And just like that, one of the most exciting, sometimes trying, times of my life is at an official end. I'm sitting on a plane, en route to Memphis, and it's finally sinking in: the FIT chapter of my life is over.
Or is it?
While the actual week to week traveling and system roll out is but a fleeting memory, the experience is such a permanent part of me, that I'm not particularly sure how I existed as a person before I took the assignment. Half of the people I talk to on a daily basis now weren't in my contact list seven months ago. To say that something is over, when it now defines you, just seems, well, silly.
It's funny how quickly your life can change. For the best.
I said goodbye to my apartment, said, "see ya most weekends," to my friends and my family, and journeyed onward to discover so much about not only myself, but the amazing company for which I work. It pushed me to new extremes, kicked me out of my comfort zone, and opened my eyes to a potential I had all but forgotten I possessed.
It may have looked like I was flitting about the country on a unicorn, eating cotton candy for breakfast, bathing in rose petals, but let me tell you, it wasn't quite that glamorous. Some weeks nearly broke my spirit. I was exhausted 99% of the time. On more than a few nights, I missed my bed so much that I cried in my hotel room for two hours because the bed just didn't feel right. But, I promise you, every tear, every conversation, every obstacle helped me become a better version of myself.
To say I feel eternally grateful seems trite, but I have never meant anything more. I am in debt to the team that I now call my family, and while it is a debt I will likely never be able to repay, I will do my best to at least make you proud. It's the least I can do when you let me into your world, challenged me daily, and gave me the tools to do great things before I was ready. I have a career now instead of a job. And I cannot thank you enough.
For fear of looking like an insane grown-up crying into her computer on an airplane, I will cut this short, and leave you with a quote by the ever-wise Amy Poehler.
"As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.'
I did.
It did.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
NorCal
California is gorgeous. This is not news, but it still needs to be said. I have traveled to the great state a few times in the past, but this particular trip, I was able to enjoy some new areas. I had to work in a little city called Vacaville, CA, but somehow worked it out that I should stay in American Canyon, which is right on the outer part of Napa Valley. The commute was tedious thanks to the Yukon XL I was given, but the drive was breathtaking, so I really didn't mind, (despite the death stares I was given for driving such a tank).
WHERE I STAYED: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley. American Canyon isn't the most happening city in California, but the sunsets are killer. I kept to myself, but the staff seemed friendly enough, but the best the thing about this hotel was the landscaping. My room overlooked a small man-made lagoon, which beats the parking lots I usually see.
WHAT I DID: My first day in NorCal, I ventured out to Mt. Diablo State Park for a hike, (yes, I hike from time to time). It was a very humbling experience, to say the least, and I would have stayed until sunset, but they closed the park at four. And since I had no camping equipment, I had no choice but to leave earlier than planned. On the third night, I drove about an hour to San Francisco to meet some co-workers for dinner. I arrived early, so I walked around under the Bay Bridge. It had been years since I was in San Francisco, but she was just as majestic as I remembered. That was the only trip into San Fran for me, but I am scheduled to go back in September. My last night in the area, I drove to meet my friends in Sacramento. I'd never been, but I was with a local, so we went to her favorite hang-outs. I was not disappointed; Sacramento is just a slightly bigger Memphis. We made our way to Der Biergarten and then to The Golden Bear. I definitely want to come back to the area and explore the downtown area more. Before my flight on Friday, I made my way to the tourist trap that is Old Sacramento. It's a cute little thing, and I walked each of the streets, taking it all in, but didn't actually do anything but take pictures and talk myself out of getting a new tattoo.
WHAT I ATE: First night, I was starving and decided to eat at Gaia, which is the hotel's restaurant. It was affordable and filling, though not particularly memorable. At the suggestion of a friend, I tried Bugers & Brew in Davis, and I had some delicious turkey avocado sandwich situation. It was worth the 45 minute drive back to my hotel. The following evening was when I went to San Fran, and my coworkers and I met up at Palomino. I had the face-melting asiago-almond crusted scallops that I would give up a kidney to taste again. My final meal took place at Fireside Grill, where I devoured soft-shell crab tacos like it was the last meal I'd ever have. Seafood is life, y'all.
WHAT I DRANK: Rapture Imperial Brown, which is an in-house brew of Burgers & Brew, and let me tell you a thing; this beer is what dreams are made of. Maybe not the best beer I've ever had, but it's top ten material for sure. I also had Schofferhofer Grapefruit, which breaks my "drink local" rule, but I've thirsted for this elusive beer since having a few in EPCOT last December, so I gave in. I have no regrets. I also had Hell or High Watermelon, (21st Amendment). I didn't plan on liking this one, as I hate watermelon, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite refreshing. I also had A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' (Lagunitas), and a Back in Black (21st Amendment). Again, follow me on Untappd--mkmcanin.
TRIP THEME: Seeing it all, even if that meant a lot of drive time, (which it did).
TRIP SONG: Don't Tell 'Em--Jeremih feat. YG
FAVORITE MOMENT: Without a doubt, it was coming up on San Francisco. Even though I'd seen it before, I saw it this time as an adult (using this loosely), and I was just as in awe as I was as a child. I'm living my life in a way I'd always hoped I would some day, and when the city came up on the horizon, my heart exploded. I'm such a sucker for a skyline.
Well, that's it for NorCal, (for a few weeks at least). I have San Diego and LA trips forthcoming, along with some solid weekend trips. Stay tuned.
Wander on,
Melanie
WHERE I STAYED: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley. American Canyon isn't the most happening city in California, but the sunsets are killer. I kept to myself, but the staff seemed friendly enough, but the best the thing about this hotel was the landscaping. My room overlooked a small man-made lagoon, which beats the parking lots I usually see.WHAT I DID: My first day in NorCal, I ventured out to Mt. Diablo State Park for a hike, (yes, I hike from time to time). It was a very humbling experience, to say the least, and I would have stayed until sunset, but they closed the park at four. And since I had no camping equipment, I had no choice but to leave earlier than planned. On the third night, I drove about an hour to San Francisco to meet some co-workers for dinner. I arrived early, so I walked around under the Bay Bridge. It had been years since I was in San Francisco, but she was just as majestic as I remembered. That was the only trip into San Fran for me, but I am scheduled to go back in September. My last night in the area, I drove to meet my friends in Sacramento. I'd never been, but I was with a local, so we went to her favorite hang-outs. I was not disappointed; Sacramento is just a slightly bigger Memphis. We made our way to Der Biergarten and then to The Golden Bear. I definitely want to come back to the area and explore the downtown area more. Before my flight on Friday, I made my way to the tourist trap that is Old Sacramento. It's a cute little thing, and I walked each of the streets, taking it all in, but didn't actually do anything but take pictures and talk myself out of getting a new tattoo. WHAT I ATE: First night, I was starving and decided to eat at Gaia, which is the hotel's restaurant. It was affordable and filling, though not particularly memorable. At the suggestion of a friend, I tried Bugers & Brew in Davis, and I had some delicious turkey avocado sandwich situation. It was worth the 45 minute drive back to my hotel. The following evening was when I went to San Fran, and my coworkers and I met up at Palomino. I had the face-melting asiago-almond crusted scallops that I would give up a kidney to taste again. My final meal took place at Fireside Grill, where I devoured soft-shell crab tacos like it was the last meal I'd ever have. Seafood is life, y'all.WHAT I DRANK: Rapture Imperial Brown, which is an in-house brew of Burgers & Brew, and let me tell you a thing; this beer is what dreams are made of. Maybe not the best beer I've ever had, but it's top ten material for sure. I also had Schofferhofer Grapefruit, which breaks my "drink local" rule, but I've thirsted for this elusive beer since having a few in EPCOT last December, so I gave in. I have no regrets. I also had Hell or High Watermelon, (21st Amendment). I didn't plan on liking this one, as I hate watermelon, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite refreshing. I also had A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' (Lagunitas), and a Back in Black (21st Amendment). Again, follow me on Untappd--mkmcanin.TRIP THEME: Seeing it all, even if that meant a lot of drive time, (which it did).
TRIP SONG: Don't Tell 'Em--Jeremih feat. YG
FAVORITE MOMENT: Without a doubt, it was coming up on San Francisco. Even though I'd seen it before, I saw it this time as an adult (using this loosely), and I was just as in awe as I was as a child. I'm living my life in a way I'd always hoped I would some day, and when the city came up on the horizon, my heart exploded. I'm such a sucker for a skyline.
Well, that's it for NorCal, (for a few weeks at least). I have San Diego and LA trips forthcoming, along with some solid weekend trips. Stay tuned.
Wander on,
Melanie
Friday, July 18, 2014
Summertime Chi
My love for Chicago knows no bounds. This was the work trip I had been waiting for, and the windy city did not disappoint. Even the traffic wasn't the hellacious mess that I oft hear about. It was also the first trip in a while that I wasn't counting down the hours until I would be home, (twenty weeks on the road makes you crave being home in a way you never thought you could). I think this was partly because I had friends with me on this trip, but the city itself was a big factor.
WHERE I STAYED: The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites was very clean, had a great view and was incredibly easy to access. My qualms with it all pertain to parking; It was insanely expensive, (to me), and even though I'd call down ahead of time to get my vehicle, it still took >15 minutes to see my car. This resulted in me almost being late to work two mornings, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
WHAT I DID: I purposefully flew in as early as possible, so I could be a tourist for the day. I met up with my friend Tiffany, and we trekked to the Shedd Aquarium. I had been wanting go to the Shedd ever since my first visit in 2008, and I finally had the opportunity. I would be so bold as to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and for me, the Jellies exhibit the most. We then headed to Cloud Gate in Millennium Park for the quintessential Chicago photographs, and then finally to Ceres for a drink before I headed to dinner with my colleagues. Throughout the week, I ended up going to The Signature Room at the 95th and Streeters, (the latter was a mistake).
WHAT I ATE: We ate at Hub 51, Tree House at Tavern at the Park, (solid patio with a fantastic view), The Gage, and we finished up at Yolk for breakfast before heading out on Friday. My friend Stephanie was the best; she was up for any and everything, no matter how long her day had been. I don't think the trip would have been quite as fun without her, and I'm so glad we were both in the city at the same time.
WHAT I DRANK: Again, tried to keep my brews local, so they included: Anti-Hero IPA (Revolution Brewing Company), Mad Hatter (New Holland), Tank 7 Farmhouse (Boulevard), Edmund Fitzgerald (Great Lakes), Juke 'N' Luke (Goose Island), and Lagunitas IPA. For full thoughts on the beers I had, add me on Untappd (mkmcanin)!
TRIP THEME: I am in love with the city of Chicago and I don't care who knows it.
TRIP SONG: "Tear You Down"- RAC (feat. Alex Ebert)
FAVORITE MOMENT: Sitting on the roof at the Tavern, sun setting, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I fell in love with Chicago all over again in that evening. I've been trying to figure out to which city I'd like to move once this gig is up, and every city I've visited thus far, I can see myself in. But Chicago, Chicago was different. I spoke to me in a way that no other city has, and I could feel it in my bones. I will live in Chicago one day, mark my words.
Alright, so I'm west coasting for most of the coming months, so look out for posts from Sacramento, San Diego, LA, and the great state of Washington.
Wander on,
Melanie
WHERE I STAYED: The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites was very clean, had a great view and was incredibly easy to access. My qualms with it all pertain to parking; It was insanely expensive, (to me), and even though I'd call down ahead of time to get my vehicle, it still took >15 minutes to see my car. This resulted in me almost being late to work two mornings, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
WHAT I DID: I purposefully flew in as early as possible, so I could be a tourist for the day. I met up with my friend Tiffany, and we trekked to the Shedd Aquarium. I had been wanting go to the Shedd ever since my first visit in 2008, and I finally had the opportunity. I would be so bold as to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and for me, the Jellies exhibit the most. We then headed to Cloud Gate in Millennium Park for the quintessential Chicago photographs, and then finally to Ceres for a drink before I headed to dinner with my colleagues. Throughout the week, I ended up going to The Signature Room at the 95th and Streeters, (the latter was a mistake).
WHAT I ATE: We ate at Hub 51, Tree House at Tavern at the Park, (solid patio with a fantastic view), The Gage, and we finished up at Yolk for breakfast before heading out on Friday. My friend Stephanie was the best; she was up for any and everything, no matter how long her day had been. I don't think the trip would have been quite as fun without her, and I'm so glad we were both in the city at the same time.
WHAT I DRANK: Again, tried to keep my brews local, so they included: Anti-Hero IPA (Revolution Brewing Company), Mad Hatter (New Holland), Tank 7 Farmhouse (Boulevard), Edmund Fitzgerald (Great Lakes), Juke 'N' Luke (Goose Island), and Lagunitas IPA. For full thoughts on the beers I had, add me on Untappd (mkmcanin)!
TRIP THEME: I am in love with the city of Chicago and I don't care who knows it.
TRIP SONG: "Tear You Down"- RAC (feat. Alex Ebert)
FAVORITE MOMENT: Sitting on the roof at the Tavern, sun setting, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I fell in love with Chicago all over again in that evening. I've been trying to figure out to which city I'd like to move once this gig is up, and every city I've visited thus far, I can see myself in. But Chicago, Chicago was different. I spoke to me in a way that no other city has, and I could feel it in my bones. I will live in Chicago one day, mark my words.
Alright, so I'm west coasting for most of the coming months, so look out for posts from Sacramento, San Diego, LA, and the great state of Washington.
Wander on,
Melanie
DFW-JAN-OKC
I had a nice two week excursion recently, and I got seriously behind on posting. Apologies to my six readers. This trip consisted of a work week to Dallas, then a weekend, (and a wedding), in Jackson, and I finished it all up in Oklahoma City.
WHERE I STAYED: I stayed at the Doubletree at Dallas Market Center, which was nice inside, (though the outside was a little aged). The staff was really nice, and it was in an excellent location. I stayed in a lovely house in Fondren while in Jackson, and other than my aunt's house, my lodgings in OKC were unremarkable.
WHAT I DID: While in Dallas, I hung out with other FIT team members-threw around the idea of going to karaoke, but to no avail. I didn't really do any sightseeing, as this was my third trip to Dallas within the year. In Jackson I met up with my best friend, Nikki, and we went to Fondren Public, Finnian's. Then on Saturday we went to my friend Jasmine's wedding on Lake Caroline (with karaoke!). It was gorgeous and I was able to catch up with so many friends from pharmacy school, which was a plus. Sunday was a lazy day, hanging out by The Reservoir and ending the night on a boat excursion with friends.
OKC- My aunt took me to Guthrie to see the drive-in they filmed Twister at, then Pop's for different flavored sodas, then we went to Bricktown--took a water tour. Last night--went to the drive in and saw XMen: Days of Future Past
WHAT I ATE: On the first night in Dallas, my coworkers and I hit up appetizers at Tate's, then headed to Hopdoddy's. Hopdoddy's was a good as the hype I was hearing about in Austin, and lucky for us, this particular one had opened just in time for our trip. The next was British Beverage Company (BBC). The food was good, atmosphere was better, (though we lost disgustingly at trivia), but if we're being honest, I went there for the beer. Our final night we ventured to the Flying Saucer, (yes, this breaks my only going to local places deal, but the majority always rules).
In Jackson we went to Pig & Pint for dinner on Friday, and while it was tasty, it just was not Germantown Commissary, nor Central BBQ. I fear Memphis may have ruined me on BBQ from any other place. Saturday brunch was at Julep, (hello 2 for 1 mimosas)! Nikki made me homemade biscuits on Sunday; they were amazing.
The only notable place I really in OKC was Ted's Cafe Escondido. I stayed in the 'burbs for the rest of my trip, and I was so tired after work, I didn't really search for the local eateries.
In Jackson we went to Pig & Pint for dinner on Friday, and while it was tasty, it just was not Germantown Commissary, nor Central BBQ. I fear Memphis may have ruined me on BBQ from any other place. Saturday brunch was at Julep, (hello 2 for 1 mimosas)! Nikki made me homemade biscuits on Sunday; they were amazing.
The only notable place I really in OKC was Ted's Cafe Escondido. I stayed in the 'burbs for the rest of my trip, and I was so tired after work, I didn't really search for the local eateries.
TRIP THEME: Reunited and it feels so good.
TRIP SONG: "Recover"-CHVRCHES
FAVORITE MOMENT: In Dallas, definitely hanging out with FIT team members at Flying Saucer. All of us were glad the week was over, so it made for a nice hangout after work. In Jackson, while I was so ecstatic about seeing all of my old pharmacy school friends, I have to say that cruising on the boat at sunset takes the cake. I'm just meant for the water. In OKC, the best part, by far, was being able to spend a whole day with just my aunt; something I don't know that she and I have ever done. Plus, ice cream.
WHAT I DRANK: It's been too long for me to remember all of these, so I just have to direct you to my Untappd profile, (mkmcanin). I do know that I had some phenomenal local brews in Dallas, including a flight at the Saucer, but the names have now eluded me. I know you're weeping.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Keep Austin Stellar
I broke the cardinal rule of everything, and I went to Austin, TX with the highest of hopes. Thankfully, I was far from disappointed. Granted, I thought the hipsters would be a little more abundant, but as we are currently living in a time where being unconventional is conventional, I didn't really notice any more than any other city. What Austin lacks in overt hipsterdom, it makes up for in true to the core culture. Every restaurant, every store, every area is its own entity, not to be confused with the guy next door.
WHAT I DID: As this was my first time in this mystical city, my list of what I wanted to do was vast, and I only grazed the surface. The first thing I did after landing was trek to Mount Bonnell, which offers a fresh view of the city, as well as the Lake Austin part of the Colorado River.
Though I did not get to experience 6th Street, I did manage to explore South Congress by night and by day. I bought random pictures of strangers from Uncommon Objects, (which may just be the most interesting store I've ever been in), and browsed all of the other shops on both sides of the streets.
We also went to Rainey Street, which is a thing I am going to need Memphis to copy. I've seen a similar street in Phoenix, and it's just the coolest concept: It's all of these houses they've converted into bars, complete with awesome porches. If you don't know my thoughts on porch/patio drinking, let me tell you a thing: IT'S MY FAVORITE. After hitting up the food truck haven, we popped into Craft Pride, where they only sell local beers. And from what I could tell, they were all draft as well. Color me in love. I had a Cedar Creek Dankosaurus. Yes, it's a local, dino-themed IPA on draft that contains the word dank. I'd consider moving to Texas just for the beer.
I also managed to do something boring and historical and visited the Texas Capitol. What? It's so gorgeous and so large and so Texas.
WHAT I ATE: I had the pleasure of experiencing Trudy's the first night, which also happened to be top shelf Tuesday, so that was a win-win. The next night we had the intention of going to Hopdoddy's, but the line was around the building, so we made the mistake of going to the super pretentious and only some-what filling Perla's. For dessert after our lack-luster dinner, we made the excellent call of going to Amy's Ice Creams. I tried the Mexican Vanilla, but ended up getting the Dark Chocolate. Both are good choices. Thursday night I had a gyro from a food truck on Rainey Street. It was scrumptious, as is all Greek food from a truck. I ended my trip with two slices from Home Slice Pizza and half of a chocolate covered S'more from Big Top Candy Shop. I honestly didn't have enough meals to experience the food explosion of Austin, but when I return, I plan on tasting Hopdoddy's and this grilled cheese truck I saw on South Congress.
TRIP THEME: Unconventional IS Conventional
TRIP SONG: "Weigh of Love"--Black Keys
FAVORITE MOMENT: Walking down Rainey Street Thursday night. Nothing of significance happened, but it was the first moment I really felt like I was experiencing Austin.
WHAT I DRANK: Ceder Creek Dankosaurus; Austin Beerworks' Fire Eagle, Black Thunder and Pearl-Snap; and Thirsty Planet's Thirsty Goat and Buckethead IPA.
So, despite its aura of coolness, Austin does have its flaws. It's approximately the temperature of Satan's armpits, the traffic is just completely ignorant, and there is no professional basketball team there. If it weren't for these small issues, I could really see myself in this city, but alas I will have to settle for visiting. Often.
That's it, but I'll be back in Texas after a weekend at home. See you in a few, Dallas.
Wander On,
Melanie
WHERE I STAYED: Omni Hotel by Southpark. The hotel was nice enough, but it wasn't where I would have chosen to stay if work wasn't paying for it. It was clean, the pool was amazing, and the pillows were the stuff of legend. I was about 10 minutes from downtown and South Congress, but next time, I want to stay at either Austin Motel or the Hotel San Jose
WHAT I DID: As this was my first time in this mystical city, my list of what I wanted to do was vast, and I only grazed the surface. The first thing I did after landing was trek to Mount Bonnell, which offers a fresh view of the city, as well as the Lake Austin part of the Colorado River.
I had drinks with my friend AJ at Spider House one night.
We also decided to go play mini golf at Peter Pan Mini Golf, which also happens to be BYOB. To me, it was the epitome of the spirit of Austin: unconventional, non-judgmental, and just plain bizarre. Of course, I packed a cooler with local brews and we putted our way through the first 18 holes, (which only cost us $6, by the way). I will conquer the remaining holes on my next trip. And if you were wondering who won, we all did, because we forgot to keep score.
Though I did not get to experience 6th Street, I did manage to explore South Congress by night and by day. I bought random pictures of strangers from Uncommon Objects, (which may just be the most interesting store I've ever been in), and browsed all of the other shops on both sides of the streets.
I also managed to do something boring and historical and visited the Texas Capitol. What? It's so gorgeous and so large and so Texas.
TRIP THEME: Unconventional IS Conventional
TRIP SONG: "Weigh of Love"--Black KeysFAVORITE MOMENT: Walking down Rainey Street Thursday night. Nothing of significance happened, but it was the first moment I really felt like I was experiencing Austin.
WHAT I DRANK: Ceder Creek Dankosaurus; Austin Beerworks' Fire Eagle, Black Thunder and Pearl-Snap; and Thirsty Planet's Thirsty Goat and Buckethead IPA.
So, despite its aura of coolness, Austin does have its flaws. It's approximately the temperature of Satan's armpits, the traffic is just completely ignorant, and there is no professional basketball team there. If it weren't for these small issues, I could really see myself in this city, but alas I will have to settle for visiting. Often.
That's it, but I'll be back in Texas after a weekend at home. See you in a few, Dallas.
Wander On,
Melanie
Friday, June 13, 2014
Big (Rainy) Easy
Greetings from the Delta Terminal of MSY, (or the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport). I have decided to use my delay to blog, (instead of expensing my trip like I should, oops).
I'm no stranger to NOLA, and I have found that I have a soft spot for the city after I ran through 13.1 miles of it in February. It's so vibrant and rich in culture, and not unlike my sweet Memphis, there is always something delicious to devour every other block. When I visit somewhere, I like to do touristy things, as well as submerse myself in the local culture, find something off the beaten path. I feel I accomplished both this trip, thanks to my high school friend, Mary.
So, I'm not sure how I want to do this, week to week, but I guess I'll give this format a go:
WHERE I STAYED: Hotel St. Helene--Located Chartres St. in the French Quarter, and let me tell you a thing: It was phenomenal. It was clean, simple, cozy and incredibly affordable. It had a court yard (that I could walk out to from my room), and a continental breakfast that actually tasted fresh for once. I will definitely stay there again on a future trip.
WHAT I DID (TOURIST): New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was literally next door to my hotel, and I had no idea until I got there. I nerded out a solid amount there, and I know it's probably pretty low on non-pharmacists' lists, (or even pharmacists' lists), but I loved it. It smelled like history in there, and as you probably didn't know, it's my third favorite smell, (After pizza and Main Street at the Magic Kingdom). After the museum tour, I wandered around the French Quarter, re-visiting old sites and taking in the wonder that is New Orleans.
WHAT I DID (LOCAL): I grabbed drinks with Mary and her friends, then we trekked for late night karaoke. It was so late by the time we got there that I can't even remember the name, but I had a great time anyway, (I sang 'I Want You Back' by NSYNC, if you were wondering).
WHAT I ATE: Mostly small snacks, but my biggest, (and best), meal was The Court of Two Sisters on Royal St. I had the Jazz Brunch, of course, and it was phenomenal. I only wish I could have sat outside, but the rain won.
TRIP THEME: rain, rain rain.
TRIP SONG: "Time Stops"--Explosions in the Sky
FAVORITE MOMENT: I went to a movie, (as it was pouring out), and when I walked out of the theater, you could tell the rain had just stopped, as the smell of it was still lingering. Walking back to the hotel, I noticed how quiet this huge and normally rambunctious city was. It was almost eerie. The people that normally crowd the streets hadn't found their way back out yet, and the stench of debauchery with them. It smelled clean, like somehow the rain had allowed for a new start, almost as if it was completely different city. I didn't last long, and by the time I got into my car, the same old New Orleans was back. I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about that walk back, the awe I experienced thinking about how much of a force nature is. It's so surreal sometimes.
Okay, that's wrap. It's back to Memphis for the weekend! Then it's off to Austin, TX!
Wander on,
Melanie
I'm no stranger to NOLA, and I have found that I have a soft spot for the city after I ran through 13.1 miles of it in February. It's so vibrant and rich in culture, and not unlike my sweet Memphis, there is always something delicious to devour every other block. When I visit somewhere, I like to do touristy things, as well as submerse myself in the local culture, find something off the beaten path. I feel I accomplished both this trip, thanks to my high school friend, Mary.
So, I'm not sure how I want to do this, week to week, but I guess I'll give this format a go:
WHERE I STAYED: Hotel St. Helene--Located Chartres St. in the French Quarter, and let me tell you a thing: It was phenomenal. It was clean, simple, cozy and incredibly affordable. It had a court yard (that I could walk out to from my room), and a continental breakfast that actually tasted fresh for once. I will definitely stay there again on a future trip.WHAT I DID (TOURIST): New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was literally next door to my hotel, and I had no idea until I got there. I nerded out a solid amount there, and I know it's probably pretty low on non-pharmacists' lists, (or even pharmacists' lists), but I loved it. It smelled like history in there, and as you probably didn't know, it's my third favorite smell, (After pizza and Main Street at the Magic Kingdom). After the museum tour, I wandered around the French Quarter, re-visiting old sites and taking in the wonder that is New Orleans.
WHAT I ATE: Mostly small snacks, but my biggest, (and best), meal was The Court of Two Sisters on Royal St. I had the Jazz Brunch, of course, and it was phenomenal. I only wish I could have sat outside, but the rain won.
TRIP SONG: "Time Stops"--Explosions in the Sky
FAVORITE MOMENT: I went to a movie, (as it was pouring out), and when I walked out of the theater, you could tell the rain had just stopped, as the smell of it was still lingering. Walking back to the hotel, I noticed how quiet this huge and normally rambunctious city was. It was almost eerie. The people that normally crowd the streets hadn't found their way back out yet, and the stench of debauchery with them. It smelled clean, like somehow the rain had allowed for a new start, almost as if it was completely different city. I didn't last long, and by the time I got into my car, the same old New Orleans was back. I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about that walk back, the awe I experienced thinking about how much of a force nature is. It's so surreal sometimes.Okay, that's wrap. It's back to Memphis for the weekend! Then it's off to Austin, TX!
Wander on,
Melanie
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Bucket List
Seeing as I can't consistently post on one blog, it makes the most sense for me to start a second one.
No matter, I have always thought of myself as someone who "loves to travel," but I found myself not really doing much traveling. With only two weekends off a month, and living in a city that I genuinely love with every fiber of my being, I was finding excuses to stay and postpone adventures in other cities. Then work threw me a curveball, and now here I am, in a new city every week. And guys, I really do love to travel. I love everything about it, (except maybe flight delays when I'm missing home), but the thing I love the most is that with every city, every experience, every sunset, I yearn for the next place.
I'm ready to get started on this travel bucket list I started my freshman year of college, of which I've completed very little. I've been dragging my feet, but now I'm getting serious. This world is vast and magical, and I'm ready to see what it has to offer. Obviously I want to see the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, (especially the Lighthouse of Alexandria), and the New Seven as well, (hello Petra), but there's still so much more I want need to see. This blog is going to serve as a journal of my smaller journeys, as well as the major ones (i.e., bucket listed places).
1. First and foremost, I need to step foot on every continent, including our icy friend Antarctica. I'm three for seven currently, (North and South Americas and Europe).
2. See the city of temples at Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
3. Watch riders finish the Tour de France with my dad (Champs Elysees, Paris)
4. Go skydiving in New Zealand
5. Snorkeling in The Great Barrier Reef
6. Spend a week soaking up the beauty of Seychelles
7. Run a half marathon anywhere in Western Europe
8. Stay at Tswalu Kalahari (South Africa)**
9. Attend Oktoberfest in Germany (coming Fall 2015)**
10. Die from sheer happiness at Patara Elephant Farm (Thailand)**
11. Attend Carnaval (Rio de Janeiro)
12. Polar Bear Tour (Churchill, Manitoba)
13. Ski the Swiss Alps
14. Attend a winter or summer Olympics
15. Attend a World Cup game
16. Eat at Alinea (Chicago)
17. See the Grand Canyon, (still on the fence about camping there)
18. Play with a panda in China (or Atlanta at the very least)
19. Tour the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios and go to Platform 9 & 3/4
20. Cry at the absolute beauty of the Andes Mountains, specifically Machu Picchu**
21. Lose myself in Marrakech and Casablanca (Morocco)**
22. Watch the horses at Piazza del Campo during the Palio di Siena (Italy)
23. Island hop via a cruise in Greece
24. Visit all Disney Parks
25. Survive Mardi Gras in New Orleans (coming February 2015)
26. A Grand Tour of Europe
27. See the hometown of my grandmother (Bordeaux)
28. Attend the Cannes Film Festival
29. Gamble in Monte Carlo
30. Stroll the beaches of Normandy
31. Alaskan cruise (WHALE WATCHING)
32. Visit every US State
33. See the Russian Ballet
34. White water rafting on the Chattanooga River
35. Catch one of my favorite bands in their hometown/country
36. See the Northern Lights, (Aurora Borealis) in Finland**
37. Castle tour of the UK
38. See the cherry blossoms in Japan
39. Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (Turkey)
40. Hang out with turtles in the Galapagos Islands
This is an ever-evolving list, but I feel like it's a great place to start. See anything you've done? See anything you want to do? Suggestions? Want to tag along? Let's make it happen folks; ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!
**denotes top priorities
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