My first East Coast Memorial Day weekend

This was also my second Memorial Day not attending the Moped Army BBQ. For a moment, I thought about flying back to see everyone. But I also really needed to unwind, relax, and settle into my new Pennsylvania life. Plus, I know that if I’d gone, there would’ve been too many people (sensory overload), making it difficult to spend real “quality” face time w/ my closer friends.

So I went to Philly to see jakeadelphia (a Decepticon Moped Army alumnus, like me), instead. Mostly, we just walked around downtown Philly, catching up on our new Pennsylvania lives. Sadly, Philly is really a rather dirty town (my apologies to any Philadelphians out there). So despite all its amazing history (the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, etc.), it’s quite a let down. Though I must admit that I’ve only ever been there on very brief visits, never enough to really soak in the sights.

But. I discovered Nintendo Wii. And, yes, it’s just as much fun as the commercials seem to suggest. Actually, it’s probably more fun. My arm’s still sore from the two hours of tennis we played. I honestly think this is the kind of workout designed for me. I want one.

Sunday we drove down to Wilmington for a multicultural BBQ. My brother’s girlfriend is Iranian, and their co-workers/friends are from every corner of the world. So we had amazing food & amusing conversation—even kicked the soccer ball around a bit. And, of course, there was the requisite patriotism. Off in the distance, some lone guy was standing in a field waving a US flag; a van circled him (so we thought this was some film/photography project), but then the van went away & the character remained. So I’ve no idea what that was. But if you’re ever in the Wilmington area, you must check out Rockford Park; it’s next to Brandywine Park (which is even nicer).

All in all, a great weekend—despite spending about 12-14 hours on the highway. Now I’m ready for a slow week of getting things in order for July (since I’ll be gone most of June). Two articles are under review (fingers crossed). And K8 returns on Friday; we’ll get to spend a few days in Carlisle, before our three week Bolivia adventure.

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PS. If you’re interested in mopeds, you may be interested in the documentary: Moped to South America. The film covers two San Francisco Moped Army members who travel across the Americas on their mopeds.

PPS. I also finally got to see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Despite being nearly three hours long, it didn’t disappoint.