pre-departure intro:

this web space is where i will be posting occasional entries during my trip around the united states.

after countless semesters of academic obligations, i have reached a point in my life when i have the fortunate opportunity to travel to some new places and visit with friends who hold a special place in my heart. i'll be doing so on as small of a budget as possible, taking buses, trains, and planes with a modest backpack on my back and some granola in my pockets.

the venture starts internally, as i begin the trip with a 10-day vipassana meditation course in illinois (10 days of silent meditation from 4:30am-9:30pm!). next on schedule is a train out to california to visit with the lovely becky fein; then up to mendocino county to reunite with long-lost friends from my days at kent state. down to san francisco will follow, for a visit to a city i might just fall in love with, and to nurture my friendship with my kindred brother keir. after san fran i hop on a plane down to phoenix arizona to reunite with my pal adam. 1 week in phoenix and then i am off to north carolina to have some fun with camp friends matt and amy, and squeeze in a visit with some SIT (study abroad) friends while i am there. the last leg of the trip will be spent in the pennsylvania countryside with my study abroad friend diana, where we will eat good food, ride horses, and end the trip on a beautiful note before i hop on amtrak back to cleveland!

i'll keep you updated on all my ventures!