The Amazing Race... "I Just Wanna Win" – Steph

Okay, so... Canada was EPIC. Definitely a trip for the books. Leading into the weekend, I thought for sure I would be incredibly nervous traveling 100% solo but as it turns out it was more just sheer excitement. 

I woke up early, 3:30 am and got ready for the day. I put on my comfy pants and oversized hoodie (which I have decided will be referred to forever more as my ‘lucky travel attire’ more to come on that) and I headed out the door. Seamless trip to the airport, no traffic (at 4am). Upon arrival, my day started with a hot latte from Starbucks and a smooth boarding process. 

While sitting on the runway in line for take off, the pilot comes over the speaker to announce -get this- they forgot to put fuel on one side of the plane. Glad they figured this out before we took to the skies?!?!! What I didn’t realize was the process of fueling a jet is quite a lengthy one. Our flight would now be delayed 90 mins. Many people were quite upset do to connections. Now I’ve tried to commit to a go with the flow process so rather then being upset about my missed connection I figured I’d go with it and just stay on the plane while many others de-boarded. Now the next available connection for my carrier was not until 3:45pm, well after my original 9:30 am connection. This would have put me into Toronto at 5pm which would have been disappointing beings that I was only there for 2 full days. I took a deep breath and searched for all other airlines leaving out of Michigan, my connecting airport. Turns out there was an air Canada flight leaving at 10:30 and would still put me in Toronto by noon. 

I calmly called the airline and asked if they could put me on this flight, unfortunately, I was told this was not possible as they were not an associated airline. I stated I understood but asked very pleasantly if she could check with her manager just to see if there was any potential option and if not, that it was ok. Before she even got back on the phone an alert came through on my texts with an updated itinerary on the Air Canada flight! Awesome! And now I could relax for a bit on my first leg of flights. To top it off, I had a full row to myself and the flight attendant gave me all 3 snacks and and extra water (remember this). Ha but wait...

I arrived into Michigan with 30 mins to connect. I got off the plane with my carry on and ran to the nearest monitor- wait what?!? No airline listed for Air Canada. So I ask for help only to learn a little fun fact about Michigan airport. There are two different terminals and in order to get there you have to go out of security, take a shuttle or a cab, and then- go back through security!!! Wait what?!? I now have 25mins to get out, catch a cab, get through security st an international terminal and make it to the gate before the doors close. 

Well, how fitting that this trip to Toronto was I inspired by none other than the couple that won the Amazing Race Canada. Now it was my turn to experience my own version of the amazing race. 

I sprinted through the airport as fast as I could, hailed a cab who kept trying to convince me to wait for the free shuttle until finally realizing I was okay with paying the $20 to go 5 mins down the road. I paid him while en route, and upon arrival I waved thank you, jumped out of the cab so fast, and broke into another high speed foot race to security. 

While approaching security, the line was wrapped all the way around. At this point I had to make a choice, continue my efforts to try and make this flight or just relax, head back to the original terminal and take that much later flight. 

Well now my competitive side has kicked in... I’m going for it!!! I got in line with about 15mins before they close the boarding doors. I waited for 2 minutes to catch my breath before bending down to prepare my laptop and liquids. Just as I leaned down a security guard tapped me on the shoulder and said come with me. A little freaked out, but I complied. He rubbed my hands with a special cloth and then scanned me with a wand and said “just put your bag on that empty conveyor and go ahead through, have a safe flight” wait what, I just experience the equivalent of a big win in adult shoots and ladders. I smiled, said thank you and to the belt I went. I may just actually make this flight after all!! 

10 mins until doors close. My bag goes through I’m getting ready for a mad dash to the gait and then... my bag alarms to be searched. Remember that free water from my first flight, well I forgot once I left the terminal I needed to throw it out as you can’t take over 3 oz of liquid. My heart is pounding, water now in trash and I’ve got about 3 mins to go to the opposite end of the terminal. 

I grabbed my bag snapped the straps tightly around my chest and sprinted as fast as I could. I needed to get to that gate... I seriously have never ran for a finish line so hard in my life. I can barely breathe, my side is cramping because let’s be real I am not in the best shape for a foot race. As I round the corner I see the gate counter in my sights just a little bit further. I get to the counter and can barely muster out a word when the attended says “welcome Miss Werner.” Followed by “we have a 10min delay if you would like to use the restroom before you board.” It was like music to my ears, I made it, and I could take a moment to collect myself and located the nearest defibrillator should I need it. I FaceTimed my sister because seriously, you can’t make this stuff up.

Again I find myself with an entire row to myself and a smooth flight into Toronto arriving only 20 mins later then my originally planned arrival. I picked up my car and headed into the city. What a rush- literally and figuratively! I’m not sure how things aligned the way they did, but in hindsight, it was actually quite entertaining and fun. I felt like the universe was supporting my journey and the rest of the weekend followed suit. 

While in Toronto, I explored several top spots on the travel to do lists from Kensington Market, Graffiti Alley, the Distillery District and the Village. I walked on the outside edge of the CN tower 116 stories above the streets (harnessed in of course). I zip-lined Niagara Falls. I brewery hopped around the city. I had the most delicious food from coffee to siracha burgers and beaver tails. I met and exchanged stories with some great people and had an absolute blast! 

My flights back were very smooth and uneventful, and again I had full rows to myself on every flight. Winning!

Oh and to top it all off, I had a fan girl moment when the Amazing Race Canada couple that was the inspiration for this trip replied to a check in I posted on social media! Like I said, Canada was EPIC!!

Joy, Rain, and a Rabbit...

Today’s lesson… find the joy in everything.

When I planned this trip several months ago I had this grand idea of what it would be like to visit Canada in the fall. Walking around the city in a nice comfy hoodie, enjoying a fresh cup of Tim Horton’s coffee, and taking in the scenic views of vibrant foliage as I ventured around the outskirts of the city itself. I pictured myself sitting at a table in the distillery district taking in the hustle and bustle of people heading to their next outdoor engagement or taking the ferry over to the islands to catch the views of the skyline at sunset with nothing more than a light jacket to break the wind off the water.  An ideal image of Canada at the peak of my favorite season, Fall.  While this postcard like vision manifested in my mind, you can only imagine the potential disappointment that would ensue as I read the headlines of the Toronto weather website yesterday. 

“Toronto’s weather is so terrible right now that it’s even colder than Alaska” “Rain, cold, wind and then some more rain” and the best one yet “Winter weather predicted for the weekend” Ummmmm, say what?!?!  Oh yes, it’s not a joke. It appears mother nature has kindly decided that I needed a little more preparation for my upcoming trip to Finland by way of skipping Fall and moving right into Canadian winter this weekend. So, what now, I am too excited for this solo adventure to abandon ship. 

So today, less then 24 hours from my trip, I was walking out of Starbucks with a steamy hot latte and my delicious chocolate cake pop into the cold, wet rain that has fallen over North Carolina today. For a second, I thought to myself, Ugh, this is not fun and it is only going to be worse this weekend… but just a swiftly as that thought entered my mind this tiny handsome little boy with his blue sneakers and grey sweater came into my line of sight. His mom walking next to him with her hands firmly wrapped around her coffee and the boy’s hands almost an identical match around his small little cup of hot chocolate. I imagine if I had a son, this would inevitably be how we would spend our mornings as well. In that instant, almost as if serendipitous, the young boy flexed up his knees and lifted off the ground then came back down to meet it with a loud splash. Droplets of water firing out in all directions. And then… the boy let out this resonating laugh, you know the kind that becomes contagious and energizing. And in that moment, all I could think was touché young fella, touché! The joy resonated from this boy as evidenced by the enormous grin as he continued this activity all the way down the sidewalk in route to his car.     

In that moment, I realized that with a little flexibility and preparation, I too can experience the joy I was so much looking forward to. So, on my way home I stopped at the only ski shop that probably exists anywhere near me and purchased a few new items of clothing. I told the owner a little bit about my trip and my need for winter clothing. He was so incredibly nice and while assisting me with my shopping he proceeded to tell me the story of the velveteen rabbit. Now, mind you, I have heard the story before, so I wasn’t quite sure where he was going with it until I reached the register. At that point he explained to me that he had been running this shop for a long time and that occasionally, he looks out over the store and thinks of his items like the rabbit stuck in the box. I was still a little confused, to which he explained, this gear wants to go outside, it wants to play in the snow, it wants to go on adventures and so I’m going to knock off 30% because I don’t want the price to be what keeps them from an adventure.  Man, what a great guy! Thank you, kind sir, for your time, your story, and your generosity!

So now I am all packed, mind you the wardrobe is a bit different then originally planned but I am just as excited if not more for the epic adventure. I intend to jump in the puddles, dance in the rain, and find the joy everywhere I can. It may not be exactly what I had envisioned but I am beginning to think it will be better than I could have ever imagined. 

Come along and enjoy the journey with me on Instagram and Facebook at Hiraethandwanderlust and feel free to subscribe to read upcoming posts! 

Until then… Keep the Joy and Jump in the Puddles!

Walt, Wine, and Wanderlust (and Mexico?)

“There is more time than life”

What a weekend. Actually, I should clarify that by saying what a day! Yep, that’s right… Disney in a Day! A single, fun filled, laughter filled, food filled, friendship filled day! What an absolute blast! From Disney's Magical Express, to Chef Mickeys for a little food and fun, a relaxing hotel room at Coronado Springs, traveling the 'World" with beer, wine, margaritas and mimosas, and ending the night with some great music and a bunch of memories. What more could you ask for in a day!

Now, you may be wondering why I would chose to do Disney in a day, well, just keep reading.

I have been fortunate enough to have experienced the magic of Disney on several occasions over the course of my life. I’ve seen this place with the eyes of a crazed teenager during senior trip in high school. As a coach, I’ve stood under a flurry of confetti placing gold medals after my girls won the Wide Wide World of Sports Disney Showcase tournament. I’ve kept the beat as a drummer that marched through Main Street USA in the Spectromagic parade. And on several occasions, I have walked through these parks with the likes of friends bundled in winter coats and family members burnt from the intense sun and heat. This place holds a lot of great memories for me. But today, brought back some extra special ones...

The quote above was taken off the wall inside San Angel, a quaint little hidden gem located in the heart of Mexico at Epcot’s World of Nations.  Of all the places and magical spots that exist within this world, this is one of my favorites. As you walk in to escape the blazing sun (and it was definitely blazing), you enter this perpetual twilight marketplace filled with vibrant smells and bursts of color.
As you wind yourself down the ramp into the market you can peer deep through the crowds and you might cast your gaze upon this stunning replica of the Mayan ruins along side an erupting volcano cast into the starlit skies. And every so often, you hear thunderous clouds as the sky gives off the illusion of lightening as if it were playing connect the dots from star to star. It really is a cool place, and the food here is delicious. But I digress.

When you enter, you are greeted by colorful skeletons and ‘deathly’ creatures and as you turn your glance to the wall you will see this quote, “There is more time than life”.  You see, part of the mystical theme of this attraction is its recognition of the Mexican culture’s celebration for the Day of the Dead.  Now, I must admit, I did not know much about this prior to sitting down to write this blog, I remember the scene of this place as I have been here so many times, but I just thought to myself. Oh, that’s interesting. I never really gave much after thought. Today was a little different though. 

You see (here is the why), I told you in a previous post that this trip was planned in the spur of the moment.  The conversation went a little something like this. Phone beeps, and it's a text message from my dear friend who had lost her father last year around this time. Message reads: “Want to go to Disney with me the weekend of September 28th -30? My Dad's birthday..."  enough said, trip booked 24 hours in Disney because well, unfortunately, I get it. So, I couldn’t help but be taken back by the literal writing on the walls in the middle of this Mexican 'Day of the Dead' themed attraction. But now, what is there to make of it. So, as I sat in the airport preparing to write this blog, I did a little research into the Day of the Dead. I couldn’t help but have a little internal chuckle as I read “we drink to honor the deceased” HA Nailed it! We definitely had our fair share of drinks (thank you Epcot Food and Wine festival).

  

In ancient civilizations dating back to the Aztecs and Toltecs, there was this idea that death was not something to be mourned but rather recognized as a continuum of life. In time with the fall harvest, these cultures held festivities centered around this idea of welcoming spirits back to the realm of the living to celebrate, dance, and dine along side of them (we held up our end of the deal by doing the same although, our singing probably chased a few spirits in the opposite direction).  There is this concept in the Mexican culture known as “final death” which is said to come when there are no memories left, but as long as there are memories then our loved ones remain alive and with us.

As I reflected on the words and the day, I couldn’t help but think of my own memories. Part of the reason I love this place and in particular, this attraction, was because I remember the first time I was here. I must have been maybe 12 years old or so. My sister and brother in law brought me here with my niece when we were kids. I remember walking around the bazaar area with Ray, I remember the boat ride, I remember the erupting volcano. I also remember that every subsequent trip back to Disney we always came to this restaurant. It was one of the favorite choices. And staring at that wall of words, I remember Ray.  Just as I’m sure my friend was remembering her dad.

It’s funny ya know, the moments and signs you get when you are not intentionally looking for them. I have found, they actually exist everywhere.  And when you see them, you feel this universal connection- like the ones you care about are right there hanging out on your adventures. The (very literal) writing on that wall also helped to remind me that life, in its physical form, is short and we owe it to ourselves to make the most of the time we get to live it. So… drink the wine, eat the food, book the flight, embrace the memories, and take a moment to read the signs and remember those who will always be right there with you. 

Until next time…