![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
More pre-travel musings
So I'm starting to get super excited for traveling (three places in two weeks . . . please expect a post two weeks from now where I say I am sick of traveling and just want to sleep in my own bed) - I'm almost to the point where I just get antsy and want to get moving (this is why I always try to travel early in the day - if I know I have to get somewhere the day is just a wash until I do).
Last Friday I was browsing the LCBO (liquor store) waiting for some friends to decide their purchases for the evening and found myself staring at the American Bourbon section. I do have a couple I enjoy and my eyes were drawn to them (successful branding that) only to realize they are about $20 more expensive in Ontario. This was, of course, disappointing, and only increased my resolve to stock up on alcohol while I am in the states. Anyway, at this point a middle aged man interrupted my musings to ask if he could make a recommendation (this is not the first time this sort of thing has happened - I understand that white middle aged males are probably the primary demographic for this style (whisky/bourbon) (sorry anyone who fits or does not fit that stereotype and is offended!) - but I think it really happens because when people love a good whiskey they really love it and want to share - though you don't see me striking up conversations with middle aged white males in the liquor store. Anyway, he pointed out his favorite (BASIL HAYDEN’s Kentucky Bourbon whiskey FYI) which I had never heard of . . . which of course began a discussion about whiskey styles - his tastes were a bit smoother and milder then mine . . . but then of course becuase he mentioned this brand was super rare to find in Canada it came out that he was from Misssissippi and actually American. I know Americans are all around me, but Mississippians? Anyway, the whiskey was pricy - that's not saying much because all alcohol is pricy here - so I didn't get it, but it left me wishing I had someone here to drink whiskey with so I can keep trying more and not commit to the whole bottle . . . preferably someone with a bigger alcohol budget then me :).
Ok, back on topic:
The thing I am most looking forward to is being able to text/call my states friends and family at a moment's notice - which is probably a sign I should consider adding that functionality to my american phone once I can afford it. It's kind of weird, because everyone here feels like they are practically in the US and if anything are to integrated with the culture and such - but I feel so separate. I would say it is all in my head - but I think it isn't quite, what I miss the most from the states is what the vast majority of them don't have in the states (or even far away at all), connections to people who know you as you (as opposed to a customer or acquaintance). As the number and depth of my friendships increase here, I'm sure I'll feel that missing less.
I'm also looking forward to traveling again (and driving!!!) - especially with my lack of bicycling ability this month - I have been feeling rather trapped in the city. (though the bus system is nice, it just doesn't cut it for escape and adventure) Traveling can be soul-sucking, but it also has a way of turning you around so everything looks just a bit different and there are new things to think about and explore.
Last Friday I was browsing the LCBO (liquor store) waiting for some friends to decide their purchases for the evening and found myself staring at the American Bourbon section. I do have a couple I enjoy and my eyes were drawn to them (successful branding that) only to realize they are about $20 more expensive in Ontario. This was, of course, disappointing, and only increased my resolve to stock up on alcohol while I am in the states. Anyway, at this point a middle aged man interrupted my musings to ask if he could make a recommendation (this is not the first time this sort of thing has happened - I understand that white middle aged males are probably the primary demographic for this style (whisky/bourbon) (sorry anyone who fits or does not fit that stereotype and is offended!) - but I think it really happens because when people love a good whiskey they really love it and want to share - though you don't see me striking up conversations with middle aged white males in the liquor store. Anyway, he pointed out his favorite (BASIL HAYDEN’s Kentucky Bourbon whiskey FYI) which I had never heard of . . . which of course began a discussion about whiskey styles - his tastes were a bit smoother and milder then mine . . . but then of course becuase he mentioned this brand was super rare to find in Canada it came out that he was from Misssissippi and actually American. I know Americans are all around me, but Mississippians? Anyway, the whiskey was pricy - that's not saying much because all alcohol is pricy here - so I didn't get it, but it left me wishing I had someone here to drink whiskey with so I can keep trying more and not commit to the whole bottle . . . preferably someone with a bigger alcohol budget then me :).
Ok, back on topic:
The thing I am most looking forward to is being able to text/call my states friends and family at a moment's notice - which is probably a sign I should consider adding that functionality to my american phone once I can afford it. It's kind of weird, because everyone here feels like they are practically in the US and if anything are to integrated with the culture and such - but I feel so separate. I would say it is all in my head - but I think it isn't quite, what I miss the most from the states is what the vast majority of them don't have in the states (or even far away at all), connections to people who know you as you (as opposed to a customer or acquaintance). As the number and depth of my friendships increase here, I'm sure I'll feel that missing less.
I'm also looking forward to traveling again (and driving!!!) - especially with my lack of bicycling ability this month - I have been feeling rather trapped in the city. (though the bus system is nice, it just doesn't cut it for escape and adventure) Traveling can be soul-sucking, but it also has a way of turning you around so everything looks just a bit different and there are new things to think about and explore.