After completing about 1/10th of our journey, this analogy seems to be the most fitting. Tom, Mac, and I have traveled about 1700 miles in our first week, or as Tom refers to it, “Our Blitzkrieg up the East Coast”. I’m realizing now that this trip will be equally challenging as it is exciting.I’m still working on getting into the flow of traveling every day, as the constant change is a new concept for me. I’ve been on somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster with enthralling highs and quiet lows. The highs build positive energy, and the lows deplete it. Constant travel can grow tiresome and things will not always go according to plan. Yet, the highs of making progress towards this goal that I’ve set is strong enough to squash any of the down moments.The main source of this positive flow of energy has been my interactions with people. Each stop is filled with hospitality and encouraging conversation. Our hosts are excited to hear about where we’ve been and where we plan to go. However, the most engaging conversations have been focused on the why. In these discussions, it becomes apparent that we all share some level of brimming desire for exploration and purpose, and it feels like this desire is what has created the strongest connection between us.Thus far we’ve met with friends, family, and new acquaintances. We talked to Joe about his socially responsible startup that turns animal waste into sustainable energy. Leslie, the professor of design who helped us storyboard our lives and visualize future possibilities. Nils, the economics PhD candidate, toured us around the MIT media lab (Go there if you want to feel intellectually inferior). Greg and Rachel took us to their favorite authentic Korean restaurant, mostly because its imperfect quirks and décor reminded them of teaching English in South Korea together. They also ordered us a Korean liquor that resembled paint thinner. Dan and Sherry fed us and gave us the teacher’s perspective on the state of education in the US. Austin and Dimitri told us about their year-long rock climbing adventure while we ate the best (and greasiest) burger in Burlington, Vermont.
We also camped under the open sky in Bar Harbor, Maine. I ate my first lobster roll. Then my second. We hiked along the mountainous coast of Acadia National Park, and Mac lost his mind when the ocean waves rolled up next to him during his first beach visit.
Being a temporary nomad has been a struggle at times. Our car is dirty. Repacking it can sometimes take more than 30 minutes. My clothes are wrinkled. Rhythm is difficult to find (and so is internet access). This can kill momentum and drain energy. But the excitement of arriving at the next location, the captivating conversations that await, and the unknown future adventures continues to drives me forward.
