Chasing Dreams and UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amidst a Pandemic (Part 1)

It was all planned. And to be honest, it was a blur. Reality finally set in when we woke up to head to the airport. Starbucks, pile in the van, and head north to Chicago. Its far cheaper to fly out of Chicago rather than Louisville, but in retrospect... it wasn't the best option.

We got to the airport incredibly early, like responsible adults. Upon arrival we headed straight to the nearest bar post security, like responsible adults! We all ordered up and proceeded to toast to the most epic of epics.

Time seemed to stand still in that moment for me. It was the first time in my life I had found a GROUP of people that liked the same things I did, were excited about the same things I was excited about, and there was no judgment. Such a rare thing to find. 

I'd like to think I had jus a small sliver to do with the camaraderie and togetherness. I always tell my friends, "I love you where you are at, not where I want you to be". It relieves pressure. We are all growing everyday and we need to give each other room to do so, without being judgmental. 

We headed to our gate and I will admit, I tied a few on and was feeling great. That soon came to an end once we got on the plane, to our seats, and in the air.

All set up in our seats for the long flight, the drink cart came around. Hot tea for me as it was time to relax and catch some sleep. WRONG. I spilled scalding hot tea right on my left testicle and down my leg! Play it cool, Austin... play it cool. For the next 2 weeks my junk was sensitive to the touch. So much so, my pants hurt to put on. 

Fast forward to the morning when we landed. Crappy airplane sleep, tired, walking slightly funny, but so ready to see everything through their eyes. That was my favorite things of the trip, seeing some ones eyes light up over the most simple of things. Living vicariously through someone else's joy.

Our eyes did NOT light up at the site of our rental car though. One would think a 7 passenger car would be bigger than a pack of 25 cent gum. This was not the case. That poor Vauxhall Zafira was PACKED with us and our luggage.

Nonetheless, we were well on our way with me struggling behind the wheel. Trying to remember how to drive on the wrong side of the road with 5 other people in the car was harder than it was 4 year prior, when it was just me.

Manchester, or bust.