San Diego Trumps All

My favorite stop of this entire journey was San Diego. The first 3 nights we stayed at the coolest hostel ever, located right on Pacific Beach. Nightly beer pong tournaments and free bbq's led to a ton of fun on the beach. The weather was simply perfect, the people were beautiful and tan, and the city itself was just pretty and easy to travel. The next night we stayed in the Gas Lamp Quarter, which gave us walking access to the downtown area and Balboa Park.

So Southern California as a whole has been the highlight of the trip thus far (and came in perfect timing as the funds have run dry, home is in the near-future). Leaving San Diego presented the decision of where to stop along the southern part of the US. Based on my bank account and lack of interest in much more, I decided just to hightail it to the next free place I had to sleep (about 2,200 miles away Austin, Tx). The drive was long and took me just along the southern border, with nothing to look at but tumble weed and cactus after cactus. The most entertainment I had along the way were the very nerve-racking border patrol stops (similar to a DUI checkpoint, but clearly with different intentions). There were 3 of them along the way, which I obviously successfully completed.

Arriving in Austin, I hadn't seen my "free tour guide" in years, so while playing a solid game of catch-up, he showed me the city. I enjoyed the couple-of-day stay, but was interested in heading east, hoping to catch the end of the World Series in Tampa. When that proved to be a lost cause, Atlanta was the final destination on my journey. I am currently staying with a good friend, avoiding the reality of home as long as possible. And essentially that is where it all ends.

Star Studded Bright Lights

The journey down the beautiful coastline of California has been simply amazing. The dramatic coastlines, the constant sunshine, and the friendly people have all made the journey perfect.

After stopping in a few little coastal towns, Los Angeles was home for 4 days. First of all, the hostel that we stayed in was by far the coolest accommodations thus far. Right on Broadway, the location was just perfect. We tried walking the city the first day, which although we walked for miles, we didn't see all there was to be seen. So the next day, we took a tour provided by the hostel that showed us the likes of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air's home, the Hollywood sign, Kat Von D's studio, the place where Biggie Smalls was murdered, Venice Beach, The store where Wynonna Ryder was caught red-handed, The park where George Michael was caught full-handed, and Rodeo Drive. That list could actually go on for days (the tour was 6 hours long), and was a fabulous way to be shown the city. Even before the tour, I had decided that LA is the first of my destinations that I could really envision living in. The star studded history in entertaining, (and I'm sure that I would probably be the only person moving there without fame on my list of ambitions) but the city as a whole is top on my list at this point.

Although I have zero desire to become famous, we did end up being interviewed for a TV show, and played as extras in a movie. The TV show interview was a random stop on Venice Beach. While watching one of the many street performers, we were approached by a television crew and asked if we wanted to be interviewed for their show. Of course we said 'yes', and the interview went on while I stumbled over words, turned bright red out of nerves, and started sweating profusely as though the camera itself was emitting 110 degrees worth of heat. I should've learned then that I wasn't cut out for the pressure of cameras, but when we arrived back at the hostel that night, they just happened to be in the middle of shooting a film. We were promised as extras, a free meal and drinks, so naturally I took one more stab at an acting career. My EVER-SO-IMPORTANT role required me to fake-conversate with the guy next to me, laughing and giggling as if what we were mouthing was funny. This was a serious challenge, but I'm almost certain that this GIANT role could lead to my big brake (where I would inevitably fail miserably again on camera). Regardless, the experience was fun, the pizza was delicious, and I have now played a role in a movie-wahoo!

I Was Robbed...

...and although I am ok, as well as my car, I have officially been robbed while travelling. After cruising the astounding California Rt 1 coastal highway for the last few days, a random stop in Calabasas (just outside of LA) which was only meant for a good nights sleep, some laundry, and a grocery store...has turned into a horrendous idea! While the load of white laundry was in the only washing machine, I was in the pool trying to fix my transparent skin tone. Instead, I should've been guarding the wash room with all of my might. The load of darks that I was waiting to wash (I am 1 of 4 people checked into this hotel so I wasn't concerned for the safety of my grimy attire) was sitting in the laundry room (directly adjacent to the pool)-MISTAKE. Not only did some low-life steel my clothing, I can't even say that they stole ALL of my clothing-they weeded through the bag and kindly left my under ware (took the bras, left the drawers). WOW!..& to think...these are the people that we share the earth with-blah!

California Highway 1

From Portland, I flew back into Oakland. Thankfully no one had taken off with my home (the pathfinder) and she was in just as good shape as when I left it. The sunshine was shining strong, with nothing but an easy drive (breaking it up every day with minimal driving in between) down the coast of a beautiful state in front of me.

Santa Cruz was the first stop. Some random little motel gave me a bed for the night and were probably the friendliest people I've ever met. The motel was conveniently located just 2 blocks off of the boardwalk (every tourist's dream & every local's employment). The view was really the best of both worlds, every amusement ride you could dream of with some sort of greasy delicious food stand adjacent, and the open ocean, with just enough beach to tempt anyone, lining it all. A soft pretzel and a couple games of bowling later and it was time to rest my little eyes and prepare for the next stop, Monterey, Ca.

On the way to Monterey, it seemed as though we were in the middle of nowhere-land. There was nothing around but miles and miles of crops (oh and the 1,000+ men-and I'm sure women-hunched over picked and boxing them). This scenery was somewhat poetic and every bit repulsive. However, it soon became clear what the primary crop for this part of the country happens to be, and I just so happen to have a love affair with it...THE ARTICHOKE (Castroville is apparently "The Artichoke Center of the World"). mmmm! mmmmm! This delicious treat seemed to be most commonly deep fried at all of the local eateries, so I resisted every bit of temptation and kept on keepin on.

Suddenly the crop-field-after-crop-field turned into hillside ending abruptly (yet perfectly) at oceanfront. WOW! And this is where we are staying for the next 2 nights. Monterey, CA. I booked a room not quit as conveniently located as it could be, based on the price and the pictures on a certain hotel-wrangling-web-site. I pulled up to "broke down palace" all blue. This shack of a motel was blinding to anyone, but the first thing that was truly upsetting was the fact that a decrepit washer and drier unit from 1807 were sitting in the middle of the parking lot (you see, laundry had become a necessity at this point, and the phone call that I had placed to the establishment the night before had not only assured me of laundry facilities-but also the pool that was MIA). Suddenly I felt my skin start to boil as I went in to check-in with the (lying bastard) owner. Oh wow, I think this is when that expression-"the shit hits the fan"-is defined-if you will. (sorry for the foul mouth to save the eyes and ears of all I will refrain from telling what happened inside the man's office and skip to the ending)...so I was chased out of the office with my life flashing before my eyes...and went to the hotel next door to book a room for the night. When I shared the events of the last 10 minutes with the lady at this H-otel, she assured me that her relationship with the owner next door could only be described by 4-letter words, though she shared this with me, smile on her face (%50 of her business comes from the people like me who have been chased out of that retched place).

In the end, we drove around a little more to find a better location and a better price-aka a little piece of heaven, just blocks off the beach and a warm, welcoming front desk. This morning, my laundry is done, belly is full of free continental breakfast and coffee, and I plan on laying by the pool before exploring all that Monterey and Pacific Grove have to offer.

Rainfall For All

From Seattle, we took the Amtrak coastal train down to Portland. The ride itself was a beautiful breakin-in for Amtrak newbies.

Portland itself had a great feel to it. The city was super easy to navigate, and public transit could get you anywhere. Although buses and light rails were options, we chose to navigate the streets ourselves and explore via walking. The first day the trek to get to the Greek Fest took us about 3 hours. Sounds as though we hiked a marathon, but in reality the weather was so atrocious, we had to stop off for cover every few blocks. Soaking wet, we arrived at the Greek Fest only to find that this "festival" was as big as 2 or 3 food stands and a shop selling kalamata olives. Don't get me wrong, I love a good kalamata olive, but our destination was a little disappointing. It all proved to be ok, because along the way we met some really great people.

One thing I found to be interesting, in Oregon it is legal to gamble, in the name of the lottery. You still never win, but instead of losing your money to some sort of casino, they continuously remind you that your hard earned money is being reinvested back into their economy to do things like plant trees or save wildlife. (I think that was maybe just the strategic angle that they took so that fools like me would continuously "reinvest") All in all the trip was fun. The parts of the city we saw (missed some "must-sees" due to "don't-go-outside" kind of weather) were really appealing. The city itself is larger than I anticipated, and could easily go unnoticed due to the very "neighborhoody" vibe it gives off.

In conclusion, I really think I would relocate to the pacific northwest if it didn't include so much precipitation in life.

Though sad to leave San Fran, I couldn't wait to board the plane. The car was left behind, and the next journey is by air, train, and bus. First stop, Seattle, WA.

Seattle proved to be a really cool city. Although it had the big-city-metropolitan feel, it really wasn't very big at all. In fact, everything that we did and/or saw was walking distance. Our hostel did place us in a pretty prime location. The view from our window was looking at Pike's Market, the fish slinging market with well-built males wearing fisherman garb tossing giant fish back and forth. Of course the space needle was on the to-do list, as well as taking a peek at one of the most bizarre buildings that I have ever witnessed, the Experience Music Project building. I think I'm inclined to love this city so much because they have more public works of art per capita than any other city in the world. One of them is the Fremont Troll. He sits under a bridge (obviously he's a troll) and is this giant sculpture made out of concrete. (Fremont is the only American city that has tried to secede from the US twice in the last 15 yrs)

Walking the town, along the water, under beautiful sunny skies, you couldn't help but notice the enormous homeless population. The multitude of "drug-exchanges" I watched were a little intimidating & I can't say I've figured out why this seemed to be so prevalent. However, the city just had such a great vibe to it (from the not-so-cranked-up-on-illegal-drug part of the population), that I think it is one of my favorite stops so far. We did take the underground walking tour which told the story of the city (the original Seattle) that is built 12 ft. under the modern-day-Seattle. The history behind all of that was really interesting, and really just amounted to the original settlers being somewhat lazy and trying to build a town on marshland. After the great Seattle fire burned down the city (whom hadn't yet figured out how to deal with sewage) it was decided by half the town to build the city higher, in order to deal with the sewage problems. The other half wanted to rebuild instantly and since the building-it-higher people were going to take a decade, they didn't work together. So there were two separate Seattles being built simultaneously. The end result has left an entire part of the city underground. This kind of city history is part of what my exploration of this country is all about and I don't think it gets any cooler than that!

From SLC to SF

The quick trip (although it was so far from quick we were entertaining ourselves with American idol singing competitions and fashion shows by the end) from Moab to SLC would only have been entertaining to a human-fly-on-the-wall. By the time we were there and pulled up to the hostel (homeless shelter) that we had booked, we both looked at the place and went sprinting in the opposite direction. So we broke down and stayed in some motel with 3 deadbolts featured in the amenities.

After SLC, came Lake Tahoe. I think I have found my new vacation destination for all times. I had booked some $30/night room prior to arriving that has ended up to be my most favorite accommodations up to this point. The joint catered to all, exactly on the California/Nevada state line and simply across the street from the beautiful and massive Lake Tahoe. Aside from the ridiculous views (lined by all mountains in the background), literally anyone could entertain themselves here (and I won big on the tables). Enough "gambling-on-a-budget" on to San Fran.

I have forever been told that San Fran is the place to be by all I know that have been. I think that I can agree. The rolling streets (aka mountains) are somewhat intimidating when facing them face-on, but the view from afar is brilliant. The hostel was in the heart of North Beach (centrally located in betweeen downtown, Chinatown, fisherman's wharf, and more nude bars than I have ever seen). Carefully avoiding all of the well-lit arenas of barely dressed women, we saw all of the touristy and not-so-touristy hot spots. The "big expensive splurge" was the tour by cruise ship around the bay area getting the low-down on places like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Although that was well worth the money spent, the city also had tons of things to do for free, and the hostel put on various shows and/or free dinners for the good of all. Even just a random walk turned into all kinds of fun and free entertainment. (on the way to Chinatown we passed a crowd of about 50 men and women dressed (or undressed) wearing items such as chaps &NOTHING ELSE or maybe a color around their neck & NOTHING ELSE) Apparently we had stumbled upon a festival full of about 10,000 people celebrating their love for leather. Though I didn't have the guts to traverse the entrance and wander inside, the sites to see along the street were so shocking you just had to stare.

So while I was staring, jaw dropped to the floor, you could clearly get a feel for who was a local to San Fran and who wasn't. The tourists were drenched in their own drool (only in shock while jaws are scraping the ground) while the locals just kept on walking. This only goes to show that anything really goes in this city. Diversity is everywhere. Artists out-number taxi cab drivers. Dreaded and non-dreaded haired folk walk the streets with joint in hand. Friendly faces are around every corner. What isn't to love when everyone is loved?

27, Unemployed, & Wearing A Sheet

On the road again. We (now a different version of a Tampa friend, Elle has come along for the ride) left Denver on Wednesday en route to San Fran. We stopped the first night at the cheapest accommodations I have seen thus far ($9/bed) in Moab, Utah. The scenery was nothing short of stunning. The immense canyons and formations are such a deep autumn red and that color extends for as far as you can see in any direction. The town itself is full of outdoor enthusiasts (aka a lot of hippies) and is also home to the highest paying McDonalds in the world ($9/hr starting wage w a $1,000 signing bonus). After getting settled into the hostel and having a canned dinner on the front porch, we were invited to a toga party. Since this day also happened to be the day of my birth-we obviously decided to join. It turns out that all of the "outdoor enthusiasts" living in this tiny town-ALL LIVE AT THIS HOSTEL (when you do the math, a bed/rent adds up to less than $300/mo (not so shabby)-but not all of them slept in the beds.) The grounds around the hostel had more campers than any of the nearby camp sites. Regardless, the birthday bash (i enjoy the egotistical version of the story-my bday bash) was a blast, full of entertaining "togas" and interesting "toga-wearers"-a fun time had by all. The next day, bright and early (& about a gallon of coffee later) we hit the road to Salt Lake City.

Half-way Deep

So at this point I am just about half way through the anticipated duration of my journey. I have been through 29 states, have driven just over 8,700 miles, changed the oil and fluids twice (and will again tomorow), have spent around $1,600 in gas, and have seen so many people/places/things it’s hard to absorb it all. In retelling the tales of the time spent, some of the destinations come together like glue and others take me all day to come up with what happened where. The truth be told, I did the southeast though i travelled it quick-like (already seen it). Took my time in the northeast (the beginning leg of the trip that I hadn't already seen+ sleeping for free most nights). BLEW THROUGH the mid-west (couldn’t afford anymore-THANK GOD-although Rt. 66 was a fun 1-time adventure). Tasted the southwest (just the beginning-I’M IN LOVE). At this point I have landed in Denver. I have been in and around here for the last couple of weeks (after packing 4,500 miles up and in to 10 days, the break has been much needed) and besides, Denver is one of my favorite cities (and my aunt and uncle are putting me up in their stunning estate.
All in all, I can conclude:

southeast-not surprising-hot, humid, and full of bugs

northeast-so much character, ridiculous driving, surprisingly nice people, expensive accommodations, LOVE NYC, beautiful countryside, and full of bugs

Midwest-OMG I LOVE CHICAGO!, other than that I think they should take a space-shuttle-sewing-machine, draw a vertical line just at Chicago’s east side, draw a vertical line just at Denver’s east side, and just eliminate all that’s in between. From what I’ve seen the excluded populations have been small enough to all fit into some place like Idaho (who unfortunately didn’t make the cut, geographically speaking).

southwest-I LOVE IT. After seeing city after city void of any character, it was so refreshing to get to spend a few days in New Mexico. The pueblo houses were so intriguing-and then I got to sleep in one-yay! Also, the hostels were leaps and bounds above anywhere I have slept yet! We managed to hit Santa Fe just in time for Fiesta, a giant festival featuring dancing, singing, locals, and AMAZING food. I couldn't have asked for anything more. If the economy wasn't so difficult there (even before this recession), I would be ready to relocate in a heartbeat.

There is still so much more to come, and the rest of it is the most anticipated. In just a few days, the trek should continue...



Driving to San Fran and staying for a few days. Flying into Seattle and staying for 2. Amtrak down to Portland and staying for 3 days. Then flying back into San Fran. From there, driving the coastal highway southbound, sleeping in 5 or 6 random cities on the way to LA. Although the prices are rising, this is the leg of the trip that really made me decide to do it all. I CANT WAIT!

Mesquito's Taxi

Leaving St. Louis, we started to notice that the 'weird black shadow' had followed us. Somewhere in between the Arch and the place we stopped off for $2 sandwiches we realized that we had been holding a fly captive for many-a-mile. I'm gonna be suggestive enough to think that we were holding him captive...but that could be presumptious. So we saw the caverns...fly's still there...then the other caverns...fly's still there...somewhere along the route Ali (in)appropriately named the fly; Mosquito, and it stayed with us for miles. While we were unloading into our ridiculous (aka atrocious) motel room in Oklahoma City, Mosquito decided to separate from us. So the house pet was gone-however, the new house pet followed us into our 'ridiculous' room. It would seem likely that we would give fly 2 a ride like we did Mosquito, but at this point, (just entered Texas; EVERYTHINGS larger) things with wings are NOT ALLOWED IN THE CAR!

Random stops have included the roadside oddity; a 150 foot blue whale that formerly served as a water slide, the Rt 66 roadside x4 Museum, the Bug Ranch, the Cadillac Ranch, and Dot's Mini Museum (she's self-proclaimed Rt 66's biggest fan who has opened her house to the public). These pit-stops define the purpose of travelling Rt 66 and have provided entertainment worth many USD!

1,201 (REAL) mosquito bites later, we have arrived in the next stop, Tucumacari, New Mexico. Route 66 has truly done us right. Middle America has really proved to be a place that few live, many explore, and no one can make any money. The cost-of-living has become so cheap, that I cant understand domestication in any part of this country unless forced. At the same time, the people are so cordial, I smile. I'm so accustomed to low-wage=poor service, it's astounding that low wadge=the friendliest people I've ever dealt with. Gotta love it. And on the route goes...tomorrow hitting Albuquerque

Gettin Our Kicks On 66

Kansas City had some of the best bbq I've ever tasted, but that was about it. We were welcomed in St. Louis by being told that we really shouldn't be out in the area after dark by the lady who ran the hostel. If we did decided to risk it, we were told to definitely not have any cash on us. So that altered our plans a little, but we got to see all that we had on the brain. Nothing out of the ordinary-the arch, Busch Stadium, and Forest Park. Leaving the big cities behind, we started the Route 66 journey outside of St. Louis. Unfortunately we just missed the world's largest ketchup bottle just north of us as well as the birthplace of the corn dog (ouch!). So far, it is everything it's been cracked up to be. Quirky little town after quirky little town offering meals as cheap as $2 and will sleep 2 people for $18 at times. The people so far have been overwhelmingly kind and extremely helpful.

In Leesburg, MO we stopped for a bite at Ike's Chat and Chew (tip and all didn't top $5) and then headed to the Onondaga Caves for a tour. Missouri has more caves than any other state (apparently) so it seemed like an obvious splurge for our budgets.

We knew it was time to stop when the unpleasant odor that hi-jacked my couldn't even be alleviated by the all-windows-down-cure-all. We didn't attempt to figure out who or what that stench came from to avoid embarrassment, we simply pulled off the road and called it a night, Springfield, MO.

24 states, 6,328 miles

Since NYC, I have been doing some much needed driving. I left the Northeast about a week ago and have since been through about 8 states. Ali, a Tampa favorite, met up with me in Cleveland and has been doing the trek ever since. Although I was ready for a little soul-searching-alone-time, it has been nice to have the company (and has made life MUCH more affordable) We did a 3-day stint in Chi Town, staying in the largest hostel I've seen yet. We saw all of the classic tourist attractions, and an old friend who's since relocated to the Windy City. At this point in the trip, my vote is for Chicago. The big city feel is downplayed by the overwhelming welcoming aura that everyone gives off. Although I'd seen the city before, I was far too young, and did get a true feel. After the visit, I think I will forever be a Cubs fan as well as cheering for da Bears!

After Chicago, we have spent a considerable amount of time in the car headed north, then west, then south, giggling like 3rd graders most of the way. We could just about alienate any company at this point, armed with as many inside-jokes as miles past. Along the way we stopped off in Madison, WI and toured the ultra-liberal college town's streets, then off to Minnesota. CONVENIENTLY (so not to offend anyone)(ohhh...feel the sarcasm) we had booked Minneapolis the same weekend that the RNC was scheduled to start. So while we got a feel for the city, can't say that it was truly honest. The streets were lined with 'tourist' (Republican) after 'tourist' the entire time. The city seemed a little stuffier than I suppose it would on any other given hot summer day.

Adios Minneapolis, on our way to Kansas City. On the way we stopped off in Des Moines, Iowa for an oil change, (the only entertainment we could find) and after a whole day of travelling all I have to report is-A homeless man with a sign reading "HOMELESS-ANYTHING HELPS" was to my left as I sat at a light. We have enough dry food at this point to feed the USS Indianapolis, so I proudly offer him a giant box of animal crackers (the really good ones). Response, "I'm good, but thanks"

NYC vs Epcot

Not long before leaving Tampa I spent a weekend at one of the most travelled destinations in the US, Disney's Epcot Center. This past weekend I spent roaming the streets of NYC, these are my observations...
Epcot boasts the elaborate adventures of "around the world travel". For a few hundred bucks, you and a friend can spend the day travelling from 'country' to 'country' 'experiencing' 'culture' after 'culture'. Tasting different supposed country favorites for the cost of several hours of minimum wage employment. The employees are dressed in traditional garb of their native countries and are of course armed with that Disney-Smile :). From country to country you can sip a native cocktail for somewhere around $10 a pop, and in the end you walk away penniless and feeling no more cultured than you were when you parked your American-made car for $25 in Orlando, Fl.
On the other hand, I'm pretty certain there are tons of cheap round-trip tickets flying in and out of LaGuardia airport daily. Between Soho, Times Square, and the Lower East side, more countries are represented than Walt ever dreamed of. Delicious cuisine from all over the globe is offered some times right on top of each other. Granted no one guarantees anyone in NYC to be decked out in their native land's attire, but if you don't see anyone, you're blind. The cheapest beer I saw being served was $6 (which is a little steep for a bud light, I will admit) and I definitely never saw anyone with flashing a Disney-Smile :),but let's get real-more bang for the buck?!?! The diversity within the city is profound and i don't think that it could be replicated anywhere else in the world.
The trip was phenomenal. A total of 3 trains hauled us from our front porch in Philly dumping us at Penn Station in the city. The first day was spent in cab after cab until we figured out navigating the much cheaper subway system. We saw the likes of Ground-Zero, Times Square at night, the MOMA (LOVED IT), a comedy show on Broadway, shopping in Soho...our days were packed. I'm not sure how long I could deal with the hustle and bustle of so many people in one area, but I have to admit, I fell in love with the city.
My only sour thought/ lesson-learned about the Big Apple, don't eat at the gangster bodega that's advertising Boars Head but somehow the meats are label less-even if it is just downstairs from your apt. and you are so hungover you can't possibly walk any further and you need food right that very minute OR ELSE...
I'll tell ya or else-its called girardia-WOW

From Back Country Beauty to the Big City Hustle

After spending some much needed time on the open road, driving through mountains and spending nights alone, I have been around more civilization than needed for the last week or so. I wasn't really concerned with using public transportation to make it from Philly to Baltimore for the weekend excursion with fellow Tampa-onians, but it turned into a giant fiasco. First I forgot the tickets to the much anticipated music festival and reason for the visit to Baltimore, causing me to miss the first bus. The second bus was boarding, when I realized I had lost my ticket in the 3 hours since purchasing. Then the train that was supposed to be leaving (4 hours after my original departure time) was cancelled. So finally, I made it-by car-5 hours later than expected, but I made it non-the-less.

Baltimore, the Virgin Mobile Music Festival, and the creepy haunted house on the hill, aka the b&b that housed us, were all remarkable. We all drank our fare share (and then some) of booze, ate like champions, and walked just about all over the city.

From Baltimore, Sarah and I headed for the South Jersey Shore. Prestigious Avalon was the destination. Staying with friends of a friend in a multi-million dollar home 5 houses off the water, was a little bit of a culture shock after hostel-hopping, but phenomenal. We couldn't have asked for better weather or a more perfect living arrangement for the "pretend-u-r-rich" get-away.

Then the pristine coastline of Avalon turned into the sleazy streets of Atlantic City for a quick stop including minimal gambolling. Conclusions Drawn; Atlantic City has the highest ratio of smokers/ (hooked to)oxygen tanks of any city in the world.

And with this, my journey through the northeast has almost come to an end. This weekend will be filled with touring the Big Apple and after a little R&R I'm on the road again, headed west. Although it's been nice, I'm ready to go, and have decided I will never reside in this part of the country.

I LOVE MY LIFE

After my brief run-ins with beauty just north of NY City, I decided that if I didn't do the rest of the North East (scenic route)now, it may not happen. So 36 hours ago, I set off for Maine. I could never put into words how important that decision was for my life. Essentially, in the last 36 hours I have driven almost 2,000 miles (with another 500-ish tomorrow) and there is not an ounce of bitterness in that statement. I left NY and headed towards the coast of New Hampshire/Maine, with LOBSTER on the brain! I decided for the first time since leaving Tampa, that Susan (GPS) wasn't even allowed on this trip. SOLO-MISSION! So I navigated my self in every 'perfect' direction (although not always efficient) to see New England as it should be seen. I am still trying to process the amount of absolutely beautiful scenery I encountered yesterday-RIDICULOUS. The rolling hills, myriad of sail boats, never-ending waters...heaven. Maine's coastline extended the drive by about 3-EVER-SO-WORTH-IT-HOURS and ends with such a new-found respect for much of life.

Don't let me fool anyone, the brilliant drive up the coast ended with the Lumber Jack Jills, the lumberjack olympics-if you will. WORTH EVERY $8.

So From Trenton, ME I travelled W, SW to the White Mountain Region. I was in the car for almost another full day, but the things I saw were divine. Clearly, the scenery is subject to change based upon time-of-year, but I think that this time of year is it. The depth of the clouds in relation to the towering mountains is something I could never give justice to via text. I have known that I am living a dream since the day that I left town, but the extent of the dream had never been defined. At least for now the dream has been given relative terms.

From the City of Brotherly Love to the City of My Lovely Brother

After a few days of doing downtown Philly for all of its historical signifigance, enormous roadside murals, and visits with a friend, I headed a little north to catch up with the brother in New Paltz, NY. The drive itself, although only 4 hours, seemed like the longest to date. First of all, the 'parking garage' way of working tolls simply didn't register in my head. The brief anxiety attack during the 49 lane changes in 50 feet turned out to be the least of my concerns. Driving and starving, or starving and driving, nevertheless, I was lured by a sign for $1 hot dogs to take an exit. Well, I took the wrong exit and unfortunately Susan (the gps) didn't have any clue how to help me. She and I both got spit onto turnpike after turnpike, freeway after freeway, with no hope of a u-turn...45 minutes (and about $5 in tolls) later, I was back on my way to NY. Then out of the blue came a nice little mid-day shower to cool things off-or so I thought. Instantly the New Jersey turnpike turned into complete chaos. I've never seen anything like it. The rain was minimal at best, and 65mph suddenly slowed to 25mph. The right hand shoulder was riddled with all of the quiters that just couldn't take it anymore, flashers and all, for at least 10 miles. Finally, after the long drawn out drive, it ended with the beautiful countryside lining the last 50 miles before i reached destination, Brother.

Visiting Nate (the bro) and his gf, Desi, was amazing of course. The tiny town they lead me around was simply beatiful. They took me on a little exercising journey, not only for the body, but for my mind as well. I was told to "wear tennis shoes there's a little scramble at the end"?! Although I had no clue what that entailed-it was a hike-I needed the exersice. After a little bit of an incline up some moderate terain, suddenly we got to these enormous rocks that were totally enticing. This looked like fun for all. Without even thinking, i followed Nate, one boulder after another. When I realized how out of breath I actually was, I turned around and LOOKED (OH MY GOD). Had anyone other than Nate led me up that little rock climbing excersion-I may have thrown them over the edge-thank God it was him. He kept my brain in tact, while keep such a watchful eye, & an extended arm all the way. The scene from the top was to die for (although I couldnt look down). Mountains for days, a storm coming just over the peaks-truly breathtaking/exhilerating/amazing. New Paltz, NY-never would've known it without them.

A Day In The Life of George

680 miles after Atlanta, I arrived in our nation's fine capitol, DC. Between the vendors on every corner selling airbrushed t-shirts sporting Obama's face and delicious $1 hot dogs, I may (or may not) have walked in and around a little bit of heaven.

Arriving last night to my 10' by 12' room filled with 5 sleeping roommates, was not nearly as discouraging as it first looked. It turns out that that same group of sleeping 'beauties' had my best interest in mind. They had SO MUCH to take care of at 6am (in the room), they obviously didn't fathom the concept of communal living; i.e. quiet hours. Needless to say, I was ready for my tour of the national mall bright and early. Little did I know that the day ahead of me was about to change a little piece of my world.

As I was looking over my city map trying to decide how in the world to navigate the mass transit system, I was saved by the world's oldest hostel-hopper. He appeared with a bright white light shining behind him. We were at the metro before I knew it (such an exaggeration because this man has such horrendous social skills he consistently turns 10 min. into an hour)...and 10 minutes later...I was on my own in the heart of DC. It didn't take long to realize the architectural genius that was required to construct this city-phenomenal. And maybe even more important than the overabundance of politically charged t-shirts and delicious hot dogs-was the free entry into some of the most amazing museums out.

So my time has been well spent. I will leave DC in the am as a metro-extraordinaire. The future of my hostel-hopping is on the up & up-steadily progressing with each random stop. And the next stop includes at least one home-cooked meal. Life is good. PA's next.

Old Friends, New Fun

It's pretty difficult not letting the stress and pressures of being unemployed, homeless, and on the longest vacation of my life get to me.

Although I have stayed in a couple of pretty atrocious places, I have also been put up by several different friends that I hadn't seen in far too long.

My self-guided (free) walking tour of the beatiful streets of Savannah, lead me to the statue of Savannah's 'Waving Girl'. She sits at the front end of the infamous River Street.

11 days in

About 1,350 miles in and so far I have strolled the streets of Ft. Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, St. Augustine, Savannah, Charleston, and I'm currently in Atlanta. I have spent somewhere around $300 on gas but not even $100 on accommodations. However, some of the accommodations have been meager at best. I found the only hoStel (definitely not a hotel) in St. Augustine simply expecting a good night sleep. I should have understood in advance that words like 'good' come with a price and since the price of this particular bed was $14, 'good' is nowhere in sight.

Somewhere along the next 3 hour drive I figured out exactly where each penny of that $14 was allotted.
dollar #1 was spent on the tin foil draped across the bathroom wall-as if a mirror?
dollar #2 was for sure used to buy the $1 bundle of 150 towels which they pass out upon arrival
dollar #3 may or may not have been used for the potentially laundered bed sheet I was expected to use
dollars #4-7 were spent on the exterminator that clearly never showed up
#8 was spent in 1823 (the yr the building was built) on all of the door handles and locks, allowing for zero sense of security
Im pretty sure #9 bought the outfit that the owner wore BOTH days I was there
#10 went towards the sandpaper they called toilet paper
dollar #11 covered the electricity that ran the fans-because there was no air conditioning (St. Augustine's IN FLORIDA)
and dollars#12-14 paid for the marker and the posterboard that read "ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST-FREE"
If only they had charged $15/night, maybe I actually would've gotten that bogus all you can eat pancake breakfast.