LK's Final Thoughts

(Why should only Jerry Springer and Andy Rooney get them?)

America is a large and diverse country impossible to see within just 9 days, not even a whole month. But certainly, the parts you can get to are worth going to. Some parts of the country are really weird, some of the people are vastly different, but in the words of Sean Hannity (whom we took the advantage of laughing at since we had satellite radio), "We are all American." To understand your neighbors, your fellow man, you should visit them and try to understand them.

I would recommend a lengthy roadtrip adventure to absolutely everyone regardless of age or origin. Roadtripping is about freedom, the journey, and spontaneity. It was an awesome way to kick-off not only what will be a fun summer in Portland, but a new chapter of my life as a part of the workforce and on the path to full financial independence. This road trip was also a great way of bonding with Web on an adventure neither of us will forget.

Beef is the choice meat of America. If you are a vegetarian or vegan roadtripping and really experiencing America, you are gonna miss out on some beefy eats. I recommend lapsing into carnivorous sin before you get on the freeway.

Jesus is alive and well in America. The Bible Belt can get really hardcore.

America is actually creating some renewable energy from wind turbines. I have evidenced them with my own eyes. I know people sometimes complain about how they look or that they may kill a bat or bird on occasion, but 1) shiny glass building kill way more flying animals, and 2) I think the gigantic white titans, swirling their arms in circles are beautiful compared to a steam cloud from a nuclear plant or a layer of smog from a coal plant.

I went to school at an extremely divserse university. I was a solid minority in the vast majority of the places we visited along this roadtrip. I was in culture shock in places like Iowa.

I would totally do this again, at the first chance I get, once I get some vacation days and money. I think the next destination is exploring the Southwest and Texas... maybe New Orleans...

I also hope all my and Web's family and friends enjoyed following us on this journey. We were thinking of you along the way.

Ohio, Part II

Soon after Pickerington, we drove through Ohio's capital, Columbus. It was rather small looking and didn't cure our boredomitis.



But the grass is greener on the other side of Columbus and we arrived in Vandalia, OH, just north of Dayton. This is where we met Web's aunts, uncles, and his Grandma. (And like dum-dums, we forgot to take pictures. D'oh!)

Like all the other Ohioans I have met, Web's extended family was very friendly & hospitable. It was clear during our family dinner at Ruby Tuesday's though, who runs the house in Vandalia: the women. It was also clear that Web is far behind his cousins in producing grandchildren so I think I was eyeballed by his family as they considered my child-bearing potential.

I'd also note Ohio may contain the fountain of youth, as Web's grandmother, bless her heart, is nearly a century old, just turning 96 this May and doesn't even look 80! Wow!