After an invigorating day of rest in Saint Louis, Mo, I was bitten by the bug of curiosity. Right at the top of the list was the city’s renowned zoo. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate a good zoo, and what made this more appealing was the fact that the zoo had no entrance fee. Just a small charge for parking and you’re in!
The day was delightfully temperate, making it ideal for the animals to be out and about. And boy, were they out! I saw massive hippos! Their mammoth bodies seemingly weightless in water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
However, one memory that particularly resonated with me was the haunting sound of a tiger. The melancholy in his cries made me wonder if he was simply hungry or pining for something deeper. But the grand finale at the zoo was the majestic lion. The sight of the lion and his lioness, the undisputed rulers of their territory, was a sight to behold.
With the zoo checked off, I set my sights on the famous Arch of Saint Louis. Although the rain and the rather hefty entry fee put a damper on the plan to go up, the view from the outside was magnificent in its own right.
From Saint Louis, my next destination beckoned: Hannibal, Mo. But this wasn’t just a regular pitstop. A kind follower of my journey reached out about a speaking opportunity there. Her uncle runs a recovery house, and she believed that my words could make a difference. How could I say no? If I could touch even one life, it would be worth it.
When I reached Hannibal, I was charmed by the campsite by the Mississippi River where I parked my skoolie. The cherry on top? An electric hookup. Hello, AC!
The evening beckoned me to explore. Dinner plans led me to a grocery hunt, with the initial store being a bit of a letdown. But persistence pays, and I found another store where I got myself a juicy steak.
Back at the campsite, I settled into my surroundings, the owner of the recovery house, the uncle of my follower, came over to introduce himself. We engaged in deep conversation about the speaking event. It felt surreal when it was confirmed: I Will Rise had secured its very first speaking gig! To say I was over the moon would be putting it lightly. The sheer anticipation of being able to make an impact left me with a blend of excitement and humility.
The task of cooking steak for the first time is one that might seem daunting to many. There’s an art to grilling steak, after all. For me, it was more than just about cooking; it was a leap into uncharted culinary territory.
The stakes (pun intended) felt high. Would I overcook it, turning a beautiful piece of meat into leather? Or worse, would I undercook it, leaving the center raw and unappetizing? There’s a fine line between a juicy medium-rare and a charred disappointment. But here’s the thing: every chef, whether professional or amateur, starts somewhere. This was my starting point.
Enter my saviors, a couple of friends who, luckily for me, had some experience in the steak-cooking department and were more than eager to help.
It’s strange how something as simple as cooking a steak can be such a significant milestone. But with good company and the right guidance, it turned from a potentially stressful task into a fun learning experience. Here’s to many more grilling adventures ahead!
As the day came to a close, I was left in awe of the unexpected adventures and opportunities that come one’s way on the road. Until the next chapter, folks!
Stay tuned and stay inspired.
Congrats on cooking. Proud of you. Way to go chief olet!!