Stoney Gap

It's official, R grew up in the middle of nowhere, but a lovely nowhere. We arrived in the bustling metropolis of Big Stone Gap, VA around 6p.m. (that's Eastern Standard Time - we are back!).

We were greeted at his childhood home by his wonderful parents and the smell of chicken curry. We chilled out, chatted and then scarfed (referring to me, really) down some fried zucchini flowers, shrimp, chicken curry, rice, some sort of heavenly broccoli slaw and something slightly spicy and delicious involving cabbage. And then, not able to resist and having to tend to this belly that has become its own person with a zip code and cell phone, I took Mrs. Saha's offer of dessert. She had made cheesecake and had some Indian sweets. These sweets that R is not so into are amazing. Crazy sweet, yes, but like shortbread or baklava, but without the syrup. Ugh god. I had to put myself to bed before my belly requested more food and later curfews.

This morning we set out for a jog - not something epic that would erase the food fest of the last few days, but something that might reacquaint our legs with the notion of activity. The jog felt great, even in the rain and despite some nagging knee problems. We were quickly rewarded with a breakfast of champions - home made samosas, fried eggplant and pooris - home made flat bread. Oh man. so good! I have to stop this constant buffet.

We are back in the car heading East to DC. This is for sure the last of our trip. Our car conversations have turned to u-hauls, time schedules, packing, and other such boring details. Reality is starting to settle in. But we still have a night in DC with friends and a kick ass bus trip to look forward to tomorrow (for the lady).

There is still more tallying to come. I'm sure several questions remain, such as how much money did we spend on gas? How many miles did we drive? How many states did we travel through or stay in? Favorite spots? Best meals? There's a whole lot to consider and discuss.

And there's always something lurking around the bend. What does a homeless, roaming Brooklynite do without a Brooklyn brownstone (rental) to call her own? Not to mention the pending road trip: part deux out to my new home of Chicago.

Yes, the travels continue. For the moment I look forward to getting back to New York, albeit briefly.

Image closer: a virtual Big Stone Gap postcard. Enjoy!