It's slowly been floating around my social networks that I'm planning to move back to Cali in early 2011, after my original post about this in August. I truly appreciate everyone's concern and helpfulness through this complicated process. So I thought I should update you all on my thought processes and plans so far.
It's looking like January will be my last month in New York City as a resident. I will probably finish up my projects at Global Kids in early January, and then spend the rest of the month packing my stuff, selling and giving away a lot of things hopefully, and shipping the most essentials (books, clothes, cat) to the Bay Area.
I'm thinking about renting a van and doing a roadtrip across the country with the few things that won't ship well (framed photos and artwork, the bike, computer gear.) It sounds like fun and a challenge — something I've never done before and feel like I should do at some point in my life. There's so much of America I know almost nothing about, which seems kind of wrong.
I'm a bit intimidated with the logistics of a long car trip to be honest. Having a traveling companion will be super helpful for many big and small reasons (sharing the driving, navigation, not going stir crazy talking to myself…). So if you are interested in coming for all or part of the roadtrip, I'm happy to help compensate you for your time — perhaps flying you back home if the flight isn't too expensive. Be in touch if you are interested.
In terms of other plans, I'm also hoping to do in early 2011 a trip to the Philippines to do some snorkeling in the Southern region. For those that don't know, the Philippines has some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, which unfortunately are in constant danger of being destroyed due to pollution and destructive fishing practices. I'm looking for a traveling companion to come with me who is interested in some fairly adventurous travelling for a couple of weeks: snorkeling, kayaking, camping, balut-eating, etc.
As to the overall transition, I'm feeling at peace about the whole thing, like this is the right time in my life to be doing this move. I'm looking forward to planning and experimenting with what I want to be doing in this phase of my life. And just have a bit of breathing room, time with family and friends, in a familiar setting, seems like something I really could use.
So no, I don't have any employment lined up yet in the Bay Area. This is definitely not the ideal time to be out of work. But I'm not looking to jump into any major commitments immediately. If you do have contacts or suggestions for positions in the Bay you think I'd like, please send them my way.
My time left in New York is running out so fast! There's a bunch left to do here, and people to spend time with. I'm thinking about what I want to do as my final farewell to New York party in January. Dancing and good food will of course need to be the primary activities.
But first things first: who's down for a roadtrip?
I moved cross-country via car all by myself. It was kind of fun, actually! But you’d definitely be better off with a van, as I actually crammed all my belongings into my Toyota Echo. Wasn’t particularly safe. Not only couldn’t I see through the back windows, I had something fall on my head while I was driving on the highway through a major rainstorm and it caused me to swerve and land in the ditch!
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Hey Rik,
I just wanted to say I feel for what you’re doing completely and I think it’s awesome. I did the New York thing on a whim in my life, lived it and loved it and moved on. Alex and I drove from New York down to Atlanta and then some with all our stuff that didn’t travel well (same sorts of things you’re talking about) in an SUV and it’s a great experience. I’ve done it 3 times now, back and forth between those areas. Having a travel buddy is a lot of fun too and quite helpful, I give a thumbs up there. I wish you all the best in your coming adventure and I hope to see posts and photos of your trip to Cali!
Rik,
As someone who for their senior year drove their car from Southern California to Central Pennsylvania (and stopped at as many swing dance scenes as possible in between) my piece of advice is give yourself ample time for travel.
Some nights after long hauls I barely had the energy to dance after 6-10 hour car drives. If I had to do it again I would space out the time I had to travel each day. But it is an amazing experience, enjoy it!
When I moved out here from NYC I stayed with random people off of, Yehoodi.com of course! Got to go dancing AND had a couch to crash on…
Rik, I’m so excited for you! A few of my friends are on this path now and I remember my crosscountry move fondly….I took six months, lived at monasteries and in the home of my teachers while figuring out how to focus my efforts in a direction where I could feel the wind pushing my fingers forward. I turned my vehicle into an artcar with groups all along the way, took friends along for portions of the ride and had a few scary adventures along the way. Back then I thought I was moving to the East Bay from Boston….but ended up in Venice starting life in LA.
You are a courageous and inventive leader who will no doubt find success no matter where your adventures take you next. I hope you find great companions all along the way and enjoy the times alone just as much.
Much appreciate that, Evonne! I looking forward to seeing more of you in 2011.