Giving Thanks

2009 Turkey.  This year we actually had ham, but I didn't take a photo of it.

HAPPY BELATED THANKSGIVING!  The holidays are now in full swing, and I'll be back on the train soon for the next portion of my trip.  I'm doing some serious planning this week. Here is my tentative schedule.

Chicago

Boston

New York

Washington D.C.

New Orleans

Bloomington, IL

Chicago

Minneapolis

Seattle

Since this is the season of giving thanks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people.  Thanks to Anya, Lydia, Lucy, Jessene & Co., and Sarah for letting me stay with them!  I also want to thank my bosses for letting me go on sabbatical, and all my friends and family for their support.  You have helped make my trip great and financially possible.  THANKS!

Cheers,

Ali

Purdue Crew Boathouse

On Friday I returned to my alma mater for the opening of the Purdue Crew Boathouse.  This new boathouse is amazing and such a big improvement from what was previously used.  There are three boat bays, a room for rowing machines, and a weight room.  Plenty of space to get faster and stronger!

  It was great to see my fellow crew alumni and some of my other college friends.  I always enjoy going back to Purdue and catching up.

Three new boat bays

Erg (rowing machine) room

Weight room upstairs

My picture on the medal wall

Three boat bays and a maintenance bay

New dock

Visiting my friend Sarah.  She was rocking out the floral arrangements for a wedding.

Purdue Memorial Union 

 I'm working on the next segment of my trip and I'll let you know more when things are finalized.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! 

Cheers,

Ali

Colorado and Chicago

I got to Colorado on Sunday and spent the next few day with Jessene and company in Evergreen.  I had a great visit with them and really enjoyed being out of the big city for a little while.

Filling the pellet stove.

Making granola with Tiernan.

                                      

Learning how to use chopsticks. 

Union Station in Denver after the blizzard.

The Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver, where I hid out from the blizzard.

Crossing the Mississippi.

Union Station in Chicago

I'm mostly staying put until after Thanksgiving, but I will try to post here and there.  Thanks for reading.

Cheers,

Ali

NV to CO

On Saturday afternoon I left Reno for Colorado.  The train ride was 23 hours, and I decided to get a sleeper car.  It was great to have my own space, especially when I wanted to stay up late reading Harry Potter IV (yes, I am that cool).  My sleeper car also included all of my meals, which really made it worth it.  I would definitely recommend it to others for long trips.

More about Colorado soon.

Cheers,

Ali

Reno

My host, Miss Lucy, at all you can eat sushi!

Reno Coffee Shop

University of Nevada, Reno

Pumpkin Beer at Silver Peak Brewery

My winnings! ($8.01)

Me and my backpack.

Cheers,

Ali

CA to NV

I had a very difficult time getting out of San Francisco on Thursday, partially because I couldn't find the Amtrak bus stop, but also because of this. I did eventually make it to Sacramento to catch the train to Reno.

Sacramento Train Station

Viewing Car

Cheers,

Ali

San Francisco

After taking the ferry back to San Francisco on Wednesday I explored the city even more.  I left San Francisco early Thursday morning (7 a.m.) for Reno, NV.

I took the ferry down to the bike rental shop early on Wednesday.

I had a great experience in San Francisco, and would definitely like to visit again.  I also really liked my hotel, The Golden Gate Hotel, which is a European style hotel.  It was in a great part of town, about a block from Powell St. and five from Chinatown.  The hotel had homemade croissants, tea, and juice every morning and daily afternoon tea.  I would recommend this hotel to anyone heading to the city.

Cheers,

Ali