Cracks in the Concrete: A Motorcycle Odyssey Through Modern America

I took the scenic route from northeast Ohio to Niagara Falls, riding through Lake Erie wine country (yes, that is a thing). On a motorcycle, you pick up a lot more of the natural scents and smells than you do in a car. I've driven this route in the past, during peak vintage season, and its one of the more memorable riding experiences I've had, with an overwhelming, almost intoxicating aroma of dark grapes pervading each inhalation. While I missed peak vintage season by a few weeks this time around, the scent of grape juice was still a delightful companion on the ride up.  One of the few photos that captures just how great the foliage was in Western New York It was almost twilight by the time I got to Niagara Falls, and I was shocked by how empty it was. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions were closed; it felt almost like a ghost town. The weather may have been party to blame (low 50s/high 40s and a bit damp), but it was a surprise to see so few people. Their loss was my ga...

Ok, going way back to early October where I left off before posting about Argentina. Following my time in South Bend, I took the scenic route back to Cleveland. I've driven 80/90 (the turnpike/toll road) between South Bend and Cleveland countless times, but until now, I had never taken the scenic route: corn fields for the first 2/3rds then small towns on Lake Erie from Toledo onwards.  Cedar Point: No, I didn't stop; rollercoasters and a history of concussions are not a winning combination Huron: Prettier than I expected, just don't get in the water (it is still Lake Erie afterall) My first day in Cleveland, I stayed with my friends, the Kays.  During the 6 years I lived in Cleveland, the Kays essentially became my adoptive parents, regularly hosting me for dinners and holidays. Chris is a retired electrical engineer who spent most of his career working in telecoms. Since retiring, he's spent much of his time renovating the basement and kitchen of their historic home i...

Hopping a bit out of order here, but figured I should tell the most recent stuff while its still fresh in my mind ... that and I didn't take daily notes while I was in Argentina, so I'll forget the detail if I don't put pen to paper on it soon.  On December 11th, I flew down to Argentina with a group of 10 other staff members from the camp I worked at this summer.  Zarate We spent the first 4-5 days in a city called Zarate (also known as the Tango City), which is about 2 hours up river (northwest) from the burgeoning metropolis of Buenos Aires. A few years ago, Zarate undertook a massive project to convert the abandoned industry buildings and dump on the bank of the Parana River into a beautiful riverfront park.  An ode to Argentine Great, Manu Ginobili, in the riverfront park In Zarate, we worked stayed with the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa's order) at a house they run for old men with nowhere else to go. We did a lot of dishwashing, laundry, mopping, card p...