Nursing Across America: The Hidden Passages Tour

So I went shopping again this past weekend. It's true what they say. Everything is bigger in Texas and shopping is no exception. Every three blocks you will see a new shopping center. I think it's a bit overkill to have two malls within walking distance of another with practically the same stores. My friend, Mandy and I went into a Saks Fifth Avenue just to see how ridiculously overpriced stuff would be. I was shocked to the sticker on a button up shirt for $800! I felt it best that we should leave before something accidentally bursts into flames in our vicinity and I have to foot the bill. Another thing that was surprising was the crowds at these places. Cars lined up in the parking lot and the inside reminded me of high school in between classes.
The second exciting part of last week was our "Hidden Passages Tour." This was something I researched before I came here, and was really looking forward to do. We had a free weekend so I set-up the reservations for Sunday. Basically what I signed Mandy and up for was a 4 hour cave excursion with guides, headlamps, and nothing but a lot of rock 230ft below ground level. What I didn't realize about our tour is that I signed up for the "aspiring model" tour. The other members of our group look like they just got done with there Abercrombie and fitch photo shoot and thought it would a laugh to go spelunking. Meanwhile I was dressed in a old T-shirt that had stains on it and hiking boots. They actually turned out to be easy to get along with, which is a bonus when you are all going into a cave together. We explored a cave which has only been open to the outside world for the past 50 years. The tour start out with a 22 inch manhole which you are lowered 160 feet into the cave by a rope and winch. It was a bit-nerve racking getting into the hole. in the middle of the journey through the lightless shaft, the cave opens up to an anteroom, which the guide repeatedly told me NOT to get off at. He failed to mention that I have to guide myself through the whole at the bottom of the room so I can get to the cave we were going through. There was a lot of feet shuffling against the wall but I made it safely down. It was actually more uncomfortable than frightening. Once everyone was lowered in we start our adventure. There was some climbing and rappelling. We also had to do some minimal crawling. There was some really stunning rock formations since this cave has been locked off to the word for the better part of 100,000 years. I almost fell twice. the two tour guides were really interesting. The one just got his law degree and passed his bar exam,a and the other was going to school for something in Geology. We explored for the better part of 3 hours. Once we got to the end we all turned off our headlamps and just sat in the dark. The guides told us some of there best tour stories. We headed back out of the manmade entrance which was up about 50 some steps where the "family" tour stars. It may not sound like a lot, but when you are in a cave that has high levels of carbon dioxide you feel like you are about to have an asthma attack by the end of it. It was a great time and a fun workout. We were a mess by the end of it, but I would definitely do it again.
That's about it for now. We are planning on working a lot again this week except Thanksgiving which I believe we are finding a Buffet to go to. I wishI could be home with y family during the holidays, but I am excited to see friends and family over Christmas.

P.S. It's getting down to the 50's here and it's cold. I am already spoiled....how sad.