Pancho!

Ever been in love at first sight?

Okay, you must admit the first feelings are purely physical. It was probably that strong, bold body… Or perhaps that charming style, the first impression that left you craving more…

Maybe it was that “ready-for-action” look that made you want to drive off into the sunset…

Oh yeah… (All of those things…)

That’s how we felt when we saw Pancho!

After months of van searching, we found the ONE. With extremely busy work schedules and limited time off, we had to get serious and seal the deal over the phone. Whoa!

Luckily, we hit it off with the seller and felt pretty confident about the transaction. (Of course, I was a nervous wreck until we reunited in Vegas, everyone in one piece).

It was an amazing blur…Vegas lights, a free hotel upgrade to a poolside cabana room, riding the high roller over the city skyscrapers and getting to know our new adventure wagon.

The ride home was less than ‘Purrfect’ thanks to “Purrfect Auto Service” who took 5 hours, inspecting Pancho, ordering new shocks, trying to install them and realizing they ordered the wrong ones…Ha! (Not so funny at the time).

Crossing our fingers and leaning to the right, we set off on our drive home, using tie-downs to hold the seats in place and a Bluetooth speaker to ease the mood 😉 A very memorable first drive in Pancho.

Sometimes it’s the perfectly imperfect ones we fall for…and those are the BEST. We are so excited about this sweet ride and what the future has in store.

The Bobby

I’ve learned the term ‘admiration hour’ from my other half. That perfect time of evening that calls for a cocktail, relaxation and appreciation of ones surroundings.

Touring Nashville, we found the best place to ‘admire‘ was The Bobby… A full sized bus situated on the rooftop of a hotel.

Yes, we stopped in our tracks the first time we saw it too.

It was hard to believe the cranes and manpower to make this magic bus a reality.

Cocktails in hand, we climbed behind the wheel and set off for a sunset cruise across the skyline.

Don’t want to ‘drink and drive’? Try cuddling up in one of the old diner style tables or leather couches in the back. (Extremely comfy…I think we tried them all).

There were many noteworthy bebidas and ‘hours of happiness’, but this one took the cake!

¡Salud!

The Present

As much as we love traveling, trip planning, all the research that’s involved, getting excited about ideas…future places, we are reminded to enjoy the PRESENT.

Sometimes the worry wart takes over…there’s not enough time, it’s going by too fast, instead of allowing ourselves to fully relax and soak up everything happening in the moment. Enjoy right now; it’s the best way to get the full experience, right?!

We are going on vacation to Nashville; our first time to the “Music City”… Woot! I have to say I am proud that nothing is planned this time (okay, well, the coolest hotel and one concert!)

We’re pumped to take it slow, explore and let the beats lead the way.

For whether in a rad new city or in the middle of Baja with a flat tire, “wherever you go…there you are!” 😉

(Quote ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn)