Before Nashville, before the Czech Republic, and before Atlanta…Florida was my home for nearly five years. As I arrived in Tampa, I had just spent a year in the cool, misty beauty of Washington State, freshly relocated from the much cooler climate of northern Slovakia. So you can imagine my surprise when I stepped outside Tampa’s airport in July—I still remember that moment vividly – grabbing my luggage and heading for the airport exit, doors open and…bam! The heat and humidity hit me like a brick wall.
Having grown up in Slovakia, summers were much milder – sunny days with a touch of cooler nights. And of course, my year in Washington hadn’t prepared me for Tampa’s relentless heat. Moving from there to Florida’s sticky, tropical climate was pretty much entering a new world. For those first months, it wasn’t just different…it was exhausting.
But the thing about Florida, at least for me, is that it easily grows on you. The heat that once felt unbearable eventually becomes just another part of daily life. You find ways to stay cool in the summer, and the winters become a constant reminder of why you live there.
Then there’s that moment when you realize you’ve adapted – you’re the one wearing a sweater in 70-degree weather.
Even though we’ve moved away, Florida continues to call us back…and we happily answer. Thanksgiving week has become our annual Florida holiday, a time to reconnect and soak in some warmth. And soon, I’ll become the tourist taking a break from colder temps—wearing t-shirts, feet wading in the gulf in November…far from wearing a sweater.
And I can’t wait. It’ll feel good to be back again – driving around the areas where we used to live, revisiting our old spots, and spending time with friends who feel more like family. Even though it’s been several years since we moved away, I’ve always felt that we’d live there again one day. But for now, visits like this will do.
I didn’t know it at the time, but Tampa would end up leaving a lasting impression on me like no other place has. Now, seeing our kids fall in love with Florida has been an unexpected joy – and their excitement is contagious. From the first time they saw the beaches and palm trees, they wanted to move there. We’ll see if that lasts.
For now, we visit, soak up some sunshine, visit with friends, and look at making some new memories. And every time we leave, it feels less like goodbye and more like, “Until next time.”
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
