The Wahlfahrt Mobile wheels have stopped turning...

... 100 Days the road have finally come to an end, on the day America chooses its direction for the next four years.




Obviously as a non US citizen, I couldn't par take in the process of deciding which man is fit for the job as the leader of the free world... However my Travel buddy, Andreas is... So naturally he cast his vote...




I must say its been one hell of a journey of almost 15,000 miles across the 'greatest country in the world'*
There's been ups and downs, rain and sun, early mornings and late nights, beer and coffee, Romney and Obama, endless roads and state lines. But I've enjoyed it all, it's been an adventure which is just what I needed...
Earlier in the year before this trip had come to fruition, I was going stir crazy in my job and feeling like I needed a break. Thankfully I got the chance to do something I've always dreamed off, traveling.. I'd always thought I'd see Asia first.. But in some ways I feel like seeing America has really opened my eyes to the world in ways Asia might not have..




I'll be going back to Great Britain soon, and returning to the daily grind.. I'm sure there will be post-traveling blues, but I'm also feeling happy about being back in London.. And who knows, hopefully I'll be posting on this blog again, from another far flung location..
For now, I'm in California and watching the news coverage of the 2012 Elections.. Like most Europeans, I feel more aligned to the Democratic style of governance... But I have a better understanding now why people here align themselves to the various parties.. But the really outstanding memory will be that of how many people across the country feel fed up with both parties.. It really will be interesting to see how people vote today and what direction they feel is right for America..




Sadly my MacBook hard drive has gone kaput, so there will be a delay on posting all the pictures from the trip to Flickr... Check my instagram for my daily snippets of where and what I saw along the way..
Inoperable to get it fixed once back in the UK, I will ensure I publicise when they go up!
Thanks for reading,
Ady
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Santa Monica,United States

The American Morning Ritual.... Coffee.

The coffee bean, a humble little seed but one that provides the average American a way to start their day.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't aware of the American stereotype of requiring coffee in the morning, and without said 'cup of joe' the day would be a disaster. As i come to the end of this trip and having spent copious amount of time in Starbucks' all along the way, it's become evidently clear how bad the addiction is.

My travelling buddy on this trip is one such addict, who has almost without fail required that morning shot of caffeine induced elixir that allows him to start the day. I myself was never a coffee drinking until last summer.

I was introduced to coffee in the most crudest form. Nestlé instant coffee granules. This is pretty much a non existent substance in the US. However I was quickly shown the way of more authentic espresso coffee, and even invested in my own Italian style Percolator in order to make proper espresso.

I must admit however, that I'd take a proper cup of English Breakfast Tea (Made in a tea pot, of course) over coffee any day. Incidentally this is the reason that brings me to write this post...

So as I was saying, on this trip I've really witnessed the grip of the coffee bean on the American public. Having 'camped' outside many a Starbucks on the way (to utilise the free parking and free wifi mainly) we've witnessed the break of dawn coffee rush that happens across the country.

The main staple of the America coffee diet seems to be plain and simple black filter coffee... The addition of milk or cream generally isn't a high priority it would seem... It's also the most readily available drink I've come across in all cafés, diners, and restaurants.

I often wonder if perhaps the American coffee addiction started with the Boston Tea Party... Sure that event was more down to the protest of being taxed with no representation... But I find it interesting that Great Britain has remained pretty steadfast in its affection for the Tea Leaf, and yet the Americans are generally incapable of making a cup if tea properly.

For any Americans reading this, I feel it's my duty as an Englishman to instruct you on the correct Tea making procedure... Please see the below diagram...

Tea Making Instructions made with Skitch for iPad

For further reading, I advise looking at this: sub.spc.org/San/docs/BS6008.pdf


I have nothing further add.

Once again, thanks for reading my random thoughts and ramblings.

Adrian

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Americaland, United States of Caffeine Addiction.

Time is ticking...

So its now 14 days till I leave, and if i'm honest i don't feel anywhere near ready to leave yet.. i've still got to get my visa approved (which as been with the embassy for over 7 days now) get an IDP (international driving permit) and get travel insurance... as well as move out of my current house and then pack what im going to take..

i've also now heard from one of my traveling buddies who is now over in the States already and will hopefully be able to start sorting out the things like finding and buying the trusty RV that will be our home for 3 months..

I've also created a google map with pins and rough travel times between cities... its no where near finished or comprehensive enough.. 

Well thats all of interest that i can really talk about for now... i would mention other stuff i've been up to in this blog.. but want to keep it more centered around my travel plans.

Ady