Stay true to the dreams of thy youth

The last week has been great. I had the chance to go back to Colorado for a week of vacation, to enjoy the sun and the 4th of July.


My friend John and I drove from Santa Barbara last Friday. It was a long drive, since the previous night we had his bachelor party so we didn't get much sleep. After a long day of work we set off down the 101. Seventeen hours later, after a brief detour to Redlands, and a tense Portugal-England game on satellite radio we arrived in Colorado.

The few days with the parents have been nice and relaxing. Each morning consists of waking up late, eating breakfast in the sun while reading a good book, and then watching one of the world cup games. Evenings so far have included fireworks, hanging out with friends at bars, Colorado Rapids games, and good meals.

Whenever I come home, however, I become a bit nostalgic for Santa Barbara, even when I am only gone for a few days. I miss the smell of the sea, the warm morning sun and crisp night air, bike rides along the beach, the shining lights on the mountains in the evening. It is strange to think that I'll be leaving Santa Barbara, possibly for good this September, when I begin my trip. Right now, no plans exist to return...

The old cliche, "You can't go home again" seems more and more true as each week another friend leaves the Santa Barbara world; for marriage, Orange County, graduate school, etc.