Dupont Circle (Verticle)Photo by Collin Winterbottom
In a previous post, I wrote that I love all parts of flying, including the masochistic bits. Well, I found one bit I don't like. Our flight had to circle above Virginia for an extra 30 minutes due to thunderstorms. I don't mind waiting for a safe landing. I hate circling for 30 minutes in heavy turbulence in a cloud with no reference to the ground. I am not a nervous flier, just one who's stomach and inner ears can only take so much bouncing around in the air. Needless to say, I was happy when the pilot said we were approved for final approach for landing.
Once I got comfortable in my hotel (only two blocks from the Obama's new home), I did my favorite thing, I went for a walk to find dinner. As the good Dr. L mentioned in a comment,
... I have always loved to travel; however, I identify my passion for it as anonymity. It's so much fun to submerge into a new environment and take on another persona, with no one the wiser because they have no preconceptions about you.
I love to roam and find the little shops and eating establishments. Last night's ambulation took me to Dupont Circle. This neighborhood has a great bohemian vibe and is filled with bookstores, artist galleries, great eats, and lots of beautiful people to look at. I enjoyed my anonymity as I perused and ate. After dinner, I walked by a store that specializes in homosexual literature and products. It is not an adult bookstore, but a small, local, store/resource for the GLBT community. I noticed a flier in the window for a lecture by a friend I know in SF for an event last week. I walked into the store and asked the clerk how the lecture went. As expected, my friend Tom did a great job. After a few minutes the conversation turned and the clerk started making small chit chat and then hit on me.
No, I did not over react, or run away scared. After living in the SF area for 12 years, I've been hit on by guys a few times. What made this unique was that I was not in SF and had a different set of freedoms as Dr. L had mentioned. There is a part of me that is curious about gay sex... and last night I had the opportunity. I didn't take it though. My back hurt from flying, I needed a shower and sleep. I told the clerk that I was flattered (which I was, this guy was above my level of looks by a few numbers. I am flattered when someone of either gender flirts with me. It feels good to be desired), but I was in a committed relationship (which is interesting since that has not always stopped me before with women). He laughed and gave me a long handshake and I walked out of the store and went back to my hotel.
So, the first night in DC was a success. I had a great meal, got hit on, enjoyed the sites and people, and slept well. Today, I have my presentation and many hours of sitting in a hotel conference room listening to others speak about their stuff.
That's really a wonderful story. I am impressed, not only by your openness regarding the man but also for being so candid, and confident enough to share it with us. I agree gender doesn't matter when an attractive, intelligent person shows interest; what matters is they aren't pigs about it.
ReplyDeleteYour journey has had a few bumps (pun intended), but it sounds as though you are making the most of your opportunity to explore, both the environment and yourself.