Fun...in an Unexpected Place

April 26, 2019

Louisville, Kentucky

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali

The birth place of the GOAT did not disappoint even though, honestly, I was not looking forward to visiting.  This trip was taken because of a new job, in my chosen profession, Healthcare Administration, but I was not happy about a conference trip.  I was super nervous and it probably showed.  Plus, I would be the only black person in our group and you know these types of settings aren’t the most settling I should say.  And the Kentucky Derby??? Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, therefore, I love horses 🐴 .  But I wasn’t really interested in watching races/gambling my hard earned money and dressing up wearing big hats.  I wasn’t looking forward to being forced to be “social”.

We arrived on a Friday and went straight out to our first night at Churchill Downs.  That night, dinner drinks and conversations with new people.  I have to admit, it was nice seeing everyone, including my people, dressed up having a good time and hearing the excitement after each race.  I even put in my bet for a couple races just for the fun of it.  The food was really good, drinks were too.  The Kentucky Derby was definitely more than what you see on TV, I guess that’s why many people even celebrities attend.  Not bad at all.

The following day was the first day of the conference which was as it should be, boring and exhausting for an introvert.  But that night we had dinner at one of the best restaurants in Louisville, Proof on Main.  The food was really really good and so was the service!  I also enjoyed meeting the people I normally only speak with remotely.  There was a nice mixture of personalities at the table that always helps me stay entertained.  Next, we did a little bar-hopping to end the night.

The next day, I was able to squeeze in a visit to Jim Beam Still House for bourbon tasting.  This brought on my love for Jim Beam Apple, straight, might I add!  Also, had to buy a couple souvenirs where I met Kernel Sanders and saw some street art of jockeys 🏇.  Louisville was full of history and southern culture.  I loved how proud the city was of Muhammad Ali.  There was some type of tribute almost anywhere you went.  I have to say I liked the vibe there, but I probably wouldn’t want to live there because of the racist history, just being honest. 🤷🏽‍♀️

The best part of the trip, however, was our trip to the Louisville Mega Cavern for zip-lining.  It was my first time zip lining and it was amazing.  At first thought, it seemed scary to zip line thru dark, sometimes pitch black caves, but I must say it was so much fun and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Louisville.  There were some platforms we had to climb in the middle of these caves very high up, no railings and a little shaky but if you can get past it, you’re in for the ride of your life!  The Louisville Mega Cavern has the world’s only fully underground zip lines 10 stories below ground level.  It was once a lime stone mine that became abandoned and turned into this zip-lining attraction.  Those caves were definitely a bit eerie and I’m going to pretend I don’t see those orbs in our group photo. 😳

But basically, don’t go to Louisville without visiting the Muhammad Ali Center and the Louisville Mega Cavern for zip-lining!

Signed,

Shygirl