Florida: the beach & an accident

I don’t know how to travel. During most of my relaxation time I sit watching Anthony Bourdain travel through desolate parts of the world in wanderlust. I imagine myself mingling with locals in Oaxaca, and backpacking through Thailand without a bead of sweat as proof. Even though I’m armed with a handful of languages, traveling still doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m in Florida for ten days, and I came here with the intent of getting some work done and enjoying the sunshine opposite to what we’re experiencing at home in Toronto.

I wrote one of my final university exams at 8:30AM, the same day that my flight to Fort Lauderdale left. I had already made it to my bed in the south before I even had time to process the fact that the exam that I finished was my only remaining tie left to my university. I’m the person that you say ‘slow down’ to, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I get bored easily and the only way that I can keep myself on top of my game is by packing my days to the brim.

Yesterday I fed an iguana a CheeseIt. Today my plan included seeing the ocean for the first time, and walking along the beach. While stopped at a light, sitting in a rental car I saw the beach from about 50 yards away. Seconds after stopping our car was pummeled from behind by a car that had somehow defied all odds and made it to 2016. I had hit my head and injured my neck on the headrest. Before I had time to process what was going on I was on the phone with 911 trying to explain where it happened. The lady that had rear-ended us was pleading with us not to call police, offering to pay upfront… with a cheque. The paramedics came shortly after and reassured me that I was going to be okay, and told me some signs to watch for. I feel fine now, the initial shock has went away.

Two days later:

I’m feeling better and the neck pain only comes if I really over-exert myself, nothing too serious. I saw the ocean, and I walked along the gorgeous beach at sunset. More to come!