End of the Road

Hey Folks,

I have great news and some bad news to report. The bad news is the roadtrip has unfortunately come to an end. I have decided this. Thanks to all the people who supported me and cheered me on. From the beginning, one of the purposes of this trip was to find myself and I believe I have. Now, the great news is that I have met the right girl and have fallen madly in love. Judy and I met while in Florida and met up again in Texas. I came to find out that we have tons in common and get along great. She is actually from Annapolis but grew up in Salt Lake City. The revised plan now is to spend a few more days in Austin and then marathon it up to Utah to be married under God, sell the Volvo, and fly back together to settle in Maryland. That is the plan and I couldn't be happier! So thanks to everyone and please leave a comment to wish me well.

Taste of the South

How about that?!? My first experience of New Orleans and it's a crawfish boil. A whopping 225 lbs of crawfish to celebrate Easter. A whole lotta work for a lil' bit of meat though. Much thanks to the people that invited me and supplied such yummy crustaceans. I just arrived yesterday and will stay for 2 more days. Then onward to Houston and then Austin, TX. (So far, I have traveled 3000 miles)

Thoughts upon leaving Panama City, FL: it's was interesting. I realized I didn't miss much since I never did the whole spring break thing like most kids. The beach was beautiful but the drunk college kids only reminded me of how old I am. My couchsurfing host in Panama City was one of the very best. 'The Godfather' as he is known, is so flamboyantly liberal that he makes me look like Pat Robertson. (Never thought that could even be possible.)

The drive from Panama City to New Orleans was gorgeous. A short video is below.

Attractive Asian Male Loses Arm to Alligator [details below]*

My stay in Gainesville was short but sweet. I couch surfed, I car surfed, and met up with a very good friend. An easygoing college town is pretty much what Gainesville is. The real gators are neat to watch up close. Those other Gators, well, let's just say they ain't no Terps or Wildcats. One has to do the Hare Krishna meal at UF if they are ever in town.

I am in Panama City, FL at the moment. I didn't come for Spring Break but might check it out nonetheless.

I am still steeling myself up for the potential of going to Alaska. The 2,500 miles I have traveled so far is about how long it is one-way to Alaska from Seattle. Hmmm..

*[If this were true, I'd be dead cause the gator would be angry that my arms were so non-meaty that it would have no choice but to finish me off just to be somewhat satisfied.]

The Sunshine State

Well, I am out of Savannah and in Gainesville, FL now. Savannah was a quaint old place. I did indeed enjoy the feel of the town. St. Paddy's Day celebrations for Saturday night was an evening to remember. In the midst of the heavy partying, the city of Savannah experienced a full blackout at around midnight. Not sure if any riots ensued (I was concerned about Volvo though). I do know that booze was still flowing, music was still playing, and the folks remained happy. After a few Guinesses, even I could not resist singing along to some "Living on a Prayer" that erupted in a small group. Power didn't come back till morning. And, all the while I can only imagine what drunk people do when there is no power. Nevertheless, as much as I did enjoy Savannah I always have to keep on moving. I do notice it is bittersweet leaving all the places and people I meet behind. They all have their own unique quality and personality to them. Goodbye SCAD pals and do proudly declare your MFA title when you get it.

Strangers are...

...just friends that you haven't met yet. Well, my time in Birmingham (AKA the Magic City) was short and not particularly eventful. However, as traveling folk say, 'it's not where you are, it's the people you meet'. Believe me, I came here without a solid place to stay but the kindness of people triumphed. Sloss Furnaces (a historical factory) was probably the highlight of the tour.

I am in Savannah, GA for the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Once AGAIN, I came here without a established place to stay but my faith in humanity prevailed. Couchsurfer #5 is awesome!! Supposedly this is the second largest St. Pat's celebration next to either NYC or Boston. I'm not much a partygoer but I do like to drink. There are mostly out-of-towners here, so it does get rowdy. The to-go cup of beer in the streets is definitely a coolness factor for Savannah. Well, that is it for now. I will probably partake in the festivities for a day or two more and then off to what looks like Gainesville, FL.



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Welcome to the Bible Belt and...

Nashville is it's buckle. Well this is my last day in the birthplace of country music. I must say that I am warming up to honky-tonk music. Like a bar singer sang, "honky tonk's no longer just for honkies". Amen to that, brother. I did a good amount of touristy stuff (Grand Ole Opry, museums, and downtown). The snow put a damper on some of my plans at first but things evened out. My couchsurfing hosts are an eclectic bunch of kids. They love booze, partying, and LOVE God even more. Though I would partake in church services and bible studies to appease, there is no pressure nor overwhelming desire. It was definitely refreshing meeting up with liberal minded and super cool Leigh (friend of couchsurfer #2). So far, everything couchsurfing related is awesome. It's an adventure everytime. Well, the madness shall continue in Birmingham, ALABAMA. No real reason I'm going there, but who needs a reason?

Volvo for Life...

...but not for sleeping. Camped at Mammoth Cave for one night and it was freezing cold. Way too cold for a tent and apparently a car as well. I did meet an interesting French Canadian who happened to be car camping with his dog. We exchanged travel stories and had lots in common. Both were traveling for 3 months, traveling to the West, and couldn't make a fire to save our lives. Coincidentally, we both had respective bottles of whiskey in our cars. Perhaps this would have helped with the fire building but hell if we were both going to try it. Slept, albeit uncomfortably and woke up to snow falling. Started up the Volvo and zipped out of there.

Here I am in Nashville. As it stands, everywhere I go, snow seems to follow. Very unfortunate. Kind of thinking of my next move at the moment. Any suggestions, feel free to comment.

Into the Wild

Still in Lexington, KY. This will be my last night here. On a whim, I plan to head out to Mammoth Cave to do some camping tomorrow. I'm a little apprehensive about it. The reason being I haven't camped since the 6th grade. The element of doing it alone only adds to the danger and excitement. I doubt there is real danger, I am more concerned about how my mind may play tricks on me.

Thoughts upon leaving Lexington, it is a great place. Couchsurfer #2 (Jodi) is seriously one of the nicest (and coolest) persons I have ever met. Kind and generous people really exist! I enjoyed my time here experiencing horse country, a whiskey tour, and good folk. Well, onward to tomorrow, where I venture into the wild (but not really).

And, for any of the unofficial bets going on. So far:
Moving violation tickets - 0
Animals I have hit with my car - 0
Chance I will end the trip early - 0%

Keep on truckin' y'all


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My journey so far...

Well, right off the bat I have strayed off course. I plan to hit Wisconsin, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Brooklyn, and Boston on my way back. The impending snowstorm and frigid temps have kept me away. I am in Lexington, KENTUCKY at the moment. Good times (awesome, actually) here so far. Pittsburgh was fun. I really enjoyed the Mattress Factory and the gruff Pitt denizens. The incline @ Mt. Washington, not so much. However, the people I stayed with in Pittsburgh showed immense hospitality. It makes me truly believe this quote I read in a book once, that 'a journey is measured in friends rather than miles."




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