¡México Mañana!

I've had a great time over the last two weeks in Scottsdale, Arizona!  Soon after arriving at my friend Ryan's apartment, my friend Charles and his friend Andrew came out to visit for a weekend.  (is that enough "friend"s in one sentence?)  We did what most people do in Scottsdale; hibernate indoors during the day, and go out for a couple...dozen beers at night.  A couple of days later, my girlfriend Kali flew into town.  Her stepfather lives here, so I moved to his house while she was in town.  She and I also did what most people do in Scottsdale; except we came out of each days hibernation to enjoy incredible food that her stepfather treated us to.  Kali's visit was a last minute idea, and it was great to see her.  When I left Connecticut in May, I thought that it could be upwards of nine months before I would get to see her again.

After Kali left on Wednesday, I moved back to Ryan's apartment and waited for some motorcycle parts I purchased online to arrive.  I've fitted new tires, changed the oil, rewired a turn signal that melted earlier in the trip, adjusted the valves, and cleaned the air filters.  While all of that work should not have taken more than a day, once you add in Murphy's Law and my own incompetence, it's surprising that I finished it as soon as I did.

Tomorrow morning I will hit the road around 5:30am, in an attempt to get a head start on the overwhelming midday heat.  I'm heading south to Nogales, where I will cross into Mexico (hopefully), and begin the real adventure.  While I've enjoyed the time and company here in Arizona, I'm in desperate need of a change in scenery.  Aside from the overwhelming heat, I can honestly say that Scottsdale may be the last place that I would ever want to live in the States.  As my friend Ryan put it when he was telling me what to expect when I arrived, "It's like one big strip mall, sprawled out over 900 square miles."  I'd like to add that the 900-square-mile-strip-mall is relentlessly congested with holiday traffic; and yes, I do realize it's June. 

The thought of tomorrow's border crossing is both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking.  While my ride through the States has been fun, I've known that without fail, there will be a Wal-Mart, a half-dozen fastfood restaurants, and that I will be able to converse with anyone that I may meet.  In other words, while the scenery has been incredible, all the other aspects of the trip have generally been known.  While I'm thrilled to be leaving the Wal-Mart's and fastfood restaurants behind, it's intimidating to think about the language issues I will encounter, and how I generally have no idea what to expect from this point on.  Though it may be intimidating, it is also the best feeling in the world, and it's the reason I am doing this trip.  It's exteremely difficult to verbalize the excitement I feel, and at the risk of sounding too overdramatic, it's as if everything I've done for this trip over the last two years, all comes down to this. 

I want to thank everyone for following my Journey.  I thouroughly enjoy receiving your comments and emails, and you've made maintaining this site a lot of fun!  Until next time...

Comments

[Seth]

Jeff, I'm the KLR dude you met in Green River Utah at Subway/Gas station. I'll email you the pics I took in case they may useful to you. Can't wait to see what happens to you next, and good luck in Mexico and beyond!

[Auntie Rosie]

Hey Jeff,

My excitement for you continues to grow!! I have totally enjoyed following you across the States. I continue to pray for your safe travels. We head out on our FIVE week adventure this Saturday. It is very exciting but a little scarey to think that we five and Togo are all getting in an RV a heading West for California and back. We have about 10,000 miles mapped out. First real stop will be Colorado Springs! I plan to connect my phone to Uncle Scott's laptop so we can stay in touch with everyone via email, facebook and your website.
The best to you on entering into Mexico and the new adventures you will be facing. - I love you! Auntie Rosie