My Little Nephew, Baby Easton

Can't wait to meet you, little guy.

A Travel Story

Some people, when hearing the words "travel story," may immediately picture faraway locations such as Italy or the Bahamas. Some may consider closer closer locations, such as a beach or mountain spot a few hours from the hometown. I used to think travel stories required adventures that took a person away from their house and town; I thought the best stories would revolve around locations that were far and unknown to the traveler. My travel writing class this semester has shown me how wrong I have been. I've missed so much so close. Now, I have made it a habit to pay attention to my surroundings and the people within.

I noticed the farmers tucked under their fold-up tables at the market near our apartment on Fridays. One couple I assume to be a father and daughter dress in Amish attire. What is their story? I walked by an old man fishing at a nearby park. He sat in a chair perched near the water's edge. I don't know much about fishing. There is a travel story there. Destination? Park. Experience? Fisherman. Places provide a setting. People provide the beauty and depth of human difference and connection.

Anyways, I do have a travel story to share. Last weekend, Greg and Yangping, his friend from China, had their first soccer game. After leaving the field, Yangping and his roommate had us over for dinner. Stepping into their two-bedroom apartment located close to Syracuse University's campus provided a new travel adventure.

Yangping sat us down on their one piece of furniture, a small black couch leftover from the previous renters, and handed us his laptop. He told us to do whatever we wanted while he cooked. No matter how many times we asked if he needed help, he insisted we sit and relax. After awhile, Yangping and his roommate who is also from China (I don't to spell his name in case I get it wrong) had prepared a bowl of cut potatoes, beef and broccoli, chicken, and bowls of white rice. They gave us the only two bowls they had, and they used tupperware. The food was spicy and fantastic. Over and over, the two of them insisted we eat as much as we wanted. We talked about China. We talked about the States. We shared stories. We asked questions. We learned from each other. We shared in the beauty of those human differences and connections.

Hello World Series!

I was probably one of the few in Syracuse last night to sit down and watch game six of the Giants/Phillies game AND root for the Giants. Baseball is a great sport, despite what Greg thinks (though I did succeed in getting him to watch the last two innings last night)! Scoring doesn't happen quickly, and so mistakes are brutal/crucial when they are made. Each pitch is like a held breath. Even the waiting period for a fly ball soaring through the air heading for the ready outfielder is intense. Baseball gets me on the edge of my seat and keeps me there, and last night's game was extremely nerve-wracking. The Giants had lost the last game in San Fran, and I felt nervous about them flying back to Philadelphia. Yes, they only had to win one more, but still, the Phillies seemed pumped. After a struggling start (the Phillies lead the game by 2, pitcher Jonathan Sanchez got a little too heated, the game continued with a tied score), Juan Uribe hit a homer. I danced around the living room, and Lily joined me. Lily is clearly a Giants fan too! Then, after biting my nails through the last two innings, "Fear the Beard" pitcher Brian Wilson ended the game beautifully.

So, I can happily say, the SF Giants are heading to the World Series!

The photos are from sfgate.com and sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com.