Shahab is in Egypt

You all may remember my good friend and roommate, Shahab, biked cross country last summer. It was his last big adventure before beginning law school.

After two semesters of classes, he is now attending American University, Cairo Campus. That's right, Shahab is in Egypt for the summer (very exciting and sandy)!!!

Here is a picture Shahab sent debunking the myth that The Great Pyramids are massive structures. As you can see Shahab towers over the Pyramids, making them look no bigger than soccer balls.

Here is a video link of Shahab visiting one of the Wonders of the World... Meanwhile I'll be eating a burrito on my couch watching "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Outta Here."

Coast to Coast with Shahab - Update

I just got off the phone with Shahab, and he is currently in Rugby, North Dakota. In this small town (population 3000) they boast to be "The Geographic Center of North America."

He mentioned that he hasn't gotten a cell phone signal in about a week, but he's doing well. He also mentioned that he's missed New York City women... I'm sure they miss him too.

Coast to Coast with Shahab - Update

I called Shahab's phone today to see where the hell he was exactly. If you'll remember, Shahab is my old roommate who is biking (and I'm not talking about a motorcycle) across the United States, left New York City 27 days ago. Today he's in Iowa, which means he's just crossed the Mississippi River! He said he can see where there has been flood damage from high river levels. I'm sure it's quite the sight to see.

I've spoken to him a handful of times since he left, and he's having a total blast. From his calculations he manages to put in 60-70 miles on the road a day. If money weren't an issue, I think he'd never get off that bike. From what I've heard he's been treated kindly everywhere he's gone, almost like a mini-celebrity, and he really appreciates his increased exposure to Americaness... He's been to little county fairs where people running for mayor ask him for his official endorsement and take pictures of him for their tiny Podunk weekly paper... He's basically like Forrest Gump on a bike. I'm sure his fast talkin' charm serves him well.

Of course his story is best told by him, but I felt a little update was due. Have a great weekend everybody!

Bon Voyage!

Today, Sunday, June 1st 2008, my good friend and old roommate, Shahab, is embarking on a most excellent adventure. He's going to ride a bicycle across the United States of America! He couldn't have picked a better country, I'll tell ya.

When I first heard he was considering this adventurous trip, I thought he was crazy. I mean, he might get eaten by a wild animal, right? What is the possibility of me getting eaten by a wild animal in the next in the next two months? Zero fucking percent... because I'm NOT biking across the country. But, I have to hand it to him, in the last couple months, Shahab has PREPARED, and is now ready to go!

I will be traveling north on route 9 this Sunday then west to Erie on route 17. I think I should get to Erie in 8 to 10 days. From there I will continue traveling west through Cleveland (maybe get there around day 10) then Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and ending in Seattle.

If you know people along this route, I would love to meet them.

I will have my phone turned on between 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 7:00-8:00 p.m. daily if you want to talk. I will also be changing my answering machine message daily if you want to get an update on where I am. please call as often as you like and leave me messages...

Best Regards,

Shahab

Let me know if you want his phone number. I'm already planning some funny voice messages I plan on leaving him. I admire his sense of adventure, courage (I can't begin to imagine the amount of chafage he has to look forward to), and wish him the best of luck. Have a wild time and get home safe!