Healthcare Traveler - July 2008 - (Page 19)

was nearing the end of my 1,098- mile journey from my home state of Washington to my travel assignment in Thousand Oaks, California, when I pulled off for a little rest in the sunshine. The Pacific waters had only peeked through at times along the scenic drive on Highway 101. Still, from those few glances, I knew I wanted a closer look. Winding down the spiral streets of Santa Barbara, I hoped I was getting closer to the ocean. Finally, I found a free spot at an ocean-view park. As I got out of my vehicle, I saw hordes of people exercising. At first, I thought the stereotypes I’d heard about Californians’ obsession with physical appearance and sun worshipping might be true. Then, I realized all the tawny, leggy athletes were simply competing in a race. Silly me. While the athletes ran, they had to dodge playing children and mothers with strollers. It was my first glimpse at how populated Southern California is, as even its parks are crowded. I made my way across the grass and leaned against a fence, which guarded the edge of the cliff that overlooked the ocean. The temperature was perfectly warm, and the breeze was just strong enough to gently blow my hair away from my face. It felt as if I’d been stepping onto the edge of the world; the moment was so serene. Below, I could see a father teaching his son how to surf. This mesmerized me, as where I’m from fathers may show their sons how to fish for trout, hunt deer, or catch a baseball, but certainly never how to surf a wave. And then it happened. I shall never forget the moment, as it seemed the heavens opened and angels were singing. They might as well have as I overlooked the crashing, caressing waves of the Pacific Ocean, with the salt breeze on the tip of my tongue and the autumn sunshine on my face. Suddenly, a flock of pelicans flew right in front of me, so close I could see their glassy eyes. They moved with such grace it was as if their outstretched wings were flapping in slow motion. Looking around in amazement, I was fascinated to see that no one else seemed to take note of the delightful scene. I almost wanted to shout,“Did you see that?!” to the crowd. Since I didn’t spot anyone else with a camera or an astonished expression, I’m certain everyone knew I was a tourist. Later, I learned the brown pelican is actually quite common in California, which is why no one else at the park seemed to take notice. But, to me, that moment was my own private miracle. I had never before laid eyes on the great, feathered creatures. It was then, amid the sunshine, ocean breeze, and natural wonders that I felt like I was standing where God lives. And a little piece of me felt as if I were home. Falling in love with the lifestyle In that short period of time, I’d become quite taken with the heavenly city of Santa Barbara. While I was only there for a pit stop, it foreshadowed the things to come. So, after a July 2008 Healthcare Traveler 19

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - July 2008

Healthcare Traveler - July 2008 Editor's Desk Contents By the Numbers Paws for Thought In a Flash Field Notes California Love Affair Taking Your Home on the Road Drug Update Clinical Tips Cityscape Advertisers' Index Name It When In... Good for You Big Deals Tax Facts Going the Distance Contest Rules Starter's Kit Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - July 2008

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