Life is too short...

Once again I am diving into the archives...
Several years ago my mom, dad, and I went to South America on a two-week trip; the goal being to see the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru and the Moai on Rapa Nui (aka Easter Island). Both are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their "outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity." Also, both are places that my dad had long-wanted to see and experience. So, we boarded a plane to Peru.

Our home base in Peru was Cusco - a town that sits at an elevation of over 11,000 feet and a perfect place to taste alpaca and drink coca tea (regardless of whether you are feeling altitude sickness or not).

We first learned about Incan architecture at Saqsayhuaman

and then explored the Andes of Peru,

the Sacred Valley,

the Urubamba River,

and Ollantaytambo.

We took the train to Aguas Calientes (on which I danced with this guy).

We ended with the magnificent Machu Picchu.

From Peru, we took a flight to Santiago, Chile and then on to Rapa Nui. We were guided around the entirety of the island by Matu'a who taught us about the island itself, the culture, and the famous Moai.

Click here to see more photos of Machu Picchu and Peru.
Click here to see more photos of Rapa Nui.

As far as travel is concerned, I have been very fortunate. As a kid, my family would go on vacations every year allowing me to experience new places within and outside of my home states of California and Nevada. Then, as a teenager and young adult, basketball took me all over the country giving me tiny glimpses into parts of the west, northwest, south, midwest, southeast, and east. Getting a taste of what my country had to offer made exploring the U.S. and its national parks something I always wanted to do.

I told myself I would do it the summer after high school, but I found other things to do. Then I said I would do it after college, but I decided to go to physical therapy school instead. After a year, I dropped out of PT school, worked for a few months, and then became a grad assistant coaching college basketball and working toward a masters degree in education. "Real life" began and the thought of traveling around the States became "silly, childish, and irresponsible". It would just have to wait until... I had less responsibilities? I had a steady career and income? I was settled? I retired? I didn't know what I had to wait for, just that I had to wait. There were so many reasons why now was not a good time; i.e. I had to work, I was too busy, I didn't have time, I didn't have money, etc.

In January 2009, I decided to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon. I was only gone for a few days, but it sparked something inside of me. So, about a month later I drove up Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. I loved the freedom of just getting in the car and going, with no specific plan in mind. Whatever I felt like doing, I did. Wherever I wanted to stop, I stopped. Whenever I got the urge to change course, I went in a new direction. It was another short excursion, but it made me realize that all I was doing before was making excuses. If going on a road trip around the United States was something I really wanted, then I should do whatever it takes to make it happen. Life is too short to wait!

Finally in June 2009, I stopped making excuses, I cut all my ties and responsibilities, and I left San Diego on a road trip around the United States. I didn't really know where I was going or how long it would take. I just knew there was stuff out there I hadn't yet seen, so I set out to see it all. It took me about 6 months to make a giant loop around the United States. And then for the following year I took many more, smaller road trips seeking out other parts of America I hadn't yet experienced. It was one of the best things I ever did!

I know years have passed, but I have a blog now, so I can share some of my trip with you.

Here's an overview of the major areas I explored during that year and a half: