So this past Spring Break, Kristine and I finally decided on going to Tampa for a few days. With the MBA work so hectic, I couldn't take off a whole week, so we opted for a cheap deal for Wednesday morning through Saturday morning down there.
Wednesday leaving
Which meant we had to leave at the butt crack of dawn. 5am at the airport and
it's crowded. Thankfully we had the e-tickets and could go to the special line.
Funny, I always seem to be associated with "special" things. Anyway, this did
save us time and we were on our way. After exactly 3.4 minutes of sitting on the
plane, Kristine was asleep. It's like a gift or something.
Now we're in Charlotte for our connection. 1 hour late of course. No biggie, we'll just sit here by the window and star at the giant owl. ??? No shit, there was this giant owl on top of the people-mover ramp thing. Yes that was a technical term, please use it appropriately.
Now we're figuring this thing had to be fake. Just too big and too stable. Ok, but why? Was US Airways trying to make a new mascot like American Eagle? Would the tagline be, "We got owls!"? We'll be sure to check on the professor when we return.
Wednesday arriving
So we got a rental map and a crappy rental car. I now know where I got the
rotator cuff injury - carrying all the bags. Ugh. Now we're on our way to
actually stay over in St Petersburg. You'd think it was close to Tampa. But
you'd be wrong. The good news is we'd be staying on the beach and could drive
into Tampa later.
First we have to cross this long bridge which had nice scenery actually. Then through some town. Then the assholes. Long major thoroughfare, forced right hand turn in the right lane. It was obvious everyone knew this - what with the 50 signs leading up to it - and it was equally obvious that everyone was trying to ride out the right lane until the last second and change over. Assholes. And this is why I shouldn't be allowed to drive. Well frankly, he can kiss my ass for even trying it.
Now we're up to the roundabout. Oh Lord, this can't be good. And it wasn't. It was made worse since it was a two lane deal. This was compounded by signs that confused us. Unless the outer lane of the roundabout ends before completing the circle, having the inner lane is essentially useless and dangerous. We assumed since signs clearly pointed to getting into the inner lane to go where we wanted, that the outer lane must end. Dame DOT idiots.
But now we were closer. To where? Yeah, that's a good question. One important thing to remember to pack on any trip is information on where you're actually staying. Dammit, dammit, dammit.
"Will they find the hotel?" Tune in tomorrow!