I have been dazzled with this idea since becoming familiar with it while watching 'The Holiday' for the first time many years ago.
But in today's world, where the digital reigns (~40% of couples meet online, from what a limited Google search tells me!), it can feel unreachable. And more than that, downright preposterous when you consider we're still living amidst a pandemic.
I am here to tell you though that it is possible, because I am living proof! Let me explain. Recently, I repurposed a 10-day trip to Europe to a road trip out west to visit some national parks. It was incredible!!! I drove through miles upon miles of scenic vistas, stayed in an old sheepherder's wagon (yes, this is on Air B&B), saw stars outside my window, and generally enjoyed a week of mountain backdrops, wide open spaces, and wildlife up close & personal. I did the trip solo, by the way, which I highly recommend to anyone. You can find more about my enthusiasm for this in the podcast, 'I Could Go On.'
On my last night of the trip before making the journey back to Chicago, while in Estes Park, I decided to go to a restaurant the locals* had recommended. Thankfully, they had an opening for me, but it was going to be a few minutes before the table was ready. During these times I would normally wait outside, however, a cold front had come through Colorado and this wasn't really an option (at least not for what I had packed). Alas, there was an empty high-top table in the entryway and I sat down, grateful for a chance to rest my legs after a long day of hiking! I noticed a nice-looking young man waiting a few feet away, also alone, and I *believe* he smiled at me. One can never tell these days...
I'm not entirely sure what came over me as I'm not one to invite strangers to be nearer to me during Coronatimes, but I offered him the empty seat at the table. He took it, and we made small talk for a few minutes until his to-go order was brought out. Though, he didn't get up immediately (yes!). But then they called to inform me my table was ready (no!). How many times has this happened to you? A seemingly interesting person, a promising exchange, and then BAM, life takes you in different directions. I feel like many times for me, and not just on the romantic plane I might add. I wish I could monetize a way to get around this - seriously. Anyway, we parted ways, and that's the end of the story.
Or so I thought. As I was finishing up my dinner, all of a sudden, mask guy appears at my table! He handed me a small slip of paper and said something to the extent of, this is crazy, but you're also traveling solo across the country, so maybe you appreciate this sort of thing. There was really no conversation to follow, just whatever I managed to mumble in my surprise, and a goodbye. Naturally, I texted him as soon as I got home. When I happily exclaimed "you came back!" he replied, "I'd already made my mistake for the day, wasn't eager to make another" (referring to a work blunder he shared with me earlier). I know this is not Kate Winslet/Jack Black-level cute, but like, pretty darn close right?!
At this point it was somewhat late in the evening, and he suggested a walk around Estes since most of the bars would be closing soon. But I was already back at my Air B&B, and after a 5 AM wake-up call and 10 miles of hiking, I was not in any condition to leave the house again. I suggested coffee the next morning instead, not realizing, but made even sweeter by the fact that he works evenings. When I woke up, I felt kind of crazy and will admit I wasn't entirely looking forward to it.
Perhaps it was the mimosa we each decided to complement our coffee with kicking in. Perhaps it was the bright, sunny day sitting by the pond. Perhaps it was the Irish band playing nearby. Perhaps it was vacation magic. Or maybe a combination of these things. But man was it wonderful. I'd like to think there was a special connection, though admittedly we haven't really continued to communicate. Which is such a bummer, since all these things transpired to land us in the same place at the same time, right? And he could've just walked away and never came back! But I think the wondering and the what ifs do a disservice to the moment. Which was a gratuitous meeting, some fun flirtation, and good conversation for the weary traveler. AND, proof that you can meet someone #inreallife. Life may not be the movies, but it can be pretty delightful sometimes. :)
*thank you thank you Rock Cut Brewery! The grain bowl was ah-mazing.
PS- the cover photo is the outside of the coffee shop where we were.
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