From Hawaii, I made a quick 2-day stop in San Francisco. Since my tenant was not able to leave as planned, I allowed him to stay for another week, which meant I didn’t have a place to live. At the same time, my friend, Dudley, who I had not seen for nearly 3 years, invited me to visit him and his partner in Florida.
Visitor in my hometown –
I was able to get a good deal by SF standards at Hotel Whitcomb, which is in a very central location on Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Also, it’s a minute away from the Civic Center Bart station.
I was not expecting much from Hotel Whitcomb but I was pleasantly surprised. Since I’ve been gone this historic hotel has gone through some major renovations. The lobby area is beautifully decorated and they also have a café and bar in the lobby. Even my room was very comfortable which is exactly what I needed for my staycation.
It was fun to walk around town as a tourist but, honestly, I was not ready to embrace the cold weather.
Later, I stopped by my place to drop off my luggage and was glad to see that my place was well taken care of. Oh my, as I walked in, I realized how I had missed my cozy home.
In the evening, I met my friend Carlos and Jerry at Union Square ice-skating rink to watch the “Drag on Ice,” event which was very fun and entertaining. We later went for drinks to a nearby lounge. It was so nice to catchup and share what’s going on in our life. Since I’ve not had much alcohol for the past 3 months, those strong drinks did spike me up.
Visiting friends in Florida –
I’ve to say that traveling with just a backpack 🎒 makes everything fly so smooth at the airport.
Dudley picked me up from Tampa International Airport and we went to checkout their home in St. Petersburg which they had recently purchased and were completely rehabbing it. I got to meet the super talented Saumi, Dudley’s partner in crime, and Charlotte, their adorable princess who run their life.
Later, we went for dinner and then headed to their main home in Largo, where I was going to be staying. I enjoyed my slow pace life with them. We cooked lot of healthy meals together, went to gym, read couple of books, caught up on personal work stuff, and had yummy ice creams for dessert.
On Sundays, I would accompany them to Unity Church and enjoyed being in the presence of so many lovely and positive souls. Also, took a workshop “Inspired and Unstoppable” with Tama Kieves, life coach and best selling author. Her personal story and spunky spirit was infectious. Did help me put some things in perspective as well as a reminder that I was on the right path.
Walking through the Botanical Gardens –
Tampa Museum of Art –
St. Pete Saturday Art Walk –
Truly Grateful –
I’m so glad that I got to spend quality time with Dudley and Saumi. Above all, I am grateful that they opened their home and hearts to me. I could have not asked the Universe for a better way to bring my 360 degree around the world journey to fruition in the company of loving friends.
I’m happy to be back home and in my own bed!
As I give permission to myself – to relax, unpack, organize and fill my home with renewed energy, I am going to use this “me time,” to reflect upon the lessons I’ve learned in 2019 through my Joyful Venture, and use it as a guiding angel to prepare a list of dreams I would like to Manifest in 2020.
I pray that 2020 will be the year of “Infinite ♾ Possibilities” filled with lots of love, joy, happiness, success, adventure, wealth and good health, for each of us! 👼
