A Wonderfully Odd Day
I was a bit apprehensive about this day, and didn’t sleep too well. We had move-out cleaners scheduled for 1pm (an extravagance I insisted upon for sanity) and needed to have everything out of the house by then. And, well, we had a lot of stuff to move. We also had a few house projects to finish and Jason can’t walk by the van without tinkering with something.
He’s outside working on the van when a newspaper lands by his f
eet. He looks down and there we are. And for the rest of the day in this wonderfully small town we were recognized as minor local celebrities. Several people, including two of Alameda’s finest, stopped by to wish us well, chat about the trip, and gave us some contacts in Argentina. It was a bit of a strange feeling to arbitrarily have folks walk up or ride up on a bicycle and offer their well-wishes, but we definitely appreciate the interest. We are very excited to finally get moving soon… For anyone new to the blog, welcome to our adventure.
The actual departure is another story. We have to leave the house tomorrow at noon. After a very exhausting day week, I think our casa is ready. A few small projects tomorrow morning, a donation trip to Goodwill, and one last box of Mexican travel books sent to my mom for pickup before we leave the country.
Easy enough, but our departure from the greater Bay Area is still unknown. We sold 1 of 2 cars today, but can’t leave until we sell the other. (If anyone is in need of a ’98 Explorer Sport 4WD, let me know)! We also have some items for the trip that being shipped to our (former) house that haven’t arrived. And, well, the van just ain’t quite ready. If I hear “it”s running great for a new engine” one more time after it dies, someone may get hurt. Bode and I have a new tradition of sitting on the front steps and laughing as the car dies and has to be restarted. Such is life.
Jason seemed happy when he called to tell me the van broke down when he went to lunch yesterday and he fixed it with duct tape. Should I be worried?
Just read the article in the Sun. Courageous move. Wish you well! I guess the answer is there in previous posts, but have you actually sold off the house, and is there a tentative return date from this adventure? I do plan to follow your posts, so keep them coming 🙂
Owning the same van I know it can be stressful when something goes wrong. Go easy on Jason when he is trying to get it fixed. Accept it as part of the adventure because it will be.
Hey guys, I just saw your article in the Alameda Sun. It caught my eye as my girlfriend and I just moved to Alameda after returning from a 6 month trek in Central America.
We had actually planned on driving my 1995 Pathfinder, but it brokedown in LA. So from there we flew to Cancun and took buses the rest of the way. We ended up spending 5 months in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras and then 1 month in Tiawan.
If you want any advice on thos areas we’d be happy to tell you our thoughts on the area.
We had a lot of fears about crime down there. So many people tried to scare us off of going. Even people who supposedly knew about crime statistics. But in 6 months the worst thing that happened to us was getting ripped off by a bus driver. We paid $14 for a $5 ride. The second worst thing? Paying $3 for a free border crossing.
So if you are hearing people warn you don’t listen. Especially if they haven’t been there themselves.
There are definitely dangerous places, but if you are aware things should be fine.
Oh and the more spanish you know the better. You can definitely make it with no spanish, but you’ll end up over paying. Instead of $10 for something it may be $16. We spent a lot of time in spanish schools in Guatemala. Lessons where $5/hr for 1 on 1 classes.
Anyway my email address is … if you want to get more info on the region.
We posted a huge number of photos here
http://www.picasaweb.com/dladowitz
Many of them have comments about where we where and what we where doing.
David
Oh and get a copy of Lonely planet’s Central America on a shoesting. It was our bible.
Oh oh, There is a .pdf guide out there written by a couple specifically for people who are driving through central america. I have a copy I can send you (if I can find it)
Hi guys, had a 71 when my wife and I got married and lived in while we built our house. Now living in La Pine, Or. I see you are planning on Cater Lake. We are a couple hours north of there. It would be great to meet you guys. We now have a 70,78,& 83 Westy. We belong to several VW camping groups. I will be watching your blog. We are open for you staying here a few days. Lots of room, hot showers, etc. Let me know and I’ll give you our phone number. Have a big shop and tools for any repairs needed.
Gary Marrs
Love your blog! Have a fabulous trip!
Cyndi
Sounds like an exciting road trip. I enjoy taking road trips in my Westy. Have a safe and fun journey. I will be checking your website daily.
Great photos! thanks for the tips… keep them coming!
Hey Bro,
You guys make it back down home way the pizza and beer will be on me. As always you have a place to sleep any time. It would be great to see you guys before you head way down south. Keep in touch, and keep my nephew safe.
Bro Mike.