virginia is for lovers

stepping out of the train in charlottesville, virginia was like transporting into the future. like magic! (this affect could also have come from the fact that i was pretending to be on the hogwarts express most of the trip, it was my first train ride outside of riding on the lirr) after traveling at such a slow pace for many weeks, going hundreds of miles in less than twenty four hours seemed unreal. we were finally on the east coast, and it felt like it. no more 95 degree weather plus 90 percent humidity, no more deserts, no more snake and armadillo roadkill everywhere i look, and there were trees, big beautiful trees and forests and grass! as much as i loved living in san diego, and the beauty of each distinctly different landscape and environment in the south, i missed the northeastern landscape which i have grown up to love so much. getting lost in the shade of trees, the smell of dead leaves, and crispy grass. unfortunately, this all comes with a price, rain. riding into richmond was the first of fifty three days on the road where we were truly rained on, all day, nonstop, pounding, cold, rain. thankfully, we had a warm destination awaiting us at my friend nicoles apartment! ross and i warmed up quickly with a shower and a yummy stir fry nicoles boyfriend aaron whipped up for us. we were excited to be in richmond, it was the first city we have gone trough where we have friends living there. my friends nicole and ryan both live in richmond and have for many years. they definitely showed ross and i a super fun four days of partying, tasty food, coffee, bike riding, and sweet spots in richmond. we didnt want to leave, and cant wait to come back (in august for sure!)