Today I flew down to my happy place, Tampa. It was a whole new ballgame this time around. The last time I came down was March and things had not been shutdown at that point. They starting shutting down when we got back home. This time there were so many changes to the way I normally travel to Tampa, it took some getting used to.
First off, the airport in Manchester was downright eerie. It was like there were zombies or monsters just waiting to jump out at you in the silent and empty terminals. I walked right up to security and went through, no lines, no waiting. That was definitely a positive. Once I was in the terminal itself, I was sad to find that the Sam Adams Brewhouse was closed, even though there was a sign that stated that they were open. Tease. I walked up and down the length of the airport three times because I was bored.
Another positive came in the form of early boarding and early departure. There were only 33 people on the flight. Hello window seat and no one sitting in my row with me! Once we arrived at the Baltimore airport I was sad to see that not only were the good restaurants still closed, but my favorite Mexican restaurant at BWI had been replaced by a Fire & Ice. I walked around BWI for half an hour or so but there were so many people at this airport, it was hard to get anywhere (always getting stuck behind the slow walkers).
Finally, we arrived in Tampa. Masks were not required at the airport itself, but they had been on the flight. After a one hour flight from MHT to BWI and then a 2.5 hour flight from BWI to TPA, I was ready to tear the covering from my face. I wore a thin scarf over my face because it was the only thing I could somewhat breathe in without having an asthma attack. I have to give props to healthcare workers and anyone that has to wear a mask their entire shift. I would never be able to do it.
It was a pretty normal night after that. I checked in to my AirBnb and then went back into Tampa to get dinner. Sadly the World of Beer location that I went to first in Tampa was a bust, they ignored me for 40 minutes after I was seated so I gave up and walked out. I went to the location in Brandon as it was closer to my AirBnb anyway. Big difference! Seated right away, drink order taken in less than two minutes, and drink on the table in less than two after that. At the first location I went to there were parties of 6-10 at two tables next to me and they were getting all of the attention. Don't single diners deserve some drinks and food too?
So things I learned today from traveling during a pandemic:
- Wearing a mask on the entire flight SUCKS
- There are no lines at security
- Don't get too excited about the airport alcohol that you will not be drinking
- People still have no idea what 6 feet means
- Larger parties at a restaurant = more money therefore are more important
And the number one thing:
- It doesn't matter if there is a pandemic, if a lot of places are closed down or have restrictions, or if you have to make accomodations to wear a mask....I AM IN MY HAPPY PLACE.
I almost cried little happy tears when I heard the words "Welcome to Tampa" over the speaker on the plane. Driving around with the music up, the top down, and the warm breeze...there is just nothing more freeing and soul-clensing.
Tomorrow I head to Fort Myers/Cape Coral to visit with my good friend and engage in shenanigans and debauchery.
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