Indeed, as I am writing this, at least than 400 miles from New York City, it does look like I am going to be able to do it. On Saturday, after fifteen months on the road, I am going to reenter the city via the George Washington Bridge.
For the longest time, while advancing through remote countries, I have been reluctant to say I was driving around the world. I always preferred to declare I was “trying” to go around the world. Now it may be time to change that.
Few days back, after spending the night in southeast Utah, we were back on the road and passed the Colorado state line. We were still going through arctic temperatures, and I couldn’t help but be amazed that the truck never gave me much problem, no matter what climate I was in. In temperatures ranging from -30F to 130F, the vehicle started right away each time. The steering box is not leaking as much now, since the liquid is not as thin in the cold, and my fridge doesn’t complain either after having kept food cold through the hottest climates on earth. Basically, me and my dad are the only one to object to the ridiculous freezing temperatures.
Shortly after entering Colorado, we leave the main road to penetrate the Mesa Verde National Park. A civilization of Pueblo Indians lived in the cliffs there around AD 1,200.
Nobody knows why they disappear in the next hundred years. Disease or just looking for better life conditions may have been the cause. Regardless, it is fascinating to visit the dwellings protected from the natural elements by the cliffs.
The visit is very uncomfortable because of the cold and snow, and soon enough we are back on the road.
I drive through the mountains of Colorado after stopping for lunch in charming Durango.
Everybody does a good work at keeping the road relatively free of snow, so the progression is easy. We spend a night in Alamosa, and in the morning I spend some time finding a new power converter for my laptop, as I forgot mine in the previous motel. I guess I can’t complain, given that I really didn’t loose much in this long trip.
Once the mountains are behind, we go a bit south and enter Oklahoma. It is the first of many days driving through monotonous landscapes. There are not many photos to take, and I apologize for the banality of the ones I present here. As I was traveling though foreign countries, I noticed that most inhabitants spent a lot of time outside, therefore I could witness easily their intimate life. Now, because of the cold and the very different ways of our western life, I am just going through mostly empty landscapes.
Many people think my accent is pretty funny tough, when I stop for food in restaurants along the route. It seems like they don’t see many foreigners driving through. Food is not great in the many places we stop at, but the option of cooking outside is not here anymore. It is beyond doubt not a culinary tour anyway, and we eat in the cheapest places around.
We stop quickly in Guthrie, a town north of Oklahoma City, famous for its brick and stone Victorian buildings. The place seems to be empty of its inhabitants as people are awaiting a fresh snowstorm later in the evening.
After a night in Oklahoma City, we visit the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which is fun and features interesting painting exhibits.
More driving brings us to Fort Smith, at the border with Arkansas, where we spend the night. The following evening sees us in Memphis, Tennessee. The place is somewhat depressing usually, but even more under the snow and bad weather.
In the morning we walk in the city center, and here too, streets are empty. Poverty is rampant in the city named after the capital of ancient Egypt.
I can see my father begins to be tired by the long trip. Maybe I miscalculated a bit when I planned the trip back, as it is a lot of driving every day, more than what I am used to.
Egypt is on the news every night as well, and I think of the people on the road in Africa, trying to do the eastern route as I did last year. It was already not easy, but now it has to be more difficult.
The Djibouti-Yemen route I used may see an influx of visitors now, even so I believe I was the first one in many years to have used it.
Back in the U.S., we continue to drive toward Nashville, where I have diner with Mrs. Marti, with who I have been emailing since the beginning of my trip. A little incursion south the following day allows us to visit the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg. It is worth to visit if you are around, but I would not do hundreds of miles to check out the site.
The county is dry, so I can’t even get one shot for the road before I leave for Chattanooga. A nice surprise awaits me there, as the city is very agreeable. Katie – another follower of the blog – takes me around in the nighttime for a visit, and it looks like people have a nice quality of life and enjoy living there.
Named the “dirtiest city in America” back in the 1960s, you would be surprised by its evolution. Nowadays it is very green, there are plenty of waterfront paths for pedestrians and bicycles, a pedestrian bridge also across the Tennessee River, and many museums can be found across the city.
Too bad I am not visiting during the summer, I bet there’s enough to spend few days without getting bored. But I have to get going, and after Katie gives me nice samples of southern food, I am back on the highway.
This time I am going north, and for good. There will be no more sinuous paths. I am going to New York, and should be there before the end of the week.
Crossing Virginia takes a long time, especially because I try several times to get to the Blue Ridge Highway. The 75 years old road was part of the New Deal’s efforts to provide jobs to the unemployed of the Great Depression. I already used part of the ribbon of highway along the high Appalachian ridges when I left NY in 2009, and wanted to take the same route to come back.
Unfortunately, after driving few dozen miles, the road was closed. Once again we were punished by the snow. We attempted to reenter the road several time at different points of its 400-miles path, but it was closed everywhere.
On Thursday night I arrived in Winchester, northern Virginia. I was now only a few hours away from New York.
We have been following your journey since the start and have enjoyed your travels. I know you must be tired and a bit sad the journey is over.
Just think of all the great things you got to experience. Were just happy you have almost made it home and have gotten their safely. When you get the time pick up a copy of “Letters to Zerky”. It’s a quick read about a couple traveling back in the early 70’s. I think you will be able to relate to the author very well and have fun comparing your travels. Welcome home!!
Nic,
I have shared your travels with my high school students, and many have been inspired by your travels. What an incredible journey you have been on, and the sights and experiences you’ve had. Thank you for having this blog to inform, educate, entertain and learn about your wonderful adventure. I don’t think I would have the courage to do what you did, but I’m thankful that I could follow your courageous trip! I’m sorry I missed seeing you in Los Angeles, we were in New York when you arrived! May you continue to be blessed, find a great job, and write a fabulous book about your travels. I hope you have inspired others to explore this great big world of ours! Welcome home!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your exciting journey!
Almost home!! I can’t believe it. We have followed you all the way on your blog and it has been a learning experience for us!! Following your blog it feels like we know you, so me and the girls want you to know that we are insanely proud and profoundly happy to have shared the experience with you Nick!
Al Podell was doubtful that you would succeed in your world adventure. I wonder what his thoughts are now?
I am sure this adventure will live on in your soul for the rest of your life.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking us all on the ride with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Charlene E
Spokane, WA
Just saw your tweet. Congrats man! If I ever do anything this bold, it’ll because you inspired me too. Good luck in the rest of your adventures and I will wait not so patiently for your book!
Nick. You have landed! I wonder what that was like driving across the GWB? My young daughter and I have loved “our” vicarious trip around the world with you. We looked forward to each new posting and now will certainly feel something missing from our lives. And so it goes for the armchair traveler, eh?
Now we wish you well in the adventure of NYC and all that unfolds before you.
Sharon and Olive – Seattle
Congrats on the journey. I also have been following since before you left. Your adventures around the world have helped inspire an otherwise boring, monotonous cubicle life. Thanks for the adventures!
Nick, We are doing a paper on Hoover Dam. It goes online this week. Could I use your Hoover Dam picture? I would love to use it with either a caption or by using an * and letting our students who took it and to check out a world news on your ending in New York. It would tie you in with this paper. What do you think? I already have the paper done using a generic picture but if I hear from you (Valentines Day or Tuesday) I’ll change it. Thanks. Sue Frankart
Welcome Home Nick!
Well Done Nick! I am sooo happy for you and all of us that got to witness this adventure. Keep in touch! And a big THANK YOU for sharing this journey with us! Now for the book!
Cool you drove through one of my friends state Oklahoma I do audio ministry with him. Great guy http://www.facebook.com/vernon.mordecai
Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooook… Please…
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
We want a book!
Guess what we want?
Sane people would like a book too. jk;)
Welcome back…. Hell of a trip!
Nick,
I read the NY Times article by Vikas. There are more stories or you could go into more detail than you were able to on your blog in a book. Your style of writing is very enjoyable. Most of all I would love to see more of your fabulous pictures. I too have a spot reserved on my coffee table. If as a dedicated follower of the expedition from day 1, I could get a signed copy that would be awesome!
I am so happy for you that you completed your journey!
Judy
I have really enjoyed following you on your trip around the world. It was one of the first sites I checked everytime I logged onto the computer. Welcome Home!!! Thanks for a wonderful year!!!
Wow I just saw the request for a book! Now thats a great idea!!!
Hahahaha, Harvey and Samiam you guys are cracking me up! Nick, you gotta do it! Coffee tables across the world are begging for your book! Also, I am eagerly awaiting an update on how the return to New York has been! I have been on the edge of my seat for days! I hope you post something soon!
Jaime
Nick, please don’t wait to publish your BOOK (I suggested one back in Peru!), to tell us what your arrival in NYC was like, and what it is like to back “home.” Please!
I’ll keep checking in every day until you say, no more blog.
You’re a great man in a great big world!
Ned
My Kindle is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the book!
I hope you do write one of two books either a how-to guide (details on gear, directions, stops, etc.) for those that want to try the exact same trip and a book about the journey… the people, the fun, the danger, the craziness of the trip… I think either would be a GREAT read…
Thanks — and welcome home!
Rich
I have been following you for quite awhile now when someone posted your link on Facebook and I have been fascinated with your travels. At times, I’ve wanted to jump ship and join you as your adventure sounded exciting (and at times daunting). Yes you should write that book and I imagine that there is a lot that you have left out since it is difficult always being on the go. I wonder if when you arrive back home that you will find it strange to acclimate yourself back to being in one area of the world or find yourself yearning to go back out (maybe on a smaller scale). If you do find yourself on another adventure, we all be out there with you in spirit and perhaps caravanning as well!
Dana
Hey Nick & Bloggers!
I had the great privilege of spending time with Nick last week! What an interesting visit, there are so many great things to say about Nick!! As I believe JoyMarie said in one of her posts “Nick is old soul”. He is so very down to earth and has interest in more things than himself. It doesn’t surprise me now how he went around the world and made friends. His accent is very heavy and I wondered how he was able to communicate with so many other people. But, his personality puts everything aside.
It was interesting how he remembers so many of you that post. It was like we hadn’t heard from Harvey for a while (which Nick and I talked about). Well the next day Harvey posted. It really meant a lot to Nick to have so many people follow him thru his journey. Well it was a job for him to keep all of us informed of his travels.
As far a book, I think what Harvey said was to donate to Nick to publish the book for all of us. And Nick does need to get back to the real world of a paying job with benefits. After the visit with Nick I truly don’t believe he will have any problem securing a new position in his field of work.
As I said, I can say enough great things about Nick and his journey. I’m excited to visit with him again hopefully soon.
Great job on the TransWorld Expedition my friend, now forge on to that new job!!
Ms. Marti
Wow! I can’t believe the trip is almost over! Congratulations on being a world traveler! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog and all about your experiences, so I thank you. Good luck coming home, and being back in the big apple!
will you still be updating us with your daily life after you get home? Im certain you are home buy now and happy to be done with the long drives. It was certainly fun and exciting to read your post. I sure would have loved it if you had driven by MN.
Congratulations on your successful trip around the world. I missed you here in Los Angeles but I hope I will someday have the honor of meeting you. I hope you will still update this site of your future endeavors cause you are already a part of lots of people’s lives including mine.
Nicks story has been picked up on Yahoo
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20110217/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_trip_driving_around_the_world
Nick,
I just read your article. It was wonderful. I had tears in my eyes knowing that your adventure is over for now. I will miss your amazing stories. I hope you will continue to blog. Best wishes!
Victoria
Nick, your Yahoo article is splendid! What an incredible account with beautiful contrasts and comparisons. Wow! I can’t wait for your book!
Ned in PA!
Just read the yahoo article. What a great break down of the trip.
In my job I am around people of many different ages, and back grounds, and I find it so interesting to talk to them, most especially those of senior ages that have been around for so long. They have so much wisdom and knowledge. I put Nick in that catagory. Though he isnt anywhere close to being senior in age, his knowledge, and wisdom is by far so much more intriuging than the average person. I would only find great joy in sitting with him over a beverage and pick his brain over the adventures of the last 15 months.
Thank you Nick, for the experience that you allowed all of us to share with you.
Jason
HELLO,
YOU HAD A FINE TRIP, CONGRAD. BUT, “YOU HAVEN’T FINISHED GOING AROUND THE WORLD YET” ,
UNTIL YOU GO AND VISIT “CANADA”
YOU STILL HAVE 7 PROVINCES TO GO TO VISIT. IT’S VERY BEAUTIFUL,
YOU THINK THAT THE GRAND CANYON WAS GREAT, WELL!, YOU HAVEN’T SEEN “GREAT” YET, UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN “THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN CANADA”
CANADA IS KNOWN, FOR IT’S BEAUTY AND NATURE.
VENUS
HELLO AGAIN,
I NOTICE AT THE TOP OF YOUR PAGE. YOUR ASKING US FOR DONATIONS, TO PAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY.
I’M CURIOUS, THAT DONATION REMARK, SO, DRIFTER, HOW DID THAT, DONATION SHIMMY WORKED OUT FOR YOU ANYWAY?
VENUS
Nick, loved the article. It was fun reading because I had been there along the trip with you and everyone else. Looks as though your still keeping busy after getting home. Good to see the AP is supporting you in your writing. Now the question, will you get paid for it? Maybe you could do some speaking appearances throughout the states where people have been following you. (For pay)! LOL, got get that cash rollin again.
Take care my friend!
Ms. Marti
Hello Nick,
What a great article on your travels. Did your father enjoy the drive through America?
We still have you in our thoughts everyday, and hesitate to take down the map of your travels, we also continue to discuss the various points that stick out in our mind. I’m not sure you realize how surreal it was to the “old Folks” how we could be reading about your adventure and then you show up for a visit with your father. Thank you so very much for your time, and for sharing with all of us who have followed along, I’m sure many of us feel this way, We were glad to keep you company during your trip. Hope to hear from you soon! By the way your pics of the rural landscapes, we had so much to discuss, and so many memories to share!
Catherine
Nick: I just read the Yahoo piece. Very good. I had to smile over the lack of ‘accent’ in the article which I loved ‘hearing’ all through your blog over the last 15 months. I must agree with others that a book would be quite enjoyable. I, too, hope you continue with your blog updates as you resettle into daily living. I keep checking to see if you’ve updated on how ‘re-entry’ is going. Missing you and your adventures already….
Great Yahoo article Nick! Thanks for sharing your life with us. Come visit us in Arizona again. http://www.overlandexpo.com/ You’ll be among friends of similar interest. Might even learn from some who travel for a living, how to make an income doing this.
Jim Mc
What time will you be arriving Nick? I had a great time traveling with you, Thank you!
NIck, it looks as though you are getting more press. I just noticed on the news channel 4 web site here in Nashville, that your story was picked up. Congrats! It makes me so proud to know you.
Ms. Marti
Nick, just read the Yahoo article. I was so glad to find it, I’ve checked every day for an update! As I read the article, I kept thinking of that book that everyone wants you to write. Hope you are settling into daily life again and please keep us all up-to-date on the job search.
Congratulations! Yeah, I’d like to see a book too. (Hopefully by Christmas?) Now for your next challenge: Dealing with alternate side of the street parking in Brooklyn! -Gerard, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Congratulations Nick, I’m sure you’ve inspired people to take their own leaps to ditch the ordinary in search of the extraordinary. Someday….I will do my own excursion. However, I think it will be a wee bit shorter not to include car repairs! Geesh. AAA obviously needs to expand their business to third world countries.
Loved every second of reading about your journey! Look forward to more.
Sherri M.
Seattle
Hi Nick,
Hope to hear the news that you are back safe and sound….
I could never have done a trip like that so I have enjoyed it vicariously through you. Thank you.
let me know about any get togethers you may be planning…
or have I missed it already?
a fellow brooklynite,
Renée
Where are you? How are you?
Congrats! I’ve been following your site for almost a year now, it’s been great to read. Would love to see a book too (with lots of pictures, naturally).
Nick,
You’ve been back in NY for over a week. Update us on your transition, please!!! How have you been adjusting to this next chapter in your life?
Kara
Welcome back Nick!
Would’ve been nice to see you cross the bridge…but I’m sure you’ve got it captured in photos. Thanks again for taking us along for the ride. Hope all is well.
Surfer Dude
-Ken
MISS YOU!
MISS YOU!
MISSYOU!
If my count is correct, this is the 100th comment on this blog since the last installment from Nick. It has also been 11 days since his last posting… despite the fact that he is back in the USA with plenty of access to the net. I know I must be in the slow reading group because I just came to the realization that….
THE TRIP IS OVER !
What we have all come to know as the “Trans World Expedition • The Year of Living Dangerously” has finally etched it’s final leg… the end! I don’t want it to be… You don’t want it to be… but it is.
And now we all wait for the next installment. Installment of “what”… I don’t know but it will be the next installment. The truth is, we have only gotten a smidgen of what really happened over these past 16 months. Only a hand full of the tens of thousands of photos taken, downloaded and emailed back to the USA were posted on the web site. Only tiny little descriptions of extensive narratives yet to be told were posted for our weekly consumption. The other shoe dropping would be a book, a video, a movie about this great adventure… thus filling in the blanks to the outline that we have all become so accustomed to clicking, reading and watching.
When will that shoe drop? I don’t know… but I trust Nick to make it all worth our while to wait. Patience is the call of the day. Well Nick.. we’re all patiently waiting. Put that shoe on…
Cheers,
Harvey