Riding, riding, riding

About four weeks ago, I would have resumed my life as follows: "PhD-ing in the rain and dancing, dancing, dancing". But it has changed radically! Right now, I would call it "breathing in the sunshine and riding, riding, riding". I'm loving it...

Since we left Quebec, we actually saw two clouds and had one night of rain. The rest of the time, it's been absolutely beautiful! We both have got what my boyfriend calls "bronzage d'habitants" which means  something like 'a workmen's tan' that is to say, when we take our clothes off, it looks as if we still had them on. It's not real pretty but feels very holdayish ;-)

There are a few things I discovered about California:

* The sun is always shining.
* Everyone is (being) ridiculously friendly.
* Lots of loud talking.
* Especially about how beautiful everything is.
* It's the land of God and we are all so lucky to live here!
* Supermarkets tend to be outside of town.
* Steaks are always huge.
* So are ice creams.
* Smoothies are made with cream instead of milk.
* There are bears everywhere but we never get to see any.
* Hills are usually not very steep but extremely long (and I mean it!).
* Lots of trees. Lots of creeks. Lots of mosquitos. And beautiful snowy mountains.
* Most mountain passes are still closed with snow...

And that just about says it all! We're cycling through the most beautiful landscapes everyday. I'm getting used to the hills and actually start enjoying going up. up. up for hours and then feel the peace of getting to the top where everything is wide and good and very true. I feel healthy even though in spite of the enormous amounts of food I keep stuffing into myself. It's the nicest feeling to be eating when you're that hungry. In fact, food becomes the center of everything. I'm glad Jeff makes me eat green veggies, cause I would just forget about them and just stick to canned chili con carne (of all things!).

I'm happy. And like Hannes Wader said in one of his great songs ("Der Tankekoenig"): "Und wie alle gluecklichen Menschen nahe am verbloeden". Seriously, I'm intellectually understimulated and so so thankful about it. I keep reading articles in preparation of my doctoral exam, but can't seem to remember any of it. So what?! Haven't felt this relaxed in ages!

I'm loving the simplicity. And the sunshine. And teh mountains. We're soon getting to the coast. Right now in Mount Shasta, we're heading further north towards teh Oregon border and the Redwood Forest in order to go back down the coast to San Francisco on Highway 1... Can't wait to see the sea.

Some times I thinnk about the peace I've found in other places and there are so many of them... It's always question of where your heart is. If it's right here, then you're in peace. Hier, jetzt sein, wach sein! I'm trying to live this and thank all of those who taught me to me how to do so.

I miss and love you so so much!