I sat for a while, enjoying the view and fighting hard to avoid contemplating the ways of the world.”

Omayra Acevedo

GRAND LAKE - I practice compassion and empathy, but I find it difficult to resonate with certain people. As I walked through downtown Grand Lake, Colorado, I decided to find ways of connecting with people, with everyone.

I drew my attention to the sound of people’s feet as they hit the boards on the sidewalk. I compared them to how similar and different they were to mine. I even looked up to explore the looks on their faces. Some were happy, while others looked confused or neutral.

During my pensive episode, knowing nothing about my fellow strangers, I tried putting myself in their shoes, questioning what made them look the way they did.

I became hungry. After walking out of an adorable shop, I opted for Mexican food at Charlie's Sports Bar & Grill, located at one end of town.

Upon entering through the front door, I heard welcoming country music. There weren’t too many people inside, making it easier to hand-pick which stranger I was going to connect with. Or so I thought.

I had been to the restaurant once, many years ago, when it was called Pancho and Lefty’s.

I hadn’t had a drink in a very long time, and as badly as I wanted to order a margarita, I didn’t. I didn’t want anything to disrupt my attempt to connect with people. In hindsight, the alcohol might have helped.

It was easy to resonate with the server—I’ve been in her shoes plenty of times. Earning minimum wage, which in Colorado is between $11.79 and $14.81 an hour. Yes, many servers earn more with tips, but not everyone tips well.

I ordered chicken tacos with black beans and rice. Sitting on the somewhat newly renovated back deck, facing the lake, I noticed how much easier it was to connect with nature than with people. I questioned this.

I could only ascertain that my connection with the lake was easier because the natural world never disappoints me. I looked around, finding more ways to resonate with people, to no avail. So, I drew inward to forgive my failure to relate to people. I focused on the good food and the ambiance.

Charlie's is a great place to watch a game or live entertainment. Unfortunately, these were not options during my visit, but the array of music playing in the background wasn’t too loud or annoying.

I sat for a while, enjoying the view and fighting hard to avoid contemplating the ways of the world. I paid my bill and walked around the restaurant, aimlessly, taking photos.

I found the log ceiling pretty, and the decor in nearly every nook and cranny was a welcome distraction. The service was great and the meal was delicious.

Overall, Charlie’s seems to be a great place for food and hanging out in the mountains. I walked back to my truck, reminding myself that it’s okay to not always connect with people.

Perhaps some things aren’t meant to be that way, leaving me feeling disconnected in a world of so many opportunities for connection.

Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill is located at 1120 Lake Avenue, Grand Lake. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027194637285&ref=page_internal# or call them at 970-627-8773.