"Your flight's been canceled"

I recently went to Tulum (just like everyone else and their mom), and it was nice. But this isn't about that. This is my experience on the way back home.

I flew from Cancun to my layover in Dallas, only to find out my flight home has been canceled due to incoming weather conditions (keep this in mind for later). Okay cool, no big deal, when's the next flight out? Tomorrow morning. WHAT?! Oh and btw, the airline isn't helping anyone with sleeping accommodations for the night. We're on our own. Good luck to us.

Luckily, this wasn't my first rodeo. Instead of looking for the nearest restroom so I could sit in a stall and cry silently like I normally do, I decided to use this as an opportunity to explore the city and get some BBQ. Once I got the confirmation of being on the next flight out in the morning, I ran towards the exit and called an Uber to take me straight to the infamous Pecan Lodge. And I gotta say, it. did. not. disappoint! What's a diet? Give me everything! It was so good. 10/10 recommend. 

Since I had flown into Dallas from Cancun, I'd been wearing some shorts I made from an old pair of jeans, and a t-shirt. Remember the detail about the weather? Well, it started pouring while I was stuffing brisket and peach cobbler down my face, and the lightning was causing bright flashes outside as if Mother Nature was watching us on her phone and started taking screen shots of us being trapped indoors, peeking out the windows like some bad children she inherited from her new husbands previous marriage. Step-Mother Nature. Come to think of it, now it makes sense why everyone was giving me weird looks while in the restaurant. I was the only one there dressed as if there wasn't a thunderstorm happening. So I ended up doing what any respectable traveler would do in such a semi-awkward situation, take my luggage to the restroom and find the handicap stall so I can open my bags and change. You ever change in the bathroom while trying not to touch the pee on the floor with your socks when you take your shoes off to change or put on some pants? I have. A lot. And it still sucks to this day.

Finally, a fresh set of thunderstorm-appropriate clothes. Where to next? It's only 8pm and I'm not tired enough to sleep yet. Perfect time to grab a drink. I always look for bars and restaurants that have a unique vibe to them. Best way to do it is by asking locals, but the only person I've talked to was the guy who took my order at Pecan Lodge. Time to pull up Google Maps! I was able to find a cool bar right around the corner. I grab my roller bag and start braving the storm. Walking down the street while the rain is hitting me from the side. Wind pushing me sideways a bit, made me feel like Lieutenant Dan in the scene where he's yelling down at Forest Gump on the ship during a crazy sea storm. Except I was on the street, and I have both my legs. 

Enter Ruins Bar. This place is awesome! It has a dark, "Santa Muerte" feel to it. Just my kind of place. I originally planned on popping in for just one drink while I sit and work on this website, ended up having 3. Classic. I don't remember the names of the drinks but one of them came served in a skull and garnished with a churro. I don't know what kind of witchcraft they used but, it was genius and also delicious. Overall, I ended up turning an unfortunate circumstance into a fun adventure. When life gives you lemons, order an uber and go find some BBQ.

Oh and about where I slept; turns out I had a free night to redeem on my Hotels.com app so I was able to book a room without paying anything. The Courtyard by Marriott Dallas DFW airport. Very nice. I can imagine the amount of debauchery that goes on there between pilots and flight attendants. Would definitely stay there again.