A local delicacy

by Tyreek Greene (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find Canada

I didn't expect to find Poutine. As we departed the airport, tempers were flaring due to the lack of efficiency by AirCanada. How does one airline lose the luggage of a collective group 15 people? Only one can wonder. Though, while most of us chose the "hot headed" route, we were quickly cooled by the chill that hit our skin as we past the door to the outside terminal where out taxis awaited. We were here to be competitive. Apart of Tallahassee Community College speech and debate team, we came with our game faces on. But those were overlooked by the grim stare of disappointment. When would the luggage arrive? Why would he make us walk outside in the snow if he knew we only had thin hoodies to hide us from the wind? Questions that needed answers. We swiftly arrived to our destination. Vexed and starved, our waitress approached us with a foreknowledge of the fact that we were strangers sojourning through a foreign land. "How about some Poutine?" Must be some kind of soup. "Yeah, lets try it!" French fries-- one of my favorites. Now you're telling me we're putting cheese and gravy on top? Interesting. I tried it. Loved it. Wanted more. We left the spot looking for another location to kick back. We arrived at a pretty upscale hotel with an impressive rooftop bar/lounge. We settled around a fire pit--tiki torches overhead. Dry conversations. A few laughs directed by reasonably crafted libations. "The luggage is there". We headed back to the hotel. Apparently the Queen of England stays there when she visits Toronto. The other colleges and universities arrive, and the hotel is transformed into an academic dystopia. Everyone wants to win. Small talk is the norm-- but we must remain vigilant lest we forget what our true intentions are-- being the best out! The week ends. Those who deserved accolades, received, and the rest applauded with the deep conviction of "maybe if I tried a bit harder". We enjoyed our last night out on the town, basking in temporary glory. With such a large group, it's hard for everyone to keep up with each other. So, we drifted. Side conversations at large. Every once in a while, a glance to the other side to see what someone else may be discussing. Recent memories was the hot topic of the night. Self criticisms, and the excitement of doing it all over again in the near future. The night ended with an outlandish taxi cab ride to the downtown metro area. "Might as well drive on the sidewalk." As we reached our final destination for some last minute conversations, we began to retreat in our discussions, shifting gears to our dire need to gain some rest for our travels in the morning. We arrived back in the U.S., fresh with an anointing to begin our practices for our next battle ahead. This one would be much closer. Domestic. As I arrived back to my apartment, I craved for Poutine. Not just for fries, cheese, and gravy. But for that same momentum that carried us through the week. For the awkward stares as we passed fellow competitors. For the "break a legs" before we walked into a room. For that energetic riff of all focusing on a common goal. It's amazing how family can transcend blood. How, even those we went up against head to head were still understood to be people who we related to as more than the 'enemy' reaching for the same number one spot, but as another whose attention was focused on achieving personal success in order to make the future better for themselves and those around them. So, no. I didn't expect Poutine. Why? Because to this day I still have cravings. But it is a craving that is more than a search for gastronomical satisfaction. It's a desire that is littered with familiar faces, locations, smells and conversations. Its been a while since I traveled to a distant land. But I feel a slight pull. There is a land that is calling my name. Waiting to share with me its atmosphere, its ground, and the intelligence that was built right above it.