Week in tampa summary
This trip was a little bit different. First of all, it had been a while since I had traveled (relatively). Second it was a gathering, so less flexibility, but also more productive. Also, I love Florida.
I landed in Miami airport at 11:15 on Sunday. Made a call right then to go to the dolphins bengals game. It was really fun, first nil game in some time. I got there a few minutes late because of the crazy wait at budget rental (dont use that again Daniel). Anyway I drove to the parking lot, hopped on the shuttle, and found my seat. I had bought a ticket 40 minutes before gametime so it was only 52 usd. Anyway, climbed up to my seats, realized I wanted to get closer, so picked a spot to walk through where there were available seats - there were a ton on the sunny away side, and quickly I realized why. It was too hot to sit in them. But I was in the 7th row so I was fine with it for awhile. Then at halftime I went to the kosher stand to grab a footlong. Not as good as Hot Country TBH plus the bread broke so it all fell out. I walked to find another good seat in the shaded side which I was able to do. From there, once I got past the tailgates etc, it was time to continue my journey, and drive to Boynton Beach. It was a lovely drive, and Aunt D and Uncle Harry gave the Pinuk that I imagine/remember Boca Bubby and Boca Saba used to give. Comfy bed and room, snacks, and then we went out for dinner at a kosher place. After dinner, Auntie Dee took me to see the country club that isn’t a country club officially, and we hit tennis balls for 45 minutes - really so fun! Then I had to work for a little bit for tomorrow’s things and fell right asleep.
The next morning, 330 am, I set off for Tampa. Pitch black for most of the way (sun goes up really late). Was a nice drive, blasting country music, podcasts, some phone calls, grabbing a slurpee. Was an odd feeling to feel in my body that it was 11 am and yet it was pitch black. I got to Tampa, met the team at a non kosher place, and Kristi brought me Reeses puffs and Oreos (she’s the best). Then the sessions started. My role this week was to present the signals and prospecting through claude mostly, to gain feedback from the team built and monitor the dashboard, and be present in the sessions to learn more about how everyone works. Lunch was a kosher burger (new restaurant in tampa soft launched) but I couldn’t finish it. I told Reagan I was dying to go to the ALCS Game 1 that night and he said of course. A few hours before the game, I saw a single ticket for 180$ (more than I usually spend but playoffs and AMAZING seat). Once the sessions ended, I went to my hotel, and saw that batting practice was at 5:10. I hopped in the car, and drove to St Pete. I was circling looking for parking, and got to a parking lot. When I asked how much parking costs, the guy said $80. But if you park illegally in a 2 hour spot, it’s a $25 fine. Once I heard that, I turned around, parked right close to the stadium, and walked in grinning.
I went straight for batting practice, was there for the entire Guardians (ew) one. I didn’t catch any batted balls (was one row to short for one), but Angel Martinez (LF on CLE) tossed a ball from far that I caught. I was excited but he pointed to the kid next to me. I gave it to him, he motioned to me thank you and I will get the next one, which I sure enough did. He tossed it, I caught it, and the souvenir was all mine. Funny to think I had never gotten an MLB Ball from a game until literally September last year and now I have about 7.
After that, I walked around the stadium, I love uniqueness of baseball stadiums and the trop delivers. Coolest part was going to pet the devil ray - was so cool they have that tank. They also have a bunch of Evan Longoria stuff, and baseball history. The one thing they do not have is Kosher food, so I went pretty hungry from lunch that day to breakfast the next.
The game was fun. The atmosphere was electric, nothing like the playoffs. The hype, the yellow towels - all incredible. It was a very close game that came apart in the ninth, but there were great moments, great plays, and the seats I had were so good. I drove back and fell immediately asleep.
The next morning, I drove to the office. Another good day of sessions, learning, bonding. Around 3 everyone left to the beach. We were on the beach for a good few hours. It was a really fun chill time, getting to hang out with the coworkers/friends. None of the food at the restaurant was kosher of course (think crab fries and shrimp tacos), but it was a lot of fun. We also dipped out feet in the water, threw a football around, and had a good time playing volleyball. From there Yasmin, Dana and I drove to target, bought the necessities and came back to the hotel - it was a lot of fun.
Wednesday was the last day in Tampa. Usually I wake up at the crack of dawn to walk/run/bike but I actually wasn’t feeling too well this week with my stomach/headache/nausea at times, so I took it easy. I packed, and went to the office. Office was good, productive, saw very cool things people have built for themselves. I thought I would be leaving in the afternoon since I had a 5 hour drive and not much kosher food until I got to destination but Reagan wanted me to stay as late as I could. So I stayed for the brewery tour, said bye to everyone before dinner, and made my way to Miami. I made one stop at 7-11 on the way, which was watery (bummer) but kept me awake. BH I made it all the way. I went for a walk to the beach, did a night swim in the pool, and went to sleep. Woke up early at 6, walked around Surfside, got a good view of sunrise, and headed out. Tried to get dunking donuts on the way out but I went to the not kosher one by accident so I couldn’t eat it.
Got to airport, and now on plane, wrapping up an amazing trip.
Did a lot of adulting on this trip, like buying socks and underwear, doing laundry, and taking care of myself.
