So I woke at the sound of my alarm beaming at me to wake and start my day. My gosh, it is 5:30 am, normally I am peeking at the snooze button to delay my getting up. This time I don't hit the snooze button and rose at the instance. I have to admit, I thought about hitting the snooze button!
It takes me a good hour to get out of the apartment even though my clothes and luggage are packed and prepared from last night. The early morning bus is seemingly a culture shock or perhaps a flashback from my days of working downtown Toronto. The sounds of feet shuffling on the floor of the bus, jackets rubbing pass each other and the awful sounds of coughs and groans make me feel sick. It is not so bad, however.
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| downtown Toronto |
So I am at the greyhound station sitting patiently until the bus comes and hunger hits. My senses trigger me to buy a cinnamon bun and an orange juice at the over-priced-rate and I do just that. At this point it leaves a bad taste in my mouth mainly because of the sugar, so early in the morning.
Big shout out to the Toronto bus station, it runs pretty smoothly like a well-oiled machine. Everyone including the passengers seems to know how it works at the station.
On such a grey day my trip on the greyhound is working out very well.
I hadn't taken the bus on long trips in such so many years, it feels good just to relax and let someone else drive while I do some sightseeing which by the way, is a brand new world ever since I started wearing glasses.
Thoughts go through my mind of leaving the big city, what would it be like to live in a smaller city without having to worry about the stress and traffic. Those thoughts quickly go by just as fast as the small towns we pass on the highway.
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| Canada-USA border |
I am at the bus station downtown Buffalo and I can't help but notice the increasing population of African Americans compared to Toronto. What else is noticeable is the way Americans conduct business. As our new bus driver took over at Buffalo, his presence was felt immediately. He Was very authoritative, precise, and almost military-like. He was the kind of gentleman I felt safe with as the driver but I will be very glad to exit the bus once I arrive at the airport.
Our Canadian driver had about five lines of instructions and our American driver had 25. Rules had to be understood.
Now I have arrived at Buffalo airport and again this morning of traveling is going smooth as silk. So far so good!
Frustrations are setting as I am trying to get connected to WiFi to let my wife know that I am safe but it is taking too long. I finally ask a young man who works in the airport for some directions to a shop or a store which deals with cell phones. The young man politely asks for my phone and even contradictory to rumors of young African Americans he hooks me up with WiFi.
I am thankful.
Our airline captain to NYC loves to fly planes. I had a good look at his posture and the way he spoke and I knew that flying planes was something he dreams about as a kid. I can also mention that the way our pilot flew his plane, it felt like he enjoys his trips. Trust me this is all he does besides probably having a look at the skies on his days off.
On this November day, NY city is hot, around 21 degrees Celsius. Having the AC on in November just sounds crazy but that is exactly what is happening. Now I am getting hungry but these airport foods aren't going to take my budget and leave a bad taste in my mouth again. I bought a cream cheese bagel and a hot tea and decided that was dinner for the night.
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| airport food |
My flight to West Palm Beach is almost ready, it is time to recharge my phone and chill out. My body relaxes while my eyes and ears wander around the airport. NYC is very unique with many different accents over the PA system.
It's time to fly again and I board the plane. This time I am wearing down due to the lack of energy and protein, I believe. New Yorkers are loud, I found this out very quickly. We had a slight altercation on the plane before it took off. No need for cops or an air marshal it was handled very professionally by the Jet Blue staff. Shout Outs to Jet Blue!
I am loving the domestic flights I wish Canada would make it easier for us to travel between provinces. I probably would travel more within Canada and could go on more adventures. These are the thoughts that go through my mind.
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| beautiful palm trees |
I watched basketball on my way to West Palm Beach and saw our Toronto Raptors lose their first game of this season. That is OK, we won our first five games and besides, it is a long season. I also flip-flopped between channels trying my best to keep away from the CNN news and politics in the USA.
I arrive at West Palm Beach airport, looking around. It has been at least 10 years since I was here I remember bits and pieces about the airport and besides, once you tried one they are all similar. I am texting Mr. Roberts to let him know that I have arrived and is waiting outside for him to pick me up. Mr. Roberts and I will be partnering up this weekend at our big event. Our next business partner got stuck in Barbados due to airplane mechanical related issues.
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| cruise ship at dock |
