Jon and I have had a very busy week, as this never-ending ‘U.S. Tour’ continues. We’re actually much closer than halfway to returning to our Boston home, but being with our families in Michigan is definitely a good place for pause and reflection. I’m surprised at how long this trip feels, and I think it’s because we’ve been surrounded by so many great friends from all stages of our lives, and the intense nostalgia that comes from catching up is really hard to shake off. In some ways, I think having a vacation organized around people, rather than places, has taken more energy than a standard tour of an unknown, exciting destination. We’ve certainly gotten to explore fun landmarks as just the two of us, but the more memorable experiences were definitely within groups of old friends.
It will take a long time to process all of our encounters, but I’m so grateful for re-energizing these long distance friendships and even developing new ones in the process. Especially as the school year comes closer and closer, I love being clearly reminded of how much more important relationships are than accomplishments, and how essential it is to continue cultivating bonds with loved ones no matter how far away they may be. I’ll put my tissue down now, and give a brief of run-through of our adventures over the past week. Many more stories (and photos) to come; I’m sure.
- Friday: Farewell Napa, Hello Oaktown!
Early PM – Golden Gate Bridge ride, relinquish Mustang at SFO, Speakeasy Brewery with lovely Brighton friends: Stef & Co., Ashley & Zach!
Late PM – Heinold’s Saloon @ Jack London Square, downtown Oakland
- Saturday: PedestriaNation
AM - Embarcadero/Fisherman’s Wharf/Lombard Street
Early PM – Chinatown with Stef & Co., Pacific Coast Brewery in Oakland
Late PM - A real speakeasy with Dave, Merchant’s Saloon
- Sunday: HippieTown Exploration
AM - slow Oakland morning, breakfast @ Mama Buzz Café
Early PM - excessive walking around Lower/Upper Haight, Alamo Square and Golden Gate Park
Late PM - French Feast @ the lovely home of Joel & Delphine
- Monday: Cali Grand Finale
AM - Ridiculously large breakfast at Kate’s Kitchen in Lower Haight
Early PM - the outstanding California Academy of Sciences, On The Corner Café with Rachel Brainerd & Co.
Late PM - Dave’s 25th Birthday BBQ @ Stef’s Oakland Estate
- Tuesday: Return to Michigan
Day - Two flights to DTW
Evening - Dinner at Greene’s, featuring Momma Lynn
- Wednesday: FamilyTime
AM – Jon golfing with Dad, Colleen hanging out with Mom
PM – BBQ at sister Sarah’s home with niece Autumn and nephew Austin, Jon’s first ever visit to Tower Inn with Kristen/Patrick/Emily!
