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Is It Possible to Stay Sober Over Summer Vacation?
Do the words sober and vacation equal fun?
We arrived breathless at the Vedado home, a stately stone structure with a modern interior, eager to learn the secrets of Cuban cuisine despite our late arrival. My new husband and I were famished in the way of travelers who, lost in time and space, didn’t feel hunger until the situation grew dire. We pulled up to the table, lovingly set with custom flatware and bejeweled napkin rings, ready to chop and dice our way into a full meal.
But first, Mojito time!
I should’ve known. After traveling the globe sober, I’ve turned down more free drinks than I was ever offered when I was actually drinking.
Feeling like the oddball nondrinker had been an unsavory aspect of being sober in a drinker’s world from the start. Back then, I couldn’t imagine heading off to parts unknown without even wine to smooth the path. Was I really supposed to enjoy Paris without Champagne? India without arrack? Thailand without Singha?
Alcohol, the great icebreaker
I always wanted to travel. Having grown up in a family that moved all the time — no, not military; you can read more about my mom here and my dad here — I was primed for it. I was twelve when started saving for a…
