In the city, the city of Compton

I've always been intrigued about places I was not allowed to go. As a kid I wasn't allowed to ride my bike across a main road to go to 7/11, but my curiosity would take over and would go anyway. As I got older, went to college and visited new places I learned there were areas you weren't supposed to go to as an adult. My freshman year I went to college in North East Philadelphia, and I was warned not to explore the area. I was told a young white girl is not ever supposed to be wandering around “the hood” alone. That always just made me want to see what it was like even more. When I can’t wander as I please though somewhere, I feel like my freedom is taken away and I don’t like that at all.

When I moved to Los Angeles, a friend lent me a car to explore the city. She warned me to not go to certain areas because how dangerous they were and it wasn't a joke. Compton is a city that is well known in many rap songs and where many famous rappers grew up. My mind of course raced that I wanted to just drive through and see what it actually looked like. Was is that bad or dangerous? I didn't push my boundaries and like a good girl I stayed in the areas I was supposed to.

This summer a friend a met in Australia was passing through LA. On his was to Hollywood to meet me, Jacob had one of his bags stolen on the metro with all his valuables including a Mac book, credit cards and his passport. Jacob was one of the most cool, calm and collected people I had ever seen handle a situation like that and I so admire him. I would be crying, cursing and throwing a tantrum. He cancelled all his cards and filed a police report with the LA Sheriff. We then went for dinner when his phone made a strange noise. His Mac book had been located! We both cheered in excitement and then I asked sarcastically “where is it, Compton?!” and laughed. “Kristin!” he excitedly replied, “how did you know?!”

my awesome friend Jacob seeing something other than a police station in LA

Jacob called the police station to find out what to do. We headed over to the LAPD in Hollywood and the officer told us since we had already filed a report with the Sheriff that he could not help us. I can see how the different departments don’t want to step on each others toes, but we had an exact location of his stolen laptop and the LAPD officer would not help us. Jacob then called the Compton Sheriff and he was much more helpful. By this time though, too much time had passed since the original location of the Mac book. By the time we would get to Compton from Hollywood it would be too late. He told us next time we get a location to come straight to him in Compton. We went back to my apartment and put the case to rest for the evening.

The next morning we headed Santa Monica for brunch. As soon as we sat down and we got our Bloody Marys, Jacob’s phone got another location of the Macbook! This time it was across the street from the last location. He ran to the host stand and yelled “I need a cab to Compton quick!” Everyone was a little confused so he started explaining the situation. Our cab arrived but was reluctant to take us to where we wanted to go. He drove very slowly and kept telling us in the 25 years he has lived in LA, he has never been asked to go to Compton. I was getting a bit nervous myself since I had been warned several times not to go, but we were going to the police station, the safest place you could be. 

As soon as we got off the freeway there were bars on all the windows and doors. There were all sorts of garbage and broken down cars on the lawns. It seemed pretty deserted and gloomy. I’m still new to California so palm trees amaze me and they seem to make everything prettier. So if ever a ghetto to be in, there were palm trees that made it a little brighter. We finally arrived at the police station and bolted for the entrance. In the 10 seconds we were outside I heard several people yelling something directed at us, but was just concerned with getting us inside safely. 

When we walked in we were greeted by a woman moaning on the floor. The Sheriffs were all very nice but they couldn't help us for awhile because they were very busy. It was father’s day and they said they were especially busy with assaults today. After a couple of hours they had time to free up an officer and they went to the address to see if they could find the laptop. When he returned he explained that it was a house full of “Mexican Gangsters” and they claimed to know nothing about Jacob’s Mac book. Even though we had a location, there weren't allowed to go searching through the house without a warrant, which is so ridiculous.

police station greeter

anxiously waiting our turn

I looked at the clock and realized I had to be at work soon and started to panic that we had to go. The officers asked how we were getting back and I told them (kidding in my mind) that we were going to take the metro across the street back to Hollywood. Jacob looked terrified and officers asked where we were going. I told them Hollywood and they said we were not taking the train and to follow them. They let us in the back of the cop car, which was pretty exciting since we were just getting a lift and not arrested.

The Sheriffs were so cool and shared interesting stories. I asked them about the worst crime scenes they had encountered. And one officer showed us pictures of some of the most outrageous ones.  I could see Jacob was over the moon about it. I thought it was a pretty awesome experience that we found ourselves in, minus Jacobs things being stolen.

back seat of the police car getting a lift from Compton to work 

Unfortunately, Jacob never got his belongings back. It wasn't your typical sight seeing tour of Los Angeles but we had a pretty cool adventure. I can now cross Compton off my bucket list of destinations and forbidden places! 

Get Legal, Fly out like a Seagull

I had seen on the show Entourage that marijuana was legal in California, but always thought it was exaggerated for Hollywood. Anywhere I've ever lived, marijuana has been illegal and there has been no debate about it. If you were caught with it, you were in trouble. 

Turtle from Entourage rolling a joint 

Last year I visited Venice Beach for the first time. My friend’s brother lent me his care and I drove up from Orange County to explore different parts of Los Angles. It was just about dusk and I parked on Abbot Kinney, a more upscale street in Venice Beach with shops and restaurants. It seemed safe to me, but I had a woman at one of the boutiques ask me what business I had walking around Venice at night and it was unsafe. At that point I got a little nervous and decided to grab a quick bite before heading back to the OC.  I saw a well lit bakery across the street and headed in. I was greeted at the door with a smile. There were large glass jars lining the walls with what looked like sugar and spices. There were racks of t-shirts for sale as well.  A gentleman approached me and asked how he could help and I looked in the glass case and didn’t see any food so I asked “are you guys closing up already?” He said no with a puzzled look. Then I asked what they had to eat? He smiled and asked me if I knew where I was. After looking very confused for a few seconds he smiled and said “you know you are in a dispensary miss”.

I started rapid fire with questions because I had no idea what was going on. He explained that in California, marijuana is legal and you can get a prescription to help you with all sorts of ailments from insomnia to back pain. He was excited to give me a little lesson on how it is all grown locally and different strands help different pains and problems. When I returned to the OC I ran in and told my California native friends about this pot store and asked them how come they never told me about this parallel universe! They looked at me confused and said “Kristin you smoke? And why do you care, it’s legal in NY too right?”

 I've never been big into smoking, I’d much rather have a beer. But this idea that something so illegal where I grew up is so accepted on this side of the country blew my mind. I began asking everyone I met in California how they felt about Marijuana. The consensus I got was many people use it on the west coast just as people on the east coast take a Xanax to relax or sleep.

Cookie and some normal Venice Beach store fronts 

Since I moved to LA I've spent some time in Venice Beach and noticed on the board walk they have these shops with people dressed in all green, advertising to get your legal marijuana card. After several trips down the boardwalk I had to see how legit this actually is. I walked up to a shop that was painted all green and said GET LEGAL $30. There were posters that enticed you like some medical commercial that read “Do you have insomnia? Loss of appetite? Chronic pain?” A man dressed in green scrubs smiled at me and said “COME GET LEGAL AND FLY OUT LIKE A SEAGULL!” I walked into a little green room where you were still able to see the boardwalk and friends of the workers were popping in to say hello. I filled out a form and went into another room with people from all walks of life. I was one of the youngest of the crowd. 

filling out my initial paper work with the Green Dr.'s 

I waited for about 5 minutes until my name was called and I was summoned to a door with no door knob. The Doctor greeted me and shook my hand. His first question was where I was from. We had a chat about Long Island and how he has friends in Nassau County. He finally asked me why I would need a prescription. I told him I can’t sleep then he stamped a piece of paper and told me I qualify for a year prescription and wished me luck in LA.

waiting to be called by the Doctor

I ran back to my friend in the waiting room with my new pot certificate! Next step since to actually get the card to bring to the dispensary we had to walk down the board walk to another location. We walked down with a British man in the Green Dr.’s get up. He told us stories of living on the streets of England and how the Olympics pushed him out of his home.

my official physicians statement and approval 

The next stop was a crowded office with may more employees dressed in the same green scrubs buzzing around. There were pot posters on the walls with intelligent sounding research like you would find in a normal doctors office about “the stomach works”. I had my picture taken and they gave me some coupons for local dispensaries.  

the last stop where I had my picture taken

And just like that I now have access to walk into any of the 8,000 + dispensaries in California and have a field day. I think the legalization of marijuana here explains a lot about why California is more laid back than New York. I think it’s a great thing to have access to that is all natural and is regulated by the government. You don’t have to worry about how many hands it changed hands with and what it was laced with before it gets to you. So if you’re going to smoke pot for recreation or health purposes, California is the way to go. 

real California life, my new pot card and I

Know When to Fold 'Em

My first time at a casino was in Atlantic City for my friend Adam’s 21^st birthday. I was only 19 at the time but he convinced a pit boss that I was his cousin and I was of age. I had an immediate run of luck and we thought we were the luckiest kids in the world because the waitress kept on bringing us free beer! Adam and I kept betting on my lucky streak. Together we made a ton of money and a drunken mess. They changed dealers and our luck changed too. All that money was gone in what seemed like 2 minutes. I should have learned right then to get out while your up, especially way up.

"The Team" at the Melbourne Casino 

I have gambled in casinos around the world but only in America do they liquor you up for free. When in Melbourne, Australia I bought myself a bourbon and coke, then a nice gentleman bought me one as well. I sat down at a table with both drinks. The dealer would not let me stay because having 2 drinks was irresponsible drinking and I would have to get rid of one. I politely turned around, chugged one and then bought in.

Celebrating with the girls after surviving the Melbourne Cup

In London we stopped at a casino near Chinatown and I was so let down. It seemed like a skeezy, old saloon with a musty smell. Nothing was shiny or new, I felt cheap just being there. The casinos in Australia were a lot nicer but nothing comes anywhere near to the superior riches and glamour of Las Vegas. It’s amazing that they never close but everything is always clean and in order, even with the mayhem going on 24/7.

Kris and I after breaking out of the dodgy London casino 

The Brisbane Casino "My House of Dreams"

I've had lots of interesting things happen to me in casinos but my favorite story was on our first trip to the Brisbane casino. Every big city in Australia seemed to have one nice casino. In Brisbane it was a beautiful old building surrounded by purple lights, sitting on the river. A couple months into school, our American group decided to get dressed up and go out in “BrisVegas”. I found myself at the black jack table with the Texas Twins and some Canadians we didn't know. The Texans, like myself could be pretty loud. The Canadians weren't helping the situation either. I was confused why I couldn't get a free drink and the Texans were cursing up a storm at each other. As I joined into their excitement I was warned by the pit boss, one more slip up and they would throw me out. Well, after I doubled down and won the hand we were all cheering and some other words of emotion came out and I was escorted out of the casino. 

Christy, Sarah and I getting glammed up for BrisVegas

"The Texans" and I

I pleaded with the doorman and he let me back in. I went right back to my spot next to the Texans, and another guy had joined the table. He was an Aussie in his early 30's and took a liking to me. He started giving me money to bet with, and I was adding it to my bets, and keeping the winnings. He kept giving me money; I figured he was rich and lonely so I kept chatting it up with him. My other girlfriends had long left me behind; they weren't gamblers and went out for dinner. The Texans had lost their money and weren't waiting around for me since I was getting everything handed to me. The Aussie eventually had to make the inappropriate comment of me taking off with him and I told him I had to go to the bathroom, but he made me leave the chips at the table. 

Having a good laugh with Christy outside the casino before starting some trouble 

I called my girlfriends from the bathroom in a panic telling them how I had a couple thousand dollars and how I didn't want to go back to the creeper but I wanted that money. I hung up, came up with a twisted plan in a pinch and went back to the table. He was still there and I went right back to gambling, but started losing a bit. When I was down to about $600 he put his hand on my back. Like lightning I scraped up all the chips, shoved them in my bag, crossed my arms over my chest holding onto my bag and took off as fast as I could go barreling my way down the casino halls. As I’m throwing people out of my way, Colleen, Christy and Sarah turn the corner and see me charging like a bat out of hell. “I got the money!!!!” I yelled as I sprinted by. The girls counted my chips on the way home and I was up $550! I’m not saying this was the best way to go about things, but its come in handy for some good laughs and paying for some later adventures.

Celebrating through Griffith's campus after counting my winnings 

Laughing about the nights events with best friends

This past weekend I was in Vegas for an Arbonne Conference and didn't have anyone my age to hang out with, so I hit the strip alone looking for some fun. I ended up losing over $500 over 4 days and was so mad at myself for being irresponsible because that was nearly half of my rent money. I did what any rational person would do, take out another $100, walked up to the first Roulette table at the Cosmopolitan and put it all on red. I wasn't thinking about how I looked with my little polka dot cover up and wild hair as I strutted up to a table of guys with $1 chips scattered around the table. Well, when I hit, it was one of the coolest and exhilarating moments, and I felt like such a baller. I took my winnings and left as everyone begged me to stay because I was “Lady Luck”. I made my way from casino to casino and won 11 more times in a row! Each $100 walk up and play was a new, exciting and different experience at each casino. I made my way back to the beautiful Cosmopolitan because it is my new favorite hotel. I walked up to another Roulette table, threw a hundred down, and lost. So I did the smartest thing I have done in a long time, ordered another bloody mary and headed straight to the cashier J

Inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas

Biking to the Promise Land

I grew up riding bikes almost every day during the warm months. I’d ride to meet my friends or over to my cousins house. If we were feeling really brave, we’d ride all the way to 7/11 for slurpees. My friend Kelly and I would cruise the neighborhood looking for old furniture at garage sales to build our dream tree house. Even in the beginning of high school I would ride my bike to a party if my mom wouldn't let me go. But once I got my license, my good ole bike started collecting cob webs.

When I studied abroad in Australia, I had this dream of buying a bike and riding it everywhere. It wasn't like this was such a crazy thing to do in another country but I had this vision of riding to get my groceries on my bike and thought it was the coolest thing ever. So from the second I stepped foot in Oz I blabbed about how I wanted a bike so bad. When I started shopping for one, like everything else in Australia, they were sooo expensive. Within a couple of weeks I found out a friend of a friend got a brand new bike for her birthday and was looking to get rid of it. I scooped up my brand new bike, lock and helmet for $40!!!! To give you and idea, it costs almost $20 to go out for a burger in Oz, so I was lucky to get a great deal!

Cheesin with my new Aussie wheels

That very day I was so excited to ride to the mall at Garden City and pick up some groceries at Woolworths. Griffith’s campus was on a massive hill so it was a breeze getting down to the mall. As soon as the road turned flat I felt myself huffing and puffing. I started cursing myself out in disappointment of how out of shape I was. I was moving slower than a sloth, school kids in their cute little outfits were running past me. I was almost there when a little school girl tapped me on the shoulder, then pointed to my tire and said “hey miss, you have no air in your tires!” in her Aussie accent. Sweat poured down my face and onto my front tire as I stared at it in disbelief. I’m so quick to be determined to get through what I set out to do and be so oblivious to everything at the same time. I immediately bought a bike pump and that never happened again.

I recently moved to LA almost 4 years later, without a car. A bicycle was again in my vision. I was picturing a pink beach cruiser this time with a basket for a pug in front. I live in Hollywood so the realistic option was to get whatever I could find for cheap. I walked up to an estate sale in the Hollywood Hills last week searching for furniture and stumbled upon a bike. I got talking to the owner, and what do you know he is from Long Island! His father also graduated from Towson University like myself, what a small world! A combination of sharing our LI bond and feeling pity for me hiking up Laurel Canyon at 7am, he sold me my new cruiser for $45!! I lucked out again. I chained it up on the bike rack at my apartment and was a very happy camper.

My sweet new LA wheels! 

A few days later I went to take my first bike ride to work and there was another lock intertwined to lock in my lock and bike so I couldn't get out either of them! I called the building manager and some disgruntled tenant was claiming I was parked to close to their van, making it impossible to park. Are you kidding me?!!!

Does it look like there is enough room to park??

I guess people love having something, anything to bitch about. Good thing they didn't run into me as I attempting to persuade the landscapers out front for giant clippers to free my bike and deflate their tires. An hour later my bike was magically free and I was able to take her for my first spin in LA!

Setting out during rush hour probably wasn't my best decision. Los Angeles has the most traffic in the country because the public transportation system is terrible and the city is so spread out. I've heard it almost every day that I've been here. “OMG you don’t have a car? But you live in LA!” The metros only cover a quarter of the city with stops 4 miles apart and the buses sit in the same congestion that cars do. There are some random bike lanes throughout the city, but you are not allowed to ride on the side walk. This is the most ridiculous rule ever because no one is even walking on the sidewalk, everyone is in their car! Even when I did try and sneak on the side walk, I was berated by two extremely flamboyant men and their Chihuahua. While riding down Melrose I saw my life flash before 5 Bentleys and a Phantom. Half the cars in LA don’t even have proper license plates because you have a grace period when you a buy a new car, and its very common to have a new car here. Perfect scenario for a hit and run I kept thinking, especially since 90% of the cars that went by me were worth more than my life!

Los Angeles has some of the worst traffic in the country

I finally reached the Beverly Center safely! As I picked my bike off the curb getting ready to cross Las Cienega Blvd my front tire flies off, graces the little brown bag clutched by the lady next to me and rolls into traffic. Somehow it doesn't get run over and I ran to get it when the coast was clear. I struggled to get it back on my bike and began to laugh as I realized how much I blended in with the lunatics and homeless on the corner.

After struggling forever figuring how to lock my bike up without the front tire falling off, I finally made it into the promise land, City Target! I don’t know what my issue is with bikes, but I have a feeling I’ll have many more stories to come while ridding around LA. Bikes can be great way to get around, reduce your carbon footprint and stay active. Just make sure you check to make sure everything works properly before going for a ride and research the best route to your destination, especially if you’re a space cadet like me!

A Turkeyless Thanksgiving

     Today has been my 12^th day of eating no meat! Overall, I have not had any problems because I have been eating whatever I wanted, except meat. I've lost 6 pounds so far and I've been indulging in my sweet tooth heavily. I’m predicting that this Honeymoon phase will need to be over and I will have to eat more sensibly, still omitting meat.

The "kids" table on Thanksgiving 2012 

     I researched several meatless Thanksgiving options and there was so much information out there. More people are vegetarians than I thought. I found a recipe for a “Torfurkey” and gathered all the ingredients. Unfortunately on Thanksgiving Eve I was on the “hot mess express” and slept the whole day on Thanksgiving, not getting a chance to actually make my Tofurkey. I did notice on my first time drinking alcohol since becoming vegetarian that my tolerance was a lot lower than normal, making me a lot drunker, quicker.

My sisters, Winston and I smiling with a full belly on Thanksgiving

     On Thanksgiving Day we always go to my Aunt Columbia’s house and there is an obscene amount of food. One turkey is not even enough! My mom has to cook another turkey breast to feed our growing party! This year I took notice that the only meat dish was actually the turkey. I also realized that my favorite dish on Thanksgiving is the stuffing, not the main attraction the turkey! And I’m not the only one. When I looked around at my cousins and sisters plates, turkey was not outshining the side dishes. I am not lying when I say I was 100% satisfied with my meal, a little over satisfied for my top pants button. I did however have gravy; witch is made from the turkey’s fat. Other than Thanksgiving any gravy I have eaten has had no animal products in it.

My Aunt Ellie and I adopted Gable the Turkey from the Farm Sanctuary! He is now safe for life and was able to eat a Thanksgiving dinner of his own. You can still adopt Gable's friends too! (no pressure)

http://www.farmsanctuary.org/giving/adopt-a-turkey/

     An early survival secret I have used is the magic of substitution. One of my favorite breakfasts is eggs benedict. I work at IHOP so I’m surrounded by breakfast foods all the time. Since my crossover, I've been ordering eggs benne with no ham sub spinach, and it’s amazing! I also got a sandwich from subway, and ordered it exactly how I normally would, except omitted the meat. I don’t know if I’m brainwashing myself, but I really saw no difference. They put so little meat on there anyway; I think I was concentrating on what was really delicious. Honestly, can you taste the little thin bit of turkey they put on there under all the other toppings, cheeses and sauces?

When I do make my Tofurkey one of these days, I hope it comes out as good as this one! 

     So far, so good in the vegetarian world. I’m now moving forward with the idea of not eating every tasty dessert just because I’m not eating meat. Instead I’m going to eat as much sweets as I would normally if I had meat in my diet. I’m going to try and exercise more and relax more in general. Today I signed up for yoga classes and I’m excited to see what the effect will be on my body. Alicia Silverstone said in “The Kind Diet” that the more meat, animal products and processed sugar you eliminate from your diet, the more in tune you become with your body and mind. I’m keeping that in mind everyday with each step that I take closer to that goal of natural balance J

Dumping Meat and Flirting with Kindness

During the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I spent an evening in the library basking in all the electricity. I started looking in the cooking section, looking forward to when the power comes back and I can cook a tasty new meal for my family. I came across Alicia Silverstone’s book “The Kind Diet”. I remember seeing her on Oprah years ago and was always interested in her ideology. I finished it a couple of days ago. Now I’m prepared and excited to flirt my way into a kind lifestyle.

About to dig into a Haggis Shepherd's Pie in Edinburgh, Scotland 

I am the polar opposite of a picky eater and will try just about anything. I've eaten everything from kangaroo (soo delicious), ostrich and quail to alligator, frog legs and sea urchin. In Scotland I devoured Haggis (sheep heart liver and lungs), in Austria I enjoyed pig’s knuckle and when in Paris I snacked on escargot. When actually saying it out loud, it seems a bit gruesome but it was normal foods in different cultures around the world.

Excited for my first Escargot experience in Paris, France 

I’m the one of the group who orders the chef’s special and rarely order the same thing twice. I love to try something I've never had or ever even heard of before. The more flavor in the dish the better in my book. That is why when I was in Australia this past spring; I was surprised to notice myself eating barely any meat.

Smiling with my Kangaroo Burger in Sydney, Australia 

In Australia I was backpacking on a budget and not paying much attention to my health. In general, Australians eat way less meat than we do in America. The more I paid attention to my food choices; I noticed if I had a choice between a meat and vegetarian dish, the meat was rarely winning. I was barley sleeping, eating whatever I felt like and drinking way too much “Goon” (boxed wine). I was not taking care of myself but I had heaps of energy. How was this possible? Maybe it was my diet. Maybe it was the fresh Australian air. I’ll never know for sure until I test it out for real. As I was reading “The Kind Diet”, I was taking note of how I have already unintentionally participated in the beginning steps of this life style and it doesn't seem that intimidating. It actually was exciting. Maybe I can do this and live like this. If I cut out meat and maybe beyond, what’s the worst that could happen??

Goon, Goon and more Goon in Byron Bay, Australia 

                                      

I decided last week that today was going to be my last day eating meat and am mentally well prepared. I was forcing myself to eat meat all day long to get my last kicks in. I took a trip to Trader Joe’s and was prepared to search out some vegetarian meals so I don’t make a big disturbance at dinner time. I was overwhelmed with the choices for vegetarian and even vegan diets. All kinds of flavors and exciting ingredients that I've never heard of before. This seems way to fun and easy already. I dragged my mom and sister to Outback Steakhouse for my last carnivore meal. I split a 12 oz prime rib and  giant burger with my mom. I felt like I was forcing myself to enjoy every bite but I wasn't really enjoying it as much as I thought I would. After really listening to where that meat came from and what it does to me, my animal friends and the planet, maybe my subconsciousness was rejecting something I would usually drool over. It was like I was ready to be done with the meat gorging already.

Forcing a smile because I'm so full already at my last meaty meal at Outback in Commack, New York

Finally I got on the scale right before finishing writing this and I was appalled by the number that was looking up at me. I know I've been feeling a little extra beefy lately, but I didn't realize just how beefy I actually have gotten. Maybe I will reveal that number when I’m feeling a little more kind toward myself. I’m going to be paying extra close attention to my body and what it’s trying to tell me during this new journey. My friends and family all think this is another crazy idea of mine and it will be short lived. If this kind of lifestyle really gives you energy and make you feel wonderful like Alicia says, then oh boy watch out world!

Goodnight meat. 

I'm a huge animal lover and want to stop eating meat for more than my health! 

Cheers to you, Mr. Kangaroo ;)

Brisbane, Australia 

Dying in a Ditch

Before this whole “Adderall Epidemic”, I was the ADD poster child. I couldn’t concentrate in class for more than 35 seconds and it has taken me over 9 years to clean my room. When driving a moped through scenic New Zealand, my lack of focus was still creeping up on me.

Mercury Island scenery

 On our way home from Australia, Sarah, Christy and I stopped in New Zealand for a week an a half of adventure. While exploring the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island, we found our way over to beautiful Mercury Island. The first thing we saw as we got off the ferry was a scooter rental stand; “Scootabout”. Sarah and I convinced a worried Christy that this would be the best way to see the island. We signed our lives away on the insurance form and the wacky lady let us go for a trial run around a parking lot. Christy was having some issues steering and the lady told me to keep an eye out for her. Well, she would eat her words later.

Me, Sarah and Christy on our scooters 

Mercury Island Beach

We took our mopeds around through some of the most gorgeous scenery I’d ever seen. While cruising down a scenic path later in the day, I was fascinated by how the Alp-like Mountains met with the crystal Pacific Ocean and did not pay attention to the “SLOW 35KPH” sign. I had my eyes fixated on the scenery and sped around the bend at 55 kilometers per hour. I realized I was going way to fast and I had 2 choices; cut the wheel and flip over or go strait into a ditch. The ditch it was. I flew full speed into a grassy ditch as my moped flipped on top of me. Sarah and Christy ran over to me with tears in their eyes to see if I was alive.

struggling to get up after my accident 

 I patted my legs, realized I could feel them, and told them to get that damn moped off me. After we realized I was alive and got the heavy scooter off of me, we busted out laughing and tried to absorb what actually just happened. My scooter had grass wedged in the whole left side, the body of the scooter was all dented, I was missing a flip flop and half my body was covered in blood.

We finally attempted to get ourselves together and head back to return the scooters when Sarah couldn’t find her moped key. An extra frazzled Sarah lost her keys when I had my accident. We began to look around the area, and saw no sign of the keys. She thought she had locked it in her seat compartment, so I attempted to break into the locked seat with a bobby pin. As I was trying to break into her scooter, a man in a red car driving by stopped and asked if we needed a hand. I can only imagine the visual he had of us 3 messes. I told him we were fine, but he insisted because his friend owns “Scootabout” and the scooter we were breaking in belonged to her. After a bunch of rambling lies flew out of my mouth, he was on his way and we finally found Sarah’s key in my ditch crime scene.

pre-accident pictures with our scooters

 As pulled back up to the Scootabout stand, the lady was happy to see we made it back. Somehow I snuck my mangled moped by her as her dogs licked my wounds on my shoeless foot. We never got a collision bill from her, but I was banged up for awhile and never forget when I nearly died in a ditch.

sunset on the Coromandel Peninsula

Throughout Australia and New Zealand they have many blunt billboards posted about the dangers of drinking and driving. One of the most popular read “Drive Drunk and Die in a Ditch”. Not to mach drunk driving, but I almost soberly died in a ditch.

typical Australian/New Zealand drunk driving billboard 

scenery while scooting around Mercury Island