It's a warm, sunny day in Ann Arbor. Despite being October, the weather has been in the 80s for the past two weeks or so. This is the longest Indian summer I've ever experienced, and it's certainly much warmer than last year at this time.
I can hear folks playing frisbee and soccer at the fields that are about a quarter mile from my home, and I find that amazing.
Over 200 mopeds just buzzed past my balcony here, and I stood outside to watch. It reminded me of another night almost three and a half years ago. In April of 2004, I was staying at a hostel in Paris. The hostel owner humorously placed me in a room with nine guys. One night, one of the guys called to me was I was brushing my teeth: "come over to the window! You've got to see this!"
Outside, easily 500 people were rollerblading down the streets of Paris. The whole clump went past our window, accompanied by roller blading policemen. There, standing at the window in the cool evening breeze, I marveled at the group coordination and dedication to fitness.
Today, on my balcony enjoying the warm sun, I marveled at the American love of hitting the road to explore new spaces. I hope they all enjoy their day's journey on this fine Saturday. I wish I could join them; I miss the open road.