What made you meet these people?

With my ex-husband we were what is considered « post modernists » children of the nuclear bomb era. We were afraid of the future so we had a romance with the past. We dressed in vintage, we were passionate about old stuff. A life we thought was simpler because we were afraid of the future. My ex husband loved bikes because he was a bit backwards. He couldn’t drive a car, but it became political for him. He hated cars and because they were anti-bicycle.

Then he amused himself by building custom bikes. At first he was passionate by the Cholo style of customization. Then it became crazier when he started doing theme bikes. He had a dead Elvis bike, a bike called « Raw Hide » that was a cowboy bike. It had large skirts or fenders with his drawings of cowboys in hand tooled leather, and cowhide fur trim. And since he was in the antique business he had found an old bronze rodeo trophy and he put that on the front of his bike. His bike weighed maybe 60 kilos and when he rode it dressed as a cowboy, he because a recognizable downtown San Francisco character. Because he was friend with lots of messengers he became their mascot.

So you were close to the bicycle messenger scene in SF, can you tell us a little more about the emergence of fixed gears in the scene?

First of all the BMs adored my ex husband because he was crazy like them. Because they were crazy they chose to be BM because they wanted to be free, for them it was a way to work when they wanted, as much or as little. There were a lot of BM because downtown SF is very hard to get around by car. They also chose this career because they weren’t adapted to the work world. They couldn’t have a real job, they liked to party too much, with drugs or alcohol… With this kind of job they could live the lifestyle they liked. Of course there was a lot of drugs around in this scene, speed or meth… To claim their punk lifestyle, their madness and to live outside the system, they started to use fixed gears at work. For me it was just to show how crazy they were. So they all started to do it and were respected for it… They were rebels.

At this time period especially in SF the tension was very high between bicyclists and automobilists, because at the last Friday of every month there was Critical Mass. We held our protest the same hours that everyone was trying to get out of the city for the weekend. And it created some real conflicts... But it was against the people in their cars! I saw a lot of people, friends and friends of the messengers die in accidents on their bikes, hit by cars or trucks. A girl messenger was dragged several hundred meters by a delivery truck before he noticed that he had killed her. Back then everyone was deeply effected because it was a small community and everyone knew each other.

A small community? With its hangouts, habits?

Yeah, the messengers had their own bars, and concert halls. There was The Tempest on Natowa Street and Annie’s on Folsom. All of this was in downtown SF, so when there was an accident everyone knew about it, their lifestyle was that way, everything was all mixed up together. Their engagement with biking, their love for alcohol, the fact that they were outdoors all the time. Their best friend was their bike and it was also their livelihood.

We aren’t that interested in politics as a whole in the USA, but we are very involved with what effects us. With cycling it was something personal, it was everyday life... People were passionate. Even their equipment came from a devotee. I remember they all had their messenger bags made by a guy totally crazy about Le Tour de France, named Eric Zo, his brand called ZOBAGS. He never worked during Le Tour de France, he was glued to the TV...

How do you see the return of this culture and it’s commercial exploitation?

I don’t know if people really understand, maybe it’s just posing, but the fact remains that it is a pledge to a lifestyle. That you are independent, that even if you can’t afford a car you can be independent thanks to your bike. I understand also when I hear people say that they can feel the road better under them with a track bike…That they are at one with their bike and the road, it’s an interesting approach. But for me it’s more a choice to live by one’s own means, without taking the metro and being humiliated 50 times a day by the people in the metro.

Even the fashion side of things is interesting because it’s a form of expression. To ride a fixed gear you’ve got to be real because it’s very dangerous, all the things that go with that aren’t necessary...Of course there will be posers, but really riding a fixed gear it’s difficult to pose!!!! (HAHA!)

What do think of the fact that certain messengers still roll on fixed gears?

There are surely a lot of reasons, undoubtably a mix of fashion, nostalgia and a hommage to the messengers back in the day....

LOS ANGELES

Pancakes for dinner at the Pantry Cafe

Unlike its think, crepe-like namesake from Europe, these hotcakes literally melt in your mouth. Yes its sweet, yes its indulgent, yes its way more than one person can or should eat for breakfast or for any time of the day, but this is America, damnit! Its a rite of passage, and I'm sorry, but you'll have to deal with the incumbent food coma. If you go on a Sunday morning, you'll be in a long line out the door, but its worth it. Luckily, this historic Los Angeles joint is open 24 hours a day. See a baseball game at Dodger Stadium a few miles away and head here for a late night breakfast.

Frozen yogurt at Golden Spoon

California's obsession with this "fat free" sugary delight has been going strong for at least five years. I must admit I am weak around this sweet delight.. at the height of my addiction I had a cup every day. I've scoured the land for the most delicious, smooth, and affordable frozen yogurt, and Golden Spoon gets my award for Most Awesome "Froyo". Get a mini size--even the small is more than a grown man can handle. My favorite flavors are cake batter and peanut butter with mochi.

Sushi at Genki

Perhaps the only thing Californians love more than frozen yogurt is sushi. Personally I like to eat both on the same day--I think creamy froyo is the perfect dessert after fresh seafood. You'll find no shortage of sushi places in California (maybe because we're by the beach?) but my absolute favorite is this little family-run gem at the northern end of Los Angeles. Stop here for dinner after a day at Malibu beach--drive through the beautiful Santa Monica mountains via Kanan Dume Road and end up in seafood heaven. They have fresh wasabi, and its the only place I've ever seen it. Did you know that the green paste you usually get on the side of your fresh salmon is actually made of mustard and green food coloring? The real stuff looks like gooey green onions, and it is STRONG! Pair it with the old style Oops Roll (tempura, cream cheese, crab, avocado in soy paper) and you've hit a culinary home run. I'm drooling thinking about it.

Bagel at Western Bagel

I grew up eating these and am now incapable of enjoying a bagel made by anyone else. They are simply the most well-crafted, full-flavored doughballs in the world. Get an open-faced, toasted Everything bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes, capers, and "lox" (smoked salmon) for a light lunch. On your way out, get a baker's dozen for the road to give to your friends--you'll be a bagel hero. Head down to the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade for LA's finest people-watching.

Soup at Pho999

Hot and satisfying, fill up on a big steaming bowl of vegetables, noodles, broth and meat with bean sprouts and brown sauce. You'll probably stick out like a sore thumb if you're not Vietnamese, but that's how you know this stuff's legit. Perfect if you've got a large group as they have extra large tables. Stare at the fish tank while you wait and the giant forest wallpaper.

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SANTA CRUZ

Burrito at La Cabana

Mexican food is a huge part of Californian culture, and although a "burrito" is a Mexican-American creation, it is, in my opinion, one of the greatest inventions of mankind. Take all things delicious--cheese, beans, rice, meat, sour cream, guacamole and roll it all together in one mouth-watering hot tortilla and bam--heaven on earth. Pick up one here and take a bike ride, drive, or walk down Westcliff Drive--my favorite coast in the whole world. Feel the positive energy emanating from all my happy hippie friends, see the panting pups fetching tennis balls on the shore, some of the most historic surf spots in the world, and watch the sun set over Natural Bridges State Beach. Life is grand is Santa Cruz, and a grand life deserves a grand burrito.

Sunday brunch at Cafe Brazil

After a long Saturday on the beach and a houseparty at night, soothe your hangover the next morning with my favorite brunch in the world. I've seen restaurants of the same name in many cities, but none come anywhere near as close to my heart as this place. Its one of those places where anything you order is out of this world--you literally can't go wrong. Some of my favorites are the crispy fish sandwich and the Santa-Cruz brazilian fusion dish, Tofu Preito. Most dishes come with palm of heart (reminds me of artichokes) on the side, garlic rice, and farofa (I think of them like bread crumbs)-- Brazilian classics served with a smile inside a bright blue-and-yellow little house on Mission Street. It's famous for its acai bowl, which is, in my uncultured American eyes, a giant Brazilian smoothie.

Pad thai and cocounut soup at Sabieng

One of the best parts of California is how many cultures are melded together here. Thai food is really popular, but the best I ever had was at Sabieng. Unfortunately they had a kitchen fire last year, but I'm told they will be reopening soon. Their lunch specials come with soup and a big serving of squishy noodles with black bean sauce at a great price.

Chinese food at Phoenix

The classic lazy day food for Americans. In my last year of university I lived in a big house with 6 students, and we had an unwritten family ritual of eating here 2-3 times a week. That says something about how good this place is. Or more likely how lazy we were. Cheap lunch special price plus a serving big enough for two means a lot of bang for your buck. Super friendly owners, quiet place to eat in or great for take out, and a lot of flavor. I recommend General Eggplant: garlic stir-fried eggplant with oyster sauce and rice.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Bahn-mi sandwich with Rice Paper Scissors

My friend Valerie Luu started San Francisco's first Vietnamese Pop Up cafe, which serves hot fresh Bahn-mi sandwiches and other goodies every Thursday night at Mojo Bicycle Cafe and in various "pop up" locations around the city. Its always up to the chef what's on the menu, but my favorite is the vegan duck on crispy dutch crunch bread with daikon and carrots. Like the infamous food trucks of San Francisco, you can check online where and when Rice Paper Scissors will pop up. Its all about handmade fresh food and enjoying the simple things in life with friends in a small, intimate space.

Cheeseburger and animal style fries at In-N-Out Burger.

I don't actually need to recommend this to you, because every person you meet here will tell you to eat at In-N-Out, but it is truly a California must. Technically fast food (and with a fast food price that can't be beat), In-N-Out comes with an actual fresh-never-frozen guarantee and its just an establishment that everyone loves. Its comfort food that you can get all over the state. Its the greatest after-party dinner you'll ever have. If you have the "medicinal" marijuana munchies, don't even think about going anywhere else. The "secret sauce" on top of cheese and grilled onions underneath the freshest French fries you'll ever find (you can watch the employees peel 'em) plus a chocolate shake and cheeseburger with grilled onions is truly worth all the calories. Don't forget to take a local with you or check out the "secret menu" online before you go.

Pizza and scones at Arizmendi

They make one kind of pizza per day, fresh and hot out of the oven right before your eyes. Don't like the day's offering? Unlikely, but you'd just have to come back the next day or choose from the wide array of mind-bogglingly mouthwatering baked goods like oatmeal scones, eggplant foccacia, and croissants. Cheap, delicious, fresh and friendly. Plain and simple goodness.

Vegan sandwich at Ike's Place

No better place to try out veganism or vegetarianism than with the San Franciscans. Sandwiches are one of the great loves of my life, and this place is not to be missed. You should probably visit California JUST to eat here. Search for 20 minutes for a parking spot, stand in a long line with a wide array of cool cats and young professionals, pay $11 for a sandwich, and then scream in amazement and delight at how worth it the whole ordeal was. Walk over to Dolores Park with your "vegan breaded chicken with wasabi mayo" sandwich and settle into the best 10 minutes of your life.

Salad at Intermezzo

Sometimes the stereotype that Californian's are obsessed with health is true. We love salads. Intermezzo loads you up with a massive mound of romaine lettuce piled high with all sorts of goodies like avocados and sprouts, fresh hearty bread and a scoop of egg or tuna salad in a big brown bowl. Great atmosphere for a lunch date. Once you're stuffed, take the other half of your salad and your friend on a stroll down this vibrant street, full of students, dogs, shouting beggars and funky hippie shops.

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Inspiration at Mel's

I'm giving away 15 of my favorite illustrations, like the ones I drew above, to Hejorama readers. It's my way of saying thank you so much to Hejorama for the opportunity and to you for reading! So, thanks a ton, and go grab my illustrations!

Melissa

MONDAY, THE « CENTRO »

10:00

It’s hot. There are lots of old Volkswagen vans and cars on the roads, people selling tapioca crepes, churros and fruits in the streets. Welcome to Rio! Let’s start with a walk or a bicycle ride around the city. There are enough exotic things in the streets to take an eyeful.

13:00

After having eaten some salgados (small salt filled doughnuts) in the small and numerous shops of Rio, I suggest that we head to the Centro and the Sambódromo, an impressive purpose-built venue where samba schools parade competitively during the Rio Carnival. We can just have a look but if we plan to go again for the Carnival, I have a tip! For a good seat, the tickets are very expensive, about 800 reais (350€/460$). But a few days before the show, some men will sell cheaper tickets around the Sambadrome. If we bargain a bit and confirm they are not fake tickets, we could get the best seats for only 80 reais!

16:00

Since we got our tickets for the Carnival at the Sambadrome, we now need to prepare for the street Carnival! The tradition is to wear a different costume every day... Direction the Saara street market, in the old Jewish and Arabic shop district of Rio. It offers the biggest and most diverse selection of clothing, toys, gifts, hair and nails accessories, make up, carnival costumes and anything else you can imagine.

18:30

It’s time for a drink on the Praça Pedro do sol. Birthplace of the samba and the chorro, it's a historic and religious square of Rio. Every Monday, Brazilians get together to drink a cerveja bem gelada (cold beer), listening to a live band that plays samba, in a friendly atmosphere. Some women are cooking spicy meals from Bahia, yummy! And it’s a student and artist neighborhood, a good place to meet interesting local people!

Key places: Sambadrome, Saara street market and Praça Pedro do sol.

TUESDAY, COPACABANA & IPANEMA

10:00

Cantagalo is a beautiful and safe favela, between Ipanema and Copacabana. A lot of students live there, it's cheap and very pleasant. We can walk in the streets and visit the friends we met yesterday maybe!

14:00

It’s the perfect time to test the traditional manicure in a carioca nail salon, watching telenovelas (romantic and mushy Brazilian TV shows). All the Brazilian women are gossiping in Portuguese about the romantic adventures of their local heroes, and it's very pleasant to be there. If you're a boy, you can wait for me on the beach!

15:00

The bus leaves us at the Sugarloaf, an emblematic place of Rio. The view is wonderful, but the beach calling is too strong, let’s go!

16:00

I want to expose my new sexy nails so we should head to Ipanema beach. We can buy pareos for 20 reais each, after haggling. And then, relaxation, agua de coco in fresh coconuts, swimming and sunbathing!

18:00

The sunset is so wonderful that everyone is applauding.

20:00

If there is one place we can’t miss, it’s the Bip Bip: a tiny bar in a small street of Copacabana, famous for its outstanding musical program. Tuesday and Sunday nights are the best evenings to catch some great samba or pagode (a more mellow kind of samba). The bar is run by Alfredo, an old man with a white beard. If we speak too loud, he will say "Shh! Musica!" and ask us to snap our fingers instead of applauding the musicians, to keep the neighbors happy. He may seem a bit surly, but he's a very nice guy, a true music lover who wants us to feel as at home. If we want to get drinks, we can directly take a beer in the fridge, tell him our names and simply pay when we leave the bar.

Bip Bip at Copacabana

Key places: Bip Bip

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, ILHA GRANDE

Wednesday, 09:00

Today, we are going to Ilha Grande! It’s a real heaven on earth located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state which will require first that we take a bus at the Rodoviária Novo Rio bus station to Mangaratiba. After a two hours ride, we’ll need take a boat to go to Abraão, the largest (but very small) village of Ilha Grande.

12:30

"Olala...", we are now in this heavenly island. Tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation, no cars, waterfalls, stray dogs, howler monkeys... So many things to see and feel! We have to find a pousada (inn) or a camping (cheaper) which is never difficult. Then, we should walk for 2 hours along the coast to join one of the most beautiful beaches of the island: Lopes Mendes. But there are beaches everywhere, so we can go where we want! And then it’s only pleasure, relaxation and adventure... Careful, we have to come back to Abraão before the sunset, because there is no electricity—meaning no lights—so it can be quite dangerous.

20:00

There are several small bars to discover and spend a good night! But avoid the nightclub, full of tourists and oafish men. After some caipirinhas and nice encounters, what do you think about a midnight swim?

Thursday, 09:00

For breakfast: a suco de abacaxi com hortelã (delicious pineapple juice with mint), fruits and Negresco (Brasilian Oreo).

10:00

We can get on a small boat to discover beautiful remote beaches and waterfalls. Don't be scared by the long walks under the sun! And let's become friends with the "captain" of the boat, he might take us to wonderful hidden places.

17:00

Time to get back to Rio!

FRIDAY, SANTA TERESA & LAPA

10:00

Let's start with some culture at the MAM, Museu de Arte Moderna, a good way to discover Brazilian artists and the Glória marina.

13:00

The most impressive in Rio are the artists who express their art in the colorful streets of the city. We can admire their work everywhere, but Santa Teresa is known to be the artistic hotspot of the city, home to several artists, studios and galleries. It’s located on top of the Santa Teresa hill that overhangs the area of Lapa.

After having walked from Glória to Lapa, we follow the Escadaria Selarón, the famous mosaic stairs that go from the bottom of the Arcos da Lapa (aqueduct) to Santa Teresa. Keep your eyes wide open, art is everywhere and the view of the city from the top of the hill is amazing!

17:30

After this nice afternoon, and a drink in one of the several bars or restaurants, we take the famous bonde to go back to Lapa. The bonde is the last trolley of Rio, a single yellow wagon, that runs between Santa Teresa and the center of the city, going through the aqueduct (what a beautiful view from there!). And the ticket is only 0,60 reais, so no excuse!

18:00

Lapa is the place where we’ll party tonight. It’s a popular district where music and parties are everywhere. The atmosphere is crazy and wild on Friday and Saturday nights, especially under the aqueduct and in the streets around. But it’s a little early so we better walk 5 minutes to move away from the growing excitation, direction the TribOz, the first venue in Lapa dedicated to jazz and bossa-nova. The calm before the storm…

Da Do at TribOz

21:00

Tonight is the night… back to the craziness of Lapa! We have a lot of choice for bars and clubs, all in historical buildings. But first, we should drink some cocktails (and eat local food) sold under the aqueduct. I know where to find the cheapest caipirinhas: under the Barraca das Irmãs hut, two caipirinhas for 5 reais (2,20€/2,90$)!

We walk a little bit and start hear some baile funk around us: the music come from the clubs, but also from the sound systems put on the cars, in the carwash stations, or directly on the ground. People are excited around us, and we enjoy the spontaneous street parties.

23:00

Then we are off the Clube dos Democráticos, an old art-deco ballroom where Brazilians dance all night long drinking cheap beers and caipirinhas. Here, live concerts take place and the Cariocas transform the classy dance hall into a sensual and sweaty pit, inviting us to dance forró and samba. There is a friendly atmosphere, and we don’t have to be scared to dance with strangers. They have a real passion for samba and forró that they want to share with curious people like us.

Key places: TribOz, MAM, Museu de Arte Moderna, Clube dos Democráticos

SATURDAY, CARNIVAL!

We already have our costumes for the street Carnival (don't forget: one costume per day) and our tickets for the Sambadrome. Fortunately, everything has been prepared on Monday because the day will be busy!

08:00 – 04:00

Today no detailed program. First: make-up, accessories and costumes. Preparation is very important, we won't live so many Rio Carnivals in our life.

Ready? Let’s go! There are people in fancy dress in the streets, the shops, the buses, the subway... And a festive atmosphere floating around us.

BLOCOS

Our best moments will be lived in the street parties, with Carnival Samba bands called « blocos ». They are more than 400 blocos approved by the city, parading in the streets. Some of them have special themes (Beatles, girls in boys and boys in girls, etc) and they organize free live concerts each day of the Carnival, at different hours and in different places. We can find some information in booklets and on the web, but it’s usually better to discover the best ones by word of mouth.

I don’t really like the blocos at Ipanema, Copacabana or Leblon… Maybe you’ll enjoy them, but it’s not my cup of tea. This part of Rio is full of tourists and daddy’s boys and girls, and the ambiance isn’t very crazy (I think). The blocos are parading, we walk a lot, following them and listening to their music but we probably won't really meet any nice strangers.

I prefer the blocos that played on small squares in a friendlier atmosphere, where we can dance, sing, drink and speak with the people around us. I advise you the blocos at Cinelândia‎, Santa Teresa, Botafogo, Flamengo… Even if I don’t know all of them! The best is always to ask to Cariocas, they will tell you where are the good ones.

SAMBODROMO

If you want, we can go to the Sambadrome, to see the samba parade. It starts at 8pm but we have to leave the street parties around 6 because of the traffic jam. The parade will last all night long but it’s more of a big and spectacular show than a real festive moment. There’s a lot of tourists and rich people in the audience (who can afford the tickets) so the ambiance isn’t so much fun and nobody is wearing fancy costumes. I think it would be more exciting if we had family or friends in the parading samba schools. But for me the most important is to not miss the street parties!

SUNDAY,TIJUCA FOREST & BAIXO GAVEA

10:00

We can’t be in Rio without paying a visit to the Christ the Redeemer, the icon of the city located on the Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest. We need to get tickets, take a little red train and go to this Brazilian symbol. The view of the city is wonderful, but there are so many tourists posing in the same way-open arms, as the Christ-in front of the statue that we can’t really appreciate the moment. Maybe only seeing it from below would have been more impressive!

13:00

What do you think about a hike? Yes we can hike in Rio! We are in the Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest, home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife and where you can find many cachoeiras (waterfalls). We’re still in the city and yet surrounded by the jungle… An advice: don’t forget your mosquito repellent!

17:00

We can walk down to the Jardim Botânico (botanical garden) to observe thousands of flower species (including carnivorous plants), but also many birds and howler monkeys. It’s a quiet and nice place to walk a little bit, discover Brazilian flora and maybe read a book under a kiosk.

19:00

It’s our last day already, so sad! We need to enjoy our last cervejas geladas in the city, and the best place for that is the Baixo Gávea neighborhood. It’s full of locals on Thursday and Sunday nights, especially young people. Everybody is at a table outside a bar, or in the street, drinking beers, talking with friends or strangers... We meet a lot of people we met the preivous days. Rio is not that big! We don't want to leave and will probably stay late in the night. Since we are not very far from Ipanema, we can finish our trip by a walk on the sand and a midnight swim with our new Carioca friends.

Bye bye Rio, we already miss you!

Key places: Corcovado train, Jardim Botânico and Baixo Gávea

We need a little bit of science here. If you dream about traveling, traveling is your need. Every tissue, every cell in your body, especially your brain, knows when you're not meeting your needs. And your body will give hell if you neglect your needs. Everyone who's been really hungry at least once knows this. So… You need to travel. Otherwise, staying happy and motivated will get harder and, believe it or not, eventually you're going to feel like shit, physically.

So in a nutshell: you need to dream, you have the right to travel and only you can choose if you do.

All of which can be mashed into a single word: permission. It's unconditional permission to dream and travel, however much you want. Solo? With a partner? To a war-zone or an all-inclusive beach resort? For a week, a year or a lifetime? It's your choice. You have permission.

Sadly, the world we live in doesn't naturally encourage your autonomy around travel, so you will need practice it yourself. Therefore every time you dream about going somewhere, say this to yourself: “Well, I'm allowed to go there, and I stay there for as long as I want.” Even if it sounds ridiculous, unrealistic or scary, you say it.

And remember, permission works both ways - you do not have to go anywhere you don't want to go.

Picture a school kid on a field trip bored to death against teacher's best efforts. Well, if you're still reading this article, that's most likely you right now.

• You do not have to do anything you don't like, don't want, or aren't in the mood for. No matter who is pushing it, who says it can't be missed, or if Lonely Planet lists it as a “must-see”. You do not have to.
• You don't have to have a ton of savings, or take a loan, or max out your credit card to see the world. (which is something I'll tackle in one of the upcoming articles).
• You do not have to come back, if you don't feel like it. You don't have to worry what others think or whether you'll be alright and, in fact, you shouldn't. Because deep in your heart we both know you will.
• You are responsible for yourself, and your dreams. You are allowed to do only what feels right, in amounts that feel right.

So every time your dreams about faraway lands get a good kick in the guts, remember to say this to yourself - “I'm allowed to travel, and I can do this as much (or as little) as I want.”

Say it like you'd be reciting the last line of a poem, knowing you're just about to nail it on a National Recitation Contest. Even if it feels stupid and pointless, you do it every time you dream, and you do it over and over. Why? Because it's true.

Now put it in your own words. Stick it up somewhere and memorize it. Put it on your desktop, write in on a post-it or tattoo it on your wrist. Doesn't matter.

And then say it, either out loud or in your head, but say it every time you dream - say it, as often as you can remember. And go.

Alice

Alice is hitchhiking around the world with no plan, no set route, and probably no guidebooks. You can follow her adventures on her facebook page and @girlwhotravels.

1. What inspired you to become a traveler?

My Nana. She lived near NYC so I would visit her when I was growing up. Then when I was in 6th grade I went with her to Portugal for 2 weeks. It was her dream to take each of her grandkids on a trip overseas and I just happened to be the first.

Despite the trip being a senior citizen only trip, it was lots of fun. Cool seeing pictures of myself with a retainer, fanny pack, and spikey hair cut too.

2. What part of travel is appealing to you? What do you get from it?

I love meeting people in different places. Seeing the similarities we all share, yet also noticing the differences. It really doesn't matter much about the place. It is all about the people for me. Give me a solid crew of people and I'm set.

3. What is your favourite memory of travel? One that you usually keep to yourself?

My favorite memory is of New Orleans, Halloween 2009. I just fell in love with the city... which is surprising because I just said the place doesn't matter, but New Orleans draws a certain type of person that I love.Colorful, friendly, fun-loving, and socially conscious. I met a lot of people in my week there were very inspiring and had traveling from around the world to participate in the community there.

I keep a lot of road romance stories to myself, but they are all special to me. Maybe you'd hear a few if you bought me a beer in a pub somewhere. :)

4 . Do you have any tips on how to get easily get a ride when you hitchhike?

My personal tip is to point at the car. Keep it in a casual and friendly manner that say something like, "Hey friend, where have you been? I've been waiting quite a while." Add a smile in too.

5. Do you manage to actually keep in touch with the hundreds of friends you met on your journey? How do you keep track of people?

It is tough. I send out short messages when I think of someone or when I notice it is their birthday. I couldn't do it without Facebook.

6. What was one of the craziest encounters on your journey?

I got invited back to a trailer in the middle of the boonies of Alabama at night. I was up for an adventure so I went along, but I texted my friend the address on the mailbox, so people would know where to look for my body.

The trailer was so interesting. The woman who lived there collected unicorns and they were everywhere around the place. They were all covered in dust and cobwebs, but when I mentioned them... she lit up. It was like she forgot about this thing that she loved.

7. In which part of the U.S. did you enjoy the food the most?

I can eat most anything. I ate a lot of gas station hot dogs and those can be found most anywhere. My girlfriend, Angela has been helping me eat better.

8. Do you think the camera helped meeting people? Was everyone confortable with it?

It did help meeting some people. It was a good conversation started, but some people were not happy with it. We avoided each other I guess.

9. How did you stay so serious on the photos with all the agitation around?

It was tough. I would tell everyone what to do and then try to keep a straight face. Maybe I was contemplating taxes or something else that was boring.

10. Are there any cultural practices you’ve learned on your travels you've adapted to your own life?

Great question, but I can't think of any right now.

11. Tell us about your new adventure. What is going to be different from the first one that you shot?

So I'm shooting a sequel and I want to make the best travel video that has ever been 60 minutes long. There have been some great ones recently, so the bar is high.

I can't give away all the details, but I do want more people, better music, and what if it was backwards...?

Bonus: Which song would be the best for a soundtrack of your trip?

Kids by MGMT will make my day anytime I hear it.