Day 1?

There's so much to say and I don't think there is enough time or will of any readers to read everything I've done and experienced in this last month.

Let's just say, it's been a much bigger and better culture shock than I'd ever have expected.

Over the next couple of weeks my plan is to update bits and bobs of what I've done this month, get up to date - and then fill you in a couple of times a week on the embarrassments and surreal experiences that my life has become.

Let's start from the beginning... the ROAD TRIP.

...Enter the temperamental Volvo...



...weighed down with everything that has become our life, with only enough room for my toes and Alex to drive - Oh! And Lola of course!



I almost feel Lola deserves her own post. Lola has a picture in every state, in front of every landscape and became our "good luck" charm over the trip. Something on the car sounds dodgy? Wiggle Lola! Don't think we'll make it through the mountains? Wiggle Lola! You get the idea...

The first day of the trip was kind of dull. Early morning start, long twelve hour drive, not to mention a lost mobile phone, a frantic stop in Indianapolis with a crazed phone call to an insurance company, another stop at the creepiest toilet at a place called "Pocahontas" that resembled the bathroom from Saw I, the beautiful view of the St Louis Arch - "gateway to the West",and finally getting near to Alex's Grandparents house only to get lost on the final stretch. So yes, not a very eventful first day...



In the car - Day 1.



Border of Indiana.



Just your average healthy American snack...



Illinois border.



Pocahontas. The scariest town in America.



Missouri border.



St Louis Arch.



Mississippi River.



Bridge over to Alex's Grandparents house.

Although not the most eventful day of our trip, it's defiantly one to remember. Only Alex could send us on an hours detour after leaving his phone on top of the car, driving off, and then proceeded to drive very slowly down the motorway thinking he'd find it...

We ended up spending two days with Alex's Grandparents. Some of the nicest people - and even though they totally didn't understand what to feed me as a vegetarian, I thoroughly enjoyed the "lovely salad bar" at Ruby Tuesdays... haha.

Updates!

I promise I'll update soon...

I'm currently in St. George Utah! We've been on the road trip for six days now and have had so many crazy experiences.

I'll get to California on Monday and will spend the week updating.

So many photos...

...So much to tell!

Audi Strike 1 ??

It's been an eventful couple of days...

I can't say it's been the best start to our road trip.

Day 1 the Volvo breaks down and we have to be towed (read below).

Day 2 the Audi feels the crunch of metal.

Alex and I were stopped at a red light on our way to what turned out to be a drunken whiskey filled evening. We were in the right lane going straight and as soon as the lights turned green a Honda came flying across from the left hand lane trying to make a right.

I wish I were lying when I told you we slammed on the breaks, blasted the horn but the guy just kept on coming, denting the front left hand corner of the Audi and smashing the headlight...

It was one of those moments where we could see it happening but there was nothing we could do... we sat hearts in our throats, screaming, swearing.

Luckily a police man saw everything, pulled us both over and fined "Xavier" for his gut-wrenching mistake.

The day after Alex and I picked up the temperamental Volvo and it's running better than I've ever heard it. But due to our two days of terrible luck we've decided to push our road trip back to Monday and spend 8 days travelling down. Same route, but they'll be more time for us to see things.

Every cloud?

Temperamental Volvo Stike 1

I finally made it to Detroit, after 12hours of travelling and way too much waiting around.



Yesterday was my first full day in the USA and Alex and I decided to embark on some retail therapy. It's kind of a tradition. Every time I visit we go to the supermarket and go to the "mall".

Ironically Alex and I were having a conversation about our luck - or lack there of, and how we had been so lucky up until now. Within a second the car shut off, the oil light came on and we were stranded on the side of the motorway.

The 1988 temperamental Volvo struck. Strike 1.




The car ended up being towed and is currently getting a new timing belt. (?!)

Luckily Alex's Dad was so kind to lend us his Audi A4 convertible. I felt like a film star all day. Driving with the top down, hair everywhere, Raybans on!



It was so typical though... Alex's family are now worried sick. His Grandparents are convinced we're going to break down on top of the Rocky Mountain or in the middle of Death Valley. Personally I still want to drive, but we'll have to see what is going to happen. There's a lot of talk or air fares, shipping, and new cars...

...I'll keep you updated...