Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Reaching the End of an AMAZING Adventure


I have reached the end of an amazing adventure. I have learned so much about South, about people, about the Civil Rights Era, about current racial relations, and about myself.

There is something quite lovely about traveling-- getting outside of your familiar environment. And for me, there is something very special about traveling by bicycle. If I had been doing this trip by car, I really do not think that I would have met the people I met, or had the kind of experiences I had on the road.

Also, there was something quite empowering for me in doing this trip by myself. When I had a flat, I fixed it. If I went the wrong way, I turned around. When someone came up to talk to me or offer me help in any way, it was my intuition that I relied on to keep talking to them or accept their help.

So I did do this trip on my own, but I absolutely relied on the kindness and generosity of others. I have so many people to thank-- from people who welcomed me into their homes to librarians who let me use their computers and led me to information about their town, to strangers who bought me breakfast at diners, to drivers for giving me lots of space on the road, to principals and teachers who welcomed me into their schools. And there are so many other people too. Thanks everyone!

Right now I am in Silver Spring, Maryland visiting my Mom and Dad. And later this week I'm going to Boston to visit my Aunt Lorraine and my grandmother, Mima. I will be coming back to Seattle on May 1, and I'm looking forward to catching up with friends and with students too!

When I am back in Seattle I plan to do a lot more writing about this trip-- particularly about my experience learning about the Civil Rights Era and current racial relations in the South. I am pretty grateful to the Seattle School District not only for the time to take this trip and others this school year, but also for the time ahead to write about my experiences. I will be coming back to teach for the District in the fall of this year.

Is this the last posting? Nah. Just the last one for a couple of weeks. Till then--all the best, Dear Reader!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Marcia! Your trip was so impressive.... I mean, I would have been impressed just to know that you had pedaled all the way from start to finish, but you did it so much better than that. You really had some amazing experiences. I am so proud to know you. When is the book coming out and can I get an autographed copy, please?

Love, Emily K Svendsen

Anonymous said...

Hi Marcia!! This is Kate from the hostel in New Orleans! I just got back to Philly two days ago and I miss it already.

My friend and I did interview your pal from the Musician's Village for our documentary--it was really great to visit such a productive site and hear from him about all the work that's being done. Also, thanks for the magnet and tool apron!!

Your blog is inspiring--I think you should definitely write a zine, an article or perhaps a book about your experiences on the road. Be well!!

Unknown said...

Hi, Ms. V!!

I can't believe I'm reading this for the first time... What an incredible journey you made. I'm proud to know you too.

xo Lesa

Anonymous said...

Hi, very interesting post, greetings from Greece!

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