I've been back in the United States since the beginning of July. I spent three months in New York and am now home visiting my parents until we go to Dallas to celebrate my brother's wedding. Woohoo!! I remember the first few days back in New York I relished in being able to read and understand every single sign and menu. Overhearing absurd conversations was truly inspiring. That's what happens after you've been away for a while, you start to appreciate things you never thought possible. I talked to everyone, giving directions when someone looked remotely confused and enjoying small talk with the waitress or bartender.
I also appreciated feeling completely normal, blending in with everyone else around me, as well as being known deeply by good friends who I go way back with. The other thing about being away and traveling and telling stories of your adventures is that you discover how many of your friends have traveled far and you had no clue! I also got occasional eye rolls and snooty comments when I talked about where I've been over the past year, the differences between Spain and the US, or referred to my country as "the States". I guess it becomes habit when you've been criticized for saying you're from America.
Lastly, I realized that you don't have to go across the Atlantic for adventure. This summer I tried a few things that were new for me, namely sailing and long distance biking. The former I've always dreamed of and the latter I never thought I was capable of. I spent a lot of time going to my favorite places in New York and just hanging out with my favorite people.
I made it back to the states just in time to celebrate the 4th of July, which was a rainy one New York.
But the next day at Fort Tilden was perfect.
During the day I took care of kids in Battery Park City. We spent a lot of hours at Pier 25.
I also spent a lot of hours playing with Desmond in the backyard. I am not ashamed to say that he might have been the most difficult to say goodbye to.
We watched the World Cup together. I think most of us were rooting for Argentina.
I took Flo and Ollie, the girls I took care of this summer, to Coney Island. It was their first time!
We also went to the Whitney Museum to see the Jeff Koons exhibit.
I met Charles Bradley and got a hug from him, went to see Conor Oberst in Central Park, and got to see good friends who were in town that I hadn't seen in two years.
Here is the aforementioned sailing adventure. I know I went a little overboard (lol) but there were too many good pictures not to include a lot!
I also made it out to Beacon in upstate New York to check out the museum with good friends.
And last but not least, the long distance bike trip. First of all, me going on this trip would not have been possible unless I had numerous avid biker friends who gave me tips and let me borrow their gear. I'm looking at you Kristen Fess, Kate Mangold, and Rachel & Sam Slaton! And there is no way I would have made it without Rebecka Birch, who not only initiated this trip, but navigated, patched and changed tires, and provided all camping gear. I was the novice and she was the expertise. This is how I know I've changed since I left New York last year. I never would have even remotely considered participating in this bike trip a year ago. We learned a lot along the way on Labor Day weekend. Rebecka and I were only friends of friends when we departed on this trip. Needless to say we not only got to know each other, but returned with hilarious tales to tell. We rode 50 miles in two days, which was how much we were hoping to make it in one day. But after continually reassessing our expectations for this trip, we agreed that we get as far as we get and go from there. Luckily Rebecka's friend offered to pick up in his car, so we were able to make it all the way out to the Poconos in Pennsylvania, which is about 100 miles away from NY.
Here is our campsite the first night. I did not sleep but two hours, out of the absurd fears of crocodiles, bears, and bulldozers.
As for our bikes, we overcame nearly losing an entire bike rack, two popped tires, and miles of uphill biking. At times we definitely opted for walking out bikes uphill.
This is where we stayed in Greeley, Pennsylvania. Tent City!! I only knew Rebecka and Rebecka only knew 4 people out of about 25 that were camping with us. We were blown away by how welcoming and friendly everyone was with us. We ate delicious grilled food, chilled by the campfire, made crazy creations from glow sticks, played Cards Against Humanity, and went water rafting.
Unfortunately there was a leak in our boat, so between paddling we had to pump water out of the boat. But that was nothing compared to the ant infested boat!
All in all we rode about 75 miles and learned something new about ourselves along the way, the ability to overcome obstacles and how to adapt to a continually changing plan.
When I packed up all my belonging in Brooklyn, I listened to Transatlanticism. It all started when I first moved to New York 9 years ago and has now become my packing music. This time, I found a few lyrics particularly apt. I guess Death Cab is always nostalgic for me, and sometimes still relevant.
I wish the world was flat like the old days, then I could travel just by folding a map. No more airplanes, or speed trains, or freeways. There'd be no distance that could hold us back.
