Travels
So I was back home in Blacksburg for a good two days before Kate and I embarked on our next adventure. While I was here, I worked at the office and tried to unpack and get things in order. We left on Wednesday morning for Albany, New York, after a slight delay wherein I locked my keys in the trunk as I was packig the car. Stupid CLO! That's the first time that I've done that with this car. So thankfully I had a spare key in my apartment. Howver, I had to call the landlord at 8:30 in the morning so she could let me in, because my keys were obviously not accessible. We were only about half an hour late getting on the road than we had planned, so not too bad! We began our lengthy journy in high spirits. We were going to have a blast with all of Kate's friends in Albany. She just moved here 4 months ago, so everyone was still missing her and I was anxious to match faces with all of the names that kept popping up in her stories of home. I started out the driving and we made excellent time. We ended up finishing the trip in under 9 hours, which was apparently some kind of record. (I swear my foot is not THAT heavy.) We told stories, sang to loud music, worked on becoming fluent in Spanish and laughed at all the things we really shouldn't have in common, but do by some twist of fate. A regular good ol' car ride. So when we finally arrived at Scott and Toby's apartment (two of her friends) at around 7, we had to get ready for the night's festivities. I got to meet the most gorgeous puppy that I've ever seen, Hallie. (Sorry, Mich, but I took pictures to prove it.) So a bunch of us met up at the apartment and headed out to their regular bar, Madison's. Kate had told me plenty of times how they "owned the place" and everyone knew them. I was, of course, a bit skeptical at her (slightly often) exaggeration, but her claims were completed supported the minute we opened the door. Everyone in the bar, bartender included, exclaimed "Kate! How have you been???" as we entered. I was introduced to everyone as the "friend from Virginia" and we settled right in to some tasty beverages. They had tiaras and leis to celebrate and everyone was getting crazy. We eventually moved to another bar, the Bayou to ring in the new year. It was an awesome place with 3 huge rooms and a sweet dance floor. Too bad I practically had to BEG anyone to dance. The population wasn't exactly my style (fratty in 5 years), but I was in great company. We had PLENTY to drink, with the guys being especially generous. I learned to just set down my empty drink on the bar in front of some nice fellows and reap the benefits. 0:) Midnight came and went and after a bit we decided to head out. A fight or two erupted as we were trying to herd everyone out, and eventually we got out of the place, just in time for the testosterone to boil over. Kate and I were BEAT by this time (probably 3ish) as we had a long day on the road. So we finally crashed on the pull-out couch as the rest of the crew stayed up till all hours of the morning.
Thursday we slept waaaay in and had breakfast around 3. After we got up and moving, Kate and I drove out to Saratoga Springs to pick up Dan (yes, my other boss) so he could join us for the night. I swear, I work in the best office on the planet! We had a larger group that night and hit a couple different bars. It was a great night out. I even convinced everyone mid-outing that tequila shots would be a perfect idea! Hehe, good times. I played darts, and sucked pretty badly, but everyone says I have potential. Guess I'll be spending a bit more time at the Rivermill now! We went to another bar where I played pool with Dan. We ended up losing the first game and then winning the second by a very close default. It was awesome. And I found a drink that I can consistently order and enjoy--well, actually two. I can get a vodka tonic or vanilla Stoli and ginger ale. Yay, me! I've been searching for a while for a CLO drink. We ended up at yet another bar around 3 (yeah, bars have no specified closing hour up there, how wonderful!) and basically opened the place back up. The Palais Royal, as it was called, was owned by a 93 year old man named Rocky, who hung out in the back corner observing us as we tore the place up with debauchery. We played some extremely random music from the juke box and danced and danced and danced until everyone behind the bar, and Rocky were in ear-to-ear smiles. We went back to the apt., were Kate and I danced for a bit to Prince while the boys played blackjack until 6AM. We went to bed not too far ahead of them.
Friday, Kate and I woke up early (12) to take Dan to the airport to get his rental car, then ran some other errands around town. We cooked breakfast for the gang and everyone lounged all day. Friday night we went to El Loco for some good mexican food and the strongest margarita that I have ever experienced. I was seriously buzzed off of the first sip. . .whew. Again, several bars, darts, good company, a bit o' dancing, great conversation, and much craziness. This night I joined the guys for blackjack, which was extremely addictive, due to the zany Steveo who was our dealer. He is the most hilarious person and he definitely kept us entertained until 6AM once again.
Saturday morning we had to get up semi-early for our journey to McLean for Jaime's party. We ended up on the road around 12 with some killer hangovers and the Moses puppet hanging out in the backseat. We took a different route and ended up in hellish traffic in New Jersey and Delaware. There has to be an easier way to regulate tolls. . holy lord! We FINALLY made it to Jaime's at 8:30 with a slight detour through Bethesda, MD. A quick prostitute-esque makeup application on 495 traffic and outfit change in the backseat and we were once again, party people. The party was fun, and a nice low-key change from the past 3 nights. We were fantasizing on the trip about all the things that we wanted when we got to the party. Kate's only wish was red wine. Mine included: red wine (of course), tomato, strawberry, and a canape of some sort. All of our wishes were granted. We had to be party poopers and turn in early (1ish), but it was a good time, all in all.
So this morning, we had breakfast with Jaime, William and company before hitting the road again. Not a bad trip back, and we learned how to conjugate Spanish verbs on the way. Now we need some serious de-tox. Tomorrow, it's back to work at the office. I have a bunch of other little tasks to attend to before the semester starts, so I'll be a busy bee. All I really want right now is a bed. . .so, adios, buenos noches. I have great pictures from the trip too. I'll be making a website soon, so look for that.
Love to all! Happy New Year!
Thursday we slept waaaay in and had breakfast around 3. After we got up and moving, Kate and I drove out to Saratoga Springs to pick up Dan (yes, my other boss) so he could join us for the night. I swear, I work in the best office on the planet! We had a larger group that night and hit a couple different bars. It was a great night out. I even convinced everyone mid-outing that tequila shots would be a perfect idea! Hehe, good times. I played darts, and sucked pretty badly, but everyone says I have potential. Guess I'll be spending a bit more time at the Rivermill now! We went to another bar where I played pool with Dan. We ended up losing the first game and then winning the second by a very close default. It was awesome. And I found a drink that I can consistently order and enjoy--well, actually two. I can get a vodka tonic or vanilla Stoli and ginger ale. Yay, me! I've been searching for a while for a CLO drink. We ended up at yet another bar around 3 (yeah, bars have no specified closing hour up there, how wonderful!) and basically opened the place back up. The Palais Royal, as it was called, was owned by a 93 year old man named Rocky, who hung out in the back corner observing us as we tore the place up with debauchery. We played some extremely random music from the juke box and danced and danced and danced until everyone behind the bar, and Rocky were in ear-to-ear smiles. We went back to the apt., were Kate and I danced for a bit to Prince while the boys played blackjack until 6AM. We went to bed not too far ahead of them.
Friday, Kate and I woke up early (12) to take Dan to the airport to get his rental car, then ran some other errands around town. We cooked breakfast for the gang and everyone lounged all day. Friday night we went to El Loco for some good mexican food and the strongest margarita that I have ever experienced. I was seriously buzzed off of the first sip. . .whew. Again, several bars, darts, good company, a bit o' dancing, great conversation, and much craziness. This night I joined the guys for blackjack, which was extremely addictive, due to the zany Steveo who was our dealer. He is the most hilarious person and he definitely kept us entertained until 6AM once again.
Saturday morning we had to get up semi-early for our journey to McLean for Jaime's party. We ended up on the road around 12 with some killer hangovers and the Moses puppet hanging out in the backseat. We took a different route and ended up in hellish traffic in New Jersey and Delaware. There has to be an easier way to regulate tolls. . holy lord! We FINALLY made it to Jaime's at 8:30 with a slight detour through Bethesda, MD. A quick prostitute-esque makeup application on 495 traffic and outfit change in the backseat and we were once again, party people. The party was fun, and a nice low-key change from the past 3 nights. We were fantasizing on the trip about all the things that we wanted when we got to the party. Kate's only wish was red wine. Mine included: red wine (of course), tomato, strawberry, and a canape of some sort. All of our wishes were granted. We had to be party poopers and turn in early (1ish), but it was a good time, all in all.
So this morning, we had breakfast with Jaime, William and company before hitting the road again. Not a bad trip back, and we learned how to conjugate Spanish verbs on the way. Now we need some serious de-tox. Tomorrow, it's back to work at the office. I have a bunch of other little tasks to attend to before the semester starts, so I'll be a busy bee. All I really want right now is a bed. . .so, adios, buenos noches. I have great pictures from the trip too. I'll be making a website soon, so look for that.
Love to all! Happy New Year!