As normal as it seems now to me, traveling still turns out to pose at least one adventure per trip.
Take last month for example. I discovered Miami for the first time. Those of you who know me would respond "I thought you have been before!" Well the last week of January I really experienced it. Checking into my condo with a Miami bay view while you all in California were enduring a week straight of wind and rain, I stepped out onto my terrace and breathed in the 70 degree winter air. I worked my butt off that week, closing one of my biggest accounts to date and training their sales people. I left my customers office each day, the sea of cubicles, loud voices selling, ceiling high windows and florescent lights and headed back to my condo with my windows down in my rental car that resembled Lincoln Town Car and a sigh of relief leaving my lips. The valet parked my boat/car and I headed up to change; I traded my 3 inch heels and slacks for my Nikes and Lucy running pants. I unbuttoned my blouse and threw on a tank top. I put my cell phone down and picked up my iPod and was off. What generally would be a 2 or 3 mile run turned into 5 as I ran, motivated by the setting sun, the view of the bridge heading to over to Miami Beach and by the other runners who I passed (or who passed me) on the sidewalk as I forgot about the pain in my shins and took in the city as far as my legs could take me. I'll tell you- running is the best way to soak in a place in a short amount of time. The bay was so calm I don’t think I ever wished for a boat and my water ski more in my life. Take a look at some shots I got:
someone spray painted this on the sidewalk...I thought it was cute.
On the run I passed a sushi restaurant with outside seating and made a note to go there for dinner after I was done. Finally deciding I was finished, and hungry, I headed over. After getting strange looks as I passed through the Four Seasons lobby all sweaty, I returned and treated myself ...well work treated me, to some hot sake and delicious, fresh sushi. The weather remained gorgeous as a light breeze picked up. I should have started my blog sitting there I remember thinking, but I was enamored with the conversation from the table next to me. The people were flight attendants and pilots and they were complaining about, well everything; I was also reading my Oprah Magazine (thanks mom) so I was busy.
I walked back to my condo after I was finished and watched my old school big screen: think my parents TV circa 2002. I slept so well and woke up surprisingly refreshed which is rare when you go through constant time changes. There was only a TV in the living room not the bedroom and I finished Chelsea Handlers book which was hysterical. I can't remember the title something like my Life On My Back but overall I think the lack of TV was good for me. After my trip was through, I remember returning home saying to myself if I wouldn't miss my mom and dad so much- and my friends - I’d move to Miami. I have to go back again in the summer for a few days though to really make up my mind- any willing accomplices?
Well onto this week, enough of paradise. I visited my coworker and rep in Philly where there is still snow on the ground...umm brrrrrr! I am not good with snow. I don't own snow clothes, my pants aren't lined, Teresa’s striped GAP pea coat jacket was no match for the bitter wind and my Franco Sarto boots are not water proof; damnit. AND it is hard to walk on snow in heels, you are bracing for the fall then you relax and slip! Oh California how I missed you!
Overall my meetings were great! I closed my second biggest account which could become my largest and got to drive (copilot) into Manhattan. Well that was an adventure. Ok, whoever expects this California girl from the suburbs to give the presentation of her life after fighting her way (again in the passenger seat) through Manhattan traffic , over pot holes bigger than my head, pressing my ‘mom break’ as my coworker came dangerously close to pedestrians and a few cabs, you are crazy. After I contemplated my first drink on the walk into the meeting to calm my nerves I had gained some composure and did a pretty good job, I think.
Manhattan and New Jersey and Pennsylvania are nice places. They have signs when entering the Lincoln tunnel that read: NO HONKING! $350 fine. NO honking? Oy Teresa, we would be broke. I love my horn! And who doesn't honk in tunnels once in awhile? Well New Yorkers I guess.
My hotel was ok. If it were baseball season I would have been in heaven since I was a football field walk away from the stadium - and when I say football field I mean football field. The Eagles stadium was in between my hotel and Citizens Bank Park. As I drove away from the hotel I waved and vowed to be back for this year’s Giants vs. Philly’s game; I’ve got a hook up - anyone game?
After a few more meetings, I was in the air again. The first leg of my flight into Chicago ended with a woman flipping out. The flight attendant asked her to be seated as we taxied to the gate since she unbelted and started getting her things out of the overhead. She screamed at that poor lady saying she didn't hear her announce to wait. Umm - she said it over the loud speaker lady - it is a tiny jet plane with maybe 75 people. The woman completely embarrassed herself. Bad day? Hate for American airlines? Was that me in 20 years??????? No I can maintain composure... or I will medicate :)
Well we are landing I have to say the boredom brings out my creativity! I'll have to remember that flying is a good time to blog- or sleep or read but I finished my book on my first flight. Thanks Dave Matthews, Pink, Jack Johnson and Led Zeppelin for keeping my ears company today. And Sony your noise canceling earphones are a waste of money. If I have to listen to this guy behind me talk about scuba diving for one more minute I am going to go crazy lady on you! (And I left my meds at home ;) )
Check out the view of SF from above!
Cheers to home sweet home!
Great blog! Ahhhh Miami...I swear I belong there! Take me!! Can't wait for more
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