SANTA MONICA!
Written by Emma Banks
We biked here! That is the most exciting thing to say when having a conversation with a local or someone from any city we visit. “blah, blah, blah… I rode my bicycle here from Canada!” To be met with a look of awe and surprise… It really will get the persons attention and is usually followed by a good conversation about microcredit, although sometimes it ends up being a conversation about sore muscles and the importance of a good bike seat!
Yesterday I had the best welcome to this city possible. I was cycling that day with Laura, it was a really nice ride, large shoulder most of the way and along the beach! The last bit of the ride before the city was a bit scary because of all the parked doors… I mean cars, by the side of the road. We were afraid somebody was going to open one and we’d get a door in the face! Fortunately nothing of the sort happened and we soon found a bike [path that led us along the sand of the beachfront. Past signs that said “members only, private beach” Bleck! I dont want to buy my own beach! But we found public ones later!
Anyways, back to the welcome: so, Laura and I got back to the Quaker Meeting House we’d be staying at the night early and decided to get something to eat. We had seen a cool looking cafe ealier so we biked back to go inside. The first thing I did besides use the bathroom was ask if there was a dicount for people who had biked there from Canada for a non-profit. They said no… Then we noticed that everything looked absolutely delicous and vegan! My eyes got bigger and my stomach probly growled, that’s when I noticed that there wasn’t prices on anything, always a bad sign… We had to ask the waitresses everything. And it was pretty much all entirely out of our price range. After much deliberation we decided to split a peaice of cake and get Kamila a truffle for her birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAMILA!!! They got us the deserts out of the display, which looked amazing! Laura went to pay and they wouldn’t let her. It was so nice! We sat there eating banana, chocolate, peanutbutter, vegan cake with the biggest smiles on our faces. It was perfect!
With cake in our stomachs and a good story to tell we biked back to the place we we’re staying to see the rest of the team, eat a real dinner, and sleep! Well, actually to meet with Jess and do some planning… and to spend some time in sunny California!
Thank you so much to everyone who supports us and reads this blog. And thank you for the comments! Cycling everyday and living with 25 youth gets difficult. Interacting and recieving support from all of you makes all the difference in the world!
Sincerely Emma Banks, 2008 Ride Leader
So wonderful to hear from you, Emma. It was really funny the way you started your blog, We biked here, and the reactions you get. I get much the same reaction when I tell people you’re biking to Mexico. Sometimes it starts off with a blank stare as I wait for this info to sink in, then I get to explain about the GAFC, microcredits, one of my amazing daughters, and the fantastic adventure you are on with a group of truly gifted individuals. It’s about this time that they usually comment on my obvious pride and enthusiasm. It’s something I’ve become aware of lately, just how many people you are affecting with your efforts.Obviously the recipients of the microcredits, your friends and family, all the people you meet on your journey, and speaking for myself,the people I share this with everyday. I’m sure when you multiply this same sentiment by the numbers of family members and friends sharing your story, many, many people are affected. Bless you All for the positive, uplifting things you do, so that we (the left behinds) can share our joy with others.
As always…..Loving you.
RIDE ON,RIDE ON,RIDE ON.
Hi Emma, good stuff in your blog. I’m happy to know that you had a good experience in the city that I live in. I’m so glad I got to meet you guys yesterday (I brought Alains memory card back to him) and want to thank you all for treating me so well. The CD is really good and I will certainly be wearing my shirt as often as I can (as well as telling the story of the lost memory card to anyone who will listen) to try and drum up as much support for GAFC as I can. I don’t know if it came across when talking with you guys but I want you to know how much good I think you’re doing for the world and how happy it makes me feel to know that people want and are willing to give something back to the world, without thought of self, to try and make it a better place for all of us to live. Truly inspiring, you guys rock more than I can tell you! Wishing you all the best, your almost there!
Gratefully,
Fred