Crosscountry Roadtrip Part 1

After one of the biggest milestones in my life thus far I figured it was the best decision to take the next few weeks exploring my newfound "freedom." I feel like now that Elon is behind me both physically and in spirit I can really make a life for myself by my rules. It was fun growing together with my colleagues at school and I enjoyed experimenting my interests academically and within the community. However, I always said how limiting everything was and now I've discovered how spot-on I was theoretically. So driving cross country with one of my most favorite person and dear friend and family member, my Mom, will give me a change to do something wild, different and true to my soul.

Enough of all the philosophical stuff. Let me tell you how freakin AWESOME the first half of the trip has been. Day 1 we drove to Asheville. First time in four years I got to visit which I feel is sad and depressing but I'm happy I got to do it on my way out of the state (at least for the time being). Asheville is hippieville for those of you that have not been or won't ever get the opportunity to go. Its a mix of culture that is reminisce of San Franscico meets bohemian New York with a flare of Chapel Hill. During the day we ventured out around the downtown area getting the vibe of the place. Had a quick bite for Happy Hour at Scully's which so happens to be (ironically enough) the place the Elon Basketball team and fans hang out during SoCon. People are so mellow which was exactly was we needed. We spent our first night in a Super 8 a few exits away and it was so comfortable there - brand new construction. Late that same night we ate at Olive Garden - after five years since my last experience - down the road and it was so satisfying.

 Cat sculpture for Cat's Alley

 Live cover band at Scully's

The next day we decided to go to the River Arts district. It was such a soothing and interesting day walk through the galleries and art studios in that area. The artists were particularly interesting especially talking to a few that turned out to be from the Northern states. We also went walking around downtown   to eat lunch at this fresh Mediterranean place on College Ave. Later we drove near the Biltmore estates to find the Blue Ridge Pkwy and decided to take a drive. It was the BEST decision ever. The view from the pkwy was spectacular! Unfortunately lacking less than a 1/2 tank of gas permitted us to go a certain (minor) stretch of the way but of what we saw was worth every gallon. Back at normal elevation we stopped at a local brewery for a flight tasting :) That evening we ate at Mayfel's in downtown and almost died during the bread pudding and french press coffee for dessert. 

 River Walk District galleries

 Colorful house in the district

 The Mediterranean place we ate at for lunch

 Up and coming Johnny Cash standing next to a random iron sculpture

 Photo op along the Blue Ridge Pkwy

 French Broad brewery flight tasting 

The best dessert thus far on the trip

That night we packed up and hit the road heading through the night towards NW to St. Louis to visit my friend Jay. After about 12 hrs (2+ hours for a nap) we met up with Jay at Washington University campus near her job site and around the corner from her spacious apartment. Motoring through the day after organizing our stuff and settling in we did the tour/tasting at Anheuser-Busch, walked around the downtown area near he Arch and drove around the city (Forest Park). We treated Jay to dinner at a local joint nearby her apartment/school called Mi Ranchito.  The next day we were up early to head to the Basilica and go up the St. Louis Arch (Nat. Park) before we headed out on the road to Memphis.

 Lobby to Anheuser-Busch

 The Arch

 Inside the Basilica

Outside Jay's apartment

Four hours later we were on Belle St drinking a Blue Moon listening to a great band in downtown Memphis TN. Fortunately for us it was also bike night so the street was full of activity the whole time we were there. We ate at a semi-sketch place but had an awesome-ly delicious meal (BBQ with cheese fries). We hopped a few more places to listen to some local music before we drove to the hotel for the night. The next morning we were out the door and stopped for a quick bite at Bluff Cafe across the street from the National Civil Rights Museum. We did go through the museum including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial - outside room 306 where he was shot and killed - and the Freedom Sisters exhibit honoring all the brave and amazing black American women of our time.

 Local band lets some of the tourists play with them

 Ben from Daytona Beach FL

Ms. Blues from Norway

 The biker's alley on Belle St

Delicious meal on Belle St. in Memphis 

Later we went to Graceland - needed a little light-hearted fun after the serious tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. I was reminded how retro Elvis' house and belongings were from my last visit in 2009. Although I must say he was a humble man who did not live too much above his means - maybe in automobiles :) Afterwards we went back into town to find one of Guy Fieri's Triple D hotspots Alcenia's on the uptown district of Memphis. I feel in love with the place as soon as I entered the restaurant. We were both kindly greeted by Ms. Alcenia's herself and welcomed to find was comfort foods we wanted to indulge in. The food was so delicious and the juxbox in the place wasn't half bad either so I recommend it two thumbs up!!! *Recommend the catfish and cornbread YUMYUMYUM!!!

 MJK Memorial

 One of many women represented at the Freedom Sisters Exhibit

 Entrance to Graceland

 Lifetime of achievements

 Car used in Blue Hawaii Movie

 Elvis painted this custom purple...he had me in mind

 Private Jet 

 Alcenia's - best soul food in town!!!

Her version of my favorite fried pickles - these are fried cukes

Stay tuned for Part 2....craziness in Oklahoma, empty streets of Dallas and the young culture in Austin. 

Banquet

Harden Clubhouse

Last rugby event of the semester tainted with bittersweet feelings. Although it was nice to have the entire team together for one last hurrah that is what it was, one last hurrah. It hit home for many of the seniors that had changed and grown so much in the past four years at Elon. The team has been such a pivotal part of our lives its hard to imagine (for some) what life will be like without that support, friendship and love. But if nothing else it was so hilarious to see the rookies skit. I was particularly touched by the picture slideshow and Koala's seranade to the seniors ("For Good" from Wicked the musical). We'll always have the memories and if nothing else those of us that return for homecoming or alumni weekend will have the opportunitie to reimense in all our "glory days".

The Seniors

 The L3s

The L2s

The Rookies

Our Team

Senior Year Festivus Extravaganza...and no, not like Seinfeld

Senior year has been a great time to experience all the things at Elon and college I have yet to do or always wanted to do. I've incorporated the "now or never" philosophy almost everyday since I started the school year. There have been some very rewarding experiences and some very interesting and/or enlightening ones too.

Unlike many of my colleagues on the rugby team and some other seniors I have not been to Festivus since my sophomore year. Despite my original reservations about going in the first place it was the MOST FUN I have had in awhile. So in true Elon tradition I returned this year for a last horrah! It was bigger than I remembered, perhaps because the entire mudpit was moved to the bottom of the hill giving more people the opportunity to participate in the craziness. I was a little turned off at the enormous amounts of crushed Solo cups I crawled over and fell on during the event. It left my knees in especially gruesome state but other than that (and the not-so-nice cut up barefoot walk back to my apt) I had a great time! Evidence of my messiness is shown below:

 Mixed cocktail before noon!

The aftermath

Pride Week & Prom Dress

Another interesting week at Elon. Although I have been a horrible Spectrum member the entire year I wanted to at least make an appearance at some of the events during Pride Week. Before classes Monday I put my rainbow pin on my backpack as a sign of support and of course pride! Tuesday at College Coffee I renewed my vows with my life long "partner" Lindsay. It was such a bittersweet moment considering this would be the last 30 minute marriage of our college careers. At least this year I looked somewhat healthy and put together. I was so embarrassed the last few times looking back at the photos. In my defense I was sick one year but another year I just looked silly and so immature. 

After a full day's schedule including going to the Boys and Girls Club in Burlington I went to the panel that evening which was somewhat interesting. I particularly liked Dr. Swimalar who discussed human rights violations within the international community and focusing on LGBT issues abroad part of human rights. 

Later in the week aka Wednesday was a busy BUSY day. Ceramics class is picking up in momentum and I can't determine whether or not I'm behind or on-track or what. None the less I went to class in the morning and then had back-to-back engagements. I ended up staying in the library until 3am but the good thing was that I scored big with late night Panera. 

I got a bagel, carrot cake muffin and an entire pkg of cookie!!!

Thursday I got extra credit in my PR class since nearly 1/2 the class was absent so that was nice. Friday was another back-to-back starting with early rise at 830am to get ready to go to Cummings H.S. in Burlington with a group member to collect our surveys for the anti-bullying campaign we're required to do as a final project. Ugh have I mentioned how annoying and pointless college and school group projects are? At least my group members are nice and tolerable otherwise this would feel more like torture. I also got a cupcake at the Spectrum pride table in Moseley on my way to Irazu for a coffee. I had an interview with Enter the Haggis (check this band out HERE) who will be performing at MerleFest on Thurs. April 26. The Pendulum will be publishing a "preview" article about MerleFest featuring a Q&A interview that I will be writing. 

That night I spend almost 4hrs in Arts West working on bowls. Lindsay came for a bit to hang out. I needed to relax and zone out from work. Saturday, per usual, is a rugby day. However, what is truly unfortunate is that both teams we were supposed to play bailed on us last min. But EWR will prevail. We divided up the team and played 4-15min quarters. It was the longest, gruelling, fun, emotional rugby games I've ever played. And of course the last game I'll ever play as an undergraduate. Prom dress galore and fans unite! Thanks to everyone who came out to support us. Purpose. Pride. Passion.

Even the Alums came back to play - Cobra showin off her bum

after one of the opposing teammates ripped off part of her dress

Team captains: Schmidty and the Ruddster

The Seniors