This post recounts the events of Sunday May 16th, 2010.
The morning breakfast at El Palacio was much better than expected, with many different varieties of fruits, oatmeals and juices. We only had a 4 hour drive that morning, but there was still a nerve-racking aspect because we needed to do it in less then 5 to make it for the game. Obviously being the pair of kooks that we are, we did it without stopping or talking, music soulfully playing in the background. Speaking of kooks, did I mention our insane superstition regarding the Habs? On game day, every game day since the playoffs began, Tyler wears a long-sleeve green button-up shirt with raggetty black jeans, and I wear my Habs jersey...all day long. Now picture us in beautiful Tampa, FL in 30+ degree weather (thats mid-90s for you americans) where the girls are all wearing bikini tops and short shorts so short their bums stick out a bit...did we look out of place?? Hell yeah, but we love the Habs, so it's worth it. We found a local man's parking that was 10$ cheaper then a couple blocks nearer to Tropicana Field, so we parked there. Really nice guy, and remember, if ever you guys go to Tampa, park there and you're garanteed never to pay more then 10$ ;)
Tropicana Field was not as I'd expected for a domed field, I actually enjoyed its look, feel and charm. It made for a great sunday afternoon game. The field looked a little crappy but it added character to the building. The game was awesome, it was a masterful pitching duel between Matt Garza and Cliff Lee, who we saw pitch for the 2nd time in 3 games, great luck! The Rays rallied down by 1 in the 7th and 8th to squeak out a 2-1 victory. Once again, Cliff Lee could count on poor Mariner offense to get his second loss of the season. Great game nonetheless.
Post-Game, we were getting ready to watch the Habs play the Flyers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. We had researched a little place in downtown Tampa called Hattricks (figured that was safe and they'd show the game) They also had a few vegetarian options on the menu which is always a good sign. We also re-routed our trip to stay in Tampa and watch the game instead of driving a little closer to New Orleans, our next destination. We were obviously disappointed with the result, and even the beers we drank couldnt take away from the pain. We mosied our way back to the Country Inn and Suites Tampa, a great little place which has 24 hour gooey cookies in the lobby. The cookies helped a bit. We followed up with our first laundry stop of the trip, and let me tell you something, you havent done laundry till you've done laundry tipsy. Very underrated activity.
And tomorrow was to be another day.
Driving Time today: 4 hours
Album of the day: Excerpts of a love circus by Lisa Germano
Song of the Day: Weeping Song by Nick Cave
Quote of the day: Whilst hearing a car panic button alarm in the Tampa Rays parking lot, fan were chanting in unison: "RAYS! RAYS! RAYS!"
i don't know how long you're in new orleans for, but don't go see jazz on bourbon street - the drinks are overpriced...make the hike to frenchman st and you will NOT be disappointed...there's a place with "Cat" in the name, "Spotted Cat" or something...it's awesome, and the night we were there the lady behind the bar claimed to be from Hamilton (which is where we lived when we were in New Orleans).
ReplyDeletethanks for blogging jm...its nice to know you kids are safe and having a good time. i <3 both of you...be good
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