Columbia (Part 5) Lost and Found

Lost In a Dark faraway land, Driving An unfamiliar vehicle, Daughter Nikki and I seek food and shelter at end of the first of our five-day Adventure  to visit  Nikki’s new hubby at Fort Jackson, SC.

Looking for East Exchange Blvd. in Columbia, SC, in what may as well been the middle of the night, we cruised back and forth on Atlas Road till we finally stopped at a Rite-Aide (must be safe, we have those back home!) to pick up a few particulars, and mainly ask directions.

The clerk tried to be helpful, but didn’t know where neither the Fort Jackson Sleep-Inn was, nor East Exchange Blvd. (Doesn’t that sound like a major street?)

The gal in line behind us stepped up to bat and began explaining where to go using local reference. I stopped her quickly telling her we were from out-of-town and knew nothing.

Nikki told the gal that we were there for Jerome’s graduation. The very sweet lady told us that not only was her husband retired military, but her dad, and several other family members too. “Well, in that case,” she volunteered, “it’s not far, and I’m going that way. Come on—follow me!”

So we did.

Well, she thought she knew where it was. There were lots of hotels in the immediate neighborhood, so we had to be close, but no Sleep-Inn presented itself. Finally, she pulled over and apologized, and suggested if I had a cell phone, I should call the hotel.

Duh! I did have a cell phone and their number. Why didn’t I think of that earlier? That’s why I have the danged thing… I bought it solely for just such occasions.

She alternatively suggested that we ask inside the Sunoco filling station we were huddled in front of.

I thanked her and blessed her profusely as she went on her way. She was an absolute sweetheart.

Since we were already there at the Sunoco, I decided to ask inside first.

The tall, handsome blacker-than-black skinned gal at the counter was on the phone talking so fast in such a heavy, black southern drawl, I couldn’t understand her at all. “Oh boy, this is futile,” I thought, but she politely put the phone down quickly then switched to a slower, more appealing southern accent that was perfect for us out-of-towners.

When I told her where we needed to go, she plopped her pretty self down with her forearms flat on the counter, and declared with a winning smile, “You know, everybody’s been looking for that place today!”

She was well rehearsed in giving stellar directions to pass “what” and turn “when.”  With her expertise, we found the motel in minutes. It was just a few blocks back, but the street sign was near invisible and East Exchange Blvd., more appropriately , East Exchange Alley, was more of a back road, no street lights, stop signs, signals—nothing. And, it turned out, the motel was set far enough back on the little road, that one really couldn’t see it till directly upon it. But, because of one little gal’s expert directions, we found it in short order. Thank you, thank you, honey-child!

Aaand… happily, because of all the back-and-forthing of being lost, we found the local Piggly Wiggly! Woo-hoo! I was so excited with that alone. (I’m just a Piggly Wiggly type of girl. Mid-west born and bred!) We also noticed a couple of chain restaurants that seemed to be everywhere. Shoney’s, and The Waffle House, both of which were in walking distance of the hotel.

After checking in and getting settled, we drove to Shoney’s for dinner (it was way too cold for us So. California beach girls to walk). It was great! I had the all-you-can-eat salad bar for $5.99 (which, for an extra buck or two, could have included the all-you-can-eat breakfast bar, which I declined). Nikster had a “pepper-jack chicken club” sandwich that she described as AWESOME! The atmosphere was nice, quiet and the lighting low. (I don’t like bright restaurants... or bright lights, period, except of course sunlight, then I can’t seem to get enough!)

The food was great, and inexpensive, the servers were terrific, warm and friendly. We liked it and agreed to come back and bring Jerome on Friday (if it was okay with him).

The trip to this point was an enlightening experience for me. Spiritually enlightening. I loved every being I came in contact with… hurdled every obstacle with ease. (Though I think of obstacles as frustrations—therefore, there were none.)

Nikki, at times, was less than positive, but she’s learning—it’s all about confidence and having fun.

I’m learning this too.

Venturing out “by myself,” so to speak, is wonderful! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do so. I’ve wanted to venture for so long now… from forever. I can do it!

I did it!

I felt so “present” and alive, happy to talk with so many unique beings, seeing them smile and making them laugh. I really liked it.

In a way, I felt I had my brave–face on for my kids when they travel with me. I like them with me, it’s easier to put it on. But I realized that, yes! I am on my own. I am my own unique, individual! I’m different. I’m special.

From the moment I decided to arise that clear Wednesday morning, I felt no angst. I was in total control. I was embarking on an adventure. I expected to have a marvelous time, and… I did. I lived the dream… and I’m still living it!

Yes! I want to continue to go places! I want to see and explore! I want to talk to people, lots of people. I want to know what it’s like here, there and somewhere else. I wanted to hug the cashier we met at Shoney’s that night who was just as cute and friendly as could be! Dang, I just wanted to hug everyone throughout the day, from Mr. Toebe to the desk clerk at the Fort Jackson Sleep-Inn.

It was a most wendippitous day!

To be continued…