Yesterday I experienced first hand just how horrible LA traffic was. From the time we reached the northern LA County line, it took us a whopping 2 hours to reach Orange County and arrive in Costa Mesa. I literally thought i was going to crack from annoyance. It is astounding to me to think about how many cars need to be on the road in order to fill up 10 lanes of freeway, bumper to bumper, and be stuck in it for TWO HOURS. It is beyond me. I am used to the slow paced life of Northern Cali. This SoCal speed is a little intimidating, but we are managing.

And then there is Roadtrip Nation, the headquarters. What an amazing place this is. Upon arriving to the home of the organization which made this road trip possible, i was a little put off by the simple exterior of the building. It appeared to be a simple warehouse with one simple difference; it had a bright green door. As soon as we parked we were met with the the brilliant smiling face of our Roadtrip Nation mentor, Kristin Esteves and we all embraced in hugs, as if we had known each other for months. The Roadtrip Nation headquarters is amazing. Around every corner and on every wall there are inspiring quotes, pictures and stories from past road trippers and interviewees. In the largest room of the building is the original RV the four founders used on the first road trip. All along the walls and ceiling of the RV are dozens of signatures and quotes from the various people they interviewed on their trip: everyone from the CEO of Startbucks, to the creative director of Burton. It really is an amazing place. Everyone is so nice and friendly and welcoming. I never want to leave.