10,503 miles. 75 days. 35 states. 1 EPIC trip.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Driving Blind
The weather is still pretty craptastic today as I leave Cynthiana, IN. I was hoping it would get better as I headed East but no such luck. It not only rained my ENTIRE way but it was also super foggy. At some points I could barely see the road because the fog was so dense. But this didn't slow me down...I had a bridge to see!
As I was driving I was debating if I wanted to just drive through to NJ. It would be a 16hr drive but I felt like I was up for it. I really was not in the mood to do the whole "get to know you" thing at another couch surfing house. I got lost trying to find the bridge and finally pulled over to ask where I was. I was 20mi in the wrong direction :(
When I got to the bridge it was getting dark and the rain had picked up again but I was not going anywhere until I saw this bridge! I drove over it and wasn't super impressed...pretty boring. But I went to the visitors center and walked down the 172 stairs to see the view. I am really glad I did because the bridge from below was beautiful and well worth the drive!
At this point I was determined to drive home. I was tired and sick of the weather but I knew I wouldn't sleep much tonight anyway and I really just wanted to sleep in my own bed with my Louie. The GPS said I would be there by 11:47pm so I figured if I made it home by 12am I would be good.
The drive wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, despite the weather. I drove through the entire state of West Virginia and drove through Maryland and Pennsylvania. I was home by 12:04am! Good timing! Now I am exhausted but I wanted to do some things before I went to bed. My original idea was to wait until my mom got off of work at 3am but I don't think I am going to last that long!
It's good to be home!
As I was driving I was debating if I wanted to just drive through to NJ. It would be a 16hr drive but I felt like I was up for it. I really was not in the mood to do the whole "get to know you" thing at another couch surfing house. I got lost trying to find the bridge and finally pulled over to ask where I was. I was 20mi in the wrong direction :(
When I got to the bridge it was getting dark and the rain had picked up again but I was not going anywhere until I saw this bridge! I drove over it and wasn't super impressed...pretty boring. But I went to the visitors center and walked down the 172 stairs to see the view. I am really glad I did because the bridge from below was beautiful and well worth the drive!
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| New River Gorge Bridge, WV |
At this point I was determined to drive home. I was tired and sick of the weather but I knew I wouldn't sleep much tonight anyway and I really just wanted to sleep in my own bed with my Louie. The GPS said I would be there by 11:47pm so I figured if I made it home by 12am I would be good.
The drive wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, despite the weather. I drove through the entire state of West Virginia and drove through Maryland and Pennsylvania. I was home by 12:04am! Good timing! Now I am exhausted but I wanted to do some things before I went to bed. My original idea was to wait until my mom got off of work at 3am but I don't think I am going to last that long!
It's good to be home!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Rain won't stop us!
I have been very blessed with the weather on this trip. So far it has only rained 3 days out of 73 so I really can't complain about that. Jennifer and I got up and headed out early back to New Harmony. We went back to the spots we were at last night like the bridge, Indiana sign, the roof-less church, Harmony Labyrinth, and the outdoor gardens at the New Harmony Inn. It was such a cute town and the rain was very good to us; when we wanted to get out and get some pictures it stopped, and when we were driving it poured. It was pretty perfect.
After exploring New Harmony we drove out to Evansville for lunch and to see the Ohio River. Today I stood on the edge of Indiana and Illinois and Indiana and Kentucky (across the river). I am officially in the mid-West Tri-State area :) We were going to go to the art museum in Evansville but at this point it was raining and we both were ready to head home and watch a movie. Plus I have really been slacking on my photo book and my to-do list that never goes away (even on vacation!). I also wanted to start applying for some more jobs.
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| such a pretty park! |
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| Where it all started... |
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Full Circle
Well, I'm back in Indiana! I haven't been here since September! I have officially made a full circle!
Last night Trish and I went out to a pub for dinner called the Black Horse Pub and Brewery and walked around Clarksville a bit. They have some awesome architecture in the city and a few sculptures around so it was nice to walk around. Trish also knew a lot about the city so it was nice to hear all the background info on the city as well. We went down to the river and got to see a preview of the Christmas lights along the River Walk. I got to fee like a celebrity with her because any phone call she got she would say she was with her "couch surfer" and they all knew all about me already including my name!
Woke up to an early morning phone call which worked out well since I needed to get going anyway. Trish made breakfast and typically, I'm not a breakfast person but I could not resist the cream cheese danish she had popped in the oven! We chatted and enjoyed that danish before I had to head out. Trish had packed me some snacks and gave me a Christmas present before I left. I stayed with her, not the other way around yet she gave me a present!
Mammoth Caves was only 1.5hrs north so I was there by 10:30am and already looking to get on a tour. I took the 2hr New Entrance tour which was supposed to be the best for photo ops. The tour didn't start until noon so I went and wandered the gift shop and had lunch at the cafe on property. I also had to get my shoes cleaned and quarantined since I have been in other caves in the last 3 years due to the outbreak of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bats. The mortalities rate in over 90% in the first years after contracting the disease. And now the bats could face extinction within the next 15 years! No good!
The tour started with meeting our guides; Dominic and Lance and a bus ride out to the entrance and then we (a group of over 40ppl) started off. The cave system is over 392mi long (longest in the world) and we were going to do about a quarter mile of it. It was a total of about 500 stairs and I expected it to be like the caves we did in Missouri this summer but it was very different. The walkways were very narrow and not lit well at all. Good thing I'm not claustrophobic because you had to squeeze and bend through the pathways. There were three main rooms we stopped in to chat and turn off the lights to see how dark it truly was and lots of stairs and fun walkways. We didn't see any bats but we did find a snake and some cave crickets. I made some friends along the way and we swapped cameras throughout which worked out great for everyone!
I think that the Mammoth Cave Tour was one of the highlights of my trip. I just really enjoy things like this and hearing the history behind it and walking through this underground world. I am so glad I got the opportunity to stop! After the tour ended it was time to continue north to Cynthiana, Indiana to see Jennifer. This drive was only 3hrs and I made good time! Most of the drive was in KY and when I hit IN I only was about 25mi to Jennifer's house. Really glad I didn't do this in the beginning of my trip like I had originally planned...it would have been way out of my way! I was at her house by 5pm!
We went down to New Harmony for dinner and she showed me around that area. Today I crossed over from KY to IN but she showed me the bridge that connects IL and IN. We also happened to hit downtown on a good night because the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art was having an opening for a new show and we got to go in and look around. I really liked the artwork that was being shown so we spent a good amount of time walking around and seeing it. We both decided that tomorrow we are going to go back in the daylight and check the area out again. There were a ton of fun little features that I want to take pictures of!
Last night Trish and I went out to a pub for dinner called the Black Horse Pub and Brewery and walked around Clarksville a bit. They have some awesome architecture in the city and a few sculptures around so it was nice to walk around. Trish also knew a lot about the city so it was nice to hear all the background info on the city as well. We went down to the river and got to see a preview of the Christmas lights along the River Walk. I got to fee like a celebrity with her because any phone call she got she would say she was with her "couch surfer" and they all knew all about me already including my name!
Woke up to an early morning phone call which worked out well since I needed to get going anyway. Trish made breakfast and typically, I'm not a breakfast person but I could not resist the cream cheese danish she had popped in the oven! We chatted and enjoyed that danish before I had to head out. Trish had packed me some snacks and gave me a Christmas present before I left. I stayed with her, not the other way around yet she gave me a present!
Mammoth Caves was only 1.5hrs north so I was there by 10:30am and already looking to get on a tour. I took the 2hr New Entrance tour which was supposed to be the best for photo ops. The tour didn't start until noon so I went and wandered the gift shop and had lunch at the cafe on property. I also had to get my shoes cleaned and quarantined since I have been in other caves in the last 3 years due to the outbreak of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bats. The mortalities rate in over 90% in the first years after contracting the disease. And now the bats could face extinction within the next 15 years! No good!
The tour started with meeting our guides; Dominic and Lance and a bus ride out to the entrance and then we (a group of over 40ppl) started off. The cave system is over 392mi long (longest in the world) and we were going to do about a quarter mile of it. It was a total of about 500 stairs and I expected it to be like the caves we did in Missouri this summer but it was very different. The walkways were very narrow and not lit well at all. Good thing I'm not claustrophobic because you had to squeeze and bend through the pathways. There were three main rooms we stopped in to chat and turn off the lights to see how dark it truly was and lots of stairs and fun walkways. We didn't see any bats but we did find a snake and some cave crickets. I made some friends along the way and we swapped cameras throughout which worked out great for everyone!
I think that the Mammoth Cave Tour was one of the highlights of my trip. I just really enjoy things like this and hearing the history behind it and walking through this underground world. I am so glad I got the opportunity to stop! After the tour ended it was time to continue north to Cynthiana, Indiana to see Jennifer. This drive was only 3hrs and I made good time! Most of the drive was in KY and when I hit IN I only was about 25mi to Jennifer's house. Really glad I didn't do this in the beginning of my trip like I had originally planned...it would have been way out of my way! I was at her house by 5pm!
We went down to New Harmony for dinner and she showed me around that area. Today I crossed over from KY to IN but she showed me the bridge that connects IL and IN. We also happened to hit downtown on a good night because the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art was having an opening for a new show and we got to go in and look around. I really liked the artwork that was being shown so we spent a good amount of time walking around and seeing it. We both decided that tomorrow we are going to go back in the daylight and check the area out again. There were a ton of fun little features that I want to take pictures of!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Pink Cady
I slept like a rock last night. I think that an atomic bomb could have gone off and I would have missed it. I can't remember the last time I had an actual full nights sleep. Too bad I missed my alarm and woke up late. I initially panicked and then realized that it really wasn't that big of a deal. Brittany and Rob had already left for work so I locked up and headed out (my car started just fine). It was only a 3hr drive to Nashville and I was going right through another time zone. Hello Central Time! I missed you! (NOT).
I was on 75N most of the way but it was the oddest thing that I got into TN and missed the sign! I was bummed I missed it but kept driving. Then next thing you know I am seeing a sign saying "Welcome to Georgia!" WTF?! How did I get back into GA?! Now I had to try and figure out how I did this...I was paying attention sort of...I was blasting music and the GPS was on mute so it's entirely possible I made a wrong turn. But I didn't! (Now you're confused aren't you...?) This silly road snaked back and fourth over the state line! And it was perfect because I got another opportunity to get a picture of the "Welcome to Tennessee" sign! Love it!
I made it to Nashville which has a BEAUTIFUL skyline and made my way to Centennial Park and saw the Parthenon. It was a pretty area and the fall colors and weather were a definite plus. I really wasn't expecting GA and TN to be so cold! I better get ready for KY and IN tomorrow...I may actually get to use my winter coat on this trip after all!
I walked around the park and then found a playground with swings and spent some time there. I thought swings or another landmark?...swings won this mental battle hands down. Then it was off to the Grand Ole Opry! When I got there I had no idea it was actually located in the Gaylord Hotel. I drove around and around thinking I was lost and actually hung up on Lisa so I could figure it out when really I was just driving circles around it. I don't really know what I was expecting but this wasn't it. The hotel did have all of their holiday decorations out so I drove through them and decided not to pay the $18 to park and go in. Call me cheap but my budget is too small this late in the game to pay that parking fee. And besides my sister wants to come back so today was just me making some mental notes for when we come back. I will also have to do the Nash Trash Tour Rachel told me about...it's booked through December so if we do come back I will have to call in advance for that!
I don't have to be a Trish's house until 6pm so I took some time to hit Panera (I know, I know) and steal some Internet. I was supposed to be job hunting but I got distracted with Tj on the phone and Amelia on Facebook. It's only 3pm here now so I still have time to get back on track. The people at Panera are going to ask me for rent soon...I have switched tables three times now too just to change the scenery :)
I'm excited to see Trish again. Cindy and I met her in the hostel in Monterrey, CA so I'm not couch surfing officially tonight and it will be nice to see a face I already know. Now I can tell her how the rest of my trip is going and catch up a bit on her trip she was on when I met her. Tomorrow I am heading up to Monmouth Caves in Kentucky and then to see Jennifer in Indiana! I can't believe this trip is coming to such a rapid ending. 5 days left!
Trish just called and she wants me to come earlier so we can go to dinner downtown! Job hunting will have to wait until tomorrow becasuse I am off to Clarksville, TN!
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| Round 2! |
I made it to Nashville which has a BEAUTIFUL skyline and made my way to Centennial Park and saw the Parthenon. It was a pretty area and the fall colors and weather were a definite plus. I really wasn't expecting GA and TN to be so cold! I better get ready for KY and IN tomorrow...I may actually get to use my winter coat on this trip after all!
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| I waited for all the school groups to get out of the way :) |
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| Not only expected but TOTALLY acceptable in Nashville! |
I'm excited to see Trish again. Cindy and I met her in the hostel in Monterrey, CA so I'm not couch surfing officially tonight and it will be nice to see a face I already know. Now I can tell her how the rest of my trip is going and catch up a bit on her trip she was on when I met her. Tomorrow I am heading up to Monmouth Caves in Kentucky and then to see Jennifer in Indiana! I can't believe this trip is coming to such a rapid ending. 5 days left!
Trish just called and she wants me to come earlier so we can go to dinner downtown! Job hunting will have to wait until tomorrow becasuse I am off to Clarksville, TN!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wake Up Call
Today I am finally going to get back into the car and head to Atlanta. I have changed the date three times now because I just wasn't ready to leave Jacksonville. Tj had left for work without saying goodbye and I didn't know if that was because he was mad about last night or what. So I packed up and shot him a text saying bye to get a phone call saying he was on his way back to the house (thank god). Long story short I don't really know how I felt when I left. He seemed totally normal but the situation still felt off to me. But we said goodbye and he was gone. I left shortly after and got on the road.
The drive wasn't bad and I stopped right over the border in GA for gas and lunch. As I was getting lunch my car decided to die. I lost control of my pedals and I just coasted to a stop. I turned the car off knowing that may be a bad idea but what options did I really have?! It turned on and I got it into a parking spot. I turned it on and off three times with no issues. I had 2 missed calls from Tj (I play the music pretty loud)so I figured that it was time to ask some "car questions". I thought it was the battery but he said it may be the alternator. Not ok. But I pulled out my Mazda paperwork and they did a full inspection on the car and my battery was at 100%. So great...another car repair in my future? Luckily, I was able to finish the drive and get to Atlanta with no further issues.
I first headed to Lithia Springs to see Wolcott and catch up with her. She moved to Atlanta only a few months ago and is still fairly new to the area herself. I got to see her new place, play with the kitties and then we went through some of her photographs. We also went through old summer camp photos and videos from our Shamu submersion 2 summers ago. It was a great afternoon with an old friend especially after the day I had yesterday. I was with Jen for only a few hours before heading on to see Brittany and Rob on the other side of the city.
Atlanta traffic sucks. I should have been bothered by the 6-lane bumper to bumper traffic but for some reason I found it relaxing. I watched everyone else shutter around and jump lanes in a hurry while I just stayed in my lane and watched the show. Atlanta has a beautiful skyline so it was almost scenic to be sitting in the traffic.
I found the apartment no problem and immediately caught up and swapped stories. I really haven't talked to Britney since I graduated so it was just nice to catch up. She made dinner and dessert :) After dinner we watched Zoo Keeper and I was able to catch up on some photos from this past week. I am exhausted. Looking back I probably got about 5hrs of sleep the last two nights. I am forcing myself to stay up a while longer so I know I will get a good nights sleep because I head to Nashville.
*on a fun note I got to dodge cotton on the road today :)
The drive wasn't bad and I stopped right over the border in GA for gas and lunch. As I was getting lunch my car decided to die. I lost control of my pedals and I just coasted to a stop. I turned the car off knowing that may be a bad idea but what options did I really have?! It turned on and I got it into a parking spot. I turned it on and off three times with no issues. I had 2 missed calls from Tj (I play the music pretty loud)so I figured that it was time to ask some "car questions". I thought it was the battery but he said it may be the alternator. Not ok. But I pulled out my Mazda paperwork and they did a full inspection on the car and my battery was at 100%. So great...another car repair in my future? Luckily, I was able to finish the drive and get to Atlanta with no further issues.
I first headed to Lithia Springs to see Wolcott and catch up with her. She moved to Atlanta only a few months ago and is still fairly new to the area herself. I got to see her new place, play with the kitties and then we went through some of her photographs. We also went through old summer camp photos and videos from our Shamu submersion 2 summers ago. It was a great afternoon with an old friend especially after the day I had yesterday. I was with Jen for only a few hours before heading on to see Brittany and Rob on the other side of the city.
Atlanta traffic sucks. I should have been bothered by the 6-lane bumper to bumper traffic but for some reason I found it relaxing. I watched everyone else shutter around and jump lanes in a hurry while I just stayed in my lane and watched the show. Atlanta has a beautiful skyline so it was almost scenic to be sitting in the traffic.
I found the apartment no problem and immediately caught up and swapped stories. I really haven't talked to Britney since I graduated so it was just nice to catch up. She made dinner and dessert :) After dinner we watched Zoo Keeper and I was able to catch up on some photos from this past week. I am exhausted. Looking back I probably got about 5hrs of sleep the last two nights. I am forcing myself to stay up a while longer so I know I will get a good nights sleep because I head to Nashville.
*on a fun note I got to dodge cotton on the road today :)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Screw Up
Today is one of those days where nothing goes right.
Later I got to see both Luke and Shanda. Shanda came over and we watched Bones while Mike and Tj grilled outside. Luke was only here for a short while but I was glad I got to see him! Shanda, Mike, Tj, and myself sat outside and grilled for the rest of the night. And my problems were just beginning. I have a lot to learn and last night I learned some valuable lessons. I also am pretty sure I lost my best friend for the final time. Some things just can't be taken back. And the worst part is that this time 100% of the blame is all mine.
- I locked Tj out of his Merril Lynch account (oops)
- I went over my limit on my credit card
- Deleted some pictures I needed
- Misplaced my favorite shirt
Later I got to see both Luke and Shanda. Shanda came over and we watched Bones while Mike and Tj grilled outside. Luke was only here for a short while but I was glad I got to see him! Shanda, Mike, Tj, and myself sat outside and grilled for the rest of the night. And my problems were just beginning. I have a lot to learn and last night I learned some valuable lessons. I also am pretty sure I lost my best friend for the final time. Some things just can't be taken back. And the worst part is that this time 100% of the blame is all mine.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
My favorite things
Alarms should never go off at 5:30am. I am a firm believer in this, yet today at 5:30am the alarm went off and I sat up and yelled at it like it was going to change something. Originally I was leaving today for Atlanta but I decided to spend another day in Jax. I still haven't seen all of the people I wanted to and I just am not ready to leave.
Tj went to work (hence the alarm) and I went back to sleep and slept much longer then I thought I would. I got up and worked on some paperwork and receipts before Tj came home and ruined my nicely organized travel box. We also talked about me staying another day and not leaving tomorrow which I agreed to. I really am only going to Atlanta for the people and I am just doing a day in Nashville since I never found any where to stay so staying another day in Jax is a great idea :)
I met Shanda for lunch and we got it to go and went to the park. The park we went to was my "go-to" spot in college and it was uphoric to go back and sit on the banks of the pond with a pizza and good friend. We were there almost 3hrs before she had to head back to class and I headed to Riverside to see Ashley. Riverside is such a pretty area! She is renting a room in a huge, old house that had so much character. She has 4 roommates so it's almost like a big frat house. I haven't seen her since May but we had a lot to catch up on since she has moved and started a new job since I saw her last.
When I got back to the house non of the keys worked in the back door and I faintly remember being told they were for the front door. Luckily, that worked and when I got in the house I saw that the kitchen table was covered with all of my maps and things that were in my box. When did he have time to stop back at the house and mess up all of my stuff again!? I didn't think much of it and walked to the fridge to get my Mountain Dew that I was saving and it was gone! Who does that?! Who comes home from work to screw with my stuff and steal the one thing I waited all day for?! Tj!
I got to be a co-cheft today. It's never a good idea to put me in the kitchen but I got to assist as Tj concocted something out of chicken, bacon, beans, corn, barbecue sauce, rice and tomato sauce. I don't know what it is but I'm skeptical.
Tj went to work (hence the alarm) and I went back to sleep and slept much longer then I thought I would. I got up and worked on some paperwork and receipts before Tj came home and ruined my nicely organized travel box. We also talked about me staying another day and not leaving tomorrow which I agreed to. I really am only going to Atlanta for the people and I am just doing a day in Nashville since I never found any where to stay so staying another day in Jax is a great idea :)
I met Shanda for lunch and we got it to go and went to the park. The park we went to was my "go-to" spot in college and it was uphoric to go back and sit on the banks of the pond with a pizza and good friend. We were there almost 3hrs before she had to head back to class and I headed to Riverside to see Ashley. Riverside is such a pretty area! She is renting a room in a huge, old house that had so much character. She has 4 roommates so it's almost like a big frat house. I haven't seen her since May but we had a lot to catch up on since she has moved and started a new job since I saw her last.
When I got back to the house non of the keys worked in the back door and I faintly remember being told they were for the front door. Luckily, that worked and when I got in the house I saw that the kitchen table was covered with all of my maps and things that were in my box. When did he have time to stop back at the house and mess up all of my stuff again!? I didn't think much of it and walked to the fridge to get my Mountain Dew that I was saving and it was gone! Who does that?! Who comes home from work to screw with my stuff and steal the one thing I waited all day for?! Tj!
I got to be a co-cheft today. It's never a good idea to put me in the kitchen but I got to assist as Tj concocted something out of chicken, bacon, beans, corn, barbecue sauce, rice and tomato sauce. I don't know what it is but I'm skeptical.
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| All my favorite things...This made up for the stolen one...now I have 36! |
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Great SHAMPOO
Shampoo = Shamu according to Tj...and by the end of the day even I was saying it.
SeaWorld Day Two but today I had a lot more to accomplish. I wanted to see Clyde and Seamore one more time and I was hoping to catch Kyle in One Ocean one more time. We started off at Manta, Turtle, Ray and D1 where Tj got to meet Omega. Omega greeted me by dropping a radio on my foot and busting it open. It really didn't hurt after the initial hit but it bled for most of the day. After going to first aid I found her later at Pinniped and we told her she broke my toe...she totally fell for it and kept apologizing. Really? Do you think I would be walking if you broke my big toe Omega?!?!
We walked through all the new Christmas decorations which were pretty awesome and we walked the bridge three times (my favorite!). I got to see Stacy, Omega, Whitney, Catherine, Mary, and Jenna today which was nice. It's funny to walk through SeaWorld and still feel like you work there. A guest came up to Stacy and asked for directions and I found myself wanting to answer her...I wonder if that will ever go away?
Tj also got me on rides today. I got on JTA and Manta. I haven't been on those rides in three years! Guilt trips apparently work really well on me. I love Manta but JTA is not a favorite at all. I hate it actually. We ended our day at Polar Express and then we were off to the outlets to get Tj a new shirt. Showers at Lisa's and off to the Celebration Town Tavern for dinner with almost 15 ppl. Tonight is going to be a blast and my last night in Otown until who knows when :(
We are driving back to Jacksonville tonight. I don't know how I feel about this at all.
SeaWorld Day Two but today I had a lot more to accomplish. I wanted to see Clyde and Seamore one more time and I was hoping to catch Kyle in One Ocean one more time. We started off at Manta, Turtle, Ray and D1 where Tj got to meet Omega. Omega greeted me by dropping a radio on my foot and busting it open. It really didn't hurt after the initial hit but it bled for most of the day. After going to first aid I found her later at Pinniped and we told her she broke my toe...she totally fell for it and kept apologizing. Really? Do you think I would be walking if you broke my big toe Omega?!?!
We walked through all the new Christmas decorations which were pretty awesome and we walked the bridge three times (my favorite!). I got to see Stacy, Omega, Whitney, Catherine, Mary, and Jenna today which was nice. It's funny to walk through SeaWorld and still feel like you work there. A guest came up to Stacy and asked for directions and I found myself wanting to answer her...I wonder if that will ever go away?
Tj also got me on rides today. I got on JTA and Manta. I haven't been on those rides in three years! Guilt trips apparently work really well on me. I love Manta but JTA is not a favorite at all. I hate it actually. We ended our day at Polar Express and then we were off to the outlets to get Tj a new shirt. Showers at Lisa's and off to the Celebration Town Tavern for dinner with almost 15 ppl. Tonight is going to be a blast and my last night in Otown until who knows when :(
We are driving back to Jacksonville tonight. I don't know how I feel about this at all.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sweatshirts defy all rules
11/12/11:
I was preoccupied when I got to Jax last night so it was my first official skip of the trip. But I got into Jax at noon and went to lunch and the beach with Rachel. Then I went to pick up Tj and Mike and went back to the house where we spent our night just hanging outside. Fell asleep watching some movie I don't remember.
11/13/11
Bones for a few hours. Drove to orlando. No Tampa afterall (stupid flights). DISNEY LIGHTS at MGM!!!!! Got to see Rebecca again for a bit at Disney and spent most of my day with Tj and Kristi :) Ended at T-Rex which is my FAVORITE place in all of Orlando with apps and drinks...one drink did me in and boy was it a show for all who were in my company! Too much fun!!
I was preoccupied when I got to Jax last night so it was my first official skip of the trip. But I got into Jax at noon and went to lunch and the beach with Rachel. Then I went to pick up Tj and Mike and went back to the house where we spent our night just hanging outside. Fell asleep watching some movie I don't remember.
11/13/11
Bones for a few hours. Drove to orlando. No Tampa afterall (stupid flights). DISNEY LIGHTS at MGM!!!!! Got to see Rebecca again for a bit at Disney and spent most of my day with Tj and Kristi :) Ended at T-Rex which is my FAVORITE place in all of Orlando with apps and drinks...one drink did me in and boy was it a show for all who were in my company! Too much fun!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
3 in 30
I did all 3 SeaWorlds in 30 days :)
- Brunch with Cindy
- SeaWorld with Waterman
- Met Killo at Dolphin Cove
- Got to see Julianna and Stacy
- Apetizers and dessert at Sharks Grill
- Saw One Ocean with Kelly M!
- Got to see Kyle in One Ocean!
- Dinner with Waterman and Killo
- Orena
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| Ashley and her dolphins |
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| Waterman and Kelley at One Ocean |
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FINALLY got to see Kyle in One Ocean! |
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Ridiculous!
I love when you can meet old friends and act like you never left them. It's one of my favorite things to know that most of my friendships where ever they may be, can be picked up no matter how long it's been since I have last seen or talked to them. Today I had lunch with Sandra and Meaghan and I was so excited to see them! They both brought their new babies, Zane and Ender and I brought Tiffany.
We were at lunch for almost 2hrs just catching up and chatting away about the "good old days" and how things have changed and no one is at SW anymore. I got to play with the babies and just sit and enjoy their company.
I also got a phone call today about my finances which made my day get even better. It won't help me until I get home which isn't helpful but at least I know there is light at the end of this dim tunnel. I just have to be super good for the next few weeks and spend money very minimally. I think I can do it and let's just be honest, I have to do it. This trip has been so amazing but I didn't plan on breaking down in Yellowstone and getting towed 3 times, I didn't plan on my car getting broken into in San Antonio, and I didn't plan on another repair bill here in Orlando. I planned this trip well, and I planned a buffer for car issues but not a huge buffer like I apparently needed. One of the most frustrating things about this trip is knowing how well I have been doing with keeping on budget (and giving things I had planned up) yet I am still struggling to make ends meet because of all the little things I wasn't expecting.
I have a very SMALL margin for error over the next two weeks so fingers crossed it's not going to be an issue because if I have to call anyone for money again I will just die. Or stop along my way and get a job because this is getting ridiculous. RIDICULOUS!
Later I went over to Cindy's for a bonfire. Bonfires at Cindy's are one of my favorite things to do because it's a chill atmosphere with lots of good people. I had talked to a lot of people before the bonfire so I knew that the turn out was going to be good! Becca drove all the way up from Tampa for it and even some Disney people came out! Cindy said she didn't need help setting up so I showed up at 6:30p and was immediately asked to see my tattoo. Tj and Laura loved it (bird people!) and finally I was in the company of people who knew what a pelican looked like! I got to catch up with everyone as I bopped around and then found my purple chair I left here 6mo ago and that became my new spot for the night. It was a perfect night minus the spots of rain we got :)
Thanks for coming...
Sabrina & Dave
Michele
Cindy
Kelly x2
Ashley & Tiffany
Rebecca & Chris
Becca
Sam
Meredith
Jessica
Sandi
Krissy
Kyle
Megan
Linda
Tj & Laura
Alma (aka Omega)
...I think I got everyone :)
We were at lunch for almost 2hrs just catching up and chatting away about the "good old days" and how things have changed and no one is at SW anymore. I got to play with the babies and just sit and enjoy their company.
I also got a phone call today about my finances which made my day get even better. It won't help me until I get home which isn't helpful but at least I know there is light at the end of this dim tunnel. I just have to be super good for the next few weeks and spend money very minimally. I think I can do it and let's just be honest, I have to do it. This trip has been so amazing but I didn't plan on breaking down in Yellowstone and getting towed 3 times, I didn't plan on my car getting broken into in San Antonio, and I didn't plan on another repair bill here in Orlando. I planned this trip well, and I planned a buffer for car issues but not a huge buffer like I apparently needed. One of the most frustrating things about this trip is knowing how well I have been doing with keeping on budget (and giving things I had planned up) yet I am still struggling to make ends meet because of all the little things I wasn't expecting.
I have a very SMALL margin for error over the next two weeks so fingers crossed it's not going to be an issue because if I have to call anyone for money again I will just die. Or stop along my way and get a job because this is getting ridiculous. RIDICULOUS!
Later I went over to Cindy's for a bonfire. Bonfires at Cindy's are one of my favorite things to do because it's a chill atmosphere with lots of good people. I had talked to a lot of people before the bonfire so I knew that the turn out was going to be good! Becca drove all the way up from Tampa for it and even some Disney people came out! Cindy said she didn't need help setting up so I showed up at 6:30p and was immediately asked to see my tattoo. Tj and Laura loved it (bird people!) and finally I was in the company of people who knew what a pelican looked like! I got to catch up with everyone as I bopped around and then found my purple chair I left here 6mo ago and that became my new spot for the night. It was a perfect night minus the spots of rain we got :)
Sabrina & Dave
Michele
Cindy
Kelly x2
Ashley & Tiffany
Rebecca & Chris
Becca
Sam
Meredith
Jessica
Sandi
Krissy
Kyle
Megan
Linda
Tj & Laura
Alma (aka Omega)
...I think I got everyone :)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Bacteria and Tea Bags
Today was Disney! The girls have been trying to plan this for close to a year and it was finally going to work out that the four of us were all able to go! Lisa and I met Ashley for breakfast near Disney and then we met Waterman to go to DAK. I am not a huge fan of Animal Kingdom but I was excited for Waterman to gloat about her animals and show us her animals that she takes care of.
We did the Safari and we had our own tour guide sitting next to us. We walked around the Tree of Life and took lots of pictures because no one knows when the four of us will be back together. We saw the free flight bird show and walked around a bit more before we headed out to Epcot. Epcot is my favorite park so I was excited. It was also food and wine and I have never been to that.
We started off in the countries and started eating. I had Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Snails in Garlic and Parsley Brioch) in France which was amazing! Warm Chocolate Lave Cake with Baileys Ganache in Ireland, Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream in Belgium, and Ravioli di formaggio all'Emiliana (Baked cheese ravioli with creamy beef bolognese, parmesan, and mozzarella). The food every where we went was amazing! We also ran into Sabrina and Dave and spent some time walking and eating with them as well. It was nice to see them and spend time as a group.
They eventually broke off and we continued to the rides. We waited 70min for Soarin' (SO worth it!), and then went to The Seas (SO not worth it), and last we did the Epcot ball ride (as I call it) which has always been one of my favorites. We ended the night with the largest chipwhich I have ever seen and it was so big I couldn't finish it! It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
We did the Safari and we had our own tour guide sitting next to us. We walked around the Tree of Life and took lots of pictures because no one knows when the four of us will be back together. We saw the free flight bird show and walked around a bit more before we headed out to Epcot. Epcot is my favorite park so I was excited. It was also food and wine and I have never been to that.
We started off in the countries and started eating. I had Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Snails in Garlic and Parsley Brioch) in France which was amazing! Warm Chocolate Lave Cake with Baileys Ganache in Ireland, Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream in Belgium, and Ravioli di formaggio all'Emiliana (Baked cheese ravioli with creamy beef bolognese, parmesan, and mozzarella). The food every where we went was amazing! We also ran into Sabrina and Dave and spent some time walking and eating with them as well. It was nice to see them and spend time as a group.
They eventually broke off and we continued to the rides. We waited 70min for Soarin' (SO worth it!), and then went to The Seas (SO not worth it), and last we did the Epcot ball ride (as I call it) which has always been one of my favorites. We ended the night with the largest chipwhich I have ever seen and it was so big I couldn't finish it! It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Lady and the Tramp
Song of the day: Moves like Jagger...can't get this out of my head and Ashley has threatened my life if I continue to sing it.
Typically all day I think about what I am going to write in this blog. When I started the blog it wasn't for me; it was for my mom and the friends who thought I was crazy for couch surfing. Then it turned into more of my trip's journal and I was doing it just for me knowing that there were people somewhere out in the world actually reading this. And usually I have no problem writing about my day and trying to accurately depict the day's events but today is different. Today I can't seem to come up with the right way to describe my day.
My day started at Mazda. I got to see Nikki who remembered me and we caught up quickly as I tossed her my keys because I was on my way to Wekiwa Springs to go canoeing with Ashley, Tiffany, Luis, and Lisa. We got to Lisa's and Mazda popped up on my caller ID only about 45min after I dropped it off and I knew something was up. They were calling to tell me that my stabilizer link was cracked almost in half and it needed repair (Stabilizer links improve handling and shock absorption, keeping the car from swaying too much as you turn--which could lead to loss of control) which was $220 plus the $85 it was already in the shop for. AWESOME.
A phone call to dad was not how I wanted to start my day but I did it any way. Let's just say that didn't go well. And then to make it better I told him about a possible job opportunity thinking that would be a good thing...but it wasn't. I then went from my money lecture to my career choice lecture. I don't really know what he thought I have been doing getting all of this ZOO experience for the last year, but apparently I have chosen the wrong career. But ya know what, it's ok. I was never looking for approval on my career. I have no intention of doing a job I don't love. But way to kick ya when your down. Man.
After I hung up the phone I was just mad. I was mad at pretty much the whole world. But I had friends waiting for me to pull it together, put on a face, and get in a boat. So that's what I did.
Wekiwa Springs was one place I never got to before I moved and it was fantastic. Tiff and I were together and the other three went in another canoe. Half way through Lisa jumped ship and moved over to our canoe. We continued at a slow "smelling the roses" pace and up to the spring where Tiff, Ash and Luis went swimming (Lisa and I couldn't get in the water because of our tattoos). Then we paddled back and hung out on the banks in Adirondack chairs. We saw an Alligator and a Red Shouldered Hawk along the way. The Hawk was so close we got some really amazing pictures!
The weather was perfect FL fall weather and we rode in Lisa's Jeep with the top down blasting the radio. The girls dropped me off to pick up my car and pay the bill I wish didn't exist. Ash, TIff and I went to dinner and Publix to do movies and dessert. At TF I saw Alec, Hannah, and Kelly which was a nice surprise. And while at Publix I ran into Samantha and got to catch up with her for a bit which was nice.
Tomorrow I am going to Disney and I have no intention of thinking about money, my car, the rest of my trip, my career, money, what I have to do, etc. All I plan on doing is going and hanging out in the most Magical place on earth. Don't call...I'm NOT going to pick up.
Typically all day I think about what I am going to write in this blog. When I started the blog it wasn't for me; it was for my mom and the friends who thought I was crazy for couch surfing. Then it turned into more of my trip's journal and I was doing it just for me knowing that there were people somewhere out in the world actually reading this. And usually I have no problem writing about my day and trying to accurately depict the day's events but today is different. Today I can't seem to come up with the right way to describe my day.
My day started at Mazda. I got to see Nikki who remembered me and we caught up quickly as I tossed her my keys because I was on my way to Wekiwa Springs to go canoeing with Ashley, Tiffany, Luis, and Lisa. We got to Lisa's and Mazda popped up on my caller ID only about 45min after I dropped it off and I knew something was up. They were calling to tell me that my stabilizer link was cracked almost in half and it needed repair (Stabilizer links improve handling and shock absorption, keeping the car from swaying too much as you turn--which could lead to loss of control) which was $220 plus the $85 it was already in the shop for. AWESOME.
A phone call to dad was not how I wanted to start my day but I did it any way. Let's just say that didn't go well. And then to make it better I told him about a possible job opportunity thinking that would be a good thing...but it wasn't. I then went from my money lecture to my career choice lecture. I don't really know what he thought I have been doing getting all of this ZOO experience for the last year, but apparently I have chosen the wrong career. But ya know what, it's ok. I was never looking for approval on my career. I have no intention of doing a job I don't love. But way to kick ya when your down. Man.
After I hung up the phone I was just mad. I was mad at pretty much the whole world. But I had friends waiting for me to pull it together, put on a face, and get in a boat. So that's what I did.
Wekiwa Springs was one place I never got to before I moved and it was fantastic. Tiff and I were together and the other three went in another canoe. Half way through Lisa jumped ship and moved over to our canoe. We continued at a slow "smelling the roses" pace and up to the spring where Tiff, Ash and Luis went swimming (Lisa and I couldn't get in the water because of our tattoos). Then we paddled back and hung out on the banks in Adirondack chairs. We saw an Alligator and a Red Shouldered Hawk along the way. The Hawk was so close we got some really amazing pictures!
The weather was perfect FL fall weather and we rode in Lisa's Jeep with the top down blasting the radio. The girls dropped me off to pick up my car and pay the bill I wish didn't exist. Ash, TIff and I went to dinner and Publix to do movies and dessert. At TF I saw Alec, Hannah, and Kelly which was a nice surprise. And while at Publix I ran into Samantha and got to catch up with her for a bit which was nice.
Tomorrow I am going to Disney and I have no intention of thinking about money, my car, the rest of my trip, my career, money, what I have to do, etc. All I plan on doing is going and hanging out in the most Magical place on earth. Don't call...I'm NOT going to pick up.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Inked
I woke up to Apollo jumping on me at around 6:30am and I just couldn't fall back to sleep after that. So I layed there thinking about my massive to-do list until around 8am before I actually got up to do it. I worked on my budget and sent a few final emails before I was off to go see Rebecca. Rebecca has been sick the past few days but I haven't seen the girl in 3yrs so her being sick wasn't stopping me!
I got there and she actually was feeling much better and I was able to steal her from her fiance (jurry is still out on him) for lunch. We were gone a few hours catching up but I talk to her on the phone all the time so it's not like we don't know whats going on in each other's life. I was also able to dig a little deeper about her fiance.
Lisa had called me earlier in the day to say that we got last minute tattoo apointments and I was just sick about it. I do not do well with pain and while I knew I wanted one I don't think I was actually ready to get one. So all day I stressed out about it and Lisa was so pumped. She was acting like she was on speed and I was just quiet.
I met Lisa at her place and we headed out to Castleberry to meet Todd. Ashley was coming and getting a tattoo too and Kristi was coming to spectate. I went first and it was awesome. It didn't hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would and we were just having a party. We got to watch Netflix, and all four of us got to hang in one room with Todd and Ricky. Kristi got there just as I was finishing my tattoo and LIsa was next. I'm glad I went first because Lisa almost passed out during hers. Kristi and I had to run next door to get her a soda and Ashley was feeding her M&Ms. She turned white as a ghost and I thought for sure she was going to hit the floor.
She came around and Todd was able to finish her tattoo. Ashley was last with a paw print on her rib cage (OUCH!) but she is seasoned with other tattoos so I knew she would be just fine. I was happy just watching movies :) It was such a great experience! I am so glad I did it!
I had dinner plans with Ashley and Tiffany and I told them all about my day. Tiffany helped me with the after care of my tattoo and when she washed it, it burned like HELL! Holy cow it burned! But for the next 4 days I have to keep it clean, and covered and then I can just keep ointment on it for about 2 weeks. I'm so happy to have a Brad one-of-a-kind on my back. I love it!
I got there and she actually was feeling much better and I was able to steal her from her fiance (jurry is still out on him) for lunch. We were gone a few hours catching up but I talk to her on the phone all the time so it's not like we don't know whats going on in each other's life. I was also able to dig a little deeper about her fiance.
Lisa had called me earlier in the day to say that we got last minute tattoo apointments and I was just sick about it. I do not do well with pain and while I knew I wanted one I don't think I was actually ready to get one. So all day I stressed out about it and Lisa was so pumped. She was acting like she was on speed and I was just quiet.
I met Lisa at her place and we headed out to Castleberry to meet Todd. Ashley was coming and getting a tattoo too and Kristi was coming to spectate. I went first and it was awesome. It didn't hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would and we were just having a party. We got to watch Netflix, and all four of us got to hang in one room with Todd and Ricky. Kristi got there just as I was finishing my tattoo and LIsa was next. I'm glad I went first because Lisa almost passed out during hers. Kristi and I had to run next door to get her a soda and Ashley was feeding her M&Ms. She turned white as a ghost and I thought for sure she was going to hit the floor.
She came around and Todd was able to finish her tattoo. Ashley was last with a paw print on her rib cage (OUCH!) but she is seasoned with other tattoos so I knew she would be just fine. I was happy just watching movies :) It was such a great experience! I am so glad I did it!
I had dinner plans with Ashley and Tiffany and I told them all about my day. Tiffany helped me with the after care of my tattoo and when she washed it, it burned like HELL! Holy cow it burned! But for the next 4 days I have to keep it clean, and covered and then I can just keep ointment on it for about 2 weeks. I'm so happy to have a Brad one-of-a-kind on my back. I love it!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Home?
Another long drive...7hrs! Florida is pretty boring to drive through. But I made it to Orlando by 1:45pm and immediately was off to the mall with Lisa and Kristi to couch shop which turned into anything but couch shopping.
Met Ashley, Tiffany, and Luis for dinner after the mall. It was so nice to catch up and it was amazing to realize that I have been gone for 6 months! Being back made me miss this life. When I pulled into the apartment complex I wanted to stop and check for mail like I still live here.
I want to come back. The end.
Met Ashley, Tiffany, and Luis for dinner after the mall. It was so nice to catch up and it was amazing to realize that I have been gone for 6 months! Being back made me miss this life. When I pulled into the apartment complex I wanted to stop and check for mail like I still live here.
I want to come back. The end.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
4 states. 4 hours. GO!
I am leaving New Orleans this morning after almost no sleep. Luckily, it is only about a 4hr drive to my next destination. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida will be what I conquer today! Here I come FLORIDA!
(I can't believe I will be home in 18 days!)
I decided to take the scenic route today since I knew Christiana didn't get off work until 4pm. Luke was home with the boys and waiting for me but I really didn't want to burden him by being around all day since I really only met him at their wedding almost 4yrs ago!
Cindy called it "smelling the roses" when she was with me and that is when you take all the little side trips. I stopped at every welcome center to get my state pictures and to walk around. I even went way off my course to track down a Christmas shop in Alabama. I find those stores so overwhelming but in the best way possible. I spent way too much time in there but I finished my sister's gift and got some chocolate so it was a great success for me :)
The drive was only 4hrs but with my "smelling the roses" it took me just over 6hrs. I got to Hurlburt Field Air Force base at 2pm and Luke met me to get me clearance. I have never been to a military base let alone stayed on one and it looked like I was stepping in to an episode of Army Wives.
I caught up with Luke and met the boys; Allan, age 3 and Joshua, age 1.5. I played outside with them and tried to find a good comfort zone. This life is so different from my own. Christiana went to college with me and we were both in the Marine Science program but she left our sophomore year to join the Air Force. I will never forget her telling me that she was leaving and how much it affected me. I was happy she was going to do what she wanted but I also felt abandoned.
She came back for my birthday that year to surprise me and I was in her wedding in December 2007 but I haven't seen her since! And boy have our lives gone in opposite directions. She is settled with an "adult" life and I have embraced my "inner child" and given up all my adult surroundings. It really makes you sit back and think about your choices and how you ended up where you are. I don't think I would have done anything differently but it makes me wonder..."what if?!"
Christiana got home and we caught up. At first I was at a lack of conversation. I didn't know where to start. Here is one of you best friends that you haven't seen in ages and I am at a lack for words. Well, that didn't last long and the five of us headed off to dinner. We joked about college life while Luke watched us (we filled him in too), talked about TV shows, and then it finally felt like I got the gift of conversation back.
I can't believe it's been 4yrs! I wish I had more time to just catch up. I miss our cookie dough/Grey's Anatomy days from back in college. There needs to be a way for us to get them back because my few hours with Christiana just weren't enough!
(I can't believe I will be home in 18 days!)
Cindy called it "smelling the roses" when she was with me and that is when you take all the little side trips. I stopped at every welcome center to get my state pictures and to walk around. I even went way off my course to track down a Christmas shop in Alabama. I find those stores so overwhelming but in the best way possible. I spent way too much time in there but I finished my sister's gift and got some chocolate so it was a great success for me :)
The drive was only 4hrs but with my "smelling the roses" it took me just over 6hrs. I got to Hurlburt Field Air Force base at 2pm and Luke met me to get me clearance. I have never been to a military base let alone stayed on one and it looked like I was stepping in to an episode of Army Wives.
I caught up with Luke and met the boys; Allan, age 3 and Joshua, age 1.5. I played outside with them and tried to find a good comfort zone. This life is so different from my own. Christiana went to college with me and we were both in the Marine Science program but she left our sophomore year to join the Air Force. I will never forget her telling me that she was leaving and how much it affected me. I was happy she was going to do what she wanted but I also felt abandoned.
She came back for my birthday that year to surprise me and I was in her wedding in December 2007 but I haven't seen her since! And boy have our lives gone in opposite directions. She is settled with an "adult" life and I have embraced my "inner child" and given up all my adult surroundings. It really makes you sit back and think about your choices and how you ended up where you are. I don't think I would have done anything differently but it makes me wonder..."what if?!"
Christiana got home and we caught up. At first I was at a lack of conversation. I didn't know where to start. Here is one of you best friends that you haven't seen in ages and I am at a lack for words. Well, that didn't last long and the five of us headed off to dinner. We joked about college life while Luke watched us (we filled him in too), talked about TV shows, and then it finally felt like I got the gift of conversation back.
I can't believe it's been 4yrs! I wish I had more time to just catch up. I miss our cookie dough/Grey's Anatomy days from back in college. There needs to be a way for us to get them back because my few hours with Christiana just weren't enough!
Friday, November 4, 2011
VooDoo
VooDoo: You can give someone a headache by taking and turning their picture upside down.
No Alarm today :) But I made it into the shower before the drunk rush got up. Music blasted until around 3am so I knew they would be out for a while. Very big drinking city...one big party all the time at this Hostel.
Cable Car to Bourbon St. -- missed my stop -- car driver was super nice! Reminded me of Chicago.
VooDoo: Don't shake a tablecloth outside after dark or someone in your family will die.
Found the Aquarium of the Americas
-wasn't going to do that until tomorrow but it was walking distance from where I was so I decided to go and check it out (also don't have to pay for parking now). AZA just posted a job at this aquarium so I wanted to see if it was something I wanted to pursue or not. They only have Penguins, Red Tailed Hawk, and Parakeets so I don't know what I want to do yet.
Walked to Cafe Du Monde, stood in a very long line and had Beignets (SO good!)
Walked Jackson Square, and Bourbon St.
-People were already drunk at 9am on Bourbon St. and it wasn't what I thought it would be...it was not nearly as populated and busy as Decatur St. Maybe at night it's a different story?
Back on the street car to the cemeteries
-I really don't know what the draw to them is. It us one of the biggest tourist areas in the city and I just don't get it. I think it's kind of creepy to just walk around graves sites. I found a few that were beautiful and I found a few that were very cool from an art perspective. I will have to do some more research to see if I am missing something here. It did remind me of the movie Double Jeopardy (personal fav) as I was walking through.
VooDoo: If a witch comes to your house, say, "Kiss my ass" three times under your breath, and she can't harm you.
{(The Dead Shall Rise Again. Why aren’t the dead in New Orleans buried underground as they are in most of the rest of the country? Tour guides are fond of explaining (and sometimes embellishing) the practice to shocked tourists. The main issue, they explain, is that New Orleans is actually located slightly below sea level. Because of this, the water table is quite high. When early European settlers put coffins under six feet of earth, they found that the water level would often rise above them, especially during the city’s frequent floods. Since the coffins were filled with air, the water sometimes pushed them up through the earth, causing both a gruesome sight and a health hazard. To keep the coffins underground, holes were drilled in the lid to let air escape, and the coffins were weighted down with rocks and sand. But this was only partially successful, and in any case the saturated corpses did not decompose properly, leading to unsanitary conditions. The only solution was to bury the dead above ground.}) --> Very interesting!
VooDoo: If you lay a broom across the doorway at night, a witch can't come in and hurt you.
Katrina Memorial
Walked to Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Po Boy (Christine's orders)
Hung out at the hostel in the common area for a bit.
VooDoo: If a woman wants her husband to stay away from other woman, she can do so by putting a little of her blood in his coffee, and he will never quit her.
Whats next? Who knows? It's only 3pm.
VooDoo: Boil a black cat until all the meat comes off and take the bones to the four corners of the road and you will meet the devil.
On a sad note, Cindy text me today to say that the Great White Shark we saw in Monterey was showing signs of going downhill so they released it. Later they found it dead.
No Alarm today :) But I made it into the shower before the drunk rush got up. Music blasted until around 3am so I knew they would be out for a while. Very big drinking city...one big party all the time at this Hostel.
Cable Car to Bourbon St. -- missed my stop -- car driver was super nice! Reminded me of Chicago.
VooDoo: Don't shake a tablecloth outside after dark or someone in your family will die.
Found the Aquarium of the Americas
-wasn't going to do that until tomorrow but it was walking distance from where I was so I decided to go and check it out (also don't have to pay for parking now). AZA just posted a job at this aquarium so I wanted to see if it was something I wanted to pursue or not. They only have Penguins, Red Tailed Hawk, and Parakeets so I don't know what I want to do yet.
Walked to Cafe Du Monde, stood in a very long line and had Beignets (SO good!)
Walked Jackson Square, and Bourbon St.
-People were already drunk at 9am on Bourbon St. and it wasn't what I thought it would be...it was not nearly as populated and busy as Decatur St. Maybe at night it's a different story?
Back on the street car to the cemeteries
-I really don't know what the draw to them is. It us one of the biggest tourist areas in the city and I just don't get it. I think it's kind of creepy to just walk around graves sites. I found a few that were beautiful and I found a few that were very cool from an art perspective. I will have to do some more research to see if I am missing something here. It did remind me of the movie Double Jeopardy (personal fav) as I was walking through.
VooDoo: If a witch comes to your house, say, "Kiss my ass" three times under your breath, and she can't harm you.
{(The Dead Shall Rise Again. Why aren’t the dead in New Orleans buried underground as they are in most of the rest of the country? Tour guides are fond of explaining (and sometimes embellishing) the practice to shocked tourists. The main issue, they explain, is that New Orleans is actually located slightly below sea level. Because of this, the water table is quite high. When early European settlers put coffins under six feet of earth, they found that the water level would often rise above them, especially during the city’s frequent floods. Since the coffins were filled with air, the water sometimes pushed them up through the earth, causing both a gruesome sight and a health hazard. To keep the coffins underground, holes were drilled in the lid to let air escape, and the coffins were weighted down with rocks and sand. But this was only partially successful, and in any case the saturated corpses did not decompose properly, leading to unsanitary conditions. The only solution was to bury the dead above ground.}) --> Very interesting!
VooDoo: If you lay a broom across the doorway at night, a witch can't come in and hurt you.
Katrina Memorial
Walked to Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Po Boy (Christine's orders)
Hung out at the hostel in the common area for a bit.
VooDoo: If a woman wants her husband to stay away from other woman, she can do so by putting a little of her blood in his coffee, and he will never quit her.
Whats next? Who knows? It's only 3pm.
 |
| Jackson Square |
On a sad note, Cindy text me today to say that the Great White Shark we saw in Monterey was showing signs of going downhill so they released it. Later they found it dead.
Great white shark dies after release from Monterey Bay Aquarium
A young great white shark released into the wild last week after being on exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium has died, marking the first unexplained shark death since the aquarium began capturing and exhibiting them in 2004.
The shark found off Marina del Rey in August had been part of the aquarium's "Open Sea" exhibit for 55 days. It was released into the sea off Goleta, Calif., on Oct. 25 and died a little later, according to an electronic tracking device affixed to the shark.
The shark found off Marina del Rey in August had been part of the aquarium's "Open Sea" exhibit for 55 days. It was released into the sea off Goleta, Calif., on Oct. 25 and died a little later, according to an electronic tracking device affixed to the shark.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
35ft under
I missed my alarm today. Slept right through it so I got off to a later start then I had planned but I made it to NOLA around 2:30pm Central Time. I am staying for two nights at the India House Hostel and the place is beautiful. Old and full of character with winding staircases, old doors, and a ton of people! This hostel is easily twice the size of the last two that I stayed at. I have 5 roomates and I have already met all of them. Three of them are traveling together for 2.5 weeks in the US and they are from Australia. The other two are also traveling together and they are from Germany. Very nice girls so it's good to have roomates I like unlike in Los Angles.
One of the girls asked me if I was scared to travel alone for so long. I don't think that I really have had to answer that kind of question yet. She had such a look of concern on her face you would have thought she was my mother. She asked how the trip was going so far and if I was having a good time almost not believing me when I answered her questions. I don't think fear is an emotion I have experienced on this trip in the capacity that she was talking about. I have felt uncomfortable in places but that's because they are new and unknown. But I can't say that I fear this trip or anything I have encountered yet. Not knowing all the details makes me nervous but it's just something you figure out as you go. I am learning how to adapt better to an always changing environment and I am embracing what I don't know instead of fearing it. Maybe i'm crazy.
Tonight I plan on working on my itinerary for tomorrow. I have a lot to see and do and I can leave my car at the hostel and take the cable car which is a plus. The vibe in this city is just good and I haven't even begun to explore it. I am hoping to make some friends tonight and have people to explore with tomorrow so wish me luck. I know that my roomates signed up for the swamp tour in the am and apparently it's very poplular. Maybe it's something I should look into myself? I have every intention of bringing my sister here when she is 21 (and i'm old) so this trip is a good way for me to look into things we can do together.
Fun Facts of the day:
1. New Orleans is 35ft UNDER sea level
2. Dirty Rice is SUPER HOT!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Monkey Bizness
Today I got to see Nathalie. I worked with Nathalie at SeaWorld and I originally was coming to Houston to see her. But then Rose got a job in Houston and it was nice to be able to visit two people in one place! Nathalie picked me up this morning and we did breakfast at a place she has been dying to try and then we drove around. Nathalie LOVES Houston so it was nice to see things through her eyes. We drove around Memorial Park and through the different neighborhoods on the way to the Houston Zoo. Nathalie works with the primates there and today I had a backstage pass to the entire department.
The Houston Zoo is beautiful and it's a lot bigger then I thought it was. We started off in the Africa area with the Chimps. Nathalie LOVES her Chimps and all 10 of them have a special place in her heart. I got to see them get a few different types of enrichment and listen to a keeper talk before we headed into the back areas. I haven't seen a primate area since I worked at the Jacksonville Zoo so it was really interesting to go back and see how they run things.
We walked through the zoo to see most of the exhibits but we mainly spent our time with the primates. I am not a primate fan but being with someone who is so passionate is refreshing and contagious. I listened to her tell me all their names and history and I was able to get some great pictures because they would all come to greet her as we walked around.
There are 4 behind the scenes areas for primates and 16 keepers to keep the department running so we went to all 4 areas. In the second area I got to meet a 7-month old Orangutan who was SO cute!! He had his hair sticking straight up like Einstein :) I also got to see the rest of their Orangutan population before we went and met a Gibbon. The Gibbon decided to sing for us and it was just amazing to hear all the types of vocalizations she could make!
I truly enjoyed my time with Nathalie and my tour around the zoo. It was something different and out of the norm for me. I forget how much I love being in that environment and it made me start to really think about my next move and how to get back to that world. We talked about SeaWorld in comparison and all the things that we both learned from working there and it really just made me so grateful for all of the opportunities that I had there and all that will come from my experiences there.
When I got back Rose and I made dinner (disaster...we blame her crappy oven), watched more movies and just didn't do anything. These are my kind of nights! Tomorrow I am on my way to NOLA and will be staying at my 3rd hostel, 1st one without Cindy.
The Houston Zoo is beautiful and it's a lot bigger then I thought it was. We started off in the Africa area with the Chimps. Nathalie LOVES her Chimps and all 10 of them have a special place in her heart. I got to see them get a few different types of enrichment and listen to a keeper talk before we headed into the back areas. I haven't seen a primate area since I worked at the Jacksonville Zoo so it was really interesting to go back and see how they run things.
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| Nathalie and her Chimps |
There are 4 behind the scenes areas for primates and 16 keepers to keep the department running so we went to all 4 areas. In the second area I got to meet a 7-month old Orangutan who was SO cute!! He had his hair sticking straight up like Einstein :) I also got to see the rest of their Orangutan population before we went and met a Gibbon. The Gibbon decided to sing for us and it was just amazing to hear all the types of vocalizations she could make!
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| Nathalie and the Gibbon |
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| Nathalie and the Human |
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
BATS!
My Super Productive Day as a Tourist
Galveston, TX
- Moody Gardens Aquarium and Rainforest
- Bermuda Beach
- Pirates Cove Beach
Houston, TX
- Wall of Water (64ft tall, 11,000 gal/min)
- House of Beer
- Louis and Anne Friedman Clock
- Bats at the Waugh Bridge (up to 250,000!)(TOTALLY awesome!)
On a side note Rose and I went to try a new restaurant for dinner and it was probably one of the worst meals combined with the worst service I have ever had. Rose got a seafood platter to which she told me it was "unrecognizable chewy squishy things". Let's just say tomorrow night I am cooking :)
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| At the Wall of Water |
Monday, October 31, 2011
Dear Thief,
I wanted to sit down and take some time to write you a letter. I love having pen pals and I love snail mail but this is a different type of letter. This letter is designed more as a way for me to enlighten the world to the two types of people in this world; the good and the bad. Now, most people already know all about the two types of people in this world but you my friend, had a choice between the two and you chose the wrong one.
I walked out to my car at 7am ready to hit the road and get to Houston and enjoy and easy going day in one of the largest (if not the largest) cities in Texas. But when I walked out to my car I noticed that the bar with my things hanging on it was knocked over and then I saw what you did. You shattered my back window. It looks like it just burst into a million pieces all over my entire life. My first thought wasn't even to see what you had taken but to stand back and ask myself if I was really seeing my window, or lack of.
When I finally decided to come back to reality I realized I should see what was missing. And you took the most worthless thing you could get your grubby hands on! You took a sloo of knock off hand bags!?!?! Did it even cross your mind to take the stereo system (just installed in February), the GPS, the Cd's, or I don't know...ANYTHING OF VALUE!? Now I could have been OK with the fact that you broke into my car if you had taken the clothes. The winter coat and hoodies would come in handy this time of year and if you HAD to steal I would have felt better if you took something you needed, not wanted. By the way those bags were not only knock offs but used and abused. All of them are no younger then 6yrs so you got a real big payoff coming your way...NOT!
But don't you worry, Thanks to Darren and Jessica (the good people in this world) I got the car fixed by 10am and I was back on the road. I filed a police report, reorganized my car so this doesn't happen again, called mom because she makes everything all better, and I got in the car and drove to Houston. You may think you won, but stealing will never get you very far and KARMA is a BITCH! Darren and Jessica even paid for half of the repairs and Dad is taking care of the rest so you didn't set me back at all. You violated me and my property and you took some of my favorite things (I am a girl after all) but you still didn't win.
Sincerely yours,
Melissa
P.S. I forgive you.
I walked out to my car at 7am ready to hit the road and get to Houston and enjoy and easy going day in one of the largest (if not the largest) cities in Texas. But when I walked out to my car I noticed that the bar with my things hanging on it was knocked over and then I saw what you did. You shattered my back window. It looks like it just burst into a million pieces all over my entire life. My first thought wasn't even to see what you had taken but to stand back and ask myself if I was really seeing my window, or lack of.
When I finally decided to come back to reality I realized I should see what was missing. And you took the most worthless thing you could get your grubby hands on! You took a sloo of knock off hand bags!?!?! Did it even cross your mind to take the stereo system (just installed in February), the GPS, the Cd's, or I don't know...ANYTHING OF VALUE!? Now I could have been OK with the fact that you broke into my car if you had taken the clothes. The winter coat and hoodies would come in handy this time of year and if you HAD to steal I would have felt better if you took something you needed, not wanted. By the way those bags were not only knock offs but used and abused. All of them are no younger then 6yrs so you got a real big payoff coming your way...NOT!
But don't you worry, Thanks to Darren and Jessica (the good people in this world) I got the car fixed by 10am and I was back on the road. I filed a police report, reorganized my car so this doesn't happen again, called mom because she makes everything all better, and I got in the car and drove to Houston. You may think you won, but stealing will never get you very far and KARMA is a BITCH! Darren and Jessica even paid for half of the repairs and Dad is taking care of the rest so you didn't set me back at all. You violated me and my property and you took some of my favorite things (I am a girl after all) but you still didn't win.
Sincerely yours,
Melissa
P.S. I forgive you.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Creepin'
Sea World San Antonio! How I have missed you! I haven't been to this park since 2003 and I really didn't remember too much. As I walked through the front gates I did recognize them but after that it was all new again. The dolphins and sharks were segregated off to the left which was an odd layout and then the rest of the park was to the right of the front entrance. Wasn't there a water park around here somewhere? Oh yea, they are building Aquatica so that part is closed for now (hence the division in the park).
As I walked through the park things started to come back to me. Like the Steel Eel, which was my first roller coaster and the lake in the middle where we would sein with camp at 6am. But I really wasn't familiar with the park layout at all. The maps were Hallow-Scream so that was different and I laid out all my shows for the day. I saw One Ocean, Azul, and Clyde and Seamore. I was done with the park and the three main shows by 3:30pm but I wanted to stay for the Shamu night show, Shamu's Rockin' CreepShow which wasn't until 7:45pm. I had been there since the park opened so I walked around the park and did all the exhibits for a second time.
Azul was very different as well. I remembered the stage but the rest I was fuzzy on. I really liked how they used the Beluga whales in the show more then the Pacific White Sided Dolphins and the divers were different as well. They also had water dancers (thats what I called them) in the water when the dolphins were in teh water with the trainers. I didn't think that was allowed but who knows...maybe they are multi-talented trainers with many parts? I would say that out of the three main shows Azul was my favorite.
Then I had almost 2.5hrs of people watching before I found another show to go see. I went to see Monster Stomp and it was amazing! I met an 81yr old couple waititg for that show, Jean and Phil, and we sat and people-watched together and talked about the park in general. They are originally from NJ too! I ended up spending almost the rest of my time with them and we watched Monster Stomp together. They weren't going to the Shamu show so that is where we split off. Such a nice couple! I would have to say that after seeing 5 shows today the one without any animals was my favorite. Monster Stomp was upbeat, had GREAT music, and the performers could REALLY sing! It was amazing. The one girl gave me goosebumps because she sang so well. I had no idea what I was in for when I went to this show but I am so glad I went!
The night Shamu show was really good. It had great music and a cool, creepy theme to it. It was very different from any Shamu show I had ever seen so that was worth the many hours of people watching. I missed having Cindy with me in the SeaWorld. When at SeaWorld you really need a buddy!
As I walked through the park things started to come back to me. Like the Steel Eel, which was my first roller coaster and the lake in the middle where we would sein with camp at 6am. But I really wasn't familiar with the park layout at all. The maps were Hallow-Scream so that was different and I laid out all my shows for the day. I saw One Ocean, Azul, and Clyde and Seamore. I was done with the park and the three main shows by 3:30pm but I wanted to stay for the Shamu night show, Shamu's Rockin' CreepShow which wasn't until 7:45pm. I had been there since the park opened so I walked around the park and did all the exhibits for a second time.
Azul was very different as well. I remembered the stage but the rest I was fuzzy on. I really liked how they used the Beluga whales in the show more then the Pacific White Sided Dolphins and the divers were different as well. They also had water dancers (thats what I called them) in the water when the dolphins were in teh water with the trainers. I didn't think that was allowed but who knows...maybe they are multi-talented trainers with many parts? I would say that out of the three main shows Azul was my favorite.
Then I had almost 2.5hrs of people watching before I found another show to go see. I went to see Monster Stomp and it was amazing! I met an 81yr old couple waititg for that show, Jean and Phil, and we sat and people-watched together and talked about the park in general. They are originally from NJ too! I ended up spending almost the rest of my time with them and we watched Monster Stomp together. They weren't going to the Shamu show so that is where we split off. Such a nice couple! I would have to say that after seeing 5 shows today the one without any animals was my favorite. Monster Stomp was upbeat, had GREAT music, and the performers could REALLY sing! It was amazing. The one girl gave me goosebumps because she sang so well. I had no idea what I was in for when I went to this show but I am so glad I went!
The night Shamu show was really good. It had great music and a cool, creepy theme to it. It was very different from any Shamu show I had ever seen so that was worth the many hours of people watching. I missed having Cindy with me in the SeaWorld. When at SeaWorld you really need a buddy!
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| Azul and I |
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| Monster Stomp and Shamu's Rockin' CreepShow |
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| Clyde and Seamore, Azul, One Ocean |
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