Well, it’s been a little over two months since I returned from my trip.  My life isn't really any different than it was before I left with the exception, of course, that I don't have a job now.  Yes, I know that's a huge difference.  I guess what I mean is that the trip did not dramatically alter my life and give me a new outlook on things.  I guess somehow I hoped that would happen; that somehow I would discover something on the road, either within myself or anywhere in this vast country, that would help answer many questions I've been struggling with for too long.  Questions like: "What am I doing here?", "How do I find happiness?", and most importantly "Where do I go from here?".  I suppose its a little foolish to think I could answer all those questions just by driving through the country but somehow I thought I would come back with some direction in my life, something that I've never really had.  For now I continue to drift, albeit not physically anymore, but still I drift.

 

    At no time will I say "the trip was not worth it" or "I regret going" or even "I wish I hadn't quit my job".  I'm happy I took the trip and would recommend something similar to anyone else pondering such a journey.  I learned and saw a lot even if at times nothing spectacular pops into my mind when asked, "What was the best part of the trip?"  It’s a common question and of course an understandable one.  However, it’s not so easy to just come out with an answer and attempt to describe to someone else why something that was special to me was in fact so special.  And part of the reason the question is asked is so that people can store away the location in the back of their minds for a potential future visit.  As I said, the question is completely understandable and probably one I would ask myself.  Part of it is also polite conversation and/or a good way to begin to delve into a more comprehensive discussion on a trip that many people are curious about.  I know if someone else takes a similar trip I will want to sit them down and hear all about it (mostly because I would be jealous I'm sure).  I think though I will start the conversation off with a slightly different question like "What part of the trip did you hate the most?"  Hopefully this will get them to think a little bit and not give the usual answer. The problem with me now is that my answers are becoming too rehearsed.  I already have the answers ready for the common questions and really I am only remembering back to how I answered the question last time instead of digging back into the journey and really trying to determine what was great about it.   Of course if I try to recount the whole journey every time someone asks me a polite question neither of us will be happy or possibly awake by the end.  Ok, now I'm just rambling.  The point is that journey was personal and will most likely be recanted slowly but surely over many years inside bars rather than in a sober passing moment.  Also, I think the fact that I am not a good conversationalist will help keep the stories inside.

 

    Anyway, I hope I've given enough information in my blog to inspire people to take a trip like this at some point in their lives.  I know not everyone can drop what they are doing now and take off.  I was lucky (or unlucky) in the fact that I didn't have a family to provide for that was depending on me to have a steady source of income.  I don't know where or when I'll work next.  Not everybody can afford that luxury, I realize that.  Perhaps though you've seen or read something here that maybe you can get away for a few days to check out.  I know there were plenty of places I had been eager to go to that I finally got to.  I hope at some point I can get back and see them again.  And there were also the places I never heard of until my car stopped in them.  Those were probably more exciting because I had no expectations for them.  

    

    So get out there and explore.  For a lot of us it’s in our blood (whether we realize it or not)).  The USA would never have been founded if not for explorers (complete coincidence that I'm writing this on Columbus Day).  Happy travels.  Maybe I'll see you on the road.