Speaking My Truth: From Austin to San Francisco, a Workcation of Empowerment and Exploration!

Join me on an unforgettable workcation as we journey from the heart of Texas to the diverse cityscape of San Francisco, and onto the tranquil vineyards of Napa Valley. Together, we'll navigate the bustling streets, savor culinary delights from locally-owned gems, and indulge in the nostalgic charm of vintage arcades. On this journey, I'll step onto the stage to unmask the silent crisis of mental health and self-care in the workplace, sparking meaningful dialogue and sharing actionable insights. But our exploration doesn't end there. We'll transition to the serene landscapes of Napa, where amidst exquisite wines and peaceful vineyards, we'll introspect about our own mental health practices. Come along, as we return not just with memories, but with a renewed commitment to fostering safer and more supportive environments for all.

Day 1: Wednesday

The day dawns in Austin, Texas, as we secure our bags, double-check our essentials, and engage in a playful debate over the necessity of four pairs of shoes for a four-day trip. I mean, a pair for each day sounds reasonable, right? With our bags packed and spirits high, we make our way to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Our hearts echo the lively rhythm of the live music that drifts through the terminal as we board our flight to San Francisco.

The flight, much like our anticipation, soars, and upon touching down at SFO, we waste no time in collecting our bags and heading to the Sixt rental desk. Awaiting us is a sleek, cherry-red car – our chariot for this adventure.

We arrive at The Fairmont, an architectural marvel that stands tall and proud amidst San Francisco's diverse cityscape. After checking in and freshening up, we're off to Brenda's Meat & Three for lunch. The famed fried chicken, a symphony of flavors, has us nodding in approval between bites.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, soaking in the salty sea breeze and the bustling ambiance. We're drawn to the old-time arcade, where we dive into a world of vintage games and nostalgic fun. Justin, reminiscing about his band, Punchline Sexlife, can't help but draw parallels between the rhythmic clatter of pinball machines and the pulsating beats of their music.

As evening descends, we find ourselves at The Mint, a local karaoke bar. We take the stage and, channeling our inner rockstars, deliver a flawless rendition of "Forgot About Dre." The applause that follows is as gratifying as the smiles on our faces.

Day 2: Thursday

With daybreak, we find ourselves at Réveille Coffee Co. in the Castro District, savoring the expertly brewed coffee that kickstarts our day. We spend the morning meandering through the city's diverse neighborhoods, admiring the vibrant murals of the Mission District and the charming Victorian houses of Haight-Ashbury.

Later, I deliver my talk on "Unmasking the Silent Crisis: Mental Health and Self-Care in the Workplace." I delve into the importance of recognizing burnout, fostering a culture of empathy, and creating support networks within the workplace. I share actionable tips: regular mental health check-ins, open conversations about stress, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and supportive work environment. The audience engages, their insightful questions and candid discussions underscoring the significance of this conversation.

Post-talk, we head to Zuni Café for a celebratory dinner. Over plates of their iconic roast chicken and bread salad, we reflect on the day's successful event and the positive impact it's had on the audience.

Day 3: Friday

We bid adieu to San Francisco and head towards the tranquil vistas of Napa Valley. We check into Solage, an Auberge Resort, greeted by sweeping vineyard views and the promise of a relaxing retreat.

We spend the day at Brown Estate, Napa's first Black-owned estate winery. As we stroll through the vineyard, sipping on their heritage Zinfandel, we discuss the talk's impact, the audience's feedback, and the ways we can continue to foster these crucial conversations.

In the evening, we dine at Solbar, Solage's Michelin-starred restaurant. Over a delectable dinner, our conversation turns introspective. We discuss our own mental health and self-care routines, pledging to prioritize our well-being amidst our demanding schedules.

Day 4: Saturday

After a leisurely breakfast at Solage, we continue our exploration of Napa Valley, each vineyard and tasting room telling its own unique story. We find ourselves at Domaine Carneros, a winery known for its sparkling wines and stunning vistas. As we sip on their signature Brut Cuvée, we can't help but marvel at the beauty that surrounds us.

We take a detour to The CIA at Copia, a culinary wonderland that celebrates the epicurean lifestyle. Here, we enjoy a cooking demonstration, our hands and hearts busy as we learn to create a gourmet meal under the guidance of expert chefs. The experience is not just about cooking; it's about understanding the balance, the artistry, and the care that goes into preparing each dish.

As the sun begins to set, we return to Solage. We spend our last evening at the resort's outdoor lounge, warmed by the glow of fire pits and our candid conversations about the trip. We reminisce about our journey - the places we've visited, the people we've met, and the lessons we've learned about mental health and self-care.

Day 5: Sunday

As dawn breaks over Napa Valley, we pack our bags, carrying with us not just souvenirs but also precious memories and important insights. With a final glance at the sun-dappled vineyards, we set off on our journey back to Austin, Texas.

Our workcation might have concluded, but the conversation about mental health and self-care continues. As we touch down in Austin, we're not just returning home. We're also bringing back a renewed commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment, both for ourselves and for those around us.

And yes, in case you're wondering, I did wear each of those four pairs of shoes.

Links:

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: https://www.austintexas.gov/airport
• Sixt rental: https://www.sixt.com/
• The Fairmont: https://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/
• Brenda's Meat & Three: https://www.brendasmeatandthree.com/
• Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf: https://www.pier39.com/
• The Mint: https://www.themint.net/
• Réveille Coffee Co.: https://reveillecoffee.com/
• Zuni Café: https://zunicafe.com/
• Solage, an Auberge Resort: https://aubergeresorts.com/solage/
• Brown Estate: https://www.brownestate.com/
• Solbar: https://aubergeresorts.com/solage/dining/solbar/
• Domaine Carneros: https://www.domainecarneros.com/
• The CIA at Copia: https://www.ciaatcopia.com/

Written and Researched by: Tara Furiani and Justin Boggs (He/Him)

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