Advertisement
Today was originally suppose to be a build day in West Palm—something I was very much looking forward to and was going to be a highlight of this route. I was eager to give back to the community that gave me so much and to volunteer with Palm Beach County Habitat again—I did my sweat equity with them when I was preparing for my first trip—talk about full circle! However, due to Alberto, Habitat cancelled our build day and instead we got the day off. I was upset about missing the build day, but I wasn’t upset about having a day off in West Palm—especially considering our only official day off is July 4.
So instead of waking up at 7 to build, I was able to sleep in until 8–though I wanted to sleep more since I went to bed at 3am but couldn’t sleep anymore ? So I finally got to take my long-anticipated shower and not be bothered about rushing for the next person. I expected everyone to have started to wake up but mostly everyone was out like lights. So I prepared to go to Makeb’s—my favorite go-to bagel shop—and invited Mikey to go along with
me. He enthusiastically joined after admitting he was starving and we walked the two or three blocks together. We haven’t hung out much so it was nice to get to know him a little bit. After I enjoyed my pork rolll, egg, & cheese and fresh squeezed OJ, Mikey asked where we could find good coffee, to which I happily relied “I’m glad you asked!”
My favorite coffee shop in West Palm is Subculture—where I spent many nights after training in 2014 writing my support letters and putting together my AH presentation—to only a year ago finishing my B&B blog book. And now here I am again, but this time with Bike & Build! What a dream! ? I ran into my good friend Tay from PBA and we were able to catch up a bit. He even gave me a pin that says “I ??♀️ WPB” I love it!! I’m so glad I got to run into him during our quick stop in town! Mikey and I grabbed some coffee and I attempted to catch up on the blog (???). Jessica eventually joined us and we sat together doing our own thing—some much needed “get stuff done” time.
Once the sun came out (so much for Alberto today!), I attempted to catch up with some of the team but missed them so I laid out for a bit by the intracoastal wall, FaceTimed Jackie, & enjoyed some quiet, alone time. Jana, Carly, & Kristie walked by at one point so it was nice to see that people were up and at ‘em. They walked to Clematis fountains and I walked back to the church since Debbie was picking me up there in a few minutes time.
All my America gear in stow, Debbie and I headed downtown to Clematis for Kabuki sushi, only to decide to re-route to Rocco’s for some Guac & chips 😊 Sara Cahill joined us after about a half hour and we all caught up, talked about school, life transitions, & my trip. It’s wild being here with them while also on Bike & Build! It was so nice to catch up with good friends that know you well ❤️
Sara and I then headed to the Grandview Public Market—a new hotspot in town I’ve been wanting to check out (think a much smaller version of Chelsea Market). It was everything
I could’ve dreamed of! I enjoyed some delicious Cookies & Cream cold brew (par Johnny’s little brother/barista’s suggestion) and grabbed some tea for Sara Sebul...I mean Mayo :o) My only regret was that I didn’t have more time & a bigger wallet and bigger appetitate—guess I’ll just have to come back!
After driving past Sabrina & Kaylee’s old Georgia house, we went to see Sara and Tyler, where she showed us her wedding photos! How sweet to get to look through them together! A short stop and a few big squeezes and then Sara and I were off so we could get on with our evenings. Sara and I chatted for a bit before hugging each other and wondering where we would hug each other again next since she’s fairly certain she’s leaving West Palm in the near future.
I had an hour to kill so I grabbed my hammock and swung under the palms by the intracoastal while enjoying some much needed turtle time—alas the coffee did not allow me to nap! I then went inside, ate some food quickly while chatting with a CUS16 alum, and we had our first town hall meeting! I love town
hall because it creates a space for us all to intentionally come together as a team and support one another and life one another up. We do highs and lows of the week and also a warm fuzzy shout out to another member of the team. My low was not feeling well during orientation (I think it was dehydration, exhaustion, & nerves!) and my high was having Bike & Build in West Palm! My shout out was to Nora Jane for always having fun and making situations light. I had feared being in the van into WPB but I knew with her I’d be okay. Whether we’re discussin safety and our previous trips or sharing about life, I appreciate her openness and honest, heart-felt convos and interactions. She had actually previously did her shout out to me too (for having a good attitude even though it was my first time in the van (a pill hard to swallow for some alum/riders), for keeping her entertained and fed during our trip up, and for helping her navigate on such a tricky day). I’m glad I decided to swallow my pride and desires and ride Nav with her that day ?
After town hall, Jess and I added our Safety Nav notes to the drive doc, got ready for the next day, and I showered leisurely again! Being one of, if not the last, ones to turn down, I went to bed very grateful for West Palm, Bike & Build, and the people and experiences I have through them, without which I would not be the same ?
Advertisement
Tot: 0.083s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 10; qc: 33; dbt: 0.0299s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb