My August '19 Report Card
My dreams have started to become reality. They have brought along a whole new encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to traveling long term on a motorcycle. Things I would not have even thought I would learn so early, have become a blessing in a sense. They have allowed me to be more prepared as time goes on. Anything from how to budget on the road, what not to be cheap on, and cool things to see. Let me give you a glimpse into my own personal August '19 Report Card.
Leaving Boston at the end of July was very surreal. There were so many moving parts, I decided to try to release control of what I thought was supposed to happen. I tried to simply let things unfold as they are supposed to. A significant life lesson within itself! Trying to imagine exactly how things are going to turn out can be an exhausting task.
My first stop in New York was one that was simply unforgettable, and a great way to start the trip. With such welcoming people, and a plethora of travel stories to share with Martha (the 98 year old woman who has traveled the world working on cruise ships), this farm life experience is something engrained in my memory forever. If I was not so eager to get on the road to start my journey, I would have most definitely accepted their offer of staying for their family reunion.
Plans to meet friends in California on a certain date meant my time in each state was very limited. Most of my time was spent driving. However, I am very grateful for this because of what it showed me. It is much more valuable to take my time. Only planning things maybe a week in advance, in case I find more things I’d like to explore within an area.
Couchsurfing was my main means of sleeping throughout my travels this month. I met some amazing people who had quite the travel stories to share themselves.
I found it interesting that I made myself at home pretty quickly in each place. Using the kitchen to cook, and respectfully spreading my things out in my area (whether it was a room or a couch). Setting up “home base” for the night became somewhat of a routine upon arrival.
My hosts were totally fine with this! They understand that it is important to feel at home, and each and every one of them made me feel that way from the moment I walked in. I had a couple stressful moments where I hadn’t planned enough to know where I was going to stay that night. Because of this, I decided to set up stopping points where I would request hosts for about a week out.
The other cool thing with Couchsurfing?
It’s free! Other than maybe buying a beer at times for the host, it is a very cheap way to travel around.
Now, for those of you who know me, I am a terrible planner. I tend to set things up in a general sense, but most of the plans fly out the window when the time comes. For that reason, I like couchsurfing because there is nothing tying you to that specific spot.
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If plans change, hosts are more than understanding and there is no negativity behind it. Once you get past the idea of staying in a stranger’s home for the night, you will quickly realize this is an incredible way to travel on the cheap. You will even gain insight from the wonderful hosts you stay with.
Traveling many hours on a motorcycle can be very rewarding (and also very exhausting). The most valuable thing it has given me? Time with my thoughts. When I first got my license, I remember driving around and just getting lost in my car, enjoying the unknown and the time to myself. Although I am using a GPS to get me from place to place, everything around me is totally new!
Because of this, I feel like I did back in my days on four wheels. Traveling on wheels (2 wheels or more that is, not too sure about the unicycle thing), and simply allowing the mind to reorganize itself is something I believe I will continue doing for the rest of my days.
As for the long hours on the bike? Every 120 miles or so, I learned I should stop to take a quick stretch break. I mean, 400-500 miles per day in a car is MUCH different than on a motorcycle. If it were to happen once every few days, no problem! Traveling this much daily truly exhausted me. But hey, at least I can say I would always get a good night’s rest!
I plan on revisiting the United States at some later date, knowing now the spots I would like to spend more time at (and definitely the places I can skip over!). Places I would like to see more of are Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.
I made my way to San Diego again, and stayed at my first hostel on the trip. THIS WAS TOO MUCH FUN! Everywhere I have been, I have gained travel insight from people I have met. The hostel, however, was a total mecca of information.
From long term travelers, to people who have just started. One friend, Sahil, has been traveling the world for 3 years now while working remotely. Sahil had lots of information to share. Another, David, took 4 months off of work to focus on himself, and for that I applaud him.
This is something I believe most people do not do enough in their lives!
Going from job to job without taking any time for one's self can mean a misunderstanding of one's own true passions. David decided to break the mold he had created, discovered a lot about himself, and found things he is passionate about. What more could someone ask for than to find what they love, and bring it with them wherever they go in life?
As the month of August has come to a close, I have officially stepped into the unknown in foreign lands. It honestly feels like my journey has just begun. I took the time in the US to just get a hold of traveling on the bike. I learned my limits when it comes to heat, miles, and duration (something I picked up quickly!).
The idea of just sitting back and taking it slow has really entered my mind in full force. I was in a rush to get to California to meet some friends, and it was all worth it (I mean really worth it). I am glad, however, to be able to take my time from now on and not be in a rush. Just feeling out each place and allowing to trust myself as to when it is time to move forward.
But wait...
Aren't report cards supposed to have grades? Even when I was teaching, I didn't believe a simple letter grade could show the progress a student has made. For this reason, my new report cards will not contain letter grades. Wow, that's something I have always wanted to say! There is a lesson in all the failures and successes in life, and to judge them based on performance is to miss the point of the teachings completely!
'Til next time,
Pete
A Traveling Teacher
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