Sunday, August 16, 2009

Is this real life?

Having no sleep the night prior to my flight to Atlantis, caffeine became my constant companion. On the flight to the Bahamas (first class!), the flight attendant comes over, asking what I would like to drink. "I would really love a cup of coffee," I say.

Her jaw dropped. "Your mother lets you drink coffee?!"

I laughed, holding my hands up defensively, "No, no, it's OK, I'm 22." Twas at that precise moment when the mother of the family I was traveling with turned around in her seat and exclaimed, "Is my 16 year old daughter trying to tell you she's 22 again?" So, in answer to the question of male suitors down south, the answer is simply; there was none. Everyone thought I was 12.

Basically, I vacationed for a week. I rode every water-slide at Atlantis, snorkeled with and fed wild sharks and sting rays, snorkeled with 10 feet manta rays, went to a private island, and oh yeah, got lost on a bus. You see, we were trying to get back to the hotel after the private island. Instead, we managed to take an hour bus ride to downtown Nassau. The driver was less than pleased.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Fun in Airports

Starting with my adventure in the Denver International Airport, running like a crazy person to catch my flight (I got on board at 6:58am but was not the last person to board! However, because of our lateness, we delayed the flight another twenty minutes while they loaded our bags), I have been spending a lot of time in airports. I got a marvelous privilege to spend a week with a family at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. More to come on that note.

Taking one look at the DFW airport, I cannot stop myself from thinking how ghetto it is. Surrounding it is a booming metroplex, large population, multi-national headquarters, and yet, ghetto DFW. There is one exception: terminal D, the international terminal. I flew into the international terminal to meet up with the family on the way to the Bahamas (we all know Oklahoma is it's own country), and what's the first thing I see? A castle.

"Well, that's cool!" I'm thinking to myself. "I've got time to kill, I'll go get my coffee, and chill out in the castle." I start walking in the direction of Starbucks, when I am bombarded by cafés galore, advertisements the sizes of buildings, and my personal favorite; vending machines. I know you've seen 'em, the Best Buy and Apple vending machines, but I start giggling at the sight of this one:

Proactiv. I get it, you're on your way to a big business meeting, you're stressed out beyond belief, and so is your face. No worries, just pop in your credit card, and away you go. Oh, what I would have given to see someone purchase that!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Colorado

Upon what Base was fixed the Lath wherein
He turned this Globe, and riggalled it so trim?
Who Laced and Filleted the earth so fine,
With Rivers like green Ribbons Smaragdine?
Who th' Curtain rods made for this Tapestry?
Who hung the twinkling Lanthorns in the Sky?
Who? who did this? or who is He? Why, know
It's Only Might Almighty this did do.
His hand hath made this noble work which Stands
His Glorious Handiwork not made by hands.
~Edward Taylor From God's Determinations: The Preface

I'm pretty sure Edward Taylor was inspired by the mountains of Colorado when writing this. I got to spend a weekend in the mountains of Colorado for one of my childhood friend's wedding. The problem in catching up with old friends, especially during a big event when time is limited means that sleep becomes trivial. A problem indeed, as my brain does not function when sleep is depleted. As they drove me back to the airport (super late I might add: I checked my bags at 6:45am when my flight was at 7am), her husband turned around stating, "This is the quietest I have ever heard you. You must be tired!'"

Since time was short, I was unable to accomplish a few of my goals such as:
1. Visit King Soopers (a grocery-store chain in Colorado)
2. Visit my childhood home
3. Go four-wheeling
4. Go snowboarding

I guess this means I require a second trip.