Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone.

Happy Holidays for the P.C. readers out there.

And Happy New Year.

I know this is a blog about traveling, and as much as you want to hear about the exotic east coast and the parties that are to be had, I want to let you know that my next blog will be about my trip to Madrid, Spain. I leave today and come back 6 days later.





Don't fret, my entries will go back to the splendor of fun exciting places like Raleigh and Ohio later.





So enjoy the vacation. Sleep until 11 am. Eat cake for breakfast. I'll be enjoying chocolate con churros in the land of my peoples.



(A cold, still night in Greenwich)

Fall Travel Check, Thoughts on Politics and Pop Culture

Total Miles Traveled starting on September 15th:


6,610 (last counted on October 19th, before heading up to Boston College from Baltimore)



Since then (in the car): 5,387 miles



Air Travel from BWI to Buffalo and back: 550 miles



Max speed according to GPS: 109 mph! (In Vermont)



Average moving speed according to GPS: 55.2 mph.

Moving time (since Oct 19th): 97 hours and 34 minutes

Total Miles this fall: 12,547 miles!!

Crazy!

Now my thoughts. (WARNING: these may get a little deep. So I apologize.)

Thoughts on Politics:

I tell people I'm a moderate because I find it hard to put myself in one of the other two categories. I think because I am educated and experienced, I am able to have diverse thoughts on domestic and international issues that do not necessarily fit into a blue or red state.

Joe Klein, author of the book "Politics Lost" I just listened to, said “to be moderate is to be homeless in 21st century American politics.”

Mr. Klein labeled both parties well...

About Republicans: “once the home of a prudent conservatism has gone foolishly radical, fiscally irresponsible at home, intemperate and bullying aboard, purveyors of an intrusive religiosity that is shockingly intolerant of science or reason.”

About Democrats: “Once a home of democracy’s gracious impulses has become a reactionary bastion. It’s signature issues of health care, education and welfare held hostage by teaching and social work bureaucracies that are utterly resistant to change, its spiritual vigor sapped by vehement secularism and an overdependence on the Judicial system, symbolize by the fanatic defense of abortion rights, its soggy internationalism spineless in the face of a dangerous world.”

Both parties swan towards their extremes. And that’s too bad. The above is a negative portrayal of both parties, sure, but if it an accurate depiction then for now I’m happy being a moderate.

This is what politics should really be like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAXz6j4Yj9M

Thoughts on pop culture:

It puts a callus on your soul.

Interview Part 2: Return of the King

Daniel: Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to the second part of our one part series, "Interviews from the Beyond." I'm your host, and we're here tonight with our guest, A.J.

A.J.: Who are you talking to? Are we on the air now?

Daniel: Um...

A.J.: Don't worry about it. Let's do this thing.

Daniel: Right. In case people forgot - which I find hard to believe - you recently came back from Micromachine Island, correct?

A.J.: No, that is not correct.

Daniel: Nanoneasia?

A.J.: Try again…although that name should work.

Daniel: The Federated States of Micronesia, specifically the island of Chuuk?

A.J.: Close enough.

Daniel: Oh? Is Chuuk a nation unto itself but part of a larger, sovereign nation?

A.J.: It is one of the four states of the independent country of FSM. Micronesia is the name of the area that spans over 3000 miles; Palau in the west, Marshall Islands in the east.

Daniel: I see. That's very different from the large land mass of North America. What's it like not being constantly surrounded by water?

A.J.: It was amazing when I first arrived back on the "main island" 6 months ago. The isolation was a bit overwhelming, I'll be honest. Being able to travel over 3 miles is revolutionary. The Chuukese picture all of the continents of the world as bigger “islands”.

Daniel: When you see a large poster of the ocean do you ever convulse in fear, or try to dive in a la Wiley E. Coyote, only to realize it's a brick wall?

A.J.: I DO find myself being drawn to any picture of a beach sunset or a palm tree. It's like I block everything else out to look at the palm tree while saying, "Yeah, I've been there." Then I crash my car into that wall you were talking about.

Daniel: I imagine another physical difference is the temperature. How have you dealt with that change?

A.J.: It's not just a difference in temperature, but in climate overall. The story I tell everyone is how on the first two weeks of being home, while my friends were in shorts and a t-shirt, sweating under the sun, I was wearing long pants and a sweat shirt, and very cold. That is not an exaggeration…Also, did you know that it gets cold when the sun goes down? That's a new one for me.

Daniel: I always thought the moon was just a big ball of cheese, which brings me to another point - being in the eastern hemisphere and basically living on the equator, were things backwards? Did toilets flow the other way, did the sun go up at night, and was every day opposite day?

A.J.: We ate dog and treated spam like out pets. I guess that is opposite. While I enjoyed the luxury of modern toilets, they also had holes in the ground, using the Japanese name "benjo". That's another thing that was a huge change: a lot less Pacific Islander and Japanese culture here on the east coast. Who knew.

Daniel: I see. Did you try and bring back any aspects of the Micronesian - Pacific Islander or Japanese - culture back here? Did any island spirits follow you home?

A.J.: If it's anything like the movie "Spirited Away", then I'm afraid, so I'll say no. I didn't really bring anything back with me, unless you count a better sense of peace, confidence and a new understanding of where I fit into this world. I did NOT bring back the concept of "island time", which basically means just show up whenever you want. But they still believe in spirits in some parts on the islands.

Daniel: That's really cool about the spirits. Do they wear watches in Micronesia? Do you currently wear a watch, or own a timepiece?

A.J.: I can look up into the sky and tell the time, give or take 12 seconds.

Daniel: Impressive. Let's talk about what it's like here. For you. Now.

A.J.: Now it is 61 degrees in my apartment, but 76 degrees and CLIMBING in my room. Two words: space heater.

Daniel: A smart move. However, have you become more aware of the large environmental movement that is taking place?

A.J.: The "global summer" crisis? Anything for a longer summer. "Global summer" is the more positive way of saying global warming ... sorry, my brain literally froze, I forgot the original question.

Daniel: Why do hate Mother Nature?

A.J.: Because she didn't put pristine Pacific lagoon waters in the Long Island Sound. I can never swim at the beach here ever again. The geography was ridiculously beautiful. Of course, it was the people that were the most beautiful thing of my two years.

Daniel: Aww…wait, no, it was the sunsets. Don't lie.

A.J.: Yeah, that's true. You got me.

Daniel: I'm reminded of a moment from the made-for-TV film "Rescue From Gilligan's Island." If you recall, the castaways are rescued and they return to the United States. At one point, the skipper remarks to Gilligan, "Can you believe it, before we left, girls wore their shorts here (gesturing with his hand near the knee), when we were gone they were here (gesturing closer to the hip), and now they're back to here (gesturing back to the knee)!" It was hilarious.

A.J.: (Serious face) That's not funny at all.

Daniel: The point is, um, do girls dress differently here?

A.J.: Yes, it's very traditional on Chuuk, so coming back was shocking in the way that it seemed like borderline nudity when I returned. The sexual messages also seem more explicit here, especially after being away from TV and advertisements.

Daniel: Are you overwhelmed by TV, the internet, the fast pace of technological advancements and the hyperactive society we live in? Do the financial, political, social, and religious problems bombard your consciousness, making you yearn for the simple life you were part of for the past two years?

A.J.: Go to a happy place, go to a happy place ... sorry, my mind wandered to one of those tropical scenes we usually see on screen savers.

Daniel: So it appears you've been able to find a happy medium.

A.J.: Well, I would rather avoid TV. I like to mute commercials when I do watch television. I think I freak my father and brother out when I do that.

Daniel: I have no idea what you’re talking about... when do you think the writers strike will end?

A.J.: (silence)

Daniel: Do you care?

A.J.: I didn't, until I realized that a big issue lies with the fabulous new invention of being able to
watch entire TV shows on the internet...but no, I still don't care.

Daniel: Fascinating.

A.J.: So yeah, overall, the transition has been OK, but I think it's a process that will take a while to get through.

Daniel: Like it'll end tomorrow?

A.J.: I am pretty sure the transition will end in 3 days from now.

Daniel: That's mighty quick. But it sounds good. How does culture shock compare to static shock?

A.J.: One is slightly more painful, but I’ll let you figure out which one.

Daniel: What's the worst part of culture shock you've experienced?

A.J.: It's weird because I am home, but most of the time I don't feel home. But it's not necessarily a bad feeling. Very surreal, though.

Daniel: The worst thing you came back to, or the thing you miss most?

A.J.: I really can’t stand the advertisement industry. I feel like Charlie Brown in “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.”

Daniel: You have legitimate problems when you try to pick out a Christmas tree?

A.J.: They don’t sell palm trees! What the heck?

Daniel: I see. And what's the best part of culture shock, if one can say such a thing?

A.J.: Burritos.

Daniel: Well said. And like a burrito, layers will keep being added on to the coming home experience, until you can wrap your mind around it. Then there might be heartburn. I think I've extended the metaphor enough. Maybe on your travels you can find a better one.

A.J.: You can never extend a metaphor long enough...

Daniel: … (Awkward silence)...

A.J.: …I don't know what that really means.

Daniel: Cosmic.

A.J.: Indeed.

Daniel: Thanks for discussing some of your experience with culture shock and rediscovering Western civilization, i.e. Monday Night Football. I'm sure there is a lot more to it, which people can ask about in the comments.

A.J.: No one else reads this blog. So I can say things like "are you ready to rob this bank with me Daniel?"

Daniel: That's true. I would of course say "I'm already inside the vault. Now get me out!"

A.J.: Interviews inside a bank vault are the best. We should do this again sometime.

Daniel: Definitely. But I'm on "island time," so we'll see when that'll be.

A.J.: Touché.



Daniel Cabrera frequently writes on his blog titled "The Salt Miner" which can be found if you click one of the links on this website. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize with his book "Das Boot 2: The Shoe Fits." He currently lives at home in the state of denial.

Coming soon...

Hey fellas. The next blog will be another interview conducted by my brother. The format will be the same except with a new topic: adjusting to culture shock in the past 6 months.

Stay tuned.

If you don't know what these are, you are living a sad, sad life. Garden Catering High School Special with honey mustard, side of fried zucchini, and Express Pizza pizza. What a lunch!

This has nothing to do with the upcoming blog, but I had a picture of this on my computer, and pictures are awesome, this food is the best, so it was obvious that I had to post it.

The Unis

Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side. This was taken on November 7th and it was very, very cold.

Hello fellow travellers.

Oh wait, that's just me. You're all behind desks.

In the past few weeks, I've been able to go from 45 degree weather to 23 degree weather on the same ROAD TRIP. New Hampshire and Vermont are ridiculously beautiful. There are signs that warn you of "Moose Crossings". Also, I finally saw land completely covered in snow.

And yesterday, at UCONN, it was snowing. Incredibly majestic, nostalgic, and almost as emotional as watching a Charlie Brown Christmas (best Christmas movie EVER...if you disagree, we're in a fight).

So now I'm back at Holy Cross, then going to BC tomorrow, then going to PC the next day, then Yale, then make a stop at Philadelphia while on my way to DC.

But we're not here to talk about me (lie). Today, we're going to kick off the award season with the first ever Unis! Short for University Awards.

What are the Unis?

This is where I award certain schools for qualities that make them stand out above the rest. I beleive I have had some reasonable experience in dealing with different college campuses. Granted, I usually just pass through these universities for a day, or even less, so these qualities are mostly superficial. But my keen sense of judgement (which is never wrong) has been able to pick up on what makes these places great.

So forget the Kaplan book of all the universities out there. Forget the U.S. News and World Report issue on Top Colleges in the country! It's time for the ultimate college guide:

A.J. Cabrera Presents the First Bi-Annual University Awards!

(Let's do this!)

The nominees for Fall 2007 are:

Spring Hill (AL), Loyola (LA), Southern (LA), LSU (LA), Wheeling Jesuit (WV), U. Dayton (OH), Xavier (OH), John Carroll (OH), Mercyhurst (PA), Union (NY), St. Joe's (PA), Villanova (PA), Loyola (MD), Catholic (DC), Georgetown (DC), Holy Cross (MA), Boston College (MA), Providence (RI), Scranton (PA), Canisius (NY), Duke (NC), Elon (NC), Davidson (NC), UNC Chapel Hill (NC), UVA (VA), William and Mary (VA), Fairfield (CT), Sacred Heart (CT), UCONN (CT), Dartmouth (NH), St. Anselm (NH), and St. Michael's (VT), Smith (MA) and Assumption (MA).

And the winners are......................................................dun dun dun ...............

Best College Town

I do not necessarily spend time in these nearby towns, but they are important for students. These quaint little hamlets provide a nice atmosphere for students to further enclose themselves in the protective, comfortable haven that is the college campus.

1st: UNC - Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Awesome place.

2nd: UVA - Charlottsville, Virginia - Thomas Jefferson bias helps this winner.

3rd: Smith College - Nothampton, MA - I literally plassed by this town the other day for one second, but was thoroughly impressed. The two students with whom I talked with at Smith agreed ... obviously. Who disagrees with me?

Best Community Feeling

For the smaller campuses, there is that community feel that definitely illuminates the spirit of that particular school. Everyone knows each other and you do not feel lost in the crowd.


Winner: St. Mike's



Most Beautiful Female Population

What can I say, it's something I notice. Hate the player, not the game.


Winner: Boston College



Best School to Play 18 Holes of Golf

I think this award is pretty self explanatory. If you need more explanation, feel free to email me. I will not respond.

Winner: Spring Hill








Best "Would Be the Best School if it Was Not For the Cold Weather" School

Let's be honest, I still can't deal with the cold. Harvard can offer me a full ride and room and board, but since it is too cold in Boston, I'd say no thank you ... and go to Princeton, the better Ivy.



1st: St. Mike's in Vermont (19 degrees?!? Please.)

2nd: Canisius (My first snow I experienced. This school specifically has tunnels connecting the buildings so students will not perish from the elements in Buffalo.)



Best Food

Sometimes I have enough time to spend time at the dining hall. Now, I remember loathing college food, but that was back when I was a spoiled college student (no offense, college students). But after 2 years of spam and not-fresh everything, I love college food.



Winner: Canisius. Being in Buffalo, home of Buffalo wings, certainly helps.




Nicest Jesuit Residence

I am lucky enough to be put up in these quasi-hotels for a night if I am visiting campuses. The Jesuits are great people all around, and although they live a life of poverty, it doesn't necessarily show in their residences. All these winners were incredibly close, but if I had to rank them:


1st: Holy Cross

2nd: Scranton

3rd: Canisius




Best School in the Middle of a City

I am not a fan of city schools. However, this winner is able to have that beautiful campus feel while being stuck in an urban area.


1st: St. Joe's in Philadelphia

(close second): Loyola in New Orleans

(close third): Georgetown in Washington, DC

Coolest Student Center

I usually table at the Student Centers, where students can come for hanging out, food, or other services. This winner definitely stands out above the rest. I would go to this school SIMPLY for its awesome student center.


Winner: Xavier University, Cincinnati Ohio

(closest second): Davidson, North Carolina

(playing XBOX 360 on a huge wide screen HD TV helped put this school up on the board) Fairfield U.

Most Pleasant Overall Feeling

When I visit a campus, I may get a gloomy feeling from the faculty and students, or I am well recieved with love and warmth and candy canes and rainbows and smiling suns and ... you get the idea.


(Tie)

St. Mike's

St. Joe's



Most Beautiful Campus

This is the big award, the Best Motion Picture of the Unis. This takes into account the layout of the campus, the buildings, the greens, the weather, EVERYTHING.

I also took the size of the school into account. For instance, Elon in North Carolina was INCREDIBLY pretty, but only, like, 3 students go there. Plus it's in the middle of no where ... plus I had a lame visit. That's the politics of the Unis.


For a small school: Spring Hill

For a big school: Duke







That's it for now. If you would like me to rank certain schools in other categories, please let me know. If your school did not win and would like to lobby for it, I encourage it.







Thanks for watching. I'm sorry this award blog took 3 hours to read (that's an Academy Awards reference, it's OK if you didn't get it).







PS: I just discovered Craigslist.com . My goodness, they have everything!! My favorite is how people post up those random connections, like "I saw you on the bus today in Worcester and we made eye contact, email me if you are reading this." What is the world becoming? Not any warmer.

BONUS: Play the "What should AJ do when he grows up?" game!! If you submit ANY answer, you win! Don't be a loser: play this game!

Overdue Pictures

Hey everyone,

I'm at Dartmouth now. I'm sure it's freezing outside, here at Hanover, New Hampshire, but I am not going to find out. My car will probably be covered in ice tomorrow. You know what that means!

It means I am living inside my nice little guest room until it gets warm. Like 80 degrees warm.

Anyway, Thanksgiving was awesome, I got a lot of rest, gained like 80 pounds from all the good food and sitting around inside because I was too afraid of the cold outside.

Sidenote: "No Country for Old Men" was AWFUL. Discuss.

So here are some pics that I haven't put up in a while. Enjoy.

That's me, impressed with UVA's architecture.



Look at that. Isn't it amazing? I think the other 4 people in the world who know anything about classical architecture agree with me.

Want to know why I couldn't get into the Monticello? See the bottom two words. $14 to see a house? Ridiculous.

Yeah, pretty lame blog. The next one will be filled with pearls of wisdom. I owe it to you.

Oh, and here is one of me that I found. This was taken exactly 2 years ago, when I felt like not shaving for a month. Pretty sweet, huh?

If it is below 70 degrees, it is FREEZING

(Note: I left my camera in Raleigh, so when I get it back, I'll post new pics)

Travel check:

Several posts ago, I indicated that my last visit was Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. My friends: time has passed, roads were traveled, and growth occured (not growth like there is an unwanted growth coming out of my side, but intelectual, emotional, follical and spiritual growth).

Since October 18th, I have been to the following places, in this order:

Boston, Worcester, Providence, back to Woo-Town, Baltimore, Greenwich, Fairfield, Scranton, Buffalo, Charlottseville, Virginia, Raleigh, Elon, Chapel Hill and Davidson (where I am right now).

Those schools are: Boston College, Holy Cross, Providence College, Scranton University, Canisius University, UVA, Elon, Duke, UNC and Davidson College.


But now, the moment you've been waiting for: my thoughts on who should be the next president of the United States. Honestly, don't expect anything big from me. Some of you are probably eager to see if I'm a Obama guy or Hilary girl...er, guy. My answer, to some, will be a cop-out, but I have to let you know because this epiphany was sparked specifically by a place I traveled to, and this is a blog about my travels, not about politics.

Speaking of, can someone find me a GOOD website where I can see all of the candidates and their voting record and stance on issues. The New York Times attempted to put up a site on just that, but it wasn't that good, in my opinion. There are more issues out there than Iraq, Immigrants, Abortion and Health Care.

I digress. Here is the moment of truth. The next president should be....

...a historian, specifically an expert in all things relating to Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the founding fathers.

LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME ... is what you're probably saying (if you are saying that, then you're lame). But let me tell you what sparked this, and if you looked carefully at the places I visited recently, you could probably find out.

That's right, scholars, my visit to UVA made me remember how AWESOME Tom was...and still is! If you didn't know, TJ designed most of the architecture of the University of Virginia. I remember spending several lectures in my Classical America class with Professor Z. on the architecture of UVA.

Also, I just purchased two audio books for myself. One is I Am America, and So Can You, by Steven Colbert. The other is about the founding fathers, The American Creation by Pulitzer Prize winner Joseph Ellis. Yeah, I'm pretty cool.

Think about it: what COULDN'T Thomas Jefferson do? He invented, designed, built, wrote, governed, led, inspired, probably even mastered yoga before it was invented. People argue that after our founding fathers, the succession of presidents was an example of Darwin's theory of evolution in reverse! So let's just refer to back to the genius who started it all. I'm sure his spirit can still make great decisions today.

Think about it some more: Picture this: In the Oval Office, someone asks "We have a crisis, what should we do?" Then we have the intelectual and witty arguments akin to West Wing episodes between the many advisors, when suddenly, this historian/President chimes in by saying "Well, if Thomas Jefferson were alive today, he would probably do this..." And then proceed to say what TJ would do. How can you argue with that?! No matter how crazy or irrelevant the advice is, we are all awed to even try and glimpse into the minds of these demigods.

Another perk: Our president's greatest achievement as of late was saying 5 words in French. Mr. Jefferson knew the entire language. Probably invented some other languages as well. And if our president is a historian, he (or she) would bedazzle foreign leaders with his/her vast knowledge of other country's histories and cultures that only dorky history nerds like to learn. Leaders of other countries would get a huge kick out of that and instantly love America again.

Ok, let's move on.

I'm waiting to get some pictures from Niagara Falls, where I went when I was in Buffalo, NY. Yes, it was amazing, and breathtaking, and freezing.

Actually, let's talk about that...the freezing part. You'd think I'd spend time in this travel blog about the majesty of one of the wonders of the world. No. This is about me.

So let's talk about how cold it was. I left BWI early in the morning Tuesday October 6th, 2007 in the . A good 50 degrees. On the plane, the pilot was doing his thing: "...cruising altitude of 35 thousand blah blah ... arriving in blah blah ... left engine on fire blah blah ..." but then he said something that surprised everyone in the plane: "It seems to be snowing in Bufflo."

I was stunned. I was not emotionally prepared for this encounter. It's been almost 3 years since I've seen snow. You have no idea how I longed for snow several times during my 2 year-long tropical experience.

Alex, the NW recruiter picked me up at the airport, and the first thing she asked was what was wrong with me. It was clear from my face that too many emotions were hitting me at once, let alone the snow flakes themselves. I was giddy and scared at the same time.

After the nostalgic feelings subsided, I realized something...it was too damn cold! 42. 40. 39. 37. 35 degrees, my peoples. Way too cold. Goodness!!

But luckily here in North Carolina, it's been a nice 50 - 74 degrees!

BUT I either have a killer cold or ridiculously stupid, stupid, stupid allergies, because I have been drugged up with cold medicine since Friday (6 days and counting) and have not been able to breath through my nose since.

Now THAT'S lame.

What else to report? I saw my cousin, Nate, at Duke, which was pretty awesome. Haven't seen him in 3 years.

Duke was beautiful, by the way. So was UNC. Also, I definitely pulled a typical performer move while at UNC. I found out that there is a HUGE rivalry between Duke and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. So as I began my shpeel about JVC at UNC, I definitely made fun of Duke in the beginning, saying how I recieved a warmed reception there.

It got some laughs, but part of me felt guilty, knowing that little quip was on the same level, if not slightly above, that move that performers say at the beginning of a show where they shout "Hello..." and then the city their in. Or whenever someone goes to Holy Cross, they always make fun of Boston College before.

However, another part of me has ALWAYS wanted to do something like that. I had an opening. I took it. I got laughes. I ruled.

A shout out to the lovely girls I'm staying with at the Raleigh JV house. They've been nice enough to endure my stuffy, non-sexy voice for the past couple of days, but they've all been oh so great.

The best part about crashing with them: I discovered a secret talent. I am the MASTER at Pictionary. I played 6 times. Each time with a different partner. Won every time, hands down. None of the games were close. The last game we were totally behind, but had the most unforgetable come-from-behind-win that makes the 2004 Boston Red Sox playoff victory look like that ... game I forgot about! See, so forgetable, unlike my Pictionary skills. Or skillz, if you want it like that.

Guess what? On my time off in Virginia, I went to see the Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home and also an architectural masterpiece.

When I got there, unfortunately, there was something that was blocking my enterance: a $14 ticket.

I like history too, and classical architecture, but $14 to see a house. No thank you.

I'd rather pay $20 to hear Stephen Colbert tell me how to live my life as an American. Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

Quiz, the Flow of Traffic and Bamboo

Travel check: number of beds/couches I have slept in since I began my travels on Sept. 15th (including my bed in my apartment in Baltimore and my home in Greenwich)

... 14... in 46 days. That's .304 beds a day!!


That's fourteen different bed sizes, mattress maleabilities (the plural is not a word, but you get the idea), sheet fabrics, pillow fluffocities (I'm pretty sure that is a word), room temperatures, atmosphere ambiances and 14 different snuggle buddies ... just kidding.









But enough about me ... it's time for some assessment.









Let's see how you do on this quiz. On the surface it seems like a quiz about me and my travels. I am not that self-centered as you think. My blog is not just about me.


This quiz is about you and your place in the world. Feel free to interpret the answers and choices in anyway that you can.


1. What is worse than getting your rental car towed from your own apartment complex?


a) Having Martin Sheen fall on it a la The Departed.

b) Allowing your "friends" to fill your entire vehicle with "female products."

c) Finding your entire car filled up with delicious, homemade Mrs. Cabrera pesto sauce, realizing you cannot eat it because you locked your keys inside!

d) Getting it towed twice.


If you picked choice "a", then you are a sicko, and we will never say anything bad about President Bartlet ever again.

If you picked choice "b", then you may or may not be a good friend of mine who already had this happen to them (he goes to a certain school in Utah ... let's just say it rhymes with Smigum Fun University).

If you picked choice "c" then, like me, you are always thinking of homemade food.

Now if you picked choice "d", then you know that yesterday was indeed the SECOND time my rental car from Philadelphia has been towed. Yup. At least yesterday morning I did not have to pay the $220 since it was my apartment complex's fault it got towed yet again. For the 4 days I've been back in Baltimore in the past 6 weeks, half of those mornings I walk out of my front door, look at where my car WAS parked, look to the left, look to the right, then once more again back to my spot, then throw my fist in the air and curse the gods.




2. Traveling around the entire east coast is exciting, but it has some very negative and unexpected consequences, such as:


a) a preference to listening to the "scan" button cruise every radio station - for a good 10 seconds a station - for hours on end.

b) convincing yourself that you can "read" the "flow" of traffic patterns and sometimes want to quit your job to restructure the rules of the road to elminate traffic forever.

c) becoming so drained from the constant driving that during the numerous times one is able to have social time with others, you would rather sleep and sleep and not be in a car forever.

d) memorizing the exact layout of gas stations.

e) all of the above.


If you answered either "a", "b", "c" or "d", then that's pretty sad, although answering "d" is very practical.


If you answered "e", well, then, you're me.









3. If YOU were on a 3 mile tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and not able to come home the entire time for two years, then you appreciate the little things in life. To be more exact, you get satisfaction from the SMALLEST, everyday things. You would be a little TOO excited for...



a) wall to wall carpeting.


b) Youtube video watching until 3 in the morning.


c) the option of a filet minon for dinner or a single block of fresh romano cheese, because neither of those things exist on small islands.


d) the prospect of having a girl speak to (but you're too afraid to talk back anyway, because you forgot how to)


e) Monday Night Football




If none of these apply to you, at least you should have said "e", cause that's pretty exciting regardless. (Who doesn't love Brett Favre? What a good ol' American.)



(Who wears t-shirts to press conferences?! A patriot ... of freedom, that's who!)







4. Visitng one's alma mater is great, but strange. Especially if you haven't been back on your campus for two whole years. The CRAZIEST thing you notice is:


a) there is a new "Cold Stone" esque shoppe (not shop) that previously did not exist.


b) there is a new sandwich and salad bar, but like all good things in HC dining, there needs to be a downside, such as waiting 45 minutes for the salad to be made.


c) you cannot snap your fingers and make any two freshmen males fight to the death, even though that was a power you once enjoyed while you were a senior back on campus


d) you feel completely at home, yet at the same time not at all


e) students would rather watch the World Series than go to mass, class or play the bass (ha, I bet you read it as "bass" rhyming with "sass", not "base" ... take that!).



If you answered "a" or "b", then you have not been on your Holy Cross campus in two years. These new additions are scary.



If you answered "d", then perhaps you would rather I give more serious insights throughout my blog instead of silly, silly comments ... like answer "c" ... which was once true.



If you answered "e", then, like me, you like making fun of Red Sox fans.





(I took that picture myself. Holy Cross now has helicopter transportation from dorm to dorm.)






I think that will do it for now. Mail in your answers and whoever has the highest points will receive a prize.





Remember, you're not having fun at your job until you sleep in .304 beds a day!

New Feature - Being Nice to AJ Lets You Put Your Website on my Blog!

That's right. Here is a cool website from good friend Kristen in NY.


www.watersunclothing.com

It mostly sells name brand sportswear for cheap and has some cool functional clothing (super nanotechnology winter clothing and shirts made entirely from bamboo... which is surprisingly soft!) Plus, if you go on before Dec, you can enter to win a Duofold Duo Dri jacket (lightweight, water resistant, good for jogging.)

Plus, every time you click on that website, $1 will be donated to the Pay AJ's Towing Fee Foundation. It's a great cause. It will change your life.

I'm famous

http://www.holycross.edu/publicaffairs/features/2007-2008/volunteerfair_07

Dumbledore is also a Yankees fan.

Travel check:

Since September 15th until October 19th I have been to New Orleans, Mobile, Baton Rouge, Philadelphia, Wheeling WV, Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Erie PA, Greenwich, Schenectady NY, Philadelphia again, New York, Baltimore, Washington DC, back to Baltimore, back to DC and now back to Baltimore.

That's Spring Hill College, Southern University, LSU, Loyola University in New Orleans, Wheeling Jesuit University, Univeristy of Dayton, Xavier University, John Carroll University, Mercyhurst College, Union College, Villanova University, St. Joseph's University, Fordham University, Georgetown University, Loyola Maryland, and then Catholic University of America.

(Those colors are nice, right?)

4,377 miles from New Orleans to Wheeling.

2,233 miles since then.

47 hours of driving since Wheeling.

That's 6,610 miles total. What!

So that's what I've done so far. I'm currently chilling in my apartment in Baltimore. The girls, my roommates, just went out for a night in the town. I would join them except I'm still exhausted from my week in Baltimore and DC and, you know, that whole month on the road.

Oh yeah. I'm recovering from a crippling cold that I barely survived. 50 degree weather for the FIRST TIME IN over 28 months will do that do you. So I'm recovering from that.

Before my roommates left, I fixed myself a little celebratory drink (I fixed it BEFORE they left so I wouldn't be that guy that makes himself drinks alone ... but now they're gone, so I guess I'm drinking alone) to celebrate the fact that I've survived the first 5 weeks of traveling, non-stop talking, constant shmoozing and walking on a tight rope ... literally. I joined a circus. Not a figurative circus. One with elephants.

While I'm writing, and I realize that what I'm writing is not that exciting, I make things up. So here is a picture for you to enjoy:

(The name of the picture is "Global Face" ... no joke.)

Anyway, I'm off to Boston this Sunday for the Boston College, Holy Cross and Providence College round. It ought to be a busy yet very fun time.

.....

Ok! So now I'm writing from Boston. I'm a few miles away from BC, where I spent my day in the Hillside Cafe meeting with students. I was soooooo tired a few days ago when I was back in Baltimore that I just fell asleep while leaving the computer on. Crazy.

This job is exhausting. I've said it before and I'll say it again: my job is really exciting and very interesting and will probably not do anything like this ever again, but it's really exhausting.

I have discovered two similarities between my time now and my time in Micronesia:

1) I have no social life. Over there: small island, only 4 other Americans, very conservative culture, no venues for socializing, too busy with school. Over here: 40% of my time is meeting people, 30% of my time is driving, 20% is doing work/planning for my travels and meetings ... and that leaves me about 10% left. Not to socialize, but to SLEEP.

2) I have no idea what's going on in the news. Over there: no TV, 24 hour power was rare, internet was sketchy, didn't feel like catching up with the news since most of what was being reported did not feel like it fit on a small tropical island. Over here: always in the car, listening to books on tape such as Charlie Wilson's War or Farewell to Arms, or resting away from the TV. NO time to care about what's going on in the world.

Moving along ... I AM watching the TV right now in my friend's apartment. Just the local news. As you must know, the Red Sox won last night. And watching the local news here in Boston is, well, kind of cute. Cute is the word I have for it. EVERYTHING has to do with the Red Sox winning. They are reporting the weather in relation to the World Series games.

"Here is the weather in Boston, New York ... and Colorodo. Oh, it's raining in Cleveland, where they are landing right now." ('they' = the Indians who are flying home from the loss yesterday in Fenway)

I know the city is allowed to be happy for the win last night, but if every inch of the local news has to always relate back to the Red Sox (I just saw a piece on the news about the paint job of the field) borderlines on insecurity. But I'll be nice and say the whole thing is very cute.

Speaking of sports...

Notre Dame fans. I know you love your Golden Dome, but check out the dome on the Basillica at Catholic University of America. Very beautiful. When I stop being lazy, I'll upload the nice picture I took of it. For now, here is one from the internet:

...Ok, I'm sorry, back to a previous topic. The news on the TV is now on a story about the matchup ... no, not the matchup between the Red Sox and the Rockies, but between the CITIES Boston and Denver.





I may take back the "cute" comment and go back to "insecure."





What can I say? I love NY.

Interview with AJ - My Job

Hello everyone,

This is a very special blog you're getting today. In order to really understand me and my travels, in order to really get to know me, I thought it would be insightful if someone asked me questions and I answered them back.

Luckily, we have renowned blogger, future Nobel Laureate for Peace (he can make pretty cool slide shows too), writer of such One Acts like "Death of a Saleswoman - The Roudy Musical", Mr. Daniel Cabrera.

Let's begin the show. Enjoy.

(note: this interview took place over IM. 89% of this has not been altered. When I use big words, that means I probably used a thesaurus when editing the interview.)

Daniel: So, let's talk about your job

AJ: Sounds good

Daniel: First off, let's get the record straight ... do you have a job?

AJ: I don't think I made that clear when I started this blog. I do have a job, though. I guess it's full time because I'm, you know, always busy, but it ends in March.

Daniel: A job is still a job

AJ: Well, according to your blog, a job can be a bit boring at times. I think mine is awesome.

Daniel: What's the most awesome thing about your job and why?

AJ: Meeting so many different people; students, Jesuit priests, Jesuit Volunteers, people working for the colleges. They're full of great experience and are doing interesting things.

Daniel: I've heard some people ask this, so I'll relay it: are you going to be a priest?

AJ: No.

Daniel: Are priests going to be you?

AJ: I guess if they complete the application process and training... just kidding. They need to pass the obstacle course.

Daniel: Let's talk about your office

AJ: Sure. I'm actually there right now, alone, on a beautiful Saturday.

Daniel: So you're typing from your car?

AJ: Almost. I'm back in Baltimore for the first time in a month, so I have the luxery of being in the second floor of my office building.

Daniel: But you're not parked on the second floor?

AJ: The stairwell is pretty big, I think my Corola can fit up the stairs. But I didn't try today.

Daniel: You drive a lot for this job, often for long stretches of time. Does that get lonely?

AJ: Not really, actually. My job consists of always meeting new people, giving presentations, sitting down and having one-on-ones. It's great and gives me so much energy, but since I have to be "on" all the time, it is nice to just be by myself and listen to music. It's my time to not have to talk.

Daniel: Do you have CD's or listen to the radio, or sing your own songs?

AJ: I mostly listen to the "scan" button.

Daniel: How about pit stops? You must have seen some interesting things.

AJ: The trucker stop in the middle of PA was interesting. Big fat men in overalls playing hunting arcade games. The scenery of upstate NY is also really beautiful.

Daniel: Any quaint bits of americana? Or any world's largest ball of lint?I suppose truckers in overalls is quaint, but more like that?

AJ: Not yet. The East Coast is pretty chill.

Daniel: When you reach 88 mph while driving do you travel through time?

AJ: Oh yeah, I thought that happened to me every time I reached 88. I would travel back a few decades, even one century in an instant. But then I realized that I was just in Ohio.

Daniel: What's the most frightening thing that's happened on one of your trips?

AJ: I once ate an entire bag of those pretzel nacho Combos and felt fine afterwards.

Daniel: How are you able to stay over at some colleges without having to do frat initiations?

AJ: I let them know ahead of time that I was applying to sororities only. I had to be very strict about that.

Daniel: What do you think of the new fall TV lineup?

AJ: Let's be honest (LBH), since I'm always on the road, I have no idea what's happening on TV. I don't even know the sports schedule. It's exactly the same situation I was in when I was over in Micronesia. That's sad, if I think about it.

Daniel: Well, you're not missing much ... except for Kid Nation

AJ: Is that show any good? A real life Lord of the Flies?

Daniel: Well no. Not enough. Still, sweeps will come eventually.

AJ: I see ... no, actually, I don't see.

Daniel: You're travelling from Maine to Florida, is that correct?

AJ: Not directly, but my area is essentially between those two states.

Daniel: Have you considered being like Forrest Gump and operating a shrimping boat instead?

AJ: Only when I was driving through Alabama.

Daniel: Do you adopt the local accent and/or dialect wherever you go?

AJ: All the time. It helps with recruiting.

Daniel: Can you give an example?

AJ: "Hi, how are you today?"... hear that? Perfect Arabic accent.

Daniel: Does giving your presentation ever become tedious? Repetitive? Monotonous? Repetitive? Monotonous? because you've done it so many times? Does it ever become repetitive?

AJ: Not really, because I feel like I get better and better each time, more relaxed and confident. I do have this one joke I use in the beginning, and it's weird trying to pretend I just came up with it on the spot every time.

Daniel: Well, it looks like we're running out of time

AJ: But we have all day.

Daniel: This is making me hungry

AJ: Which part of my answers is making you hungry?

Daniel: Me talking makes me hungry

AJ: Understandable.

Daniel: Ok, last question: would you rather drive your current car and have gas paid for you, or would you rather drive the Batmobile but pay for your own gas?

AJ: I think I'd rather fly a helicopter and pay for my own Navy SEALS.

Daniel: Interesting. That's another way to see the world, I suppose... other than joining JVI.

AJ: No. JVI is the only way.

Daniel: Sounds good

"Hatame maste"

Current location: the President's house at Union College, Schenectady, NY (20 minutes from Albany, the second capital of NY state).

Question: What is round on both ends and hi in the middle?

Answer: How you say good morning in Japanese. “Ohio gozimas!”

OR, if you want the less corny (and, let’s be honest, less impressive) answer, you get the state Ohio. Here are a few facts about Ohio. The state motto is “Are we the east coast? Are we the Midwest? We don’t know!” and there are plenty of rolling, green hills in the south and flat farm land in the north. There are some sports teams sprinkled throughout the state with some cities attached to those teams.

(Geography lesson: this is NOT Ohio, but it's somewhere close!)

Overall, Ohio was pretty awesome, and I bring this up because I basically toured the whole state in 4 days last week.

I had three volunteer fairs back to back to back. A volunteer fair, for those of you not familiar, is usually a two hour event in a huge room packed with tables upon tables. On these tables are fancy table cloths with fancier display boards. Then you have the great people, interesting people, standing by each table representing the organization. If you like doing good or volunteering or traveling the world or living in community while living simply and all of that jazz, then you’ll get a kick out of these fairs. The batch of students are, for the most part, pretty awesome, since, you know, they are like the A.J. back in college (hot). And the reps manning (or womanning?) the tables are all former volunteers themselves who like to volunteer and do good. Do gooders, we call them (no one really calls them that).

Back to ohio gozimas, ken kideska. Watashi wa AJ-tess.

Sorry, I revert to the only three phrases I know in Japanese. It’s my way of saying I actually DID learn something in the Nesia.

Back to Ohio, land of the free. Monday October 1st was the University of Dayton. Huge campus with pretty buildings. Tuesday was Xavier University in Cincinnati, smaller campus but even prettier buildings. Cincinnati was great, the couple I stayed with were great, even though I didn’t even meet the wife who happened to be an FJV.

SIDE NOTE: It’s great when I meet awesome people on this trip, yet it stinks when I simply just crash and am in and out before I really get to meet these nice strangers.

Anyway, Cincinnati, apparently, is known for it’s ice cream (and that’s it … just kidding?). When people found out I was going to Cincinnati, they immediately told me to go to Graeters, an ice cream chain that even Oprah recommended (well then it MUST be good).

SIDE NOTE QUESTION: Oprah indirectly decides the direction American society is heading towards, your thoughts?

But, yes, Oprah is right once again; this ice cream was amazing. Taste tested some walnut coconut fudge, which was godlike, so I immediately bought the hazelnut chip ice cream. (In English Skills, that is what we call lack of coherence). Seriously though, I was between so many flavors (my breakfast on Wednesday was back to Graeters for the cookie dough … no joke).

Here is a link to their website. http://www.graeters.com/index.cfm I should get paid by them for this.

That brings up another deep insight on my wonderful travels across the country which enables me to meet wonderful people and see the purple majesty of the spacious skies that is America: I’m definitely getting fat! My irregular eating schedule (one day I’m eating in Little Italy in Cleveland, the next I eat a Subway sandwich and an energy drink as my only meal of the day) and the constant sitting on my tuckus on the road isn’t really helping my already Mr. Universe-esque physique. So that is, technically, a downside.

I say technically because, well, I don’t really care that much. My wit and charm will carry me through life(if you didn’t roll your eyes just there, you are special).

Back to that state somewhere near Pennsylvania. Wednesday was a 4 hour drive up to Cleveland where Alex (the JVC Northwest recruiter) and I peaced out from the city where the Patriots crushed the Begals (yeah!) to visit John Carroll University. Another great school, big into JVC and JVI (they are affiliated with the J), and I definitely received a boost of energy from the enthusiasm of the students.

Thursday was Erie, PA to Mercyhurst, a very small yet very beautiful campus, yet JVC, unfortunately, was not that big there. That just happens at some of the places I visit. But everyone there was incredibly nice, especially the Americorps volunteer and his wife with whom I stayed with. At least I spoke with a few students who were into post grad service. If you want to get a feeling for how familiar these students are with JVC, let me quote one girl who came up to my table:

“The only place I heard of the Jesuits was from the movie The Exorcist.”

Cool comment, but not that great at the time. I AM surprised that her own Jesuit reference didn’t sell her on the idea of an Ignatian-guided volunteer service. There are just some things in life that surprise you.

So my Ohio adventure was a good one, so I have nothing but positive feelings towards the forgotten state (who am I kidding, if it’s not in the Northeast, it’s usually forgotten … I’m a New England snob).

Well, after my nice weekend back in Greenwich (following an 8 hour drive from northeastern PA), I am now in Schenectady, NY, 20 minutes from Albany, at Union College. It is home to the only 16-sided building on any college campus...according to the President of the college (and good friend former Dean of Students at HC Mr. Ainlay), the ONLY 16-sided building in the Western Hemisphere. Fascinating, yet can someone verify that for me? Thanks.

Seriously, though, everyone has been extremely nice, stayed with an FJV and campus minister and religion professor Tom Boland, who is an HC grad. Good people.

I leave for Villanova tomorrow morning (leave by 5 in the morning for a 4 ½ hour drive). I’m a road warrior (I was not the one to give myself that title, but I’m sticking with it).

I’m kind of a big deal.

I know people.

So, thank you faithful readers for your support, your contributions, your allegiance, and your answer to this question:

If you were to make up a motto for any U.S. state, what would it be?

Oyasumi nasi!

Pumpkins are Patriotic

So I'm about to leave Wheeling and embark on my adventure to Ohio. Wheeling was a great time, and the WJU community was very hospitable. The Mother Jones House that I stayed at was also a fun time. They made me feel very comfortable and were incredibly cool. That house is like a mini JVC, where students apply to live in an intentional community. Good times.

I would say that this would be my first time into Ohio when I leave in an hour. But it's not!

The first time I entered the great state of Ohio was when I took the Amtrak to South Bend from Worcester, MA. Fine, I only passed through. And I was asleep most of the time.

But more importantly, I was in Ohio last Friday night, where I experienced a nice welcome back to the good ol' U.S. of A. That's right, I enjoyed a nice stroll into the heartland of America to witness the annual Pumpkin Festival in Barnesville.

What was great about this little excursion was how incredibly nostalgic it was. If you are like me, the fall season is my favorite. It intices so many emotions and memories and senses. There is a magical feel to the whole season. The cooling of the air, the darkening of the skies. School is underway, the holidays are approaching, and so on. The different food, the leaves changing, the bundling up of clothing. The change from the bright and bubbly summer is gradual but significant. I'm sure you can all recall these feelings every September, and perhaps pinpoint these feelings more accurately and eloquantly than me.

Now, imagine these emotions, this transition into the magical atmosphere that is autum, and multiply that by like 1000000000000000000000000000 billion. Yeah, that's me. Right now. And the Pumpkin festival sparked that intense reaction that has left me in a nostalgic state of innocent, childhood bliss ever since.

Imagine it's September, then October, getting later in the year, and the temperature, the climate, the season is exactly the same as it was in August. And you're not surrounded by small country towns putting up scarecrows and Halloween decorations, the leaves are NOT changing, and the wind is not getting chillier. That was what I experienced my first autum in Micronesia two years ago. We all love season change, but one of the cultural shocks was being denied that. Palm trees, beautiful snorkling in the pristine lagoon, and humid humidity (it's that hot!) all season long.

Check that: for me, and anyone else in the 'Nesia right now, it's like a 28 month-long August.

So, now I am back. I am experiencing those wonderful feelings of Autum once again. The nostalgia, ladies and gentlemen, is ridiculous. Surreal. It's ultimately a great, sweet feeling.

And there was something very patriotic about walking down a very small Appalacian town in the hills on a bustling Friday night, where the whole town comes together to put all of their spirit and energy and pride into celebrating pumpkins and all of their might.

Here is their website: http://www.barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com/Default.htm

(I saw one of them that night! The actual Pumpkin Queen!)

The little things that can only be found in America stood out to me:

All the high school students working the booths at the carnival concession stands.

Every store, private, family owned, chains, with pumpkin paintings on the display windows. If a store did not show its pumkin pride, I think a brick would have found itself hurled through.

The fried food. So much fried treats and what nots. I had myself a bloomin onion and a good root beer float. It tasted like ... freedom. (The 800% of grease in the onion made me feel queesy, but that patriotic type of queesiness....you know what I'm talking about!)

A 70 year old man in a bright orange (orange being the color of pumpkins) yelling into a microphone examining the dozens of pumpkins brought in to be weighed.

Little kids with pumpkins painted on their faces. Or dressed up as pumpkins...or actually inside a pumpkin.

(This picture, sadly, could have been me when I was 2 years old. I think it says somewhere in the Constitution that all parents must dress their infants as pumpkins for their first Halloweens. I'm pretty sure it's the 28th Amendment.)

Bands of country singers (definitely not professional singers. I think anyone could have jumped on stage if they have handled a guitar or banjo before. I don't even think sobriety was a requirement). We sat and enjoyed the renditions of the Day-O song mixed in with the Beverly Hill Billies theme. (???)

Oh yeah, there were a lot of pumpkin flavored food. Pumpkin juice, bread, pie, icecream, drinks, cake, donut, shrimp (just kidding).

And finally, huge pumpkins. Like Barry Bonds pumpkins (hey-oh)! This year's winner (which was posted up on that digital clock that those banks have, of course) was over 1,200 pounds. I touched it. I would have had a picture with it, but my batteries died (probably from being overwhelmed by the pumpkin spirits that engulfed all of us all evening).

What great times. The fact that it was 59 degrees that night and it made me want to be run over by a truck is besides the point. It was a great cultural experience, part of the reason why I took this job. Exploring middle America is a new experience for me. I got a taste of one of the many flavors of this country. It certainly opened my eyes to what is around us.

For example, a small thing I noticed was that I was definitely the only minority in the entire town.

Viva Cuba!

Mascot-eating Tigers and Potlucks in Bars

**This version includes some grammatical corrections, noted by my brother. I said that miles were "m.", but they're actually "mi." And I used to be a geometry teacher!!**

2023 mi. + 180 mi. (New Orleans to Baton Rouge and back) +500 mi. (New Orleans to Houston, air) +1,324 mi. (Houston to Philadelphia, air) + 350 mi. (Philadelphia to Wheeling, WV) = 4,377 miles

Current location: Wheeling, West Virginia

States traveled in: 5

Number of cows saw in Pennsylvania: probably around 300

Po-Boys eaten: 2

Bourbon Streets walked down: 1

Number of dueling pianos witnessed: two (is it possible to have one dueling piano?? write in with your answer!)

Number of dishes at the potluck in a New Orleans bar while watching the Saints game: close to 20

...and we'll start this week's blog with that last fast. A potluck dinner, free food, in a BAR. I don't think health codes would allow that to take place in any other city (write to me if I'm wrong, which I probably am), but seriously, how cool is that. Apparently this bar, Finn McCools, is the best place to watch Saints games other than the Super Dome. Monday night it was packed. There were serveral TVs including a huge projector screen showing the game. The game, unfortunately, was not pretty. All of the dishes that neighbors brought in, however, were very pretty ... and delicious. Lots of red beans and rice - which apparently is the stapel dish in New Orleans on Mondays.

Bet you didn't know that.

So this past week has been good. In my last blog you saw pictures from my tour of the lower 9th ward, which was sobering yet important for me to see. The stories of Kristyn's evacuation to Atlanta (17 hour drive, due to the storm and traffic), the immidiate clean up and the incompetent and complex dealings of the aftermath were very informative.

One story was about a man who lost his home, was given a FEMA trailer, but he hasn't lived in the trailer for the past TWO years because FEMA never sent him the key. He's been locked out since.

Apparently the mayor sent busses to Texas, where most of the displaced residents of the destroyed neighborhoods moved to, so these New Orleans residents could be bussed back for his election. Once the election was over, they were bussed back. Their homes are still not fixed.

There are plenty of stories like this. My time in New Orleans was not simply a solemn tour of the past. There were plenty of fun times had. Like the potluck dinner in the bar.

I ate some po-boys (which is just yet another name for a sub, hoagie, sandwich, etc.). Fried shrimp with lettuce, mayo and ketchup on great French bread. The place that I was taken to was apparently famous; a very small hole in the wall near the River (Mississippi River, in case you've never heard of it) where the Discovery Channel was going to be filming at that very night I went. Not too shabby.

I went to the BEST burger place in New Orelans, which was fun, had my first Bloody Mary at this awesome bar on Bournon Street; this bar had multiple venues in which you can sit down and drink. After walking past the huge fountain with a flame coming out (I could have sworn it was the very own Goblet of Fire ... the flame was almost blue) we walked into this huge room with two dueling pianos. Sophia - a friend from high school and a Tulane grad student - her two friends and I were probably the youngest ones in the room. But the crowd was great, the music was awesome, and good times were had.

The names of these places are escaping me, so I apologize, but that is the type of quality you get when you pay $0 for my blog.

At least you get these cool pictures.

Baton Rouge was a lot of fun. Spoke to a few Catholic students at their meeting at Southern University. Then spoke at a youth retreat for 3o high schoolers. I went into the meeting hall, spoke for about 20 minutes about my life, then left. Speaking to high schoolers was great, made me miss teaching. Whenever I noticed they were getting bored (who wants to hear about me speak about my "calling"??) I just told them exotic things about Micronesia. The cool guys in the back really liked it when I said I could open coconuts with a machette. When they started to fool around, I pulled out a machette that I carry, threw it right past them, sticking to the wall inches from their ears.

That last part didn't happen. But it would have made their retreat so much more interesting.

Also went to LSU (ranked number 2 in college football ... ranked number one in my heart. aww) to meet up with some students. Yeah, that was cool and everything, but the highlight was checking out the 3 million dollar habitat where Mike the 6th lives. Mike is not a rich student, he is a tiger. The LSU mascot. During home games, students try to do anything to make the tiger roar because each roar indicates how many touchdowns their team will score. Mike is not allowed to go to away games because he once ate the other team's mascot.

Now, if you're like me, once you heard that story you would probably respond immidiately with: Mike should be allowed to go to every away game after that incident. How cool would that be?

True story. But seriously, meeting with the two seniors interested in JVC was the highlight.

Monday was the University of Loyola. That day reminded me of one of the reasons why I took this job: to meet energetic and passionate college students, full of ideals, lofty aspirations, sugar and spice and everything nice.

I'd like to give some shoutouts at this point. The Jesuit Volunteers in Mobile and New Orleans were amazingly hospitable and caring and super fun and good looking. I enjoyed my time crashing on their couches, driving them to shop, going out to eat with them, playing games with them, philosophizing, curing diseases, writing foreign policy and all the other normal things JVs do when they are together. Every JV community, I'm sure, is rocking, but combine a JVI alumn and a JVC community and you get fireworks (unfortunately, not the actual fireworks, but the metaphor explaining the amazing chemistry formed by the enthusiasm of all people present). Really, they were awesome people. 'nuff said. I wish them luck in their endeavors and I hope to meet up with them again.

Future JV communities that I'm going to visit: you have high standards to meet.

Future friends: you also have to deal with the bar being raised (just kidding, I love you ... please let me crash at your place).

Future donors: I'm still waiting for your money.

Yesterday was a hardcore day (when is it not for me!!) of traveling: 6:30 flight to Houston then Philadelphia. Got my rental car a.k.a. my new home for the next 5 months. Booked it to Wheeling which took about 7 hours to get to (that included stops to take a break, put out a fire at one of the many barns I passed, meet good honest Americans to kick off my campaign, and to fill the tank with gas).*

* Two of those things are true. Guess, and you win this week's prize.

Wheeling West Virginia is great so far. I can say that because I have only seen a few streets of it in the dark and I have not left this house yet to see the campus of Wheeling Jesuit University. I'm staying at an off campus apartment (huge) where a few students live in an intentional community. Kind of like a mini-JVC for college kids. I have yet to meet any of the students that live here yet, just the coordinator who let me in last night; I passed out last night before any of them came home and I woke up after they left for school.

So I'll be in Wheeling for almost a week. Give some talks here, an info session there, meet with more interested students, walk around campus, brace myself for the onslaught of the deadly forces of winter that are rapidly approaching (I'm refering to the 60 degree weather that constitutes the end of September...wait to hear what I will probably have to say about the end of October).

Enough about me; I want to hear about you. Yes, a blog is usually a one-way communication. But as a good friend of mine says: "Your thoughts." I'd like them. Write in.

Here is a good conversation starter: my job is pretty awesome. How is yours cooler than mine? Discuss.

One more: I actually liked ketchup mixed with mayo on my po boy. What other weird combinations of condiments do you like? (that's as philisophical as I can get right now).

Until next time, enjoy this photo from Bourbon Street:

New Orleans Part 1

Miles travelled: 2023

Current Location: New Orleans

Here are some pictures from my "tour" to the 9th Ward. Special thanks to Kristen (I hope I spelled that right!) for giving me a very thorough and provacative tour.

This is a house that was washed away from its original location. Probably was taken a couple of hundred yards away.

The date is when the rescuers came for the first time to check the house.

This is the area where the levees broke. It's mostly many acres of overgrown grass like this. Houses used to be here.

Gutting the houses. You see this everywhere.

This is all that is left of most houses: the foundation and the steps and maybe a gate.

The new levees. You can get a good look of the Lower 9th Ward. That huge area of grass used to be a neighborhood. I guess they're not rebuilding it.

F-14s and Cemetery Cats

Miles travelled: 500 (in air) + 1,235 (in air) + 143 (driving) = 1,878 miles

Couches/new beds crashed: 2

Current location: Mobile, Alabama

Hello everyone. I thought I'd start each entry with the number of miles I have traveled so far seeing how this is, you know, a travel blog. I'm currently in Panera Bread, my new hub for stealing wireless internet for my work laptop (it's not really stealing since it's free, I'm just not buying anything while I'm here...I don't really got the monies right now).

Life on the road has been great so far. It's definitely challenging though. That relaxed feeling of walking through your door at your house, apartment, dwelling, igloo, etc. is just the best, isn't it? After a long day of work, no matter how great and sunny or awful and cloudy, it just feels good to be home. Away from work. Back in Chuuk, my home WAS my work place; I resided at a boarding school for boys (the girls left the campus every afternoon) and was always ON as a teacher, disciplinarian, random white person on this 3x4 mile island. I do miss the coconuts though...

Anyway, I was saying that having a home at the end of the day is great. I think that will be the thing I miss the most on the road. So far the couch and the bed I have stayed in were great. The people I've been with (the Jesuit Volunteer communities in New Orleans and Mobile) have been more than wonderful. Meeting these energetic youths brings me back to when I was an energetic youth myself (that brings me back approximately 5 days ago, before I started traveling). Seriously though, they are awesome.

Here are some highlights of the trip so far:

First night in New Orleans the JVs hosted a potluck dinner. I probably met over 20 people and remembered like 2 names. I heard stories from nuns about the destruction of Katrina and met some awesome Former JVs who, like me, were figuring life out (not like Plato "I'm going to philosophize about life and come up with the ideal government", more like "what the heck will I be doing come April when this job is finished" figuring life out). Great times.

As I picked up my rental car, gripping the steering wheel, my GPS female voice (her name is "Movie Phone" ... don't ask, it was funny when I spontaneously said it a few weeks ago) telling me to "Turn right", I readied to embark on the beginning of my driving career when out of no where an F-14 landed at the airport right in front of me. It was probably less than 50 yards away from where I was sitting in the car. I'm mentioning this cause it's kind of cool to see a fighter jet gliding down so close to you. Cool stuff.

The number of bugs that splattered on my windshield on the way to Mobile from New Orleans was sickeningly high, however it was too comical for the situation to be gross. I couldn't beleive how many splats would happen per minute. It was gross. And big bugs, too. Like dragon flies. I think there were a few actual dragons in there also. The windshield wiper spray did nothing. You would need lava to scrape off all the dead bugs. You know the scene in Gone With the Wind where the camera pans back to reveal a huge field of dead/suffering soldiers? That scene is currently on the windshield and hood of my car. I looked around and saw that I was not the only car with that problem, so I felt better. What caused me to think that my car would be the only car on the highway to have 100 dead bugs covering the front of my vehicle is beyond me. Fun times.

Spring Hill College is beautiful. 3rd oldest Jesuit University in America. Smallest population. But it has a rocking 18 hole golf course. I actually played a round of golf by myself yesterday on my day off. Now, I know my life will be a bit adventurous and simple, but isn't golfing the high life? What gives, AJ? I thought you were living out of your car over the next couple of months? Well, I golfed for a few reasons: it was a beautiful day and I knew, just knew, that it would be one of the last times to spend a long amount of time outdoors, in the sun, not in the cold. I will be driving a lot, inside a lot and afraid of the cold a LOT. So I took advantage of the sit (short for situation). Also, I have never, ever golfed so many holes by myself before. In fact I have NEVER golfed by myself before. I usually go to the driving range and fool around with friends. But I saw it as a bit of a challenge to myself: I'm going to be doing new things by myself for the next couple of months, I might as well try to do a few old things by myself, too. That's deep, right?

(Spoiler alert! The quick story below gives away part of the title of this blog. Skip down below if you don't want anything given away!!!)

We ate with the Jesuits at Spring Hill (some of them knew one of the Jesuits in Pohnpei, the other Micronesian island I spent some time on. Small world) and it was a great time. Two of them gave us a tour of the campus afterwards (beautiful campus...so far it's winning the Most Beautiful Campus Award on this tour ... and yes, it's the only campus I visited so far). Like all good Jesuit colleges, there was a graveyard. Deceased priests were there. There were also grave sites that were RESERVED for the Jesuits living on campus now! Creepy, but efficient. Anyway, and I don't know why this is still so funny to me, but apparntly there are a bunch of wild cats that live (the tour guide Jesuit said "guard") in the cemetery. And it was true: a bunch of cats were just roaming around the small cemetery grounds, chillin and owning the place.

Ok, maybe you should have been there, but I think it's really funny that a bunch of wild cats 1) exist in a little society all on their own, 2) live and somehow survive on a college campus and 3) are "guarding" the graves.

That's it for now. I wanted to blog before tomorrow, when I drive to New Orleans and actually tour the city and party there and get a feel for what happened two years ago. The next blog will have pictures I take, I'm sure.

Thanks for reading. If you want to submit questions to me, that would help me guide my writing a bit. The questions do not have to necessarily relate to my travels. They can be anything from Micronesian questions, meaning-of-life questions, asking for fashion tips and what have you.

Also, if you are interested in a blog about a more conventional life and job, but by no means uninteresting, AND if you want to check out a blogger who is a legitimate writer and not some random yahoo who happens to know the English language (me), check out my brother's blog:

http://thesaltminer.blogspot.com/

There are no F-14s mentioned in his blog, though, so I currently have the edge.

Also, thanks to my boy Ditty who lent me the first season of "Lost". Apparently this TV show was one of the "things I missed" in the past two years. It's a good quality show, I have to admit. The girls on the show are also kinda hot. Just thought I should throw that out there.

If YOU think there have been some "things I missed" in the past two years, write them into me, and your list can be published in this blog!!! If you turn in the biggest list you can win a prize!!*

Ok everyone. Take care. I'll write to you next week.

* Prizes include either a friendly thank-you email or a brand new car. I'm still working on that email.