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YYZ PEOPLE WATCH
Sunday Aug. 21, 2016
Yesterday’s International Speech Contest, highlight of Toastmasters convention, well worth stiff-back from sciatica inducing chairs (manufacturers must have an arrangement with chiropractors).
Making it to ‘top 10 finalists’ of that annual contest (this year 30,000+ speakers competed) remains a fervent goal. Not my only goal, but one I’ve not abandoned. I feel, in terms of ‘getting there’ prepared and capable is something I’m closer to that ever. Next year? Why not me?
My last day in fantastic sunshine and DC heat included a visit to Langley (CIA headquarters) in McLean, VA – closer I got, scarier the sign warnings got – admonishing so much as taking a picture from your car as criminal. I beat a hasty retreat to explore McLean, then headed back across the Potomac to explore Georgetown.
My adventuring left plenty of appetite, and plenty yet to see, on a ‘next trip’ .
I like the feel of DC. I’d love to combine business and pleasure there again …
This morning, a 4:30 departure from my hotel – off to Dulles airport, uneventful flight except for approach to Toronto – clear skies, circling downtown (see, it does pay off to always book a window seat) before that flight path over the 401 brought me to rest in this airport for the day. I have an evening flight thanks to the nuances of ‘redeeming points’ with Aeroplan. It didn’t seem so ridiculous when I booked it three months ago. Now, I feel …
OK, I won’t do that so cavalierly again.
Time to get back to work, make interesting things happen, for doing more and pondering less, vacation break is over. Home time …
P.S.: I think that Mazda3 was as much to blame for my sore back as the chairs or hotel mattress – I’m not used to little cars you have to shoe-horn yourself into …
written / published from Pearson International Airport, Toronto, ON
morning walk: I woke very early in Arlington – sprinted to Airport to check in for my flight, walked the concourse of Dulles – and now have walked around Pearson to find the vicinity of my ‘future gate’ while I spend the day airport-sitting before flying home this evening – time to do some work and some dozing …
Reader feedback:
WALKING INSIDE HISTORY
Mark, please take a monuments tour whilst you are in Washington! The night tour is spectacular!! Thanks for sharing your visit! So glad you are there! Cheers, FW, Calgary, AB
Thanks for the "Bourdain-like” Musing of DC. It's on my bucket list and you reminded me of why!, KC, Edmonton, AB
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