Transformation

I recently went on a mini-adventure. You probably wouldn't think its much, but it was for me.

I departed from Union Station in DC taking the train to Columbia, SC, a 10-hour train ride by myself. I haven't taken the train since I was little and it was exciting. I met my best friend Lana at 2am and we spent the day with her kids, preparing for our drive to New Orleans.

Leaving at 5am the next morning for New Orleans we were filled with energy. The 10-hour drive was a breeze as we caught up on everything we had missed in each other's lives in the months it had been since we'd seen each other. The truck was filled with loud music, singing, and yes, dancing. When we arrived at the hotel in NO we were giddy with excitement and couldn't wait to get out and explore. We walked for ages trying to find just the right spot to have our first meal and drink, soaking it all in. We settled on an open market cafe where we gorged on delicious cuisine including fried alligator (yes, I had alligator!!), gumbo, jumbalaya and red beans with rice. Oh, and some awesome live music. Afterwards we cruised around Bourbon St. and drank daquiris.

I had the opportunity on Friday to jet-set around NO a bit on my own. Lana had introduced me to a little cafe where I got coffee and a croissant and I enjoyed reading a book in the hotel's open courtyard. At lunch we discovered Royal Street and the Royal Street Deli. Mmm, delish. We knew immediately we were coming back later for their Sangria (which we most definitely did). That night we had dinner at Pat O'Brien's and enjoyed their hurricanes - holla! - and then found ourselves at the Cat's Meow. Now, let me just take a moment to discuss the Cat's Meow. This place was a karaoke bar. We all know how I feel about karaoke. This place was so freaking awesome I was intimidated. Alas, I did not sing karaoke. However, they played the BEST music that I sang and danced my butt off and it rocked! Total awesomeness! I'm really, really hoping that the next time I'm there I have my wits about me and sing myself some karaoke.

Saturday I enjoyed Cafe du Monde - ohhh, beignets how I love you! - and explored New Orleans more before we left. Another 10 hour drive did not daunt us - we were great company for each other.

This trip made me feel alive. It put me in touch with a part of myself that I haven't seen in years. And I really miss that part of me. I was happy, I felt free-spirited. I felt good. I need to remember that person is inside of me and not get so wrapped up in my day-to-day obligations that I get lost in who my true self is. I need to remember the things I enjoy and keep those things around me so I can keep the joy in myself. I think this trip, this mini-adventure, was the beginning of a transformation for me.

Lana and I in the hotel