Nomadic Narrative

I lingered in the very same café last night in LAX that I had sat at waiting for my first red-eye flight to Costa Rica. I reclined at a small round table looking up at the bar stools that line the edge of the Daily Grill – where I was perched almost exactly one year ago. I recalled the excitement mixed with relief and uncertainty that I had felt. Not altering my pre-departure routine, I sipped a glass of J. Lohr and counted the minutes to departure. Enjoying and reflecting on the moment, a greater sense of direction and purpose replaced the former uncertainty. Read the leap (year one).

Leaving LAX last year, I was truly jumping off into the unknown having done just a few preliminary planning steps. I organized an airport pickup. Remember that crazy ride? (read post here) I chose a place to stay. Remember the mechanical bull it promised? (read about the arrival) And, I also had a few job interviews lined up, all of which delivered far beyond my expectations, well, except for the bull.

One year later, I take off from LAX and land in another unfamiliar city, Panama City. This time I have specific goals to accomplish – continuing my scheduled review of 4 and 5 star hotels around Panama and making it back to Costa Rica by the end of the month.

After making it through the typical airport hustle-and-bustle, I arrived at my first stop on the review circuit – the Intercontinental Miramar, a massive glass tower lining the water’s edge. No barbed wire and peek-a-boo doors this time to reach my secluded haven, not to say that I’d ever turn in that experience. After all, it’s perspective that allows one to really appreciate the subtleties of new places, and perspective needs to be constantly challenged.

Relaxing my walked-half-a-day tired feet here on the 21st floor in the Intercontinental Club House overlooking Panama’s city lights, I’m ready for another year full of exploration.