Mt Rainier - San Juan Islands

          So, I woke up in a quaint room of eight beds, stacked in counts of two. Feeling as fif I was out of place I questioned my motives for being here once mor. The lingering doubt of, "What are you doing!?" entered my mind and plagued all others that reassured my thirst for adventure. So I sat in bunk 7 in room 409 in the Green Tortoise Hostel figuring out what to do next. Before I can say another thing, my stomach spoke for me, and with a big gargle sound, it was time for me to eat. Luckily this hostel was a great deal offering an array of breakfast options, if you know how to cook it yourself. This was not a problem for me, egg whites and pancakes it is! At breakfast I sat with my roommates (3 girls stranded in Seattle from Wisconsin because of their car, an asian guy that didn't say much of anything, and a Peruvian/Colombian girl from Toronto) and two girls from Calgary in Alberta. Together with laughs and minds full of curiosity, we began chatting about our adventures trying to out due one another. It was only until the 3 girls from Wisconsin mentioned a place called Mt. Rainier and all of its beauty that I began thinking of my agenda for the day some more. They described the "Skyline Trail" and how it was the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. So with the last bite of eggs, I looked around and asked who was down to go? So with my new friend from Toronto named Pilar, we began packing for the day. 

          A little more than two hours away, we found all kinds of ways to keep busy. We blasted oldies in my rental, looking up how to say phrases in different languages, FaceTime family members, and talk about our home towns. With time and the sunshine on our side for once, we find ourselves crossing the "Mt Rainier National Park" sign and jumping for joy. We didn't know what we were getting into or what we will see, only that the magnificence of Mt. Rainier was nothing less than jaw dropping. It didn't take long for us park and start out trek up the trail, even with signs saying it may take 3-4 hours to get to the top. As we hiked up, we met all kinds of people that have already been there all day, giving us tips and tricks on where to stop, the best views, and how it feels when you reach the top. We even came face to face with a few Yellow Pine chipmunks and a mountain beaver that liked to check out the view (see video). Finally, after too jolly ranchers to count, numerous granola bars, and a ton of water, we made it to the top and we say the beauty of this natural monster of a landmark. We found a place to lay our heads to get lost in natures soundtrack. The waterfalls, the wind blowing, and  the whispers of the icy top as if it was teasing up to climb higher. This was what made my stay that much better. It was all worth it in the end, and with that came the trek down and the drive home. Onward to the next adventure!

          So after I found myself close to the top of the world, closer to the heavens than I have ever been, I still had much to see. After getting back to Seattle, to re group and drop Pilar off, I found myself looking up, not to the heavens, but north. I began my trek towards Vancouver, and boy did I stumble across a gem of beauty along the way. As I drove north, I saw a sign that simply said, "Ferries" with an arrow pointing west. So naturally, I went with my gut and turned and with that I found myself stumbling upon a place that I never knew existed. I parked my car and ran to the terminal as the ferry began their last call. As I reached the ticket booth the attendant applauded me for making it just in time. She handed me the stub and I raced on the ferry and thats where it all began.

          I found myself in Orcas Village where I stumbled half witted off of the ferry. Groggy from a much needed nap I found myself on an Island where I've never been, I know no one, where I have no signal and no idea what to do. So I did what I naturally do, I went exploring and with no other mode of transportation around the island left, I decided to go hitchhiking. I met an awesome girl named Ana that was a school teacher on the Island, and just like that I was her first hitchhiker and she was the first person I had ever hitched a ride with. Along the way I stopped in the city to get a bite to eat. Stopping by the black bear bakery, I stumbled upon the best double chocolate muffin I have ever had, and partnered with the view of a small inlet in the middle of the island, I was in the midst of the best view in town. What an amazing place this was, sitting on the beach wood I had nothing but awestruck moments, every shade of green glistening even though the glouds slowly lingered overhead. There was a cool breeze that slightly touched you but can easily turn against you if you feel the need to take your jacket off. Even with all this beauty, I still wanted to see more.

          This is when I get the bright idea to take a hike, in the local park, called Mt. Constitution. This was a great idea at first, but at the same time I didn't know what to expect. I hitched a ride to the park, and with that ride, came the sense of adventure. I was dropped off at the mouth of the trail, a trail that I was definitely not prepared for. I began the trek at a fast pace, and found myself tired out quickly as I stormed up the steep turns. I was way in over my head, and 3 hours later without seeing one person, the sun disappearing amongst the trees and the rain coming down slowly, I began to understand it more than ever. It was only until a ray of hope came upon me where I saw a campsite a mile away. I ran uphill towards it only to find that it had been abandoned due to the coming rain. Needless to say I was beginning to freak out. I finally came upon a road in the middle of the mountain, and like the confused explorer like I was, I followed the road home. It was only until I heard a car 30 minutes later that I was able to find a ride back to the ferry on the other side of the Island. Cold, wet, and tired I waited for the ferry to arrive but just before meeting some awesome ladies Lisa and Ana on the ferry back home and we cracked up the whole way. They were awesome to share some great stories amongst tips for things to see on my travels. They even offered to show me around if I am ever back in town!

          But as I stepped off the ferry it was back to the road again, and there was much to see and do...

(To Be Continued)

Seattle, Washington (Part 2)

     So where do I find myself at this moment? I landed in Seattle a few hours ago and sitting at the top of the hill here at Kerry Park, I couldn't help but to wonder, where will this trip take me? Where will I go and who will I meet? I have 8 days to travel, and this is just the beginning. I began with checking out the area, seeing what kind people I will find around town. I was staying at "The Green Tortoise Hostel" right next door to the Pike Place Market on the corner of Pike Street and First. There was so much happening here that I spent a whole day trying different foods, listening to different music, and just sat back and enjoyed the sights.

Some amazing swing dancing!

Traveling street performers!

Don't try this at home!

      The music scene was absolutely amazing. I couldn't help but to stop and admire the entertainers on every corner. Not only did the food stun me with its vibrant flavors and options but the friendliness of the mixture of locals and tourists was unlike any other. I must've tried 10 different "snacks." I had a moment of calmness (or a food coma) come over me as I sat and sipped my coffee at Cafe D' Arte. I waited for life to happen, and at that moment was rewarded by some pretty cool people I met around the city.

I met the girl in the photo that was on the Gum Wall!

A few games in the park with the locals!

     There were so many ways to enjoy the city but nothing was like sitting back and enjoying a nice read while the sun set. There were people fishing, playing soccer, and bird watching as I got lost while reading, "The Alchemist." I found myself about to enjoy the night until I came across a free show of Joan "El Duque" Soriano playing some amazing bachata on stage. This was definitely a way to end this trip!

Seattle, Washington (Part 1)

   

     So, what can I say, I am currently mid air, flying across to another corner of the U.S. and filled with emotions. I decided quite some time ago that before I began my travels overseas to see the world, I wanted to see what America was all about. This year alone, I have seen places I would have never otherwise thought, but every time I visit somewhere new, I feel as though I am doing what I need to. I have climbed to the top of the appalachian mountains, hiked through Arches National Park, and stood at the tallest tip in Los Angeles. Now, I am on my way to a place, where from what others have told me, is the most majestic places of them all, filled with green mountains and rushing waters, weather that would cloud the sun for days but still allow for a run or bike ride. It has much to live up to, many stories of enchanting landscapes as well as mood changing foods. What a strange place to never have visited, wouldn't you agree. Why would anyone stray away from such a description. I mean, if this were a blind date, I would be excited and nervous to meet such a person. Little did I know, this is what I would feel as the wheels lightly caressed the ground of the runway and as I can now officially say, "Hello Washington State, it's my pleasure to meet you."

     As soon as I landed, I had a sense of relief, a feeling rushed through me as I whispered, "I finally made it." Not just because my plane had landed but due to the fact that I am one step closer to calming my inner itch (see last post). As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I felt the welcome of the fresh Seattle air wash over me. This was like nothing back home, even when I was riding in my rental car I had the urge to stick my head out the window with my tongue out. Lets just say, I left the flat sandy swamplands for a city that has so many curves you would thing it loved to squat. This was met by green for as far as the eye can see, earning its name, "The Emerald City." My first state of business was to get some grub, so I raced down to the first place I can think of, Pike Place Market, and like every other tourist in these foreign land, I wanted a fresh coffee to wake me up.

     So I finally parked my car in garage a few blocks from the market, and it caught me off guard to be standing on a road that sat at a 30 degree angle. Just walking down it made me feel as though I would fall forward. Although it was a little hike I finally made it. With the hustle of the market you can hear the faint hymns of street performers and the smell of seafood whether cooked or raw. This was the center of big commerce, and I was ready to begin my duty of trying it all! After looking around for an hour or so, I grabbed some coffee at "Local Color" and grabbed a little something at "Three Girls Bakery" followed by a detour at a little park around the corner where you can see the Seattle Ferris Wheel and the pier. As I sat there looking at the crowds of people spending cash, having laughs, and soaking the sun, I figured I'd check out the best place to get a view of the city. This is when I found out about a place called Kerry Park from some locals. So I slowly made my way back to the car and began my short trek.

      As I came to the end of the steep roads I notice myself pulling up to a small strip of grass. Parking a block before getting there, I wondered how this can be one of the best views in Seattle. It was only until I walked pass a sculpture they have in the middle that I was able to gaze at the magnificence of Seattle. It was like something I have never seen before, and it was all mine to enjoy. I sat there for what seemed like hours just gazing and thinking of what was yet to come of my trip. I even befriended some travelers from Chicago who I only remember by their nicknames, "Lollipop and Hariette the Spy" (inside jokes). It was amazing to sit there, like I was at the end of the world looking back, and knowing that even though I came from the opposite corner, there is more to see over the horizon.

     I realized it was time for me to go, and finally check in to my hostel, and boy did I have a great time!

to be continued...

The Itch...

          So, as I sit here in the airport, practically falling asleep in my chair like an exhausted toddler, I once again feel the itch within me for adventure. The funny thing is, it took up until now to feel it again. See, this all started about 2 months ago, when I found myself at my (at that time 3 month in) "new" job (since ending the 2 month road trip across the U.S.), when I was sitting attentively writing a "very important" e-mail to a peer of mine. Alone in the back room, I leaned back to give my eyes a rest, and as I looked up at the ceiling, I noticed a lizard sitting very still. Yea, I know, random, but there was literally a lizard on the ceiling. I was fixated on how it just stayed completely still as if attempting to blend in to the blandness of the egg shell shade of white panels. For minutes, I just sat there, staring at it, and I thought, I have never seen a lizard on the ceiling before, let alone at work. As I chuckled and bent my neck back to look at my screen, the 3 paragraph explanation that I had prepared was suddenly swept away by an unexpected "Force Close" by the magnificent machine we call a PC.

          At this point, any of us would be distraught to have this happen, but I just sighed at the unfortunate dilemma and went right back at admiring the lizard. It was at this exact point that I felt the "itch". It crept upon me slowly right between my eyes, as if to tell me to take off the figurative glasses I had to put on to live in the "real world." Once off, I felt I didn't understand how I was getting sucked in again.  Into the idea that the seat that I am currently imprinting is my true calling. Although I have been working hard and don't attempt to be mediocre, this was not what my life needs me to do. Like the lizard, I was attempting to blend into something that didn't make sense for me, a bland, egg shelled background. I bet it didn't think it would be stranded on ceiling of some office building surrounded by gigantic monsters doing crazy dances and speaking noises, noises that even if it understood english, would still sound odd to him (thanks to accents and mostly nonsense).

         All this going through my mind, I felt the itch moving towards my chest, at which point I felt a sense of hollowness come upon me. Why am I settling once again? What is it that my heart really wants from me? If I look back at my life and I found out that tomorrow was the end, what would I really have to show for it? What would I have failed at? What would I have learned? We all think of it at one point or another, some more than others, and some put it off because of other things that cloud their hungry minds, but for me, it was an all too eerie feeling. You see, like you, my readers, my friends and family don't quite understand my hunger for experience. I have always thrown myself to the wolves to see if I'd survive, or jumped in the deep end to see if I'd float, or driven on E to see how far I'd get (ok so I made up the last one but you get my point), so why aren't I doing that with my life now?

          With that feeling, I took a look around and saw my life as if it was a still painting, and just like those pieces of art, there are always things the jump out can create deeper though. For example, I have 3 friends of mine who are avid travelers, and without ever expressing my view they come to speak to me about their inner struggle with life and how we are formed to think the way we do. How life isn't all about staying put and feeling comfortable. This is scary thought even for me and as I press my finger into every button I feel the cold chill come down my spine thinking that I can leave it all behind someday. Then I thought about a commitment that I made to myself at the beginning of the year, about seeing much of the world before I turn 30, and what huge leaps I have made thus far. How, before I go overseas, I wanted to see North America for what it was. This is where the itch went to the top of my head and I came up with the brightest idea in quite some time and why, 2 months later, I am sitting in this airport, partially drooling as I type this. Let me finish that commitment to myself, let me see what it is again to see beauty in the unknown rather than fear, let me know that if I can dream it, it can happen. So here I am, my zone was just called to board, as if asking me one last time if I really want to do this, and I just gave them my boarding pass. Hello again, Kenneth, lets see where your heart takes us again...

The Community Made Of Us - Trailers

          Its been a little over 5 months since I began this blog and this journey to find, "The Community: Made of Us" and I can honestly say I have learned quite a lot. Meeting people from all walks of life and all over the United States, there is never a dull moment during my travels. Whether it was taking a shot with a live fish in it, to hiking to the highest point in L.A. there was always room to take my next trip further.

          Even with that being said, I have been working on a short film documenting the past few months of my life's travels and I must say it has taken me longer to put this together than I have expected. Nevertheless, every time I take a look at my "work in progress" I can't help to remember why I started this journey and where I though it would take me. Unsure of what lay ahead of me in the next few months, or where I would be in the next few years.

          Not everything in this world is a sign, nor does everything have a purpose, sometimes, things just...are. What we make of it is a manifestation of what we want, and what we want is a product of our own minds. This kind of mindset keeps me focused on what I plan to do with my life, although I don't know the details just yet, I know where I want to go. Just like any other Floridian in a summer rainstorm, you may not see the lines, but you can still see the road.

          So, to commemorate my soon to be finished, "work in progress" I made the 3rd and final trailer for my project. I also included the links to my first two trailers if you wanted to check them out! Be sure to leave comments on the videos! (Be sure to put them in HD!)

Link to Trailer 3

Link to Trailer 2

Link to Trailer 1

Gainesville, Florida

          There are many places in Florida that I've strived to visit, some I look forward to for their beauty, some for their endless trails, and others for the sake of wonder, as to think, "what if." In this case, it would be the later of the options. From the moment I began my high school career, I remember debating my options, either I go up north to NYU, or across the U.S. to California in search of new horizons, but non the less I stayed in Orlando to attend my Alma Mater, the University of Central Florida. Yet, in that same decision, I also had the option to go to USF, and where this next trip took me, The University of Florida. This is not just where I got to live one of my lifes, "what if" moments, but more about meeting someone who is always up for a good time.

Kelly and I under the "DNA Bridge"

Justin, Miguel, Kelly, and I aka "cool guys" starting the night off!

We even did some reading with random books that were laying around town

Roadtrip sing alongs never hurt, right?

          Meet Kelly, she's lived in Gainesville for quite some time and has found her little paradise amongst her friends and all of her rescued animals. Her uncanny ability to just go with the flow and care for others is what really drew me to her as I got to know her more. There was never a dull moment with her or her friends, we talked about environment issues, laughed at corny jokes, and even played a some games of charades (our team kicked butt). Even with us just knowing each other for 2 days, I felt as though I've known her for years. We have the same sense of direction in life we were just on a path to intersect until now. I am glad I was able to meet such a cool group of people and look forward to going back! 

Kelly climbing up on the "French Fries" on the UF Campus

A little study Session with the famous UF clock tower behind me

Riding the ironic "Bull Gator" as a testament to my fellow UCF Knights

Erin, Kelly, and I at "The Swamp" doing stadiums for "fun"

          We were able to take a small trip on the UF campus for a bit, ok maybe like a whole day (lol) and explore the what it had to offer. I must say, even though the campus and city were dead due to the summer, its potential was definitely not lacking. With the college students setting up game systems outside to the runners not skipping a beat in the summer heat, or the hammocks set up in the trees, to the guitar players on the sidewalk, this campus had what I looked for in an University. There were so many things to do, and that was on its off season, I'm even debating getting my MBA, and I must say, UF seems like a real possibility...

Just hanging around on the trail

You know how many gators we had to run past to make it there... 0_o

A horse, and a bunch of horse shit...

Kelly and I enjoying the view at Payne Prairie

Catch me if you can Kelly!!!

Kelly's version of "my germs!"

          Even amongst all the allure and glamour that UF had to offer, there was more than meets the eye in the city of Gainesville. Just a short bike ride out of campus, you find Paynes Prairie where you can bike, hike, and see the sights (or just animals that block your way on the trail). I wasn't expecting such an adventure so close to where I was staying. I must admit, this makes me feel like I am missing something in Orlando, where are the adventurous parts?? We ran past gators, strolled by wild horses, and did handstands until our arms got tired. I must say, even with Florida swamp heat beating down upon us, we never slowed down or complained. This is where I appreciate Kelly more as a host, but more so as a person. She didn't let little things like that get in her way of adventure, in fact it drove her passion that much more. She was able to hang with all my little challenges and curious exploration of the landscape.

Miguel, Justin, Mirialys, Oliver, Pedro, Kelly, and I at dinner

Miguel, Kelly and I finding our inner spirit animal

          On my last night in Gainesville we took some time to go out and have some dinner together. Filled with laughs about the two days prior, and confusion surrounding missing plantains, it was definitely a great way to end the adventure. There were even a few games of charades and glasses home made wine that we enjoyed later. All in all, this was a great experience and an awesome way to be introduced to the city. The way I see it, it would have been easy to visit some of my college buddies up here and party, but whats the fun in partying all the time? For me, exploring new horizons with great people gives me more satisfaction than any night partying can ever do. Until next time guys!

         Stay tuned to check out more posts as I continue my adventures, and check out the trailers to the small film I am making below. Use the hashtag #MadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support, "The Community Made of Us" here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs

Looking Back Thus Far...

My face at the beginning of "The Community Made of Us"

          So, after quitting my job, selling most of my belongings, and traveling the U.S. for  a month and a half. I have finally made it back to my family in Orlando. Driving over nine thousand miles, eating anything from raw sweet potatoes to amazing home cooked meals, and even sleeping in the freezing cold to having an apartment to myself a block from the beach, I have no words to sum up such an experience, what I felt, who I met, and how in the heck I made those long hour drives without going crazy (haha). This project I call," The Community Made of Us" is not just about me and my journey, but rather the people that I met along the way. 

My mother and I riding the sun rail for the first time in Orlando, FL

Hanging with my new friend Isaiah on Highway 1 on California's coast

Hanging out with the spanish fruit gang in Charleston, SC

The tiny sober dinosaur from L.A.

          From the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean and every lake in between I found myself in a different situation ever time. Looking back at the beginning of this trip, I remember thinking what people would think when I told them what I've done. What would I do after I finish the trip? Will "The Community Made of Us" really become something greater? Would this idea of community even catch on? And yet I never thought I would receive the support that I have thus far. People that I never expected to hear from have told me how inspired they've become, how the look at ideas like this and appreciate what they mean. Still, I couldn't help but to feel odd when I arrived back home in Orlando.  After such an amazing trip, I was back to reality, and responsibility, but that wasn't the issue. 

Hanging out with Ru, Ivan, and Bar in Savannah after I just met them earlier in Savannah, GA

Marley's Collie live at Tanquray's in Downtown Orlando, FL

Hanging with my friend Kelly on International Drive in Orlando, FL

Having a little seat in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

          I arrived home to with a feeling of sadness and anxiety. First off is how I can get back to my normal routine and to the security that I once held so high on my life's pedestal? After about a week of aimlessly wandering and emotionally playing a tug of war inside, I reminded myself of the reason I made this journey in the first place. To create the connections with people that I would have otherwise never have done before. To help make a difference in others lives and show them that our desires and what we can achieve is as possible as they can imagine it. That when you are unhappy at what your doing, make the plan to get yourself on the right path, and execute it. After I realized this, I soon felt the sadness within me, turn into my passion, and thus creating an emotional alchemy within myself.

 Hanging with my best friend Valentina, and her little sister Jenny in Charlotte, NC

Cool girl Emily and I making faces in Albuquerque, NM

Frisbee golfing at the park with some new friends in L.A.

Conner the Bear at the bar with Shawna dancing on the side in Nashville, TN

          So, now I find myself creating a basis for myself in order to continue this story of community. I can't help but to feel as though the memories I made can't be out done, but like I said before, this is only the beginning, and there's a whole world out there to see. So to give you a little taste of my experiences and some of the situations I found myself in with strangers, that became my friends, that later became part of this greater community, here are some of my favorite photos from along my trip. There is still much to tell, and as I settle in to make my next big leap, I am busy, editing my first film project, planning for my next adventure, and looking for the best moment to take that leap of faith once more. Thank you again and hope to see you around, wherever you are...

Ornella, a Peruvian from NJ, and Kenny, a Peruvian from NJ hanging out at Little Hong Kong in Arlington, TX

Goofing around with Callie in Phoenix, AZ

Somewhere in the Middle of Arkansas lol

Children that I sold some candy with in East L.A., CA

My friend Amanda riding a hog in downtown Asheville, NC

       

         Stay tuned to check out more posts as I continue my adventures, and check out the trailers to the small film I am making below. Use the hashtag #MadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support, "The Community Made of Us" here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs