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Two Clean Towels.
(2 miles)
Nick -
Thu 18 October 04.00
Clear
Graham and I have had the most amazing time here in the US. When we tried to imagine what it would be like, we couldn't. We both looked forward to it immensely, but without having much idea as to what to expect, and how well (or not) it would go, there was no way to really quantify our expectations. Had we known then how effectively the plan would work out, how many incredible and unique sights we would see and experiences we would have, and how generous our hosts would be, I suspect we would have been a little more excited....
We both got along really quite well, considering both our differences and how long we would be in each others unbroken company. I suppose, looking back, to go through all we did together and come out the other end with a good friendship intact is quite impressive for any two people, however well they imagine they would get on! I know we got different things out of the experience, which is inevitable, but the fact we were able to do so is important in itself. Trying to synchronise appreciation of places which defy description they are so beautiful, or defy photographs they are so awesome, would not have allowed either of us to enjoy the experience, or each other's company afterwards, as much. Even so, I think real friendship is about shared experiences, and we certainly had a lifetime's worth on this trip...
Among them: driving and US road/driver blues, camping and before-dawn starts, great cities and art and company, dinner parties, line dancing, jetskiing, sailing, epic mountains and rivers, canyons and salt flats, freezing nights and humid chocking heat, interesting strangers, the meeting of most of my family(!), sleeping in the car, and long long long drives.
We have learned a lot, whether or not we are able to put it in words. We've learned about America, we've seen a lot of America, its peoplescapes - people and landscapes! Stereotypes discovered but also shattered: not all Americans are fat, but actually, yes, most Americans do drive big cars. I think this country could do so much better in so many ways, like every country in the world, but here that opportunity itself is exciting, and promising, given the intense potential it has domestically and internationally to 'make things happen'. Most of what we saw, deliberately, was rural. Geography. This place has almost everything - an unmatched array of wildernesses, areas of extreme and extraordinary natural beauty and bio-diversity. Yes, much of rural American has cleaner air than most of Europe - a vast majority of this country is countryside, and the parts that remain as they were formed, the National and State Parks, are gorgeous.
So as we make our 24 hour way back I have again to thank my extended family and friends who so kindly hosted us along the way, breaking up our long journey with luxurious conversation, food, and two clean towels, but most importantly keeping Graham from going mad in my company. Without you guys this would not have worked, and it did, spectacularly!
Graham -
Sun 05 August 11.00
Today we took the train into San Fransisco from Palo Alto for a day of official sight seeing. Our first job was to get to grips with the SF transport network. Of course we were initially excited that there was one at all. A day ticket was the solution and would prove handy as we began our trek around the city which would take us to many places.
We started by taking the Muni light rail to the end of Market Street. From here we walked up through the financial and shopping district. The sky scrapers are much lower here as San Fransisco is built on the San Andres Fault. We then caught one of the famous cable cars up to China Town. There were staggeringly long queues for the start of the cable car route but no-one had thought to walk one stop up and hop on there. So thats what we did with zero waiting. The China Town here is quite amazing - it feels like a totally different city. The Chinease have certainly brought many customs and cultural ways of doing things across the Pacific.
We then caught a very poorly dirven trolley bus back to the financial district where Kevin very kindly took us out for our 1st Japanese culinary experience which was excellent and very tasty. There are many japanese in SF - there is even a Japan Town.
We then caught the no. 30 again back down to Fishermans Wharf which was interesting but a total tourist trap as we had been expecting. From here we walked along the coast and marina to the Exploratorium which was closed but had an amazing pillared monument on the go which we walked around. Supposedly part of the film The Rock with Sean Connery was filmed here. From here it was another bus ride to the Japanese Tea Garden which was very peaceful and... well... Japanese looking - which was ace.
Another bus ride took us to Alamo Square where Craig had recommended we go to see typical old style white San Fransico houses. We also got a good view of the city which was a bonus.
On the way back to Palo Alto we missed a (very infrequent) train so had dinner opposite the San Fransisco Giants stadium while a game was on the go.
Graham -
Tue 25 September 13.00
The rest of that day Nick and I took to chill out and catch our breath as we had now reached the 8000 mile mark. That evening we drove to the downtown area of SF where Nick took one (of many) visits to the Apple store. We also spent an epic amount of time looking for a parking space so we could catch a light dinner. We ended up "generating" a parking space on one of the incredibly steep hills which are common and famous in this town.
The next day Anthony and Kevin took us out on their sailing boat which was great fun. Anthony (The self proclaimed Admiral) had us working hard on moving rope about and on the helm which was tricky at first but allegedly we did well considering.....(insert relevant sailing terminology). On our trip we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Angel Island and Alcatraz and got a great view of the city.
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