - this was a good weekend getaway and we’re hoping to go somewhere else on the next 3 day off deal.