Final Stage Every blog series requires a final reflection – one last injection of insights. I’ve been open and reflective in all the previous posts, but perhaps I can dive deeper or at least summarize everything. As I wrap up this blog series, I’m thinking about how much self-reflection has shaped my journey. Escaping RealityContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Reflection on the Trip”
Category Archives: Travel
Southern Soul Quest: Moments of Homesickness
Exploring Solitude This road trip spanned four amazing weeks, a recent chapter in my life’s story. It was my maiden voyage into solo travel, a spirited step shortly after a fresh breakup. With a mix of excitement and curiosity, I visited seven states and Washington D.C., embarking on a journey that was not just geographicalContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Moments of Homesickness”
Southern Soul Quest: First Visit to New York
I didn’t visit New York City until I turned 30. I’m only 6 hours away depending on traffic; my most recent trip was 7 hours from Boston! Now that I’ve been three times, I’ll keep going. New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world. I love that. It has its problems,Continue reading “Southern Soul Quest: First Visit to New York”
Southern Soul Quest: Brief Stay at Gettysburg
Alone in Gettysburg I’ve visited Gettysburg multiple times. I first walked the battlefield in middle school, excitedly leading my family on a tour. I distinctly remember my cousin Marielle being wicked uninterested. I camped on the battlefield during my 21st birthday. I hiked Little Round Top in my Confederate kit. I witnessed a company ofContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Brief Stay at Gettysburg”
Feelings and Memories
Southern Soul Quest: Disappointment in Derry
Family History My great-great grandparents, Roberto and Marietta Bucci, arrived in the United States in 1911. They left family and friends in the Abruzzo region of Italy for a new life. They brought with them a few kids too – one of them being my great-grandfather, Anthony (Tony). The family settled in Derry, Pennsylvania. TonyContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Disappointment in Derry”
Southern Soul Quest: Lounging in Charleston
I arrived in Charleston on my birthday. My plan was to stay with my cousin for two days. I ended up staying three or four days (thanks, Samantha!). Most of my time in Charleston was spent wandering, but I had BBQ and ice cream, enjoyed a cigar and some solitude, and I didn’t visit FortContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Lounging in Charleston”
Southern Soul Quest: Camping Adventures
Introduction When planning my southern road trip, I was torn about buying a van to convert it into a camper van. After a lot of research and internal debate, I decided to try the experience of living out of the vehicle I already had: a Kia Sorento. Then I spent a lot of time figuringContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Camping Adventures”
Southern Soul Quest: Reflections on Battlefields
Introduction My whole trip centered on “finding” myself and visiting all the Civil War sites I could. I’ve been fascinated by the Civil War since I was confined to the library in elementary school. After multiple in-school suspensions, the principal realized that if she kept the crazy kid in a cage, he wouldn’t do anythingContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest: Reflections on Battlefields”
Southern Soul Quest
On August 13, 2023, I left my apartment early and headed on an adventure. I hugged my former partner (I don’t like the term ex if it ends on “good” terms) and jumped in my 2013 Kia Sorento. With a new alternator and oil change, I felt ready enough to start my trip. Mentally, maybeContinue reading “Southern Soul Quest”
Bucci Creates 