Day 60: THE LAST DAY

Current Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

Today was the last day of my journey. I pulled into SLO last night and today was a recovery day from the last 60 days of traveling around the country. I had a great time and I will never forget all of the things I experienced, people I saw, and funny things that happened. People are always asking me about my trip highlights so I am gonna give you all a few...

- Going to Wrigley Field TWICE

- Driving through the night with Emily Buckel

- Seeing my old roommates along the way

- Meeting people like Charlotte, Conrad, Eduardo, Jeff, Chris, and so many more people that I would have had the pleasure of meeting, but hopefully will someday again.

- Seeing my family

- Driving across the middle of nowhere and just enjoying the view

There are really so many other things that I cannot think about but happened. I loved it all and I will never forget this trip.

So that is it. I am done with this trip, done blogging, and now I have to figure out my life haha, wish me luck again.

Peace

P.S. Just if you are interested here are some stats from my trip.

TOTAL MILES: 12,036

TOTAL DAYS: 60

TOTAL STATES VISITED: 36

TOTAL $ SPENT ON GAS: $1420.20

Day 59: Driving Home to SLO!!!!

Current Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

Today was the final day of driving on my road trip, officially. I got up and had a large breakfast with Marje and Jack, it was delicious! I left around 11am headed West on the 10 toward LA. I arrived in LA around 4:30pm which as you can imagine is a nightmare with traffic. Again I say, Why do I always end up in the largest cities during rush hour! It seems like each time I drive through LA I want to die with all this traffic haha. Well I finally made it through all of that and onward north up the coast. I saw the sunset on the Pacific around Ventura and thought it was a pretty good end to my driving. I arrived in SLO around 8pm and Alese, Katherine and Myself enjoyed a celebratory drink downtown at the Black Sheep. The night was good. And tomorrow marks the last day of my road trip.

Peace

Day 58: Albuquerque to AZ

Current Location: Phoenix (Mesa), AZ

Today I woke up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To be honest New Mexico (a place I have been twice) is actually pretty cool. I like the old town areas and the pueblo style that runs throughout the city. But anyway that is not the point. So like I said my day started in a Holiday Inn Express and then I headed to Old Town Albuquerque in order to go the the Indian retail stands so that I could buy a couple unique jewelry. I found a couple of cool pieces a sterling silver and turquiose ring and then a pair of matching earrings haha. Anyway they were good finds. After that I headed out west.

I drove most of the day through some pretty plain country. I know that yesterday I was raving about the beautiful Texas country and flat land but I must say that between Albuquerque and Flagstaff there is really not much to see. The land is dry, full of shrubs, and pretty much rolling boring hills haha, not as good as yesterday though.

Well this evening I arrived at my Great Aunt and Uncle's place and went to Applebee's Bar and Grille haha. After was spent sharing pictures and watching the NBA kickoff night on the TV. The game is back on so ....

Peace

Day 57: Dallas to Albuquerque

Current Location: Albuquerque, NM

Today Amber and I got up and went to breakfast at Bread Winners a breakfast place/bakery/club at night haha. I had surprise, surprise, a Tex-Mex breakfast that was delicious and then headed out of town. Sad saying goodbye to Amber :(. I drove up northwest hit a piece of Oklahoma, on to Amarillo, across the pan handle and ended up in Albuquerque, NM for the night.

Today was just driving mostly after leaving Dallas, I love the scenery around this area. Most people think it is boring, flat, and full of cows and tumbleweeds, but I know otherwise. The open "range" as some might say is awesome. I love the flat land that you can see miles in each direction, staring at the same thing that has been there for centuries. There is something about the open space that breathes of opportunity. Maybe I get too sentimental over the open road but if you know it and appreciate it like I do then you understand. I just love the country, tumbleweeds, cows and all. Guess I am in luck because tomorrow I'll get to see even more because I am headed to Phoenix.

Peace

Day 56: That’s what I love about Sundays

Current Location: Dallas, TX

It is Sunday and Amber and I awoke ready to start the day at church. We got up dressed and headed off to a church that Amber likes called Watermark in North Dallas. The church was huge just like the mega church I described in Chicago it seemed more like a small college campus or large theater than a church. However, I enjoyed it, the pastor was exciting, the people were friendly and they had coffee! So A in my book. After Amber and I wanted to go shopping and get our nails done. However, Sundays in Dallas apparently means everything is closed. So we had to change our plans. Instead we headed downtown to Downtown West and wandered around taking pictures and got lunch at a place called RJ’s Mexican Cuisine that of course served Tex-Mex (like every other place in the city). Anyway our waiter, Rudy, was super great and we had two enormous, in both size and taste, salads. By this time the three shops that are open on Sundays had opened and I made a couple purchases before we headed back to get our nails done.

Nails, Starbucks, diving around for pictures, and relaxing with the TV all followed. Amber later had to go to her lacrosse practice, where she coaches third graders, and I during this time went for a light job around the area. After all of that We got ready and went out! (Yes, Yes, on a Sunday).

Together we went to Mi Cocina a place in Uptown, Dallas. The entire area of Uptown is very nice, shops, food, bars, clubs, and a very young scene. I had the most amazing Tacos “de Brisket” as they were called that surprise again were Tex-Mex. We also enjoyed a couple super delish margaritas. We walked around, sat and talked, and enjoyed our night before heading over to one of Amber’s friends houses to watch football and Sportscenter to cap off the night. In the words of Mr. Craig Morgan, “ That’s what I love about Sundays”.

Peace.

Day 55: Football and Tornadoes

Current Location: Amber's Casa Dallas, TX

Today is Saturday and the homecoming day for both Baylor and SMU colleges around Dallas. Amber and I got up and headed out for a small walk and to pick up some coffee before the games. We then headed out to the tailgating party that is actually not a tailgate party but called boulevarding and is something that looks more like a small state fair (yes, they are extremely serious about football here). So we go and sign up for a couple places at the game and get some free BBQ and some drinks and wait for the game to start. The weather at this point was decent yet pretty humid (for my taste, which means mildly humid I guess, but whatever). It was a normal day. Literally as we finish our meal and Amber's sister calls to ask us about the weather and if we have heard the tornado warning yet, THE WEATHER TURNS. haha the sky blackens the clouds move in, it it gets windy and and starts pouring down rain. Needless to say Amber and I split rather quickly haha. I mean we were not about to stand in that, especially Amber who for some reason hates the rain more than anything.

So we were on to plan two, shopping at Target, watching the games from the couch and then chilling out with some sushi and salads. Hahah pretty good day minus the weather that was terrible. Seriously.

Okay. Peace

Day 54: A day in Dallas

Current Location: Dallas, TX

Today, Amber had to get up early and go to school but I got to sleep in until the late hours of 10am haha. Then I got up did some organizing and got ready to go to my spa facial apt. I had a relaxing time at the spa, got a snack and then headed home to meet Amber after class. After some planning we decided to go on a run around the extremely cute and wealthy neighborhoods and watch the All-American families play soccer and lacrosse in the park. Then it was time to shower and head out to meet Amber's sister, Stephanie, for some dinner at Blue Mesa Grille. Blue Mesa was a great looking restaurant with a very delicious menu, so all around good. Then we headed back to Amber's apartment picked up her roommate plus one and headed to Humperdinks a bar/restaurant to watch the TEXAS RANGERS win the AL championship and make there way to the world series! I don't actually like the Rangers nor was I cheering for the team in general but I have to say that being in that bar was much like a movie when the underdog team wins the championship for the first time. People where going nuts, everyone was wearing Ranger gear, strangers were hugging and high-fiving, and everyone was signing along. It was literally HISTORIC, which was pretty amazing. I do have to say that I am glad the Rangers won, they are a great team with some good history and have never made it to a World Series before, so props to them; too bad they are gonna lose to my Giants. hahaha. Anyway that was the night. Amber and I later feel asleep watching Wedding Crashers. Which we will finish watching later tonight.

Peace

Day 53: Wake up in Nashville, go to bed in Dallas.

Current Location: Dallas, TX

So this morning I go up at the wee hours of 7am and left my newest favorite city to head out West. I drove southwest toward Memphis and then turned due south toward Leland, MS a small down off the 61 in Mississippi. I had never been to Mississippi before and it seemed pretty nice, in fact a lot of the scenery from the 61 reminded me of the 5 that goes through California's valley. Anyway that is not important what is important is how I believe that I love the SOUTH! I am not kidding, the way of life down here, the warmth, the food, the people, EVERYTHING is great. In Mississippi I stopped for gas and lunch at a small down called Clarksdale where I was directed via signage to a little ole' place called Abe's BBQ. The place was so cute, just a small little diner that must have had everyone in town eating there at the same time because I could barely find a parking spot. I went in and ordered a Pork sandwich and a root beer to go. The guy was great, "Ma'am" was coming out of his mouth every other word, he was even considered at whether or not I could or should have to open my root beer's twist top on my own or if I would like his assistance. The entire interaction was so friendly and awesome that I could not help but be impressed by the southern hospitality, and obviously the southern drawl haha. Anyway if I had ordered that in Cali I would have gotten everything in a bag with the only words being my total and "sign here". haha yeahh.....

Well after that it was through Arkansas, Louisiana and then on to Texas. I arrive at Amber Curry's 12 hours after my departure!!!! We already had plans so I got ready we had dinner and then it was off to Lady's Night at the Red River dancehall. This place was huge with a disco studded saddle, mechanical bull (which I rode), a huge circular dance floor, stage with live band, and about four or five bars. The night was great, the people were great, I had a great time haha. So yeah I think y'all (hahaha this was added for authenticity) can figure out I had a great time haha.

Peace

Day 52: Mocha Club and Bluebird

Current Location: Nashville, TN

This morning was rough because we have been having so much fun recently that it was wearing me out. Luckily we got up and left to immediately stop for coffee at a place called The Perch out in Brentwood, TN. We headed out there for two things, one a quick stop at Target to purchase Sugarland's new Deluxe Edition CD!!!! and two to go to Cassidy's internship at Mocha Club.

Mocha Club is a really awesome organization that works with many different non-profit companies to raise money for their programs in Africa. I just did a really lame job explaining their awesomeness so go check it out yourself HERE!!

On another note and back to The Perch, I will again hammer home by point that Nashville may have the best, cutest, most delicious, and pretty dang cool coffee shops I have ever seen (Please note that this comment excludes all coffee shops in the SLO area as well as and most importantly Uptown Espresso, you are still number one!!!). Okay but yes Nashville is the place.

So back to Mocha Club, the day was spent on some various projects and I helped with some folding of a new scarf line that comes from Africa and all the purchases go back to helping the women in Ethiopia that make them (I bought one and they are so cute!). I just sorta talked with people, helped out with some small things, and looked at stuff on the internet haha. It was fun. After all of that we headed home got a quick snack and then I went on a short run.

THEN at 9pm Cassidy and I headed out to The Bluebird Cafe (LINK HERE) the most amazing little cafe in Nashville, not because of the food, even though it was good, but because of the live music. Each night singers and songwriters sign up to play at the Cafe, and they are amazing. They will just go around in a circle signing songs that they wrote and telling you the meaning behind the song and who cut it on their records. LITERALLY MY NEW FAVORITE PLACE AND I WANT TO GO EVERY NIGHT.

Well that was really they day today. This blog was a lot longer than normal haha lots of information to include!!!

Peace

Day 51: Good Ol' Southern Food

Current Location: Nashville, TN

NASHVILLE!!! So I have officially decided that Nashville is a great city. I mean Cassidy had told me this before but now it is definately official. Cassidy had to work a little bit this morning and I slept in until she came back and we went to get some breakfast and meet her friend Chris at The Frothy Monkey! Again we had amazing coffee and food at this cute coffee shop and then it was off to Franklin, TN. Franklin is southwest of Nashville and has a very old and cute downtown area. In downtown Franklin I purchased a couple things from a store call Philanthropy. This store is awesome and almost everything they sell here gives back to others, helps the organization, or is part of a non-profit. We also went to the famous Pucketts for lunch and then got a cupcake at the same bakery Carrie Underwood got her wedding cake, yes I know, nbd. After all of that it was time for a short run around the Belmont area and then off to dinner at the Loveless Cafe.

The Loveless Cafe is a tradition in Nashville and represents a huge history in the town. It is located on Highway 100 and has served many famous people throughout the years. After changing ownership many times the restaurant still boasts the same recipes from the original openers. Our meal was such...

Fried Chicken

Creamed Corn

Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes

Grits

Biscuits & Perseveres

Needless to say that it was an amazing meal.

Good night yet again.

Peace

Day 50: Nashvillians!

Today was a great day to be in the south. I am talking about Nashville, TN. I have been in Nashville for a full 24hours now and I already think it is amazing. Today Cass and I went to The Frothy Monkey, a wonderful and super cute coffee shop in the Belmont area, and had a great breakfast. Then we walked around Hillsboro Village shopping center, shopped at some Nashville boutiques and then hit up Sweet Cece's for some frozen yogurt. Then Broadway Street! Broadway was awesome all the bars and Honkey Tonks. We went to all the famous places, Hatch Print Shop, the CMT building, The Ryman, and everything in between. It was a great day, we even bought Sweet Tea and Corn Cakes for a snack at a local eatery. Delicious.

After that it was time to head home and relax with a little ESPN and then back out to pick of the boys from the airport and get some dinner at a very interesting Asian inspired bistro grille sushi all in one place, called PM. It was again delicious and Cassidy and I hung out the rest of the night in The Enclave haha. Great day.

Peace

Day 48/49: Football and Nashville

Current Location: Nashville, TN

This is a double blog because I neglected my duty to write something last night haha. Sorry. But I am currently rectifying the situation.

So yesterday morning to my surprise I woke up on a sailboat extremely well rested. I thought that sleeping on a boat would be more difficult with the whole wave thing and such, but I was mistaken because of where the boat was docked. Anyway the boat was very nice and comfortable. We had a delicious breakfast of SPAM and eggs haha which I tried for the first time. I will admit SPAM has great flavor but I am not exactly stuck on the texture of it. So I feel that my first and last experience with SPAM will be one in the same. After breakfast it was time to get dressed and head over to Mr. Bacher's favorite city, Annapolis. We drove over and had some lunch at the famous Pusser's Bar and then walked through the city and arrived at the Marine-Navy Memorial Stadium. We watched the Navy beat Dallas' SMU in a crazy exciting second half come back. After the game it was back to Pusser's for dinner appetizers and dessert. Watched some interesting people and the Giants baseball game (GO GIANTS!!!! THEY WON BTW), then headed back to the boat.

This morning I got up around 7:10am (yes I know, impressive) and got ready for today's drive to Nashville, TN new home of Cassidy Myers the newest edition to the Nashvillian family. The drive took around 11 hours which is not too bad and I arrived just in time to head over to 3rd and Lindsley Bar to watch Ben Rector and Drew Holcomb perform. Then it was time for dessert at Jackson's in Hillsboro Village and a night tour of Nashville's Broadway, hosted by Cassidy. Now just relaxing with some ESPN and a big comfy couch. Goodnight Nashville, see you in the morning.

Peace

Day 47: I'm on a boat!

Current Location: The Freedom, Chesapeake Bay

Today was a day of relaxation in all its forms. Started with a night of sleeping in for a little, hanging out with family friends (obviously a Starbucks run) and then driving over to the Chesapeake Bay. After that we spend the rest of the evening on the Yacht chilling and eating crab and other finger foods. I am gonna have to tally this day in the books as pretty sweet and ultra relaxing. Great day I have to say. Maybe another night out again but who knows.

Peacage!

Day 46: A day in Reston, VA

Current Location: Reston, VA

I am not really feeling like typing everything up that happened today so I am giving a brief summary....

Oil Change for The Shadow

Costco with Mrs. Bacher

Gym

Picked up Steph from Dullis

Dinner at the Tap Room in downtown Reston.....

Peace

Day 45: Washington D.C..... it's the place to be.

Current Location: Reston, VA

I have to say that I have officially fallen back in love with D.C. I visited for the first time over a year ago and I loved the city and now coming back to it just reminds me that I really do love it and have a great appreciation for the city and it's history. Mom and I got up early today and packed up and headed out to visit my mother's good friend who lives in Vienna and just had a baby (CONGRATS!!!) and then headed over to D.C. for some fine dining. Now when I mean fine dining I am talking about Old Ebbitt's Grille a place definitely worth visiting and the money if you are trying to find a great meal in D.C. Anyway after out amazing, and yes truly amazing, lunch Moms and I walked the D.C. area and saw a couple of things the Mall has to offer. Then it was time to take her back to Baltimore and to the airport so she could head home to California. She cried at the airport, of course, but I had a great time with her this week and am so thankful that she got to come out and visit. Afterward I had to run some errands and then met up with the wonderful Bacher's to spend a lovely evening in Reston. Tomorrow is somewhat of a relaxing catch up day and some much needed spa time for The White Shadow aka and oil change. That is all for now.

Peace

Day 44: Front Royal, Middleburg and Reston, VA

Current Location: Front Royal, in the VA

Today I wore an outfit that I would normally wear in the summer in California, now that is saying something about the weather. It is still gorgeous, you can just now start to smell fall approaching and the leaves and everything are changing colors. I am hearing from all my friends that lots of tests are starting to come up in their classes, I wish them all good luck, but I am pretty happy not to be worrying about school right now. My biggest worry is where I should be driving and who I want to meet! Anyway needless to say my travels are just as good as the weather we have been experiencing the last few days, awesome.

Today Moms and I went on a walk in the Front Royal neighborhood my Uncle lives in, then headed out out of the house. We drove over to a small town called Middleburg (apparently famous for breeding horses including Secretariat and the setting for the crop circles scene of Scary Movie 3 haha fyi). Anyway, the town and the drive there are beautiful, everything looked like a magazine or a postcard. Rolling green hills filled the view out of my side windows while I was guided along the route by ancient hand laid stone walls separating the road from the meadows. There were gorgeous horses grazing everywhere and the trees of the forrest are changing colors into beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. It was extremely good looking. Mom and I did some boutique shopping in the town and got lunch at a quaint Cafe & Bakery. Then we headed off to Reston, VA to visit Mrs. Bacher, our close family friend and mother of one of my best friends. We visited with her and then headed back to Front Royal for a delicious home cooked meal by my Aunt. All and all another beautiful day. Tomorrow my Mom goes back to Sacramento so she can start her new job on Monday, WOOOO (for her new job, not her leaving haha).

Peace

Day 43: Myrtle Beach, SC to Front Royal, VA

Current Location: Front Royal, VA

Today was an early day, yes props to myself for getting up in the wee hours of the morning. However, I awoke this morning to the rising sun over the Atlantic Ocean, something I don’t get to see everyday J, it was pretty awesome. Our hotel and delivered on its promise of an ocean front view and I enjoyed every minute of it until our premature departure from Myrtle Beach, SC. We, of course, head to Starbucks for some morning coffee and got underway by 7:30am. Around 9:30am Moms and I were starting to get hungry so we stopped in at the very classy Huddle House, breakfast chain somewhere off the I-95 in South Carolina, like I said, very classy. After my sausage breakfast sandwich with a side of grits we were back on the road and headed north toward Virginia.

Around 4:00pm we pulled into the small and quaint town of Front Royal, VA, home of my ancestors, actually only home to my mother’s brother aka my Uncle Bob. My Uncle, Cousin Parker, and Mother headed down to the Shenandoah River to hang out with the water at sunset and see some of the heartland. The river was really beautiful and I enjoyed walking along the banks. After that a delicious dinner at the Lucky Star Lounge & Grille in downtown Front Royal fully satisfied me for the rest of the night. The evening has consisted of relaxing on the veranda, drinking wine and tea, and hanging out with the family. Good times.

Peace.

Day 42: The Carolinas

Current Location: Myrtle Beach, SC

Today Mom and I awoke in Norfolk, VA, a beautiful place, to another awesome day of weather. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that the weather is nice this time of year. Being from California you can imagine that I am somewhat of a weather snob haha, I basically am comfortable between the temperatures of 65 and 80 degrees and 0% to 30% humidity. That is my small comfort zone. However, when traveling I am better about weather I just like living in a place that offers a majority of “my type” of weather haha. Anyway today was great again, although strangely hot for this time of year.

So back to this morning…. We rolled out of bed, packed up and headed down to North Carolina. We hit up Virginia Beach, Hags Head, Kitty Hawk, The Hatteras National Shoreline, Roanoke Island and some other places along the way. We even stopped at the Kitty Hawk National Monument to visit the historic site. After that we headed down the coast of NC toward New Burn and Wilmington. Wilmington was amazing we had a great dinner the town is very nice, great river walk and river front area (on the Cape Fear river). There are so many places to eat and delicious seafood, cute stores, and over 500 movies and TV shows have been filmed there. The place is highly recommended by myself for a visit.

The night ended with an apple pie a la mode and the Cabana hotel (super classy of course hahah ….. not) in Myrtle Beach, SC. Pretty much another beauty of a day.

Peace

Day 41: Football and Friends!

Day 39/40: US History & Toll Roads

Current Location: Dover, DE

Yesterday was a great day and so was today. We, meaning my mother and I for those that have not been keeping track, toured some very famous places in American history.

Yesterday we got up and drove to Gettysburg, PA the place where the history Battle of Gettysburg took place. It was very cool, the visitor’s center was very nice and we decided to take the audio tour in The White Shadow, with the audio tour CD one can buy from the book store. We saw a lot of cool places and monuments on the tour and it was actually quite long and the grounds are very large. It seems when you think of “The Battle of Gettysburg” that it would have all taken place on some little meadow in the middle of no where, BUT!, you would be mistaken. Anyway check out the pictures. We also ventured around the city of Harrisburg to another history town, Hershey, PA, where milk chocolate was invented! Haha. The town is a huge tourist trap so since we did not really feel the need to ride a chocolate rollercoaster or take a picture with the Hershey’s Kiss we decided only to stop and have dinner. Our dinner was very delicious and yes I did have chocolate for dessert! We drove that night to Atlantic City and got a hotel!

This morning we awoke in Atlantic City, aka the east coast’s Vegas, and did what anyone would do, went shopping, there were outlets and stores everywhere and I definitely could have used a lot more time and money there. I only really wanted a couple things and I got them. The reason I have been so dead set on shopping in New Jersey is because they do not have sales tax. It is amazing! The saying, “You get what you pay for”, actually means something here. Afterward we quickly drove back to Philly so that we could take the historic downtown walking tour at Independence Hall. The tour was super interesting and we had a very nice tour guide named Clark. We walked around the city while he gave his little tid bits of knowledge on various morsels of history. I really enjoyed seeing everything that Philly has to offer. After that it was a quick detour to see my mother’s employer’s headquarters and then off to the First State’s capitol, Dover.

That is really it for now except that I have amazing news. For the next four Saturdays in a row I will be getting to go to four different college football games in four different states, pretty sweet yes I know. Okay well….

Peace

Day 38:Philly to Baltimore to pick up the madre.

Current Location: Baltimore, MD

Today was a day of beautiful weather and great events, well mostly great events. Hayley and I got up got some wonderful Starbucks coffee and then headed out shopping and to some must see sights of Philly. We went to the museum of art (if you have not seen my video on YouTube or Facebook, check it out) and we went to L.O.V.E park, both were quite awesome. After the day was done and Hay had to go to work I packed up and left for Baltimore, which is where the bad news comes into play. After 3 days of moving the cars around Philly every couple hours to avoid parking tickets, in the last five minutes of my stay between trips loading my car I get a damn ticket. AHHHH! Well I guess I should have moved my car for the last ten minutes of my stay but still that is annoying and expensive. So your welcome Philly Parking Authority, take my money.

Anyway I drove down to Baltimore and picked Moms up from the airport we checked into the hotel and lights out was the end of the day.

Peace

Day 37: Philly.... cheesesteaks!!!

Current Location: Philly, PA

Today was another great day in the city of Philly, the weather however was not so great, it is still raining. But no matter. Hayley and I got up and went to a wonderful breakfast place and then visited the highly education Ben Franklin Institute where we learned so much about science hahah. It was fun though to go around and see all the exhibits. Afterward Hayley had work again and I again went to the gym. Then we visited the two major cheesesteak places in Philly and I had to make the ultimate decision, Pat or Geno's. I chose Pat's and for the reason that they were no so flashy and Vegas like. I wanted a cheesesteak not dinner and a show. So anyway we ate our cheesesteak WIT onions and Provalonyyy, which is how they say it. They were delicious. We also enjoyed some water-ice from Rita's afterward, also delicious. Anyway it was a good day like I said. Gonna do some museums tomorrow and then Rocky it up and go to LOVE park.

Peace

Day 36: Philadelphia

Current Location: Hayley's Bed, Philadelphia, PA

Today was both interesting and great! Got up and tried to go to a spa which is apparently the front of a con or something because the people that worked there had no idea what spas do or how to treat customers. Needless to say we did not go there and instead went to a great nail salon and had fabulous mani pedis. It was great. After Hayley worked and I relaxed and posed as her in order to use her gym membership and tried to work off all the amazing food I have eaten on my travels. Afterward of course we went to dinner at the smallest sushi restaurant in the world, haha. It was about the size of my parents kitchen containing seven or eight stools and one table, BUT the Pork Gyoza that I had was really delicious! Apparently the California Rolls though are not so amazing. Anyway we stopped at Wa Wa and came home to watch a movie. Notting HIll was the selection, it is quite funny and we actually have to finish it right now so....

Peace

Day 35: Connecticut Wine Trail, ending up in Philly…

Current Location: Philly, PA

The day again was gorgeous, weather was awesome and Mairin, her roommate Michelle, and I all got up and picked up her two other friends John and Josh to tour the Connecticut Wine Trail. We went to three different wineries sampling wine, cheese and chocolate for pairings. Everything was delicious however, I have to say that California still has the best wines, at least for reds. The reds here on the east coast seem to be very light, thin and not so robust as the western wines. However, they have a very large selection of white wines. Anyway that was really fun and we got some good food and souvenir glasses from the day J.

Once we got home I headed out and drove my way down the eastern shore to Philadelphia, PA and to my old roommate Hayley’s Philly apt. I drove mostly on the Jersey Turnpike which was crazy and I almost died about three times from Big Rig trucks that do not know how to drive, they suck and almost kill everything in their path. But whatever I survived.

Peace.

Day 34: Boston Lagerrrrr

Current Location: New Haven, CT

Today was another amazing day, the weather was perfect, I woke up with my cousin in Boston, MA and we got to hang around all day in the beautiful New England fall weather.

Our first stop was the Sam Adams brewery, where Sam Adams does all the first and initial tastings for their beers before they are put into production. If you do not know beer is made of Hops, Malt, Water and Yeast (makes the alcohol). Anyway we learned a little something something and then got to sample Boston Lager, Octoberfest, and Cream Stout. Needless to say the day had started out very well. Next we decided to head down to Quincy Market and get food, by way of the Boston “T”. The day was gorgeous so we shopped, walked around and got lunch.

After that we hopped in the car and drove back to New Haven, CT (where Mairin lives) and decided to get some dinner and go out to the bar Gypcy where her and her friends all work. We had a good time an then crashed pretty late. All in all a successful New England day.

Peace

Day 33: Welcome to New England!

Current Location: Boston, MA (Braintree, MA)

Today I woke up alive! I say this because I stayed in a small hotel motel that could or could not have harbored a psycho killer, therefore I am happy to be alive. Anyway got up and went to New Hampshire and then Maine nbd haha. Then I went and picked up my cousin Mairin at the Boston train station. We spent the afternoon/evening walking around downtown Boston stimulating the economy one retail store at a time (You're welcome Obama). It has been raining profusely all day and then only let up in the evening a little while we walked around. It was a good day all in all! Tonight a hotel in Boston and tomorrow Sam Adams tours and more.

Peace.