One of the things that I love about working for a school is paid vacations that I don't have to ask for. It's been a great experience teaching ASL online for the past year. No commute is by far my favorite perk -- I can sleep in.
This year, I had some money in savings and wanted to do something fun for spring break. While I am an introvert/extrovert, I do enjoy my alone time as well as social. I didn't think I would miss the social aspect as much during the pandemic as much as I actually did. Inviting people over for a food themed party had become my thing and I missed hosting. I've been told I'm good at it.
Anyway, a friend who I knew in Colorado Springs who has moved back to Dallas (where he is from) has been begging me to come visit for the past three years. I thought why not go explore a new city AND visit an old friend. There was also an old college friend who I wanted to see in Dallas well. I hadn't seen him since graduation eight years ago. Crazy, that college was THAT long ago.
I had never booked an airbnb before so that was the most nerve wreaking aside from figuring out how long I should make my trip for. At first I thought four days would be good but then realized, what in the world am I going to do sitting at home for the rest of spring break? Might as well stay down there the whole week. I am so glad I did. I'm pretty sure I would have gone bonkers at home with nothing to do but "adulting" things.
Finally, my trip was booked about a month in advance. Before I knew it, it was time to pack and get on the plane to DALLAS! I loved it the minute I landed. Texas flags everywhere, cowboy boots and the heat of the sun was amazing! Especially since Denver was experiencing it's second winter. I am so tired of snow in spring months!!!!
My airbnb was exactly the way it was described and pictured. The only negative thing was that it was located in a poorly kept neighborhood. But honestly, I didn't spend much time there anyway so in the long run, it didn't matter. On the bright side, there were two grocery stores within walking distance (10 min max) and I could get to downtown Dallas in about 10/15 minutes for about $10/$12 one way via Lyft. I hadn't planned on renting a car since I knew I would be spending a lot of time downtown and if it was anything like downtown Denver, I did not want to spend an arm and a leg trying to pay/find parking. I don't got time for all that!
My friend Justin wanted to do the touristy things with me, which I was surprised at. I thought I would be largely on my own but wound up kicking it with him the days he was off work. We had a lot of fun catching up, goofing off and exploring Dallas. Many things he had done as a kid but had little to no memory of. Other places he had never been before like Reunion Tower and the Museum of Illusions. He was an incredible host/tour guide. Showed me where he used to work before the pandemic. He introduced me to some of his friends and his girlfriend. Took me to one of his favorite hangouts for ice cream, which of course I can't eat but ordered my lunch there.
My other friend Obi is a part time dance instructor. I took one of his classes and man, I was beaten up! lol I enjoyed it but that bed never felt so good. He also took me out to lunch one of the days I was there. It was short and sweet. Wish we had more time to catch up but oh well. Next time! It was a fancy restaurant AND black owned! It was an awesome experience. Food was unique and tasty.
I did spend a few days exploring on my own. Wound up walking through multiple parks, went to the aquarium, rode an old trolley and saw the infamous glass eye that is sitting in the middle of downtown Dallas. There was a park dedicated to Thanksgiving (Giving thanks) as well as one for cancer survivors. Since I was on my own, I did have to watch my phone batter level like a hawk! Didn't want to get stranded downtown with no way home! I used my phone for pictures AND my Lyft rides. I did have a battery pack but sometimes it would refuse to charge. I noticed it works better if I don't let the battery level get super low (below 30%) before charging it.
Aside from old men hitting on me (no matter what city I'm in this happens), I enjoyed my time in Dallas. Will I move there? I am not sure. While I was there to relax, unwind and see old friends, I also wanted to figure out where I would move to next. Denver has lost its appeal to me and I am currently city shopping. I have other places on my list like San Antonio and Austin -- I do love the Texas vibe so I could see myself moving to TX or at the very least spending more time down here. I have other friends near Austin so...definitely will be back. 😀
Thank you Texas, for your hospitality! Till next time 😁
No comments:
Post a Comment