I do a lot of travel for business. At least once a month, sometimes twice, but I find myself on the road on a consistent basis throughout the year. I’ve always enjoyed being different places, meeting with different people, it’s the travel part I’m not a fan of. Lately that’s been an even bigger truth. delays are left and right.
For instance, last week I went to Chicago. About a 2’ish hour flight from Charlotte. No big deal. I was delayed on the way out, but not too terrible. On the way home. Good night. There were storms in Charlotte and we had already boarded our flight and, of course, we had pulled away from the gate when they delayed for the weather. We were stuck sitting on the tarmac in Chicago for over an hour.
Even taking off in Chicago we hit some sketchy weather, but soon we were above the clouds and the flight overall was pretty smooth. And then it came to landing in CLT. That was a bit dicey. However, bad news was still on the horizon.
Though we’d landed safely, so had 52 other planes ahead of us. And due to the weather, CLT had literally shut down. All the planes were still stuck at the gate. And those of us coming in were stuck waiting on their departure before we could proceed. Literally two hours later we were finally at the gate and deplaning. It was after midnight. And there were masses of people everywhere you looked. The American customer service line stretched from gate C 15 all the way to the atrium. If you’ve been to CLT, you know what colossal nightmare that was for all the travelers. No one was getting home, or to their connections on time. I was thankful to be on my home turf for sure.
That’s the downside of travel.
The upside — I enjoy people watching and will generally get to the airport at least 2 hours prior to my flight. I usually grab a coffee and something to eat at the ‘bucks and eat, drink, and take it all in. That’s been a bit of a new adventure having gone vegan.
The coffee part isn’t terribly difficult — I just switched to Oat milk as my creamer — but the eating part…that’s tricky.
CLT – we’re in the South. and though it’s a hub for American with thousands of travelers from all over every day, the food is still “fast” for the most part, and comforting…Zaxby’s, Bad Daddy’s, lots of chicken and biscuit places. Ugh. Occasionally there’s an Orange Julius — hardly the healthy I’m looking for. And I’m not terribly picky or snooty. I just want something a little heartier than wilted iceberg lettuce.
Of all the places, Chicago O’Hare has been the easiest place to eat with the most variety. There’s a power grain bowl place in the food court at the intersection of concourses H & K that I have come to love. Spring mix lettuce with Quinoa, corn, black beans, bell peppers and a vegan “creamy” lime vinegarette. Amazing, and I am full for hours.
Once in the city, most cities, I have stumbled upon a handy app called HappyCow. It lists restaurants that have vegetarian and vegan offerings or are just plan plant-based. Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to get to the places depending on where I’m staying, but it’s generally worth the trouble. The people have all been friendly and the food all really, really good,
This week I’m in Colorado. Colorado has become much like California (especially with all the California move-ins) in their food options. Plenty of greens to find in all the locations.
It’s been a little bit of a challenge along the way, but the further I go, the more committed I am becoming. And the happier I feel all around. I love eating this way. My body feels better, my energy is high, and my conscience is clear. All good for my soul.
Shrinking Shay 