I want to specially acknowledge the financial contributions from Alexandre Nguyen, Manny Rangel, Michael Pang, my mom, and my aunt Julie for helping make these words and pictures possible! I think that's everyone, but please let me know if you donated and I missed you. I want to show my gratitude!
Finally, I'm getting around to the first update on my trip.
Finally, I'm getting around to the first update on my trip.
I've been in Los Angeles for a week.
I left Auburn, CA on Friday, October
31st. It was a bit earlier than expected but due to
weather my workday was cut short and I decided to leave. I rode
through the rain from 1 PM until about 6:30 PM that night.
I camped in a parking lot on the
Pacific Coast Highway, overlooking the cliffs and the sea. The rain
abated until about 3 AM, at which point I got a little wet, but no
big deal.
Saturday, early in the morning, I
continued the trip and made it to Los Agneles after stopping along
the way to take in the views and to see some juvenile elephant seals
basking on the beach.
The coastal scenery is always and truly
stunning. It was a very nice ride, both days, despite the
intermittent rain.
I was happy for the bad weather, in
fact, as it allowed me to test my gear, which in turn gave me some
shopping to do once I got to Los Angeles. On the list: water proof
gloves, and a better tarp.
Since arriving in LA, the weather has
been perfectly nice, even a little warm, and I have been making the
most of my time here.
It's been nice to be around people
again, as my eight months in Auburn was a semi-ascetic and very
solitary experience. To be hugged, and to hug, to laugh and to be
around people who chose to be around you is a gift and privilege.
I'm looking forward to many more opportunities to be social on this trip. I've had my fill of my own company.
While in LA, I have done some of the
touristy activities I never did when I was here. I hiked to the
Hollywood sign, went to the Griffith Observatory and also explored
the abandoned LA zoo—things I had wanted to do but never felt like
I had the time or energy to do properly.
I'm realizing that LA is a better city
than I saw it for, but only because I am different, not it changed.
When I was working here, I betrayed myself, selling my climbing gear
to make ends meet, working long hours (also to make ends meet), and
commuting. All of that left me feeling used up and unsure of what to
do.
I spent so much time trying to maintain
the interest of my significant other that I lost interest in doing
the things that would make living in LA worthwhile.
That's all in the past, though. And
being in LA with a clear mind is a different experience. Whereas
before I looked around and saw opposition to my goals, now I am free,
and I see opportunities everywhere I look. Opportunities to explore,
to socialize, to work. It's all here. Along with the traffic. There
is always the traffic.
~*~
Riding a motorcycle laden
with gear seems to be an invitation to start a conversation, and I've
already met a few people who are interested in the trip, and want to
see my particular solutions to the problems they foresee. Even met
someone who had done the trip.
Everyone is excited to hear
where I am going and what I am doing. The more cautious are concerned
for my safety, but generally I am encouraged by everyone to make the
most of it.
I was supposed to have an
interview with Peace Corps China on Friday, and I lament to report
that I got the time wrong and missed the interview. I misread the
e-mail confirmation, and the scheduling phone call was cutoff due to
a bad connection, so I was ready and waiting... 3 hours too late. I'm
going to try to reschedule it before I leave the country. We'll see.
I have vague intentions of
taking a English as a Second Language (ESL, or TESOL) course while on
the road. Planning for the future, after this immediate trip.
All that's left for my
immediate attention is to reduce the size of my luggage. I am unhappy
with the amount of stuff I have brought, and being here in LA has
allowed me to figure out what I use on a day to day basis, and I
think I will be able to reduce my baggage my a considerable amount.
Next: Mexico!
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