Walking, My New Transportation

At first I saw having to walk places as a total pain. It takes you about 5 times as long and you usually get pretty sweaty doing it. Lately though, I have kind of started to appreciate it. You notice what's around you a whole lot more for one. I have been getting some needed exercise for two. And you have the opportunity to walk alongside some pretty interesting people ...

I had to go to work this evening, and in lieu of my recent moped-less status, I decided against the bus (very infuriating), and the taxi (very awkward), and chose to walk. On my walk home, I ended up walking beside another girl who was by herself and headed in my same direction. I asked her if she wanted to walk together, as the street we just turned down was pretty empty (see how outgoing I am becoming?? haha). We started talking and it turns out Teresa is from Germany, just graduated school to be a teacher, and before she is settling down with a job, has taken an entire 18 months to travel the world!! How amazing?!?!? She does something called "Couch Surfers",  a program where you essentially sleep on members' couches (or floor, or spare bed, etc.) for a week or so before moving on to your next destination. I am in such awe at Teresa's independence to commit to traveling the world alone for a year and a half! It was so inspiring to talk to her. She has already been to Alaska, Seattle, Vancouver, Quebec, and obviously Hawaii and is only a few months in. We swapped numbers and plan to meet up sometime during the week she is here...

... If she's not careful I might end up on her German "kleiden" (couch) in the near future!