Texas: It's Like a Whole Other Country

Texas is a different place. I’ve heard people joke that Texas could secede and become it’s own country. That it is sustainable without the other 49 states and beyond that; it’s ginormous (yup, that’s a word today). As you drive west into Texas on Interstate 10, the first exit is 880. That means there are eight hundred and eighty exits on that roadway. That’s eight hundred and eighty latitudinal miles! That’s almost a third the length of the entire country coast to coast. Geographically, it’s large enough to be it’s own country. And why shouldn’t it be?

The remarkableness of the state is immediate as you cross the state line. Not only in it’s size but in that the speed limit jumps to 75 mph. On a journey such as mine, this is much appreciated especially considering that I was doing 10 over the limit throughout the trip anyway. The way I see it, the speed limit is just a friendly suggestion. Wait… you can’t retroactively get a ticket for traffic violations by admitting guilt, can you? Surely not. Well, just in case, I’ll remind all authority figures capable of issuing such a citation that I’m a crazy person, prone to lying. None of that speeding stuff was true. 75 mph was legal, though, which was fantastic and kind of fun even in my Jeep. I’d never seen the speed limit so high; Texas has no fear. Texas makes it’s own rules (I realize that it does, in fact, make it’s own rules but I mean this as an expression of its independence). I’d hate to lose Texas as one of the 50 great United States and the consequences for the rest of the country would be costly considering the other 49 of us would have to import gas and beef and George Straight, but Texas could, absolutely, sustain itself.

“Don’t mess with Texas,” “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” “God bless Texas.” With taglines like these the pride of the state is palpable from anywhere in the world. Perhaps, it’s the predisposed stereotype in my mind but I could feel the pride in excess while I walked the streets of Austin, the state capitol. The police officers actually wore cowboy hats as their uniform. The Lone Star adorned seemingly every building. Texas is a proud place. And rightfully so.

The Best Darn Burrito You Ever Ate… you’re darn tootin!

Like most countries, Texas has its own style of food. The birthplace of the original fusion cuisine, Tex Mex. The state boasts some of the most delicious Mexican/American food this Italian Jersey Girl has every tasted. Note: this, from a girl who generally dislikes Mexican food. Cabo Bob’s, Taco Cabana, the original Chuy’s in Austin. With some of the largest burritos and freshest meats, I ate like a Mexican princess in Texas. Austin is a something foodie city with food trucks for seemingly everything. You want a hot dog? Food truck. You want a salad? Food truck. You want a taco? Food truck.

We’re Goin’ to State!

Texas’ national sport would be… no drum roll necessary: football. My time in Dallas was consumed with football, collegiate and professional. So, it was alright. I mean, if you like that sort of thing. Which, I DO! I spent Saturday in Stillwater, OK for the Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State game. The thing to do in Stillwater before the game is go to Eskimo Joe’s. It’s about a block away from the stadium and it’s massive. It’s two stories with the second floor being open so that you can look down on the collection of football fans below. The entire establishment is seat yourself on gameday, which sounds simple enough, however it was no small feat finding a table. The place was packed! The open second floor makes you feel a bit like a vulture circling carcasses as you wait to pounce on a table closing out their tab. We managed to snag a nice big table but since there were only three of us, we invited other Texas Tech fans to join us. The camaraderie and fellowship of the Big 12 was really pleasant. Generally, you expect people to give you a hard time because you’re with the visiting team, but they weren’t like that here. Being a Tennessee Volunteer fan, I found myself having a bit of an identity crisis cheering against the orange team whilst wearing red on a Saturday. It was nice to see the orange team win for a change, though. The OSU stadium was small. It wasn’t, really, but compared to what I’m used to in Neyland Stadium, I found it relatively unremarkable. I guess I’m spoiled. 

Sunday, however, was a different story. We went to the Cowboys game in Arlington, TX. Cowboys Stadium has the same capacity as Neyland, however its structure is considerably larger. We were incredibly fortunate to watch the game from a field side suite. It was amazing. The Cowboys’ cheerleaders were in front of us the entire game. They rotate each quarter, so you get to see all 36 girls throughout the game. And if you want to talk about spoiled, the people who watch the game from the suite regularly noted how the girls get in the way of the game. This is true, I spent most of the game straining to see through them or looking up at the giganto-tron (not “jumbo,” gigantic). But let’s be real, here, they’re the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders! They’re never “in the way.” This, from a straight girl. The highlight of the game was absolutely when Tony Romo, surprise surprise, over threw a ball intended for Jason Witten, former Vol extraordinaire, leading him straight to our box. He actually knocked over my friend’s beer that was sitting on the railing. He was a hulking beast of a man and he looked pretty angry, I’m going to assume because he’s tired of Romo sucking. I could be wrong. But probably not. After the weekend, I feel safe saying that football and Texas are relatively synonymous. There’s a reason movies like Varsity Blues and Friday Night Lights resonate.

Deep In The Heart of Texas

It’s amazing how every place has history. Every place has its story. Texas is the Lone Star state, a reminder of the state’s struggle to secede from Mexico. Each city in Texas, like states in a country, has it’s own unique personality. Moses and Stephen F. Austin founded Austin. Moses petitioned to settle the area and upon his passing, his son Stephen executed the plan. Austin represents this piece of their history in the feeling of creation and building anew that it’s people foster. The capitol building is the largest state capitol in the nation. It was built to emulate the Nation’s Capitol building and it evokes the same feeling of grandeur.

It’s Like a Whole Other Country

My final submission to Texas’ petition to be it’s own country is that I felt like a foreigner there. It was beautiful and lovely to visit, but in no place did I feel like I could do anything more than visit. I enjoyed traveling its roads and taking in its favorite past time, but I don’t think I have it in me to be a Texan. Maybe its because I’m from New Jersey and there’s only room in my heart for one obnoxiously boisterous state, but ultimately it wasn’t for me.

Texas’ state motto is “friendship” and while they are a prideful group, no doubt capable of seceding the union, I don’t think it’s in their nature to abandon the rest of us. Just in case, though, go ahead and stock up on beef!

Miles travelled: 4447.5

Overnighted the Jeep and myself to New Jersey for a surprise Thanksgiving morning visit. My mother cried. My three-month-old nephew did too, but I think that was unrelated. Worth it!

"Everybody's Free" [to be inspired] in Austin

So…. Austin! Austin was incredible. I felt new after leaving there. In Austin, I was at the height of my trip. In my third week and really feeling that there was no turning back. I was on the journey and I could chose to experience each city or just use them as map dots on my way home. After such an amazing experience in New Orleans, I was expecting great things from Austin, especially because it would reunite me with my soul sister, Beth, from back home, as she’d moved there in September.

Upon arriving in Austin, I quickly discovered that no one there is what they seem. Not in some L.A. Confidential way where “everything is suspect and every one is for sale,” but in the sense that everyone is actually there to do something else. A mini New York, in its own right, “I’m not really a waitress” could be its motto. Or, perhaps, “I’m not really a car salesman.” I discovered my soul sister’s roommate, Alex, is actually the lead singer of a rockin’ band called Fouled Out. They played the rooftop at the Blind Pig Pub on 6^th Ave, or “the dirty six” one of the nights I was there.

Everyone in Austin is doing something: making music or art or something of him or herself. They’re all striving to do or be what they want to be. And putting themselves out there. I could feel the energy of hope and possibility in every hand I shook. Everyone there truly believes they’re big day is coming. There’s no cynicism like you might find in New York – in fact, I found I had to put it out of my own mind. Alex admitted, though, that even if Fouled Out doesn’t go anywhere, at least when he’s 40 he knows he’s doing what he loves. It reminded me of that graduation speech that Baz Luhrman turned into a pop song in the ‘90s, “Wear Sunscreen.” One of the lines in the song, or speech, read, 

“don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.” - Mary Schmich

So, at the very least, with each year I spend spinning, I’m at least becoming more interesting. Right?!

Being in Austin, though, gave me a renewed faith in myself. Faith in my quest to be what I want and do what I want. Why can’t I be a writer? Why shouldn’t that be my career goal? I’ll never get better if I don’t work at it. And I’ll never know if people like what I write unless I publish it for them to read. It’s the most cliché adage of all time and I’m sorry I don’t have a cool, fancy, writer way to express it but the frankest way to say is, I’ll never know until I try. And Austin is full of people who are just there to try. It’s bold, really. The people in Austin are all, it seems, there to try something new or be somewhere new. It’s sort of like a Neverland filled with Lost Boys. Except these orphans aren’t looking to be lost, they’re hoping to be found. Discovered. By themselves or something greater. It’s inspiring. 

Gas Guzzler: 12

Last gas stop on the trip before going way off course to surprise the fam for Thanksgiving!

Miles travelled: 3304.9

Tuesday night arrived in Memphis. Ready for the downtown experience that I've missed out on in my previous ventures to Memphis!

Gas Guzzler: 11

$3.09 in Arkansas, I'll take it!!

Unexpected New Orleans

 "America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland."

- Tennessee Williams

New Orleans isn’t the tourist trap on Bourbon that most people imagine it to be. When people think of New Orleans, they think of nightlife and a big party scene. In between downtown and uptown, though, is an entire world that the average NOLA visitor doesn’t get to know about. It feels like a big neighborhood. In fact, one of the city’s most popular streets is St. Charles, which wraps around the entire city and is lined with beautiful French style houses and mansions – think Creole Townhouses with wrought iron balconies and fencing, lacey Victorian motifs and shotgun houses with small semi-wrap around covered porches. Think grand. Think comfortable. Think welcoming. The people in the area are all too friendly. They have a casual way about them that makes you feel privy to the secrets of the city.

On my first run Monday morning, I ran down Magazine Street – NOLA’s own Fifth Ave – I quickly approached a gentleman leaving a café and he stepped out of my way. As is running etiquette, I apologized and he very enthusiastically shouted after me, “Not a problem at all, miss!” This is the general demeanor of all New Orleansians. I attribute it to the city’s deep routed jazz scene. Jazz music relies heavily on improvisation and an ability to appreciate the unexpected. Life in NOLA embraces these ideals. The people work and make livings for themselves, but they have an obvious nonchalant disposition that makes a visitor never want to leave. And trust me, I didn’t.

My first night in New Orleans, I had dinner at Byblos, a Mediterranean restaurant on Magazine Street. I enjoyed a beef shawarma with rice and hummus. Having never eaten shawarma before, I don’t have much to compare it to but it was fantastic.

Monday started with a run to Audobon Park, near Tulane and Loyola Universities. The two are laid out so closely to one another, it’s a wonder freshmen don’t accidentally attend classes at the wrong University. The park connects St. Charles Ave and Magazine, so I ran up St. Charles, around the park and back down Magazine. I included some photos from the run in my Running Revelations piece. I took myself shopping for the first time this entire trip on Magazine Street. I realized on my run that I was in desperate need of new shoes, within a mile of having this though I ran past a runners’ store on Magazine – it was quite serendipitous. I set out to find the store, Southern Runner, intending to only buy new shoes. I ended up buying some sweet new ASICS Gel Frantic 4 Shoes (Black / Black / Mage) - Women's Shoes - 6.0 M (Google Affiliate Ad), bungee laces and two running tops – oops. It didn’t end there, though, on my walk back down Magazine I decided to jump into some of the boutiques I’d seen on my run. I wandered in hoping to find some Christmas gifts – or maybe I just used that as an excuse to shop because I ended up finding only pieces for myself. My favorite was an oversized sweater from this super chic little shop called Blink. The sweater was reminiscent of Jennifer Aniston’s sweater in Wanderlust, and as this trip is my own little quest to satisfy a thirst to explore, I felt it appropriate and well worth the money. The sales girl was one of my favorite people I’ve met so far on the trip. She had a northern accent, so I can only assume it was our roots that bonded us, but she was one of those associates that tells you honestly whether a purchase is worth it or not. As a sales person, I know part of it was a tactic to make me feel comfortable so that I’d spend money, but it worked and I bought a couple of cute items that were maybe more expensive than I would’ve liked but it was from Magazine Street so it was totally just!

The next day I set out for downtown. I wanted to see the French Quarter in daylight. I parked near Jax Brewery and went out on foot. Jackson Square was everything I remembered it to be. Buzzing with excitement. Surrounded by shops and artist: musical, performance and canvas alike. Bourbon was just as I remembered as well. Loud and smelling of food and booze. I’m sure living in the area, one probably doesn’t venture to Bourbon Street as often as a tourist might and the novelty of it wears off, but for me it was very much alive even in the day time. 

You can turn any corner and find live music. Some representative of New Orleans’ jazz roots and others folk-y and southern sounding. There are little treasures hidden throughout; I found a small New Orleans boutique filled with all sorts of French decorations and trinkets.

All in all, I loved my New Orleans experience. It was an unexpected surprise.

No tallies for NOLA, just my heart! (Tacky, yes, but NOLA won’t mind… it never does!) 

Being with Friends in B-ham

Tailgating with the Bride and Groom some years ago

Birmingham was a break from my geographical journey but not from my soul search. I landed myself in Birmingham for the wedding of two friends from college – well, really, after college. I met the groom the summer after I had graduated. The details are a little fuzzy but what isn’t after five years’ time. He was one of a handful of boys that my girlfriends spent time with that summer. They were all like brothers to me, but as it does, life interrupted and our tight-knit group became more of a loose stitch. Time, distance and circumstance came between us and every night became once a week and every weekend became ever other. Down the road became across the state. Girlfriends became wives. Soon, the summer was a distant memory and sometimes it felt like our friendships were too. This isn’t to say the connection or meaning was gone, we just had new lives. We lost touch and when I say “we”, I mostly mean me. The girls in our group moved away and our friendships fell apart. The boys’ didn’t, though, and while I kept up with them as much as I could, priorities change. I missed one of their weddings because I had to be in Memphis for a boyfriend’s family function. At the time, that was more important. I couldn’t have known that the relationship would end and I would regret missing my friends’ wedding but that’s life and they understood. That being said, when I was invited to this wedding, there was no question whether or not I’d go; the bride and groom are wonderful people and I refused to miss this day with them. So, off to Birmingham I was!

my boys!

The trip wasn’t so much about the city but about rediscovering friendships. It wasn’t hard. We all, more or less, picked up wherever we had left off last. When we met, we were kids without much of a care except how we were going to pay a bar tab. The summer that we all met was one of the most epic; filled with debauchery, laughter, recklessness, solidarity, and indiscretion. Everything that a final summer before growing up should be! For me, it was the summer between college and adulthood. That summer represented a crossroads for each of us. We stood at the threshold of our adulthood looking out into our futures with one another. We all had choices to make about “what comes next”. Inevitably, we all took separate paths, which led us away from each other, but the start of the journey together is what keeps us friends.

We all have our flaws and insecurities. We all laugh a little too hard at our own jokes. We all have baggage. We had the things that brought us together and the things that set us apart. There were things we went through together that brought us closer and the things that divided us. It’s amazing how some friendships evolve while others dissolve. In that summer and the time that followed, though, these were the people that knew me best. They knew me as a young, selfish, adult and, in spite of that, they’ve chosen to know me now.

back together in Birmingham

When the summer was over, and it’s possible they’ll disagree, we all took our best shots at being grown-ups together. Now, all these years later, we are adults with spouses, houses and children (this time when I say “we” I mean them). The differences in our lives and location haven’t erased the connection, though. The laughter and the love remain and I think that’s what real friendship is.

My time at the wedding was a reminder of that. In a way, I was able to remember myself. Who I was then and how far I’ve come, in spite of feeling like I haven’t. They accept me for who I am, as I do them. They support me in my endeavors and believe in me when even I don’t.

Birmingham was a nice break from the solitude of the road. It was an opportunity to reminisce with friends – and there was plenty of that to be done. And a time to remember myself, who I was and who I want to be. I think I’d always known it, but never really acknowledged that these friends are friends for life and my weekend in Birmingham reminded me of that.

the skyling on the drive in

potato pancakes on the way out

As for Birmingham’s redemption that I promised, it turns out University of Alabama, Birmingham’s “downtown” was about a mile away from the downtown we were staying in. When the hotel bar let us down (rude, rude bartender), we hopped  in a cab to find the piano bar, which is apparently closed. We would get excited to go somewhere that doesn’t exist. The area was called “Five Points” and was filled with a great nightlife scene. We found a Dave Matthews Cover Band from Tennessee, of all places, and had a really fun time. In the morning, we went back to Five Points for breakfast at the Pancake House. The food was amazing! Bacon pancakes, potato pancakes (don’t mind if I do), blueberry, strawberry and the largest omelets you’ve ever seen (think egg calzone). Considering our side of town was post-zombie apocalypse, this was the most lively place on Earth!  

Miles travelled: 2837.8

Mileage to Dallas. What a weekend!?! Looking forward to sharing. Keep your eyes open for my Texas adventure update!!

Gas Guzzler: 10

Italy, TX. Was it ignorant of me to assume gas would be cheaper in Texas?

Miles travelled: 2562.6

Spun my way into Austin to kick it with my soul sister in the Live Music Capital! I've fallen so behind on my updates but I guess that's just because I'm having so much fun! Birmingham and New Orleans are in the works. Austin will be shortly behind. Just got to Dallas (those miles travelled will be up soon too)! Gah! So much to do! Fret not, it's all on its way, friends!

Gas Guzzler: 9

En route to Austin. It's possible on the next cross country endeavor that I will need to bring a passenger for the sole purpose of splitting gas!

Miles Travelled: 2370.6

 Made it to Houston and look who I found! Loved the skyline. The interstate is elevated so as you drive, you're side by side with the city. It's like the future! I loved it. I was so glad see a hometown buddy for dinner! Unfortunately, I wasn't there long enough for my favorite Houston Texan, Brian Cushing, to fall in love with me. Bummer!

Gas Guzzler: 8

Lafayette, LA
This whole travelling the country thing is getting costly!

Running Revelations

It’s no secret that running is my number one form of exercise. It requires the least amount of knowledge; no reps, no weight, no real form required, you just kind of GO. Of course, it can be more intricate than that but on the surface it’s pretty cut and dry, “one foot in front of the other, accelerate.” What no one knows is that I secretly hate it! There, I said it! I’ve been outted. 

First, there are the physical setbacks. I run out of breath, I have bad knees, my hips are tight, these shoes give me a blister. Ouch. I learned from my favorite running buddy that all of those things could be conquered, though. You have a stitch in your side? Run through it. You have a cramp in your calf? Run through it. You can’t breath? Run through it. You’re having a heart attack? Run through it…. just kidding on that last bit. Essentially, there is no thing that cannot be conquered by simply running through it. Scoff if you will at the simplicity of saying it and the undoubted difficulty of execution, but next time you’re out on a run, just try it. Like Buffalo in the rain, just run until the storm is over. 

It’s the mental aspect of a run that truly gets me. I worry that the people in their cars or running on the road across from me will judge me. I get in my own head about whether my gait is an appropriate width or my foot strike is too loud or my clothes fit right. Am I going fast enough? Will I complete this run in an amount of time that will impress people? It’s a self-conscious absurdity that holds me back from really enjoying my runs – sometimes it even prevents me from going. I feel there is a parallel to my life that can be made here, but I think I’ll coast past it for now. On top of all that, I get bored! I have crap music on my iPod. I’ve tried pod casts, which can be entertaining but only for so long before I need a blast of Breaking Benjamin, Brad Paisley or Bieber – really any kind of power song to help conquer a hill and the feeling of quit creeping into my mind. Well, I may have found my solution!

As I run each city, the underlying motivation is that I need to work out as I drive, eat and drink my way through the southeast, but in the forefront I want to explore these cities. I want to see if they are places I can see myself living. The goal on each run has evolved from being a chore (I promised myself I would run at each stop) to a chance to see a new place. I’ve slowly mastered my Map My Run App and my “I totally belong here” face and with each run I get a little more adventurous and get to see a little more of the current city than the one before. 

Today, I ran down St. Charles with its historic mansions and trolley stops, it felt like the heart of New Orleans. I wanted to run at least four miles today and I knew there was a park near Loyola and Tulane’s campuses on St. Charles, so I set out toward it. I have thrown shame and embarrassment to the wind with this trip, so I have no issues stopping to take pictures of street signs and quintessential houses. With no concern for what it might make me look like or what it might do to the time on my run. 

Audobon Park

I took at least 20 photos of 6.7 miles of New Orleans today. It was so much fun. I enjoyed my run. By the end of it, I had traveled 6.7 miles (a Personal Record by half a mile) in a city I hardly knew. I had seen some beautiful houses and scenery. I was nearly swallowed by a row of boutiques on Magazine. 

house from the park's running path

They tried to eat me. It was all I had in me to keep running without entering them. I ran past my turn  home on purpose. I paused to stretch. I shouted expletives at the pain in my knees. I slowed down at street corners in spite of the “walk” sign flashing, but I did it. I went. I saw. I conquered.

quintessntial NOLA house

The explorer in me has taken the place of the insecure, ADD runner. The purpose of a run now isn’t to impress anyone. It isn’t to finish within a certain time or at a certain pace – though those things are nice to keep track of in order to measure improvement – but each run is about me and my connection with a city. Each run is about a personal adventure. And though I’m here writing about it, it’s not about an audience it’s about me. Self-growth and confidence. Today’s run was a beautiful one and not just because of the scenery!

Tomorrow I run to MTV’s Real World House!

 

Birmingham

Post-Zombie Apocalypse Survival Skills

According to the 2010 Census, the Birmingham-Hoover area holds approximately ¼ of Alabama’s population. If this is so, they were all on vacation this weekend. I’ve never seen a “downtown” seem so vacant. We actually referred to it as “post-zombie apocalypse land” all weekend. I went for a run Saturday morning and with the exception of a few homeless people, some other questionable meanderers and a crazy man on his bicycle; I saw no signs of civilization whatsoever. Those who may speak up on behalf of Birmingham please hold your piece and remain patient, as I will give Birmingham it’s due… in time. I ran three and a half miles around city blocks in an attempt to discover the city. Not knowing what I was looking for, it was a relatively fruitless venture. I was amazed by the city’s lack of life. It felt like I was on a movie set where all of the buildings are staged and the production people would add the effects of people and sound later. I decided since I was in Birmingham that I’d like to visit the site of the Civil Rights Institute. Using my Droid app, Map My Run, I figured out how to get there. However, I had a tag-a-long. As I ran the streets of Birmingham, I kept encountering a man on his bicycle, he has now become known as “the crazy man on his bike.” He first spotted me – or I first spotted him – as I was evaluating my map to determine my route to the museum. Perhaps it’s my own fault because as I studied my route I was also doing some stretching, so it’s possible I inadvertently invited the attention. I ran along the streets listening to Birmingham FM radio through my head phones, feeling proud of myself that I have mastered the “look like I belong” demeanor – minus the occasional gaze at my map and rubberneck at an obscure city sculpture. It wasn’t until I was nearly to the Institute that I noticed my friend cycling down the street as  

I was standing evaluating exactly where the Institute was in reference to where I stood. I’m fairly certain he was shouting something as he rolled down the hill, but the little walking man had jumped up on the pedestrian traffic light, so I chose to ignore what may or may not have been directed at me. I approached Kelly Ingram Park, excited by the poignancy of what I was about to witness. As I paused to evaluate on my map where exactly I was, my crazy friend on his bike came whizzing by, again almost certainly shouting something, but the wind and my FM radio made it so that I was unable to know exactly what. I found the Institute, took some pictures and discovered the Park was actually more interesting. They have a March Route set out on the perimeter, representing different milestones in the Civil Rights Movement. I would have loved to take pictures and read all of them, but my crazy man on his bike kept whizzing by. 

The irony was not lost on me that I was at a place that represents a struggle against intolerance and a people’s unwillingness to be understanding and accepting, and there I was in broad daylight, literally, running away from a man whose only real insult was probably that he liked the way I looked and was bored. He had a helmet. He was safety conscious, illustrating some level of sound mind. He just also had a few less teeth than I’d prefer most people I stop to chat with alone, in an unfamiliar city would. Some might call it intolerance. I call it survival of the fittest… how else do you think I survived the zombie apocalypse in the first place!?

That’s it on Birmingham for now. I’ll get to the wedding and Birmingham’s redemption soon.

Want a little taste of what’s to come? Think Pancake House – not “International House of,” but worlds better!

Miles Travelled: 2019.8

Arrived in New Orleans Sunday night. America's Most Interesting City. The Big Easy. The Crescent City. The City of Care Forgot. 

Gas Guzzler: 7

Hattiesburg, MS
Sweet man at the station inquiried about my Jets!

Gas Guzzler: 6

About to Birmingham... feeling like the even amount might be good luck!

Miles travelled: 1661.6

Made it to Birmingham Friday. Had a whirlwind weekend with some amazing people for the wedding of two incredible friends. We turned the city upside down and had a fantastic time... more on that later! See y'all in New Orleans!

Gas Guzzler: 5

Midway to Birmingham

Charleston

(Sorry, I don't have a clever title for Charleston yet. I'll come up with something whilst I drive!)

S.S. Yorktown

I arrived in Charleston, feeling truly on my way. My first stop was the Aquarium, where my friend Bethany works since I arrived in the middle of her workday. I took a little tour then set out to do some exploring nearby. Having been to Charleston before, I knew it was extremely pedestrian friendly, so I set out on foot for lunch. I found a place she told me about called East Bay Deli – the mural on the wall boasted that it was the best deli in Charleston. It failed to mention how many delis there are in Charleston, however I felt content to agree. My turkey burger was delicious.

Bethany had to work until five, so I sat and wrote post cards and some other musings before setting out to find a post box. I honestly wasn’t sure they existed anymore – I mean do people still send letters? Apparently, they do because I found one across from the public library. Since I had an hour to kill, I decided to go in and work on some more things. I felt stupidly excited that I had discovered the library.

Charleston is my third city, third state and third adventure in less than a week! I’ve eliminated some cities from the road trip. As is often the case in life, plans don’t always pan out and other things become more important. I felt that spending Sunday in DC was more important than stopping in Raleigh. Savannah isn’t going to work because of some issues with catching my metaphorical couch wave there. It works out, though because I have been able to enjoy my time in each city that I have stopped in and I don’t feel so rushed. I will say that while the end to the trip is not near, it is evident. Each city only has so many hours to make an impression on me, or maybe it’s the other way around, and I can feel it as I travel. Little Miss Tired, who usually rules the snooze button, is far more aware of how little time she has and suddenly isn’t so tired. This is wonderful because I am triumphing over a part of myself that I usually hate. I can waste entire days being lazy and putting things off, including small satisfactions like going for runs and writing as well as those important adult things that I seem to enjoy ignoring so much. This is a win I hope I don’t forget when I get back. It’s a little scary – the thought that all of these revelations or newly formed habits might only be temporary while I’m on the road. What if they’re all lost to me the moment I’m back in my own, comfy bed and my alarm goes off? What if I think, as I have so many times before, “I can snooze now and run later – or even tomorrow”? What if I leave Little Miss Carpe somewhere on I-40? No answer to these questions as of yet, but here’s hoping Little Miss Carpe is who I really am deep down and this trip is merely her alarm clock – no snooze!

That said, I woke this morning excited to run the Ravenel Bridge, a Charleston must! The bridge is two and a half miles across. Bethany lives about a mile from the base on the outside of Charleston. I decided to run to the “top” of the bridge and then try to find the beach back on Bethany’s side of the bridge. It was a beautiful day. I laughed later when they apologized for how cold it’s been during my stay. 55-60°? Yea, so cold! My exploratory run brought me to some great sights that I had to share:

The run was great, minus the part where my exploring led me to a red ant infestation in my left shoe. Or maybe it was fire ants. Or maybe just regular ants. I don’t know! Regardless, it was an adventure.

We ventured into the city for lunch and I had Vietnamese sandwiches! They’re called Banh Mi and they were freakin’ fabulous. Bethany’s friends own the shop. Apparently, they started selling the sandwiches at Phish shows and then quit their real life job to open the store. Bethany’s boyfriend took me for a drive around downtown. He showed me the Battery, which I’d seen before but still enjoy seeing. I think I like being reminded of how old the city is and how much history is there. It’s part of the city’s personality and I really appreciate how they own it. Later, I took myself downtown for a mani/pedi. I found my way into the “city” with such ease. I explored a bit and visited King Street, where all the shops are – I guess one might equate it to 5^th Ave? Only smaller. I didn’t feel like spending money, so I didn’t stop to shop. I loved the drive though. It was easy to maneuver and adorable.

Tally time! It was brought to my attention that at the end of DC and Charlotte, I gave each city one point and I gave home zero. This is incredibly unfair to home. It’s not horrid; I’m just tired of it. In fact, there are things about each city that I find comforting because they remind me of home. It may be a little fairer to readjust the tally system to assess only the things I really enjoy about the city – without putting down home and the people in it!

Charleston running aesthetic: 1

Charleston city accessibility: 1

Charleston awesome historical stuff: 1