I love acronyms! For the first time since coming back from the 9th Grade Camping Retreat, it looked as if I had a calm Friday night October 14th, what to do….:)

I walked Southern Insurgentes knowing there were alot of unexplored restaurants from finding the Steelers fan club there and I knew there had to be something. I passed alot of small Sushi restaurants, contemplating, but I really wanted a dining experience! About 45 minutes later, I came across the World Trade Center, and laughing, passed by IHOP. I thought, come on, a dining EXPERIENCE, and well kept walking circled around and found a MAC store behind the World Trade Center, then came back on IHOP’s steps. I figured, this is the first time I can eat in an American restaurant since arriving, why not.

I was greeted by an awesome hostess and waitress, and saw something phenomenal on the screen – not knowing what was going on. As I sat watching, I realized the Pan American Open Ceremonies were on!

A note about the Opening Ceremonies….AMAZING. People were hanging from the high ceiling wrapped in a type of cloth, and mimicked flying as butterflies, were able to wrap themselves into the cloth, then unwrap, the whole time imitating gymnastic-style movements – AMAZING. Then the music accompanied by thousands of instruments and operatic to pop social styles, to works of art that was choreographed by dancers and singers, it was a definite site to be witnessing – and it was exciting to see so many people around me enthralleI worked my way through some of the best Quesadilla’s I EVER had, a knockout series of coffee, and the best ice cream with cinnamon and apple I could have expected. I watched for at least 2-3 hours the Pan American opening ceremonies, and realized, it does not have to be a 4 or 5 star restaurant to be the best dining experience, it just has to be relaxed, fun, interesting, and comfortable. I received all of these on a Friday night and walked away the more contented for it. Thank you IHOP!