Leora Tripp - Week 3: The Wonders of Captiva Island

 

    

    Captiva Island, a small island off Florida's Gulf Coast, has been a second home to my family for the past twelve years. The island is notorious for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. As I've grown up, I have stayed on the island every summer with my family. We have all experienced many firsts in Captiva; swimming with wild dolphins, learning how to jetski, admiring the kind nature of wild manatees, and seeing some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises imaginable. 

    What I find especially remarkable about Captiva (aside from the abundance of dolphins and sunsets) is the nonchalant and friendly nature of the people living on the island or its neighboring island, Sanibel. I don't know if it has to do with the beautiful beaches or clear weather that puts the people on the West Coast in such a good mood, but to this day, I have not had any bad interactions with anyone on the island. Even when my family stops at the local grocery store on our trip down, every worker and local shopper goes out of their way to help us. They recommend activities nearby, offer to help load our groceries, and always greet us with a friendly hello. Compared to the Publix near my house in Boca Raton, the atmosphere is simply not the same. 

When I'm on the island, it almost feels as though I'm part of a big family. Have you ever felt a similar connection to a family vacation spot?