Monday, March 31, 2014

Yesterday, I Biked from Rochester to Saint Paul

Previously living in a long term suite, a condominium was found in Saint Paul. With my bike the only oversized item, it had to be transported someway from Rochester to Saint Paul. Why not ride it? I mean that's what it's made for, to transport itself. Due to weather, I biked a day earlier. Leaving at 6 AM, I arrived in Saint Paul downtown at approximately 5:30 PM. What an adventurous ride. I kept people updated online via instagram, here are the picture I took.
















Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Last Day of Work!

Work has finally come to an end. Although it was only a month, it was a nice release to walk away. I have improved my ability to communicate with people and I feel less awkward making small talk. At my barista job, while I would foam the milk, I would always try to conjure up a conversation with the person waiting for his or her drink. I also formed a small relationship with the regulars who come. One thing I learned about serving coffee, Indians always drink their coffee with cream. Not one customer who was Indian drank black coffee. It brings curiosity to how what nation a person is from affects how one enjoys coffee. Anyways, it was a good run of work and I am proud of the small sum of money I have saved towards my future endeavors.

Friday, March 21, 2014

New Gear!

This week has been a spendy but exciting week. Besides the long hours at work, when I did have free time, I bought some fancy new gear for my trip. I bought a hiking backpack made by High Sierra which is even waterproof! I also purchased a hefty chain that can cut diamonds to protect my bike from raiders. Yesterday, I received my water proof pannier bags (they go on the rear of my bike) and today, I was able to attach them to my bike because my friend helped me attach a bike rack to the back of my bike. Although I've spent around $400 in the past few days, it is satisfying because it was my own money. All the gear I purchased are in my existence from the sweat as I made an infinite amount of lattes, cappuccinos, and Chinese food.
Today was a nice break. After working double shifts at both job three days in a row, not having to get my face covered in mocha syrup or chicken grease is a really nice. At home, we have sold most of our big belongings and now we are trying to sell the smaller things. We had a small house sale (similar to a garage sale but in the house because it's Minnesota and it's cold outside) and I helped organize and sell. Afterwards, I biked to an old friend of mine who is back from college for spring break. We drove out of town to a Cabela's which is a huge store for outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and camping. The store was pretty overpriced but I did end up buying a durable pot for my everyday cooking and drinking. Honestly, it was a nice get away to be with a good friend just driving and listening to music. When we got back to his place, he helped me install the holding rack and pannier bags on the bag of my bike. Elliot, if you are reading this, my deep gratitude. As I was biking back home, my back was pretty soaked from all the mud produced by the melting snow but it was still a thrill to be outside after a cold winter.  I have an odd feeling of excitement due to the fact that in exactly one week, my family and I will be homeless. Let the freedom dawn upon us!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

We Should Start Seeing Other Bicycles...

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Last known photo of my beloved Univega fixed gear bicycle. This piece of fine machinery has efficiently got me from point A to point B without fail. I do hope your new owner grows a similar bond of trust and love.
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Why hello there (;
2014 Specialized Compact Secteur

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Piling in the Cheddar

With one month left in Rochester, I have strategically dedicated the rest of my stay to work and to generate a decent sum of money to fund the trip. Along with my normal job as a barista, I have reluctantly crawled back to my former job as a Chinese Chef (more mellifluous than "cook").
Having 40+ hours of espresso dripping/orange chicken flipping brings me into the world of the minimum wage survival game. I keep in mind that the more grease staining my apron and sugar-free mocha splashed in my eyebrows, the more I will be able to appreciate biking towards a setting sun on a empty highway.