Family Ties

In many ways the last hundred and eighty miles of my journey to Raleigh were the least eventful, but perhaps the most memorable of the trip.
Nothing sinks in when you move from gate to gate. One aeroplane, one airplane. All that changes is the voice that says it.
However, this was different. The greyhound. Passing a BoJangles, Taco Bell, Wal*Mart and Wendys woke me from an hypnotic waking sleep and into a 'nearly home' buzz of anticipation.

This is how I remember America, roads and fields to the treeline horizon. I've only been outside for a total of two hours in four days until now but a window seat on a greyhound can feel a lot like being free compared to the confined walls and departure lounge or an over-wing isle seat in economy plus.

But its more than that, for perhaps the first time I really have been traveling *to* not traveling *from* - and there always feels like a difference. I'm not going from Denver or from Orlando, I'm now really going To Raleigh. Perhaps it doesn't make a difference, who knows. The real difference I suppose, is the feeling of travel. I can see the trees come and go, gas stations pass us by. It feels like we're moving now, i'm not abstracted from the process - I can see the ground move beneath us. Rain is falling toward us from above. I feel like I'm moving now, traveling. Not waiting. Waiting to board, waiting to take off, waiting to land. Now I'm on the road. Moving.

I've been looking forward to coming here, so much so that I've found a way to make it. I nearly gave up at Denver, heck I almost surrendered at Orlando but there is nothing like watching your suitcase take off that spurs you on to the next flight and through trains, planes and automobiles, Family is Family so here I am.