Day 5 of the Return:
Last night was finally a success in the camping department of my life. At last, the weather was nice enough to be comfortable and content in the tent. I was worried to see how Mojo would do in the tent so I set my alarm for every two hours to let him out, just in case. Luckily, Mojo is already getting the idea and would whimper and claw at my face when he needed to go which turned out to be about four times. I was quite pleased.
Quickly pulling down the tent and stowing everything in the car, Mojo and I were off, excited to get back home. We drove through Tennessee into Virginia and the ten hour drive went by slowly but is now over. I dropped all the gear off at Chris' house and made my way to Silver Spring. Mojo has settled in already and has grown fond of the warm and cozy area below my bed.
I would like to leave the dear followers of this blog from beginning to end, with a word of thanks. Although this is the last blog entry it was great having the support and really made the trip that much better. Chris and I really looked forward to the blog entries and attempted to make them amusing and interesting. Thus, thank you.
Lastly, this road trip was a trip Chris and I will never forget. Every school, every state, every landmark, every landscape, every family stop, allowed us to grow and experience the country we call home and are so proud of. Although both Chris and I had been all over Europe and the Western Hemisphere, we had not experienced the United States fully. We learned so much about our country, the Indians, and camping. Speaking for myself, I learned a lot about who I am and through family and the schools we saw, feel that I have a better understanding of myself and my talents. Although I am not ready to point a finger at a school and say ahah that is it! I am ready to say, I must push my talents and passions to the fullest and one of these schools will do that for me.
Thank you family members and friends that housed us throughout our voyage. Uncle Jerry, the Stuivenvolt family, Chris' second cousin, and especially Uncle Terry and Mike out in Pleasanton, California. Due to the car troubles, we ended up staying at Uncle Terry's for two weeks. After thousands of dollars spent on food, nerf guns, and booze, we are forever in debt to this great mans kindness. Pure beast. Both you and Mike, Uncle Terry. The two of you. Great.
Well, it is time to rest in my own bed. Chris is probably snacking on some beer while watching a red box movie and says farewell. Until the next time, godspeed and never go camping.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Mojo
Day 3 and 4 of Return:
After spending a brilliant night in the Days Inn, it was off to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The drive was nothing spectacular. New Mexico and Oklahoma are pretty flat and do not offer much interesting scenery. However, the eight hour drive went by quickly and soon enough I was in Oklahoma City. I had looked at the weather and decided I would give camping another shot. I got about two hours of sleep and it was humid but not overly hot and dry so I was pleased. In addition, I woke up at about two a.m. and decided to hit the road in search of what would soon become, Mojo!
Following my breakfast reunion with a Catholic University graduate in Fort Smith I darted into Vilonia, Arkansas and arrived at the home of Mojo. We immediately fell in love and I snatched him up and ran off. Since that moment he has become not only my travel companion but my servant and right hand dog. He has yet to go to the bathroom in the car and seem to know to wait until we get to a rest area. I have begun training him to be on a leash as well as sit, come, and stay. He is an intelligent eleven week old dog and hopefully will grow up a good and obedient one.
Anyways, we are currently in Nashville, Tennessee and will make the ten hour drive to Silver Spring tomorrow. All is well with the car and our spirits are high. Godspeed.
After spending a brilliant night in the Days Inn, it was off to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The drive was nothing spectacular. New Mexico and Oklahoma are pretty flat and do not offer much interesting scenery. However, the eight hour drive went by quickly and soon enough I was in Oklahoma City. I had looked at the weather and decided I would give camping another shot. I got about two hours of sleep and it was humid but not overly hot and dry so I was pleased. In addition, I woke up at about two a.m. and decided to hit the road in search of what would soon become, Mojo!
Following my breakfast reunion with a Catholic University graduate in Fort Smith I darted into Vilonia, Arkansas and arrived at the home of Mojo. We immediately fell in love and I snatched him up and ran off. Since that moment he has become not only my travel companion but my servant and right hand dog. He has yet to go to the bathroom in the car and seem to know to wait until we get to a rest area. I have begun training him to be on a leash as well as sit, come, and stay. He is an intelligent eleven week old dog and hopefully will grow up a good and obedient one.
Anyways, we are currently in Nashville, Tennessee and will make the ten hour drive to Silver Spring tomorrow. All is well with the car and our spirits are high. Godspeed.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Camping
Return Trip. Day 1:
In order to begin this next blog I must address the fact that my companion Chris, is no longer with us. In order to start his Teaching Assistant position on Monday and take the GRE's on Tuesday Chris had to fly home, unfortunately. Thus, from now on I am a lone ranger. I search for my soul, my destiny, my dreams, alone. No longer do I have someone to point the camera at in the passenger seat, no longer do I have someone to set up a tent with. I must fend for myself as I cross 3,500 miles of barren, hostile territories.
After dropping Chris off at the airport I swung the car into cruise control and set out for Highway 5 in search of Interstate 40. Making my way down the 5 through the hills and pastures of California I reached Arizona and the KOA I would call home for the night, which was absolutely gorgeous surrounded by desert and the night sky. The temperature was about 105 degrees when I arrived but I thought, "we are in the desert it should drop down to at least 80 degrees." I was wrong. Stepping into the tent, my shirt immediately began to dampen. Lying down and looking up at the stars I realized that this would be a long night. Beginning to lose mass amounts of water I went into a state of hallucination. I would awake every thirty minutes in what seemed to be a puddle of water. My sleeping bag, my clothes, and my air mattress were all drenched in sweat. I longed for a sip of water but knew it would do no good. I was rapidly approaching death when I awoke one last time at four a.m. Gathering all my strength I stumbled out of the tent and began to chug any water around me; in the car, on the ground, and the little condensation on the plant life beside my tent. I proceeded to lay in my car for the next hour attempting to recharge, gain a sense of awareness, and hydrate. Tormenting and traumatizing are the only two words that come to mind. After packing everything into the car I flipped off the campsite, murmured suck a bag, and drove back up onto Interstate 40.
Today, I spent eight hours of my life driving from Needles, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A wonderful eight hours through all sorts of landscape, terrain, and weather. The advantage of Interstate 40, although direct and straight, is you get to see all the beauty that surrounds you. Anyways, I arrived in Albuquerque at approximately four thirty p.m. I am spending the night in a Days Inn attempting to recover from the traumatizing events that occurred the night before. I will poke my head out of the Inn and grab a bite to eat then sleep and continue the journey tomorrow. I should arrive in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma around four p.m. tomorrow. Godspeed.
In order to begin this next blog I must address the fact that my companion Chris, is no longer with us. In order to start his Teaching Assistant position on Monday and take the GRE's on Tuesday Chris had to fly home, unfortunately. Thus, from now on I am a lone ranger. I search for my soul, my destiny, my dreams, alone. No longer do I have someone to point the camera at in the passenger seat, no longer do I have someone to set up a tent with. I must fend for myself as I cross 3,500 miles of barren, hostile territories.
After dropping Chris off at the airport I swung the car into cruise control and set out for Highway 5 in search of Interstate 40. Making my way down the 5 through the hills and pastures of California I reached Arizona and the KOA I would call home for the night, which was absolutely gorgeous surrounded by desert and the night sky. The temperature was about 105 degrees when I arrived but I thought, "we are in the desert it should drop down to at least 80 degrees." I was wrong. Stepping into the tent, my shirt immediately began to dampen. Lying down and looking up at the stars I realized that this would be a long night. Beginning to lose mass amounts of water I went into a state of hallucination. I would awake every thirty minutes in what seemed to be a puddle of water. My sleeping bag, my clothes, and my air mattress were all drenched in sweat. I longed for a sip of water but knew it would do no good. I was rapidly approaching death when I awoke one last time at four a.m. Gathering all my strength I stumbled out of the tent and began to chug any water around me; in the car, on the ground, and the little condensation on the plant life beside my tent. I proceeded to lay in my car for the next hour attempting to recharge, gain a sense of awareness, and hydrate. Tormenting and traumatizing are the only two words that come to mind. After packing everything into the car I flipped off the campsite, murmured suck a bag, and drove back up onto Interstate 40.
Today, I spent eight hours of my life driving from Needles, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A wonderful eight hours through all sorts of landscape, terrain, and weather. The advantage of Interstate 40, although direct and straight, is you get to see all the beauty that surrounds you. Anyways, I arrived in Albuquerque at approximately four thirty p.m. I am spending the night in a Days Inn attempting to recover from the traumatizing events that occurred the night before. I will poke my head out of the Inn and grab a bite to eat then sleep and continue the journey tomorrow. I should arrive in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma around four p.m. tomorrow. Godspeed.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Number 18
Lost Count of Days:
We have been in Pleasanton now for 13 days. The car is still in the shop. It continues to stall and the right rear caliper is blown and leaking brake fluid all over the place. Thus, it seems we will be here for a little while longer.
The good thing though is that through all of this we got to see my extended Shannon family, take a look at the Academy of Art University, and go to an Oakland A's game. Jim and Ruth Shannon have a beautiful home in Hillsborough with an excellent bocce ball court and were very hospitable thus, we extend our thanks. Hopefully, we will reunite shortly. Maybe next weekend seeing we will still be here. Maybe next month seeing the car will explode and I will just transfer to UC Berkeley.
Anyways, stay tuned for another exciting blog about the progress of the car and hopefully we will hit the road soon!
We have been in Pleasanton now for 13 days. The car is still in the shop. It continues to stall and the right rear caliper is blown and leaking brake fluid all over the place. Thus, it seems we will be here for a little while longer.
The good thing though is that through all of this we got to see my extended Shannon family, take a look at the Academy of Art University, and go to an Oakland A's game. Jim and Ruth Shannon have a beautiful home in Hillsborough with an excellent bocce ball court and were very hospitable thus, we extend our thanks. Hopefully, we will reunite shortly. Maybe next weekend seeing we will still be here. Maybe next month seeing the car will explode and I will just transfer to UC Berkeley.
Anyways, stay tuned for another exciting blog about the progress of the car and hopefully we will hit the road soon!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Up Hill Climb
Day 12, 13, 14:
Into the city, San Francisco city that is, with Uncle Terry and Mike. First thoughts, cloudy, yet enticing. We were pulled immediately into the vibe of the city on a beautiful Sunday. Although it was a little cold to start out, the clouds cleared up and the sun came out. We walked around the famous Chinatown, the only one in the country, as well as Fisherman's Wharf. The city is so different than what we are used to mainly because it is on the bay and has such a west coast vibe. What do we mean that? Well not quite sure, it is just there. Small chinamen playing cards and gambling, Will Smith running through the streets in pursuit of happiness, were only a couple of the things we experienced. We ate a glorious lunch at the famous Boudin's Bakery by the Wharf which has phenomenal Sourdough Bread. We highly suggest you fly here, drive here, train here, to try this bread. Just get here.
After the first day in the city, Chris and I returned the following day to discover the richness and depth the city presented beyond that of Chinatown and the Wharf. We entered such neighborhoods as Mission Bay, North Beach, and several others. All very unique and interesting. In addition to wandering the streets we also located and entered the San Francisco Art Institute. Built specifically for the Art Institute the compound, rather than a campus, was beautiful. Compressed in the North Beach area, it is comprised of both historic and modern building types with gorgeous views of the bay and the neighborhoods surrounding the school. Chris and I walked around the school and then set up an appointment with Jana, in admissions, to tour the school the following day. Until then, Chris and I set foot to Coit Tower passing by Lombard Street. Coit Tower is in an affluent area and was spectacular. Not necessarily due to the scale of the tower or architecture but because of the location and view. One can see over the entire city and Bay from this vantage point. Gorgeous. Anyways after taking in the view we headed back down the hill to the Wharf and passed by homes that were unbelievable. Their location, their views, their price tag, and gardens were so lovely we thought we were dreaming.
Day fourteen and we took the Bart back into the city to take the official tour of the Art Institute. Disappointing to say the least. If we had not taken the tour, I would have been more fascinated with the school. However, and Chris agrees, the tour put quite a damper on our view towards the school. Perhaps it is because Jana kept hinting that I would not succeed in the sculpture department. Which might be true but I would rather believe it is not. It got to a point where we began to zone her out and instead focus on how unemotional the art in their contemporary art gallery was. We are no curators however, art is intended to spark emotion, inspire thought and creativity, create a movement, show an image in a personal manner, etc... The art in this exhibit, comprised mainly of photography, was lack luster and void of what we believe art is. Anyways, the school is still on the list but some changes need to be made to the campus and what it is comprised of. Perhaps I have too much vision when I walk into a place, but I see many good and beautiful things and at the same time areas that could have so much potential yet no one is focusing on those spaces, objects, programs, or what have you.
The car is still in the shop and will be until next year so "Cross your fingers." That is what the service guy told me, very settling and great to hear. Of course sir I will cross my fingers and ignore the fact that we are paying you to find out what is wrong with the car. Perhaps tomorrow will bring some answers. Godspeed.
Into the city, San Francisco city that is, with Uncle Terry and Mike. First thoughts, cloudy, yet enticing. We were pulled immediately into the vibe of the city on a beautiful Sunday. Although it was a little cold to start out, the clouds cleared up and the sun came out. We walked around the famous Chinatown, the only one in the country, as well as Fisherman's Wharf. The city is so different than what we are used to mainly because it is on the bay and has such a west coast vibe. What do we mean that? Well not quite sure, it is just there. Small chinamen playing cards and gambling, Will Smith running through the streets in pursuit of happiness, were only a couple of the things we experienced. We ate a glorious lunch at the famous Boudin's Bakery by the Wharf which has phenomenal Sourdough Bread. We highly suggest you fly here, drive here, train here, to try this bread. Just get here.
After the first day in the city, Chris and I returned the following day to discover the richness and depth the city presented beyond that of Chinatown and the Wharf. We entered such neighborhoods as Mission Bay, North Beach, and several others. All very unique and interesting. In addition to wandering the streets we also located and entered the San Francisco Art Institute. Built specifically for the Art Institute the compound, rather than a campus, was beautiful. Compressed in the North Beach area, it is comprised of both historic and modern building types with gorgeous views of the bay and the neighborhoods surrounding the school. Chris and I walked around the school and then set up an appointment with Jana, in admissions, to tour the school the following day. Until then, Chris and I set foot to Coit Tower passing by Lombard Street. Coit Tower is in an affluent area and was spectacular. Not necessarily due to the scale of the tower or architecture but because of the location and view. One can see over the entire city and Bay from this vantage point. Gorgeous. Anyways after taking in the view we headed back down the hill to the Wharf and passed by homes that were unbelievable. Their location, their views, their price tag, and gardens were so lovely we thought we were dreaming.
Day fourteen and we took the Bart back into the city to take the official tour of the Art Institute. Disappointing to say the least. If we had not taken the tour, I would have been more fascinated with the school. However, and Chris agrees, the tour put quite a damper on our view towards the school. Perhaps it is because Jana kept hinting that I would not succeed in the sculpture department. Which might be true but I would rather believe it is not. It got to a point where we began to zone her out and instead focus on how unemotional the art in their contemporary art gallery was. We are no curators however, art is intended to spark emotion, inspire thought and creativity, create a movement, show an image in a personal manner, etc... The art in this exhibit, comprised mainly of photography, was lack luster and void of what we believe art is. Anyways, the school is still on the list but some changes need to be made to the campus and what it is comprised of. Perhaps I have too much vision when I walk into a place, but I see many good and beautiful things and at the same time areas that could have so much potential yet no one is focusing on those spaces, objects, programs, or what have you.
The car is still in the shop and will be until next year so "Cross your fingers." That is what the service guy told me, very settling and great to hear. Of course sir I will cross my fingers and ignore the fact that we are paying you to find out what is wrong with the car. Perhaps tomorrow will bring some answers. Godspeed.
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