Lessons Learned

1. You cannot sing Aretha or Lauryn on uphill climbs (Big Sur).
2. That which is the most spoken is probably the least present
3. Attitude is a choice. I often wake up in a sour mood. Room for improvement.
4. Nothing is as it seems.

While Las Angeles isn't my city I have found the hospitality of the last few days to be amazing. Balao, Tora, and I stayed with a couple capoeiristas (louise & marcelo). They welcomed us with open arms, and kindness and amazing water pressure.
On Friday night the five of us had dinner at Diego's family house. His two younger sisters and and cousins were a trip highlight. I can't remember the last time I laughed as hard as when we were all playing hide and seek in the backyard fruit trees. It might go without saying, the food was amazing. Diego's step mom even brought us second dinner of pupusas... just because we were talking about pupusas. I basically had to be rolled home. Then on Saturday night, the magic was repeated - with fresh Tilapia this time and a tres leches cake.

Do it your way. Then: lap of luxury

SANTA BARBARA! I got to spend the last couple of days with Eugene friend, Kali and Sahalie her adorable white muppet-dog. She's working for UCSB and has actually only been in town about two months herself. It was nice to have repose from the larger mob (we're still at around 20 people) - but even better to catch up with a good friend. I was fortunate to get to spend 48 hours in her adorable studio which came with many luxuries: shower, internet, bed, kitchen, the cutest dog...ability to g-chat with my love...it was amazing.
The first night was spent at prof. Chin's house - a beautiful home and family with the most welcoming hospitality. Can you imagine having two young children, and inviting some twenty homeless capoeiristas to sleep in your space?! And then cooking them an amazing dinner, and breakfast? Truly gracious.
The days previous were trying. I have this head cold that won't seem to go away (actually, now that I've slept indoors in a bed for a couple nights it feels better). On top of that, Keith and I were left behind the larger group and had to put in an 75ish mile day to catch up... the good news is that 75 miles feels great. The other news is I'm learning a good deal about myself and ability (or lack thereof) to maintain composure in difficult situations with acquaintances. Or: have you seen my "bitchy face"? I might have ended up hiding in front of a volkswagon outside one night to cry out of frustration, because yes, I am a seven year old.
In other news: I still don't like the iphone.
The area of the coast between Big Sur and La Santa Monica is totally new territory to me. It's amazing to explore by bike!

I might not be an extrovert.

So far we've had nothing but great weather and tailwinds.  It's pretty incredible to be in a bike gang rolling about 20 deep - including four capoeira mestres (three of said wearing flags as capes). Surreal? Maybe.
A difficulty with a mob this size is - well - basically everything, actually. Herding cats. Cats who happen to be riding mechanically complex (at least somewhat) machines that can malfunction. But a good time in the process.
Yesterday I had to turn back to pick up my traveling companion, Misha, who had fallen back at the grocery store. I left the group, rode back, and wouldn't you know it, something on my bike gives out. Not a big deal - a screw in the front crank came out - but actually locked my pedals - which made the situation seem dire. Cell phone reception? No. Panic? No - rapid field diagnostics and repair. Ladywood.
During rehearsals in Santa Cruz this afternoon for the first music video Mestre balked at me for not dancing enough with my hands while dancing and singing. "But wait a minute-" you might be thinking, "I though you were on a bike tour, not making music videos?"And by you, I mean me. And by 'wait a minute' I mean I had this flash of what the what?! So yeah, I may or may not be in a capoeira music video background singing and dancing. Hopefully if this happens I will have an opportunity to shower beforehand and not be wearing chamois. Not holding my breath.
Every day is long, short, hilarious, frustrating, hot, cold, tiring, magic. Every food is astounding. Sleep? The most delicious indulgence of all. I feel like I've won the lottery.