The Big Apple!

Maritime Museum

Ground Zero

Arch de Triumph

Pizza!! (on the left, broccoli and chicken, a surprisingly delicious combination)

The Big Apple

Joan Tally, my second cousin or first cousin once removed (we never figured it out), was right there to pick me up when I stepped off the train in New York Penn Station. After embraces and a brief account of my trip up until this point, we squeezed our way down the crowded New York streets. The hustle bustle of the big city was a drastic and rather unpleasant change from the small town of Wilmington. I could understand some people's fascination with and gravitation towards the sparkling lights and honking horns, but it is not for me. Social isolation. Although it's nearly impossible to take a step without physically bumping into another person, everyone around me seemed determined to keep their eyes fixed forward, absorbed in another world, "plugged-in," as they say. Digital electronic advertisements covered the sides of buildings and continued into the palms of pedestrians compulsively checking blackberrys (excluding the homeless men begging for change). I never made eye-contact with a single person.

We had dinner at an excellent little Indian restaurant, and we left feeling contently stuffed. After a short walk, a cab took us the rest of the way home. Her two boys were asleep by the time I arrived, and so after a quick tour of the house, I was off to sleep. I awoke to two little boys poking their heads into my room, whispering to each other in an attempt to make their presence unknown. I welcomed them in and we immediately began on Lego projects. Unfortunately, our plastic engineering adventures were short-lived as the preparation for the school day demanded their full (at least as full as a 4 and 6 year old can get with a visitor in the house) attention. Disappointed that I wouldn't be coming with them to school, we said our goodbyes and had our high-fives. Joan and I took the subway into the city where we walked to her office. I met several of her staff members, shared stories of my adventures, and listened to their advice. Then I explored the city by foot for several hours, checking out the construction at ground zero, touring the Maritime museum, and sampling cheap pizza. With plenty of time to spare, I took the subway to the Penn Station and boarded my train to Syracuse. The realization that this would possibly be my last train ride for a while was bitter-sweet, but I was looking forward to seeing my brother and Sarah.

North Carolina- chillin' on the coast

Me and Molly- pickin' me up at the station!

Me and Molly!

Me and Molly!

Fishing on the dock

Dessert with fresh hand-picked strawberries

Crab!

Molly's backyard

Molly's backyard

climbing trees!

The Bosts at music concert

The Glass House

Lee and I on the boat

Fishing!

Molly, I have to admit, the East Coast is pretty cool. Although the weather was spectacular and lifted my spirits while I was there, the enjoyable and hospitable company made my stay in Wilmington better than I ever could have hoped. I had been looking forward to visiting my friend Molly for the last five years, ever since I met her in Wyoming. It was crazy to actually be in the place I had heard so much about over the past few years. I stayed with Molly and her parents, Lee and Donna Bost, absolutely awesome hosts!

Their house is beautiful- ocean blue walls with oars and paintings hanging calmly. Lee designed and built the house himself, and what a great job he did. Kayaks, swings, and hammocks decorate the backyard- not to mention the deck that overlooks the "Bost-built" dock that extends into the marsh behind the property. Gorgeous. And Wilmington is a great little town, with just enough urban hustle-bustle so as not to be too small.

I was so excited to see Molly when I stepped off the train. Molly, Donna, and I had lunch with Molly's step-brother who works in Raleigh. I had a delicious pesto turkey sandwich with a side of great conversation, which ranged from Dylan's kids to meditation techniques. The drive back to Wilmington was accompanied by a long-awaited jam-session/karaoke to Molly's and my favorite songs.

Molly had her first migraine in two years (I hope my arrival didn't cause it!), so while she rested, Lee and I toured a notoriously haunted battleship. I had visited the aircraft carrier at the Alameda Naval Base in California before, but the battleship was much more open for visitors. We explored the deck and many sections of the hull. We read much about the lives of sailors and were lost in the self-contained city found beneath the deck. It was impressive to see how all of the different departments worked together to serve the thousands of young men that once lived on board. I thought about what it would be like to live like this, realizing many of the crew members must have been my age while they served on the ship. Lee was a great tour partner and shared some stories about his time in the air force with me. AND, we got drive the porsche, which Lee knew how to drive quite well :)

Throughout my visit, I got a chances to hang out with Molly's boyfriend, Ryan, who far exceeded all of the great things Molly had told me about him. It was great to chill with his friends and spend time with people my age. The relaxed atmosphere of his house reminded me of the time I've spent at my good friend Zeal's house on my block in Oakland. Thanks for being so welcoming to me, Ryan! Molly, Ryan, and I had a blast- beach photo shoots, ice cream, hot dogs, cruisin' in the convertible, just to name a few...

One night, Lee, Donna, Molly, and I picnicked at an outdoor music concert. I enjoyed the band's covers of several of my favorite songs and even convinced Molly to dance with me for a few! Our walk around the beautiful ex-plantation revealed treasures like a butterfly garden, glass bottle house, and giant trees to climb. Another night, we made pesto pasta, chicken, garlic bread, and Lee's famous secret Caesar salad; resulting in a delicious group effort! Lee and I teamed up against Donna and Molly in Cranium, but fell short in the end when I failed to communicate "lightening" via charades. The four of us must have been quite the amusing scene.

I had re-discovered my love of fishing in Denver, so I was excited to hear that I might have the chance to fish here, too. First, Lee and I fished off the dock in the backyard, but with no success. Another day while fishing by myself, I was excited to feel some tension and bobbing on my line, but it turned out to be only a crab- no fish. The highlight of my fishing expedition, however, was fishing off the coast in the Bost's 36-foot motor boat! We used 3 poles and ended up catching several Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish. I really enjoy the relaxation of waiting, interrupted by unexpected periods of excitement that fishing offers- I look forward to doing more in the future.

Also, Donna and I went to a strawberry patch and picked some fresh berries. I had never picked my own strawberries before and didn't realize how delicious they are right off the plant. We got some ice cream and enjoyed the shade and conversation with an elderly school teacher. We used the strawberries for dessert and smoothies. Thanks for a great afternoon outing, Donna! Sunday was Mother's Day, so we had breakfast on the back deck and had a really interesting conversation about religion and faith. Later, we walked along the waterfront and called my mom, wishing her a happy mother's day.

On Tuesday, Lee got up early and drove me to the train station in Raleigh. The drive gave us a nice time to talk and visiting the train station might have convinced him to take a train trip soon. My stay in Wilmington was definitely a highlight of my trip. I must thank the Bosts for being such hospitable hosts and feeding my huge appetite! I had such a great time!

New Orleans- a party city by the river

New Orleans- typical house colors

Slewfoot!

New Orleans- BEADS!

Bourbon St!!!

Po-Boys

New Orleans- Christo's intersection

The staple meal of my trip! It's peanut butter jelly time!

I could feel the humidity as soon as I stepped off the train in New Orleans. The devastation from Katrina could still be seen as I took a cab to my friend Christo's house; front doors still marked from post-flood inspections. Before Chirsto returned from JazzFest I explored his neighborhood and enjoyed some fried chicken and mash potatoes for dinner. The next day, I had breakfast at Cafe du Ponte- those little powdered doughnuts are delicious! Then I checked out Bourbon street and walked much of the French Quarter. Later, I took the trolley down to to the Garden District and window shopped along Magazine St. I met a few girls from a college in Virginia that were in New Orleans for JazzFest and we ventured into a couple funky little stores. We jammed in a hole in the wall music shop, checked out a local artist's pottery business, and then tried on some outfits at a vintage clothing store. After the girls left to meet there professor, I met Slewfoot, a man playing his guitar and harmonica on the banks of the Mississippi river. I gave him some change and listened for a while. Between songs, he would light a cigarette and tell stories of his 39 years in New Orleans. He told me that this was his favorite place, right on the river, where families walked by and kids would dance to his music. Sure enough, a man and his granddaughter came by and started dancing and singing. Even through the wrinkles, I could see the performers's face light up. He inspired me to appreciate the good things (however little), as well as not sweat the bad (the weird looks and harsh comments he often received from passer-bys). Although he didn't have many, he gave me one of his CD's for free because he enjoyed our conversation. Later, I met up with Christo and his friends and the four of us got po-boy sandwiches- soooooo good and filling! I checked out the famous New Orleans night-life and felt right at home in the energetic, wild ambiance. I made it to the train station in the morning with plenty of time to spare and relaxed and did some quick meditation as I waited for the train to arrive...

Stormy Stormy Memphis...

Uncle Tim was right there to meet me when I stepped off the train in Memphis. It was hot and humid, even early in the morning. As we drove back to the house from the station, Tim told me about the subtle and only slightly covered prejudice that still exists in the South. After many years in the South, he seemed anxious to get back to the, what he called, "progressive" coasts. He showed me around downtown and told me about the music festival that was going on (part of Memphis in May). We payed the ducks at Peabody Hotel a visit and enjoyed the view from the roof. That evening, the storm rolled in. According to Tim, this was the worst storm to hit his house in the 29 years he had been there. My cousin and I were planning to check out the festival, but decided against it since there were tornado warnings in the area. Not just tornado watches, but tornado WARNINGS, meaning someone had spotted a tornado nearby. Tim and I drove down to Mississippi and he showed me some typical southern landscape, very green and lush. The vast amount of what he called "cheap" land amazed me. It may have just been the time of year or the weather, but that land was beautiful. People owned lakes and rivers, had houses set back from the street. It was not the city. We got lost in the tangling streets of the backroads and then found ourselves a highway running parallel to a set of faithful rail road tracks. As we cruz along the asphalt hitting top speed, I look up and enjoy the sunshine on my face and the wind in my hair. Later, we got barbecue pork sandwiches- hands down the best damn barbecue i've ever had! I took my cousin Zach's bicycle out for a ride and went down to the meadow where I saw a group of dear. Poem:

Nimble in nibbling

the dear stand knee deep in blowing grass,

the heavy breeze drags across me-

refreshing.

chewing paused by glances towards the road.

followed by humble lowered necks.

smell sinks over me

Spring graces my nose

i am thankful

Also, Tim and I went to the National Metal Museum. The variety of uses, styles, and textures, amazed me. The artwork incorporated these mediums so well. We sat on the river and chatted about Mississippi water levels and life. The functioning metal working-shop there had a variety of crafted items to handle and inspect. We stopped for milkshakes before heading for home, the icy cream was delicious in the dampening heat.

My cousin and I discussed the benefits and drawbacks to carry a concealed loaded firearm, and I concluded that I could never do it, especially at my level of exposure to guns- not much. We tried to visit a shooting range, but the place was full and booked. I am anxious to learn how to responsibly and productively use a firearm- I hope soon.

The Windy City of Chicago!

Chicago- view of downtown from Metra

Chicago- Metra

Chicago- ME!

Chicago- Aquarium

Chicago- Dinosaur!!! RAWR!!!!

Chicago- Navy Pier

Chicago- Downtown

Chicago- Downtown (where the river forks- 2 prongs)

Sorry it has been so long since my last posting! I have been adventuring at full speed and having the time of my life. Getting off the train in Chicago, I met a another traveler, MD he called himself. He was returning to Chicago after traveling the country for several years. I had some time to kill before I met up with Bob (my cousin) and Lisa, so he and I shared stories of our travels over some pizza and fries (a wonderful break from the PB&J's I'd been eating for the last day and a half on the train). At 5, I met up with Lisa on her way home from work and we took the Metra (the train that runs from the city to suburbs during rush hour.) We picked up the two kids, Keaton and Ben, from school and headed home. The boys and I played a little basketball before engaging in a NERF gun battle (which turned into a "little kids have the guns and shoot Colby" game)- all before dinner! Bob came home after dinner and we stayed up chatting for a few hours after the kids went to bed. Bob and Lisa told me about how they met and their adventures of coming to the city from Wyoming.

The next day, I adventured into the city- via Metra. I met up with Bob for lunch at one of his sandwich shops, Potbelly. I really liked the ambiance of the shop- friendly sandwich makers and funky furniture and live music. Good call on the Fudge Brownie Cookie, Bob! After walking around the city for a few hours, checking out little shops, and taking a stroll along the water, I came upon Navy Pier. The amusement park caught my attention and I just had to check out all the booths and prizes! I couldn't help thinking about the book, The Five People You Meet In Heaven and what it would be like to work at a pier/amusement park. Around 2, I rented a bike from a little shop on the pier and biked all up and down the waterfront. I checked out the aquarium, museum, planetarium, millennium park, and most importantly the Rock n Roll McD's!! After returning the bike, I met Bob and we took the train back home. We had dinner at great Irish pub- the music made me feel like I was a Boondock Saint! The meatloaf was good, but not as good as grandma's. After dinner, I played LEGO's with the kids- fighter crafts and base stations- brought back great memories of the hours and hours I would spend playing LEGO's as a kid.

On Wednesday, I headed north to to Evanston to visit my friend Viraj at Northwestern. He showed me around campus and then I played with his intramural soccer team. We ended up losing 2-1, but I had a blast just running around and stretching my legs. I nearly missed my train back to Chicago, but with a little sweat from running several blocks, I caught the train just in time! Headed to Memphis!!

I'll be posting more this evening- stay tooned

Recent Adventures from the Traveler

Snowing in Denver

Lightening- taken from Greyhound Bus

California Zephyr Schedule

Denver Union Station

Red Rocks- Colorado

Red Rocks- Colorado

Red Rocks- Colorado

Greyhound from Raton to Denver- practically empty

FLATNESS

My boots- On the train

Santa Fe- gorgeous architecture

Santa Fe- Museum of Indian Art

Santa Fe- Canyon St. artwork

Santa Fe- Canyon St. artwork

Santa Fe- Canyon St. artwork

Santa Fe- Canyon St. artwork

Photo from Alan McCall's front porch

Staircase from church in Santa Fe (left) / Bus ticket from El Paso to Albuquerque (lower right)

Albuquerque:

I really enjoyed my stay in Albuquerque. I spent most of my time with my uncle Alan, working in the yard or simply enjoying the peaceful and quiet landscape. When we were outside, Alan cup his ear with his hand and say, “Do you hear that? --Nothing, just the way I want it…” There is definitely something to be said for living away from the hustle and bustle of the city or even other people. In the city, I can constantly hear the freeway or BART trains in the background. These sounds are not necessarily a bad thing, but they definitely encourage a different mind-set. With such on-going activity on the city, I am influenced to live with a faster-paced, more interactive approach. However, when removed from this environment, I have the opportunity to engage my surroundings at my own pace and practice a slower, more relaxed attitude. This may just be a Southwest way of living- a little slower, a little more relaxed, just a little more “chill”.

I spent a whole day with the Gorvetzians (my roommate’s family) and saw much of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Santa Fe is simply gorgeous, from the artwork in the galleries to the architecture. We visited several art galleries and craft shops; the hand-made Indian bowls, jugs, and figurines are incredible. The choice of shape and color in each piece is amazing. The pueblo style of buildings and the color and texture of adobe is very appealing to me. In contrast to the natural tones of the adobe, much of the artwork incorporated many bold and distinct colors. The picture is of a staircase built by a mystery carpenter who built it for free for the church- it uses no nails or fasteners, either. Nancy, his mom, gave me a tour of Albuquerque Academy, the most impressive and extensive high school I’ve ever seen. Afterwards, his sister taught me how to stack cups; I had no idea there was a specific routine used for competitions. After a few tries, I did the routine in less than 30 seconds (29.5 to be exact)!

For dinner, we had some Mediterranean/Armenian food- delicious. Later, I had lunch with Jill Levin (My “Aunt”- since Brooke is an un-official mother to me)- thanks for the New Mexican food! As we talked about all the activities that her son was participating in and at times feeling overwhelmed with, I couldn’t help but think of my experience and I’m sure the experience of many of the kids at Albuquerque Academy. There are so many options and great things to do, but spreading oneself too thin can be harmful- more on this later. I had lunch with Ann Petersen and did some yard work at her house. I spent an afternoon cutting down trees, which involved climbing, tying rope, chain saws and axes- simply awesome.

From Albuquerque, I took the train to Raton, NM and then the bus to Denver, CO. The bus went threw a huge storm- so much rain and lightening. My weekend in Denver just happened to be the weekend that a bunch of the Murray’s were gathering at Kearin’s house, so I got to meet (more like connect faces with names) many of my uncles, aunts, and cousins. The constantly changing weather in Denver was quite surprising. One day could start sunny, then snow, then sun, then rain, then snow, and then sun- each hour was a surprise! I spent a day with Kearin, driving around town and checking out the city- it started sunny, but then it snowed so hard they had to shut down the highway in both directions. Coming from Alaska, Kearin said this was nothing, but I had never seen it snow so hard. I met my uncle Denis at Regis University where we works and attended a small party for the participants of a dual-language program. Also, I met Bill- Denis’s boss and a very close friend to the Murray family. The Regis campus is beautiful- especially when spring makes everything so green and crisp. College campuses are awesome for exploring; cool people and neat places. Driving from Regis to Pine (up in the mountains where Denis lives) was quite an adventure. A huge boulder had fallen onto the highway, blocking both lanes of traffic. Police had to turn everyone around end us back out of the valley. Our car was literally the last one to leave the canyon, but it provided a bunch of visiting time for Denis and me. For dinner that night, we had home-made pizza (which rivaled the pizza we make at dad’s house…) In the morning, Denis and I went for a run next to the river- beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and a great workout at altitude. Breakfast was a feast- eggs (cheese and green chilies), potatoes, sausage, and fruit! I could definitely tell Denis and Frank are brothers- they both know how to cook. Then we went to the sledding hill to enjoy the last several inches of snow. And although we forgot the sleds at home and cardboard didn’t work too well, we borrowed a few sleds and had a blast! After the Murray party that evening, we went to Collin and Erik (Kearin’s kids) hockey game. Although they lost, they inspired me to take up hockey at some point in my life. I want to play a sport where I can wear pads and hit people as hard as I can- now I just have to learn to skate… The next morning I attended Sunday mass (the first time I’d been to church since doing the Buddhist meditation retreat)- I’d never had such a spiritual experience in a church before… That afternoon, I went fishing with Denis in his pond and caught 4 fish! They weren’t very big, but it was quite exciting for me- I’m definitely going fishing more often. Even if I don’t catch any fish, I really enjoy the patience in waiting and peacefulness of being outside. Before I went to Union station, Denis, Mary, Monica, and I went to cheesecake factory and indulged in four pieces of the biggest, richest, most delicious cheesecake I’ve ever had. Talk about a food coma afterwards… Then we took the streetcar around downtown, which crashed into a trashcan and a planter box. I’ve never seen a public transportation vehicle run into a non-moving object- apparently it has happened a lot in Denver recently. On the train, I met a man who had just attended a balance and alignment retreat in Berkeley, CA. The retreat focused on the awareness of posture and natural alignment- which he claims leads to a balanced life.