What Happens on the Road, Stays on the Road... Except for Panda's Drinking. That's Going on the Blog.

There's something about sharing experiences with people that is just so amazing. Trying to stay up all night talking and writing like we once did as college students only to simultaneously pass out at one-fifteen in the morning. Or dining at the Sonic which rests across and slightly down the road from the birthplace of the 42nd President of these United States (that's Clinton for those who didn't know). Nothing more spectacular than spending time with great friends, but it's still so fulfilling, you know?

The road trip was... it was great. A simplification of a period of time in my life that I'll never forget -- but yeah, it was great. Or how about -- Great? We're deliriously happy! (said in the classic New York accent of an old Italian man).

That too could qualify as a description of us and the vacation.

The Top Ten things I learned on this road trip:

10) It's always best to split a meal when ordering at a restaurant (saves money and bellyachin' -- Texas portions are huge!).
9) Wednesday nights in Memphis are seriously fun and B.B. King's has awesome food (and better music).
8) Anything worth seeing is never visible from the road.
7) White boys do not have b'dunkadunks (and probably can't spell the word either).
6) That I've become way too literal for my own good.
5) Things can change and that's cool.
4) Arkansas and bugs --- like a bad horror movie.
3) Your friends' families are gold mines for embarrassing stories (and pictures!)
2) There's a reason most states have open-container laws.
1) Sopapillas drizzled with honey might very well be my new kryptonite.

It's late and while there is more to share now that I'm home, I'll save that for tomorrow. Just wanted to hop on and let everyone know that I survived Texas and recommend that if two of your best friends ever call you up and ask you to road trip with them, just go.

Find a way and go. You'll be glad you did. I am.

Me, J.Vlo, and Panda on Beale Street.