Road Trip! 14 States in 14 Days

"Road trip!" Those words shouted out always meant one thing - extended fun in the car. Growing up I have road tripped from Minnesota to Colorado, Florida, Washington D.C., Canada, and everywhere in between - always enjoying the adventure of being on the road and watching the world go by. I've road tripped with family, friends, roommates, and people I didn't even know. But the result was always the same - developing an appreciation for "going somewhere" and experiencing all of the excitement and surprise of getting there. Plus, unlike flying, a road trip allows you to explore new territory and wander off the beaten path... my favorite part, indeed.

This summer I decided to initiate the month of June with a road trip, but this one would be alone. Since I'd visited 45 of the 50 U.S. states throughout my travels, I considered a trip which would allow me to cross off 3 of the last 5 states I'd had yet to visit - Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The two others - Oregon and Alaska - would need to wait a little bit longer.

I decided to head directly East by slicing the (cheese) state of Wisconsin in half, driving directly to Sault Sainte Marie through the upper peninsula of Michigan and crossing directly into Canada. Then proceed via Canada to Montreal, on to Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine; then descend down the East coast hitting Boston, Rhode Island, and Connecticut before heading back towards Minnesota via New York and the northeastern states. Somewhat of a "circle" around the Northeast.

My transportation would be via the Green Hornet (the name my Dad gave to my Ford Taurus, a reliable and trustworthy car), and for accommodations I looked at the friends with whom I could stop and see along the way. Then I did a preliminary search of some bed and breakfast options, some small motels and hotels, and also took my buddy and fellow world traveler Matt Gerber's advice and signed up at couchsurfing.org to stay with new friends along the way - it's based on trust and goodwill (like staying at a B&B but without the cost). A great way to meet people and share the gift of hospitality. I love it!

The trip was amazing. Over 4,300 miles; 14 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces; and all in 14 days. It was fun to hit the road and exciting to connect with friends old and new. By sheer happenstance I was able to see friends and visit places along this trip which represented every major phase of my life... an unexpected, yet welcomed, surprise. Allow me to elaborate:

• Bemidji, Minnesota: Hometown, Mom, Dad, Lake Bemidji
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: College town (U of M); Lukas (post-Hawaii transition); Josh (Minneapolis, pre/post-India); Shawn (Target, post-India)
• Sault St. Marie, Ontario: Bed & Breakfast (Mountain View, Jane)
• Montreal, Quebec: Olympic Park, new friends Robert and Alan (couchsurfing.org), Yann and Andre (social networking)
• Hartland, Vermont: Lorraine and Gary (Hawaiian ohana, Queen's Y2K Project)
• Portland, Maine: Fresh Maine lobster (first time eating real lobster with my hands!)
• Boston, Massachusetts: Mike and Mike (Hawaiian ohana)
• Providence, Rhode Island: Tom (couchsurfing.org)
• Clifton Park, New York: Kirk (Target, eLearning conferences, pre-India)
• Fairhaven, Michigan: Karen (Rotary Foreign Exchange - Finland, high school)
• Chicago, Illinois: Rob (college - U of M, Hawaii, post-Hawaii)
• Ringle, Wisconsin: Diane (grad school - BSU, Bemidji, post-Hawaii)
• Rice Lake, Wisconsin: Birthplace (before moving to Bemidji at 3 weeks old)
• Bemidji, Minnesota: Where it all starts and ends and begins again...

This trip felt like an episode of "This Is Your Life" - truly a time to reconnect, reflect, and review. And another opportunity to appreciate the country in which I live, the freedom I have to travel, and the friends and family in my life.

As a diehard educator, I took time to reflect upon "what I learned" during my two weeks on the road, so here are a few of my key takeaways:

• Good brakes and tires are necessary (and new ones even better). Just like your body, keep your car in good shape.
• Watch the signs... especially the "One Way" streets (grrrr.... lol)
• Take time to listen, be open to others' ideas, and suspend judgment.
• "Please" and "Thank you" go a long way in any language.
• Extended time alone can be a great time to process thoughts and ideas; it can also be very quiet when you really want someone to talk to.
• The state with the best roads: New York (tollways pay for roads on purpose!)
• Never pass up an experience to try something new.
• If something scares you, investigate why... you may be surprised at what it can teach you about yourself and others.
• Slow traffic move right (please...)
• Allow yourself to go "off the beaten path" once in a while and be flexible - it may take you to new destinations both physically and mentally.
• Enjoy your world and the people in it. It's your choice!
  

For more pictures from my road trip, visit my Facebook page.

This summer, be sure to take the time and reconnect with the people and places in your life which keep you moving forward - we all need those "fuel stops" along our journey.

Get out and experience the world!  

The Ambassador

Southern Hospitality

Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to visit my cousin Arlan in Atlanta, Georgia. I'd been through the Atlanta airport many times - usually en route to Honolulu, San Francisco, Austin, etc. - but I'd never had the chance to actually leave the airport and explore the city. Well, what better opportunity than to visit family!

My cousin Arlan and I didn't really know each other growing up, but that changed when he moved out to Honolulu back in the mid 90's to become the cathedral musician and choirmaster for St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral. Arlan is a brilliant musician, composer, and director - and St. Andrew's was so fortunate to have him. Since I had a background in music and voice, I sang in his cathedral choir for many years, and I felt so blessed to be a part of it. Arlan and I quickly became great friends. We learned to appreciate each others' gifts and talents, and since we were family there were so many things we had in common. It became a lasting friendship.

Eventually I left Hawaii, and several years later Arlan left as well. He took a position as the choirmaster and Director of Music at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. We kept saying we should connect again, but it had been many years. Since one of my intentions this year is to travel "to" people, I decided it was time to see Arlan, booked the ticket, and went to pay a visit.

The trip was incredible. While I was there, Arlan showed me many of the gifts that Atlanta has to offer including seeing Mozart's The Magic Flute preformed by the Atlanta Opera in the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center (stunning in itself!), the Atlanta Symphony and Grammy-winning Chorus performance of Verdi's Requiem (a "hold onto your seat" performance!), and a full morning of music, song, and service at St. Luke's on Sunday - powerful, moving, and beautiful. We balanced our activities throughout the trip with walks through Piedmont Park (a mere two blocks away from Arlan's condominium in Midtown), drives down the winding parkways to view the beautiful Georgian homes around Buckhead, and stops for meals and snacks along the way. Another highlight was the Atlanta Botanical Garden and its amazing flowers, trees, and landscapes. A MUST see if you visit Atlanta! The gardens are expanding and adding new features all the time, and it's a great place to "stop and smell the roses" :o)

All in all, the weekend was a wonderful time in so many ways. Atlanta is a beautiful city, the people are so friendly, and I returned to Minnesota with a huge dose of southern hospitality filling me up. This trip reminded me, once again, the importance of family and friends and the roles they play in our lives. It's good to "check in" and maintain those important relationships, for those family and friends are truly what matters.

I wish to all a wonderful spring and remember to get out and experience the world!

Michael on the Move

My Kind of Town

This past weekend I jumped on a short flight over to Chicago to visit my friends Rob and Aaron for the weekend. Rob and I have been friends for over 25 years (wow... I just thought about how long that is!), so we are an example of those friends who are always connected - you know the kind... we see each other a couple times a year and "pick up where we left off". It's great to have people in your life who really get you - those friends where no explanations are needed - you just meet each other where you're at in your life and compare notes. A great way to check-in an reconnect with someone who know you, especially those times when you really need it. A good friend is one who knows who you are and can remind you when you forget. * Travel tip: Try to combine visits with friends and family when you plan your trips!

In addition to reconnecting with Rob I was glad to be back in Chicago. Between visits for concerts, sporting events, and former working trips (one of my former clients was CNA - the big red tower!), Chicago has always been one of my favorite Midwestern cities. Why? Because it's so very easy to navigate. Unlike some of the uber-windy, circular, twisty, curvy cities like Paris or London (which are fantastic cities, don't get me wrong...), Chicago is extremely easy to navigate - especially by foot. Between the easy to follow grids of streets and parks, and the efficient "L" (or elevated train) system, getting around town is a cinch. And with the wide variety of sports, entertainment, arts and cultural events, Chicago offers something for everyone.

A highlight of my weekend was visiting The Art Institute of Chicago during their Free February campaign. Yes, that's right - admission to the AIC is free the entire month! A great opportunity to get people out of the house and in to the galleries. The Institute is famous for its classic architecture and central location, but what I like best about AIC is the eclectic mix of paintings, sculpture, furniture, and artifacts from a worldwide collection. For example, you walk into a gallery, see a painting from a collection of local Midwestern artists and then suddenly, voila! - an original Monet or Van Gough. How cool is that?! In addition, the AIC features specialty traveling shows and exhibits. My sister Becky and I visited the King Tut exhibit back in 2006 and really enjoyed it. * Travel tip: Before you travel somewhere take a moment to Google the city/region and find out "what's happening" while you're visiting.

As February moves into full swing and "cabin fever" has the ability to hit those of us here in the cold snowy Northland, take the opportunity to get out and enjoy something new and different to keep you fresh. Visit a local art gallery, museum or exhibit (in Minneapolis, see what's happening at MIA or The Walker); so see a great show (visit the new Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis or Park Square Theatre in St. Paul); or just go visit friends and family (insert friend or family member whom you haven't visited in a long time and keep meaning to, here). The important thing is to keep moving - it stimulates your creativity and keeps you active, interested and healthy. * Travel tip: Even traveling across town or going to stay friends or family for a night/weekend can provide enough refreshment and help you to "reboot".

Get on the move and experience the world!

Mr. Michael