Buffalo to San Diego

I made it to San Diego safe and sound. After one canceled flight, one fueling problem, one missed flight, and one hydraulic problem Brandon and I made it into San Diego at 11:30 pm pacific time. Only 11 hours late! The delays were not all to bad. Some good people watching, some much needed naps, and good reading time. We saw Dave Chappelle in Atlanta with his family... so that was interesting. Strangely, I have now ran into him in Chicago (obviously a giant city) and now in the Atlanta airport (the most trafficked airport in the world).

At some semi-delirious state of mind during, an infants cry out to mom and another boys whine due to an earache was resonating throughout the hull of the plane. A man seated near me looked bothered by the noise and I realized that I too used to become upset for the very same reason, but it no longer bothered me. I started thinking that the reason for this is because I have become used/numb to the cry of a child because the time I have spent with my nephew Harper. I would like to sum this experience up with a brief aphorism. [Tolerance: One who cannot tolerate lacks in expereince]. This not only makes sense in my situation, but also concerning worldwide views of culture. There is a reason why racism and for that matter an egoistic nationalism exists all over the world. This being that many have never allowed themselves to experience other cultures in order to become tolerant to them. Those who lack experience can only tolerate themselves and those like them. Of course there are some anti-arguments against this, but lets just apply it to the general human being.



San Diego is treating me well. Weather is upper 60's low 70's. Brandon, Mike, and I are staying at Tim Ackarts place (a college comrade of Brandon's). We took a walk in Balboa park and checked out the Botanical Gardens. I have been packing and repacking my bags for the ultimate balance of gear. My bicycle is assembled and just waiting for me to saddle up. Our plans are to ride up to Joshua Tree National Park beginning on Wednesday.

Much love from Southern California. I will try to keep this blog updated as often as possible.