Home, Sweet San Antonio

In many ways, San Antonio will always be my home. I was reminded that much of my personality was cultivated there the moment I was driving down/up I-10. Though, sadly, the San Antonio landscaped has been raped by commercialism/strip malls, it still possesses places filled with memories. As Sarah and I drove into the city, I breathed in the hot, humid San Antonio air with nostalgia. After 7,000 miles around the United States, I knew I had to come home. When I first left San Antonio for Boston almost 10 years ago, I felt I was traveling between two existences- one of my past and one of my present/future. Over the years, I have reconciled that though I may leave Texas, Texas will never leave me. The thought of a bean and cheese taco from Las Palapas, the unique incense aroma of my mom's house, and the friendly faces that awaited propelled me forward during the long drive through the desert.

I love that I still have friends that I can call on a moment's notice and share great conversation and food; a tradition that hasn't changed in over 15 years of friendship. I look upon my friends as true kindred spirits that have also shaped who I have become and who I will always be. I sat with Shannon at Souper Salad laughing and recalling the first time we met almost 16 years ago in the Jackson bathroom across from the cafeteria. I drank wine with Jess and Moni (legally!) talking about sex, a topic once imagined, now realized. I ate sushi (delicious!) with Dusty amazed what a great mom she is (I always knew she would be a great mom), and how she is still able to be herself without compromise. Jeni and Todd (well mostly Todd) made me a great eggplant parm feast amongst their remodelled kitchen, and I thought to myself how right they are for one another. My friendships are very important to me, and I am blessed that I have wonderful people in San Antonio and beyond that keep me in check.

Seeing my mom and eating good ol' country food is also a tradition that I must do when I am home. Though, my mom and I do not see things the same way always (she hates all truck drivers- well maybe we aren't so different...) I know she will always support me in my decisions even if she grinds her teeth first.

I was sad that I had to leave my mom and San Antonio behind, but hopefully I'll be home again soon. Now off to Boston with Papa Gonzalez in tow and a few stop in between.

She went all night long..

As much fun as San Diego was, we went onward to Phoenix to drop off Hol for the beginning of his adventure. (We were a mini-adventure for him) Not too much to report about the drive to Arizona, though lots of impromptu border patrol along I-8. Once Hol was out of the car, the real craziness ensued. Sarah and I had slept in and were prepared to make it to Las Cruces, New Mexico by midnight, so we could sleep/rest and wake up for the long trek to San Antonio. As we were driving, Sarah and I were talking about the trip home and I proposed continuing to drive to El Paso and beyond. After discussing it, we decided it was the best idea, so we (I mostly mean Sarah because she did the driving and I kept her company most of the night) drove all the way to San Antonio. We arrived at my father's doorstep around 10:45 AM just to show him that his daughters can do anything in order to prove him wrong :) We were very punch drunk from the drive, but were able to unload the car and shower before completely crashing. It was a night of good talks, breath-taking stars, and two stubborn Gonzalez sisters driving in the dark desert. I did get to see a desert sunrise, so it was well worth it.

Zoo, Pacific Sunset and Turtles

Monday was one of most memorable days on the trip. We left Anaheim behind and headed to San Diego. The main goals Sarah and I wanted to accomplish were to go to the zoo and see a sunset. After a brief outburst by Sarah/sisterly discussion about directions and driving, we went to the zoo and had a great afternoon looking at animals. The San Diego zoo is an obvious must see in Southern California, so I will not bore you with details, but it was fantastic. Afterward, we went to La Jolla beach and walked on the beach and watched the suffers. La Jolla was beautiful. We found an amazing microbrewery not too far on the beach that had a roof deck to watch the sunset. It was beautiful! It was a perfect moment of Pacific sunset, beer, and great mac n' cheese (almost as good as Publick House :) I made friends with our waitress because she was from Worcester, and she suggested a bar in the area that did turtle races on Monday night. Yes, TURTLE races. We were sold, and two hours later we were screaming and cheering on the racing turtles. A concept so simple, and yet I had to travel 5000 miles to find a bar that raced turtles for the pleasure of drunken idiots. If my teaching pursuits fail, I may open a bar that specializes in turtle racing, so stay tuned.

Lovin' LA

The last time I was in Los Angeles I was three years old (except if you count the time Amy and I hanging out in LAX on our way to SF). My memories are somewhat blurred by my childhood obsession with Disneyland. I remember wanting to ride the tea cups at Disneyland and being very disappointed that my father and brothers were able to go on more rides than I was. (Alas, Sarah was just an embryo growing at the time). Twenty-five years later I am amazed by LA's beauty and energy.

We arrived in LA a little before lunch and had time to tour the Kodak Theater and Sid's Theater (Chinese theater) before meeting Sarah's film friends, Garrett and Brett for lunch. We had a fabulous lunch at Jerry's Deli and then proceeded to the Hollywood Hills for some great views of LA and overpriced real estate. Afterward, we went to the Santa Monica Pier for some old fashioned fun. Walking the beach was great and relaxing. We ate ice cream and walked for awhile enjoying the scene. I really wanted to see the sunset over the water, so Garrett and Brett suggested going to Griffith Park and seeing the sunset from the observatory. Everyone agreed and off we went. Now, our flawless plan hit traffic on the highway, so we didn't actually see the sunset, but the night view over the city was beautiful nonetheless. The Griffith Observatory would be my ultimate spot in LA if I ever decide to live here, but due to the traffic and real estate restrictions, I doubt that will ever happen. (though, never say never). I was in heaven the whole day. I hope San Diego does not disappoint.

My heart is still in San Francisco

My second journey to San Francisco reminded me how much I love San Fran. Oakland was great, but the moment Sarah and I took the BART over the water, I was happy. San Francisco was great. Sarah and I wandered around the city and saw some of the sites (gosh I hate those hills!) and had sushi in Chinatown. Later, we met Hol and some of Sarah's/Hol's friends in the Mission and had some burritos and beer. Hol drove us around for two hours to "show" us around the bay area.

Hol joined Sarah and I on our road trip adventure. He is catching a ride with us to Phoenix. I feel like the adult when I am around the two of them. Sarah gets very frustrated with Hol, and Hol knows how to push Sarah's buttons. I am looking forward to seeing and spending some time in Southern Cali.

More to come...

California Border question and addendum

Does anyone know why when you cross into California, they check for produce and plants coming into the state? When we were driving into California from Oregon we had to pull over to an inspection station. The State Trooper asked us if we had any fruits, vegetables, and/or plants in the car. (We did not) Sarah and I have no idea why California does this. (The travel guides don't know either).

Also, addendum to my State Trooper theory: State Troopers in California love their job. They love pulling people over for speeding. I have seen more State Troopers in Northern California than in my entire time on the road. I have also seen a great number of people pulled over for speeding. Driving through Arcata and Eureka last night Sarah and I counted 8!

Napa on my mind

"For when the wine is in, the wit is out,"-Thomas Becan

My stomach is full and I drank way too much wine, but I have no regrets. I will sleep soundly tonight with thoughts of grapes on my mind. I am so excited that we decided to stay another night, so we can drink more tomorrow. Napa is fantastic place where everyone is friendly and happy to engage in conversation. I was a little nervous that Napa was going to be too pretentious for Sarah and me, but luckily, I was proven wrong (which never happens :) The local deli boy was very eager to help Sarah with her order, and all the sommeliers and fellow tasters were very informative and shared exclusive wines with us (aka we got free tastings for being cute!). The wine and the food is delicious!

Getting here was very nerve wracking. I drove through VERY winding and narrow roads, and almost lost it. Thankfully, Sarah was patient with me and we made it to the winery without crashing into a tree or another car or flying off a hillside. Life lesson: I do not do well with driving curvy roads. Though, I did learn my lesson about reserving hotels. Once Sarah and I decided to stay in Napa, I found a hotel (well the nearest Motel 6) and reserved it.

No room at the Inn

OK, so our plan to not have a plan failed tonight. Apparently, while we are on our existential expedition through the forest, college students were migrating to to the forest to move in and register for "higher" education. Luckily, before I truly panicked and listen to the suggestion of driving another 5 hours to San Francisco (after being on the road for 11 hours), a very nice lady found us a room in a tiny town of Scotia, CA. Our little room in Scotia is actually a beautiful antique room in an old converted mansion. The place is gorgeous, and for the first time this trip I am not scared that someone will break into my car. (Suck it Travelodge!)

Our trip through the Redwoods was unbelievable, and I can't believe we were there. I agree with Sarah that a hike through the woods would have been nice, but we did get to see the sun setting over the ocean and the trees- totally breath taking. I know this is definitely a place to come back to see again. I am looking forward to wine country tomorrow and onward to San Fran.

It's a Small World after all..

I have survived a week! I left Boston exactly a week ago! CRAZY!!!

Sarah and I arrived in Portland safely, and shockingly I was calm-ish letting Sarah drive the entire way here. (I am growing!) Once we got to Portland, we parked the car, peed, and found Powell Bookstore. Powell Bookstore is the magastore of bookstores. As Sarah put nicely today, "there are libraries that are smaller than this bookstore." It was my mecca of new and used books, and I perused the shelves for over an hour, and still did not see everything. It is definitely my one thing to do in Portland. Afterward, we traveled to the land of roses. I know I was supposed to be awed by all the different roses in the International Rose Garden, but what I thought was as pretty as it was, it was just another garden with lots and lots of roses. Although, I did find it calming and a nice place to relax and "smell the roses".

The big highlight of Portland beside the good Thai food, beautiful scenery, and the friendly strangers (yes, mom we talked to strangers, but actually they talked to us first) was the wonderful coincidence of knowing local musicians in Portland.

Back story: Many moons ago when I worked at BELL's after school program, one of the other tutors I worked with also played in a band (the Eilen Jewel Band) and since leaving the after school world she has traveled all over the world and was in Portland tonight playing.

So, like groupies, Sarah and I stalked her and saw Eilen play. Along with Eilen, there was a musician from Austin, Steven James, also playing before her. (Sarah got her picture with him). Sarah wanted to go check out another band from Austin (the Octopus Project) at another bar, so we left Eilen, and went to another bar. Little did I know (because Sarah didn't want to tell me) that the Octopus Project is an electronica band that has images flashing along to their electronic instrumental. It was interesting to say the least, but I was proud of myself for trying new things even though at first I was ready to walk out and go back to the motel and sleep. I realized that I was in Portland at a club and I should embrace the moment. So, I stood up in the booth and swayed along to the beats (not music, but beats).

So, overall, as I look back at the last week of my life, I can say that I have seen great and beautiful things that will forever amaze me, I have had wonderful people remind that kindness and hospitality are a virtue, I am brave enough to venture into the great unknown, and I can be dragged to an avant garde show and not kill my sister.

Sleepy in Seattle

The Drive:
When I arrived in Seattle on Friday around 5 PM, I had one thought in my mind: I can't wait to get to sleep. I left Twin Rivers, ID Friday morning refreshed and ready to be done with my independent part of the trip. I was excited and eager to get to Seattle where Sarah was waiting for me. Little did I realize that Idaho/Oregon/Washington was going to be the roughest part of my trip. Though, I had only a "brief" 9 hour drive ahead of me, I was physically and mentally tired. Granted, I have no reason to be physically exhausted, but I hit "the Wall". In marathons, runners describe the moment when they want to give up and can go no further as "the Wall". (Side note: I have no real reference of this phenomenon except from my experience of watching Run, Fat Boy, Run). I hit my "wall" in Idaho, then again, in Oregon, and then again in Washington. Once I reached Boise (Idaho for those geographically challenged), I knew I needed to get pass my "wall" via caffeine, so I programmed "Jane" (my GPS) and together we found a Starbucks. Once caffieinated, I resumed to Oregon where the winding mountains and one lane highways awaited. I felt sick throughout Oregon and willed my way through to Washington where much to my relief was flatter than Oregon until I reached 60 miles outside of Seattle where bigger and more winding roads awaited. I persevered through and made it without vomiting. Yay!

Seattle is awesome:
I was craving Sushi for dinner, so Sarah, Michelle (Sarah's friend from high School), Ed (Michelle's boyfriend), and I went to a great restaurant in Pioneer Square. (This was after I almost vomited when Sarah was driving my car downtown and I got stuck on a hill) We knew the food would be great because other sushi lovers were there signing karaoke. We had a great meal and conversation and all I wanted to do was go to sleep, but out of politeness, I agreed to go have a drink after dinner. Ed took as to a fabulous brewery place in Fremont that had many pretentious beer (one called "love"), and we all had a round. I could sadly not finish mine, but was happy to be out and trying new things. Then I went to sleep the moment we got home.

Forrest Gump and me

My apologies to my followers for not keeping you in the blogging loop. I arrived to Seattle safely on Friday and have enjoyed being in one place for more than 12 hours; however, I have neglected you, my followers. As I was driving on Thursday, I thought about how my road trip blog parallels Forrest Gump. Much like Forrest running across the country for no great purpose other than to run, I am driving across the country with no other purpose than I want to do it. I have seen many beautiful and almost indescribable things like Forrest (although, I have yet to say or do anything profound that will ultimately impact those around me); the image of Forrest running ahead with runners behind him reminds me of my responsibility to you as you follow me on this adventure. So, hopefully, I will remain committed and write daily, so that I may live like Forrest Gump :)

Wednesday edition: Groovin' down I-80

On Wednesday, I spent all my time driving on I-80. There are many great things to see along I-80 like the birthplace of Ronald Reagan, the Herbert Hoover museum, Buffalo Bill's ranch, etc. I however, was the most excited to discover a Starbucks in Peru, Illinois and a Panera outside of Des Moines. As I was driving through the entire state of Nebraska (all 430 miles of it), I realized the reason I have not traveled to Nebraska before- there is nothing to see or do; hence, why I was excited to see the "Welcome to Wyoming" sign.

Epiphanies and other thoughts:
I have a new theory about state troopers: In New York state troopers like to hide behind trees and like to scare drivers by popping out and following them on the highway; in Illinois and Iowa, state troopers like to hide behind corn stalks and pop out to keep drivers alert, in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah there are no state troopers because no one cares how fast you're driving as long as you're not stupid enough to get hurt.

While driving to Columbus and Chicago, I did not have to clean my windshield once. Since driving through the Midwest, have massacre until populations of bugs and have had to not only clean my windshield every time I get gas, but also the front of my car. I now understand more fully why buying a white car may not have been the best decision.

A brief Wednesday Thought

If I were a truck driver... I would never drive in the left lane especially if someone is behind me. I would never try to prove anything by staying in the left lane like a stubborn ass.

Tuesday Adventures

"Welcome to Wyoming" is my favorite sign of the trip, but much has happened before coming to Wyoming, so let's start at the beginning... (this is part one)

Tuesday Morning/Lunch:
Tuesday was a fantastic morning hanging with my cousin, Laura, and her daughter, Raegan. After Raegan showed me all her toys and played with my hair, we got ready for the day. Laura insisted on going to Starbucks first thing in the AM, so I obliged and went with her (you know how those caffeine addicts are :) Matt insisted that he needed to buy an Ohio State t-shirt (did you know their mascot is a NUT??), so we stopped by a store for him to get one. I needed to go to Best Buy to get a camera (which I did!), so after all the errands, Laura took us site seeing around Columbus. For anyone who is planning on visiting Laura, Columbus is fantastic with lots of things to do, but for anyone not planning on visiting Columbus- it is pretty much like any other suburban town with lots of strip malls and cookie cutter houses; however, Columbus does have a field of cement corn that is quite interesting. Laura took us to a hidden away field (in an office park) to see the wonder of the cement corn. Picture this: rows and rows of falic-looking corn sitting outside an office park. After seeing such site, one wonders many things, but my first thoughts was "what idiot guy thought it would be a wise decision to build a field of cement corn and how much did this cost?" After the corn, we went to see Ohio State and had some Ohio pizza. Again, if anyone is planning on visiting Ohio, you should know that pizza in Ohio is shaped in a circle, but cut into squares. Weird place... this Columbus, but I am sure I will be back. We said our good-byes and began the journey to Chicago. Not much to report about the drive, except that Phil Collins is played on every radio station at every hour. I heard more Phil Collins on Tuesday than I care to hear ever.

Chicago:
Matt and I parted ways in Chicago. I was sad to part with Matt, but it was true test of our friendship that we survived 48 hours of driving together, and I was sad to see him go. Josh and Stephanie welcomed me with open arms and took me to an amazing Mexican restaurant (yay goat cheese tamales!!) downtown. I am really looking forward to seeing more of Josh and Stephanie when they move to Boston, but I am sad that I don't have a place to stay when I visit Chicago. They are the sweetest friends and I am really appreciate of their hospitality. On that note, I am really grateful to have wonderful friends and family that keep me company on this crazy trip. Which brings me to part two...

First Day

I began my journey from Boston at 5:20 AM. I was ready with tea in hand (Starbucks doesn't open until 6 AM- luckily there was a Starbucks in New York to accommodate my fixation :) to trek to Columbus, Ohio. Luckily, no major dramas. A couple of highlights:

• Matt and I sang aloud to our IPods. (Strangely we have duplicate songs)
• Target was sold out of the camera I want, so no pictures.
  
• Niagara Falls was beautiful, but sticky hot.
• Matt and I got to use our Passports for the first time.
• We had delicious milkshakes from Steak n' Shake (mine cookie dough, his chocolate)
• Laura and I continued our tradition of talking until it's really late and we're both tired.

I am looking forward to spending some time with my cousins and heading to the windy city. Here's to more to come...

It's the Night Before...

So, much like Santa on Christmas Eve, I am looking at my lists and checking them twice- making sure I haven't forgotten anything. So, far I think I have over-packed, but I strongly believe that you should always be prepared, even if that means that you've packed enough outfits and toiletries to last until Christmas. Though, I am still missing a vital piece of traveling- my camera. Due to some unfortunate accidents (aka a fellow teacher borrowing my camera for a day), my camera is broken, and I did like the camera choices at Target/Best Buy, so I will not have pictures of the first day of travel :( I am hoping that along the way I will find a camera I like. Otherwise, I think I am all set. Cross your fingers, and let the adventure begin...

Pros and Cons to a Blog

I understand that many of my friends and family want to live vicariously through my road trip, so I have decided to write a blog. The downside to writing a blog is the daily commitment and dedication, but I am willing to try anything once. The entire trip will be a test of endurance and patience, so why not try writing down my daily thoughts in hopes to bring a smile or a smirk to those I love. So, I hope you look forward to the adventures...