Ok. So we are driving out of Dallas and i’m minding my own business when I look to the south (we’re heading west) and what do I see… an artwork installation that i never thought i’d ever see in living color. Cadillac Ranch! As I drove by, I spoke to Laura and thinking out loud at the same time saying to myself “I am never driving this way again, I have got to turn around and go back”. Mind you, the kids were dozing in the car and Laura was so kind as to play along and with my delirium. I couldn’t believe what was happening… a dream was about to come true.

So what is so special about “Cadillac Ranch”? Well, first of all, as a kid studying art, the first time i laid eyes on this installation i clearly remember saying, “Man! i’d be so cool to see that for real!”. Secondly, how often do you get to see 10 Cadillacs stuffed into the ground, in the middle of a field? Is it art? Is it great? It really doesn’t matter to me. All I know is that God, in His infinite love for me, made one of my (silly) dreams come true that day… and i enjoyed every minute of it.

Want to know more about Cadillac Ranch? Click here.

Click for map location

Here are some cool pictures.

We’ve been in San Antonio, Texas for the past two days. Sorry about not posting yesterday, but we got to the hotel really late thanks to a 13 hour trip from Tucson, Arizona.

Yesterday on our way from Tucson, we stopped in Las Cruces, New Mexico to visit with a couple of friends. They’re an awesome family with really cute kids and they’re all so fun to be around. Needless to say, the stop was worth getting to the hotel late.

We arrived in San Antonio around 11 last night and we had issues with the wifi and we were all exhausted and it was a mess. Today we were able to hang out around downtown. We’re staying right across from the Alamo, which was pretty cool. Its historical landmark, and I’m sure if you look it up, you’ll find out what happened there. We also visited a place called Riverwalk which is the single largest mall I have ever walked around in. Its built around the San Antonio river, and it even had a statue of St Anthony, which inspired a spontaneous and brief photoshoot. Hopefully those will go up on here for you to see… or laugh at. Either one is good.

We also went down to Market Square. That was a cultural experience in itself. You walk around and its all South American and Central American imports. The imports were pretty much monopolied by Mexican stuff, but that was fine. It was kind of expected. There were blankets and maracas and mini guitars and these really cool little wooden frogs that made noise. The country music and mariachi was cranked all the way. And yes. My ears were bleeding. Just kidding, haha… or like any person that speaks spanish puts, jaja.

We ate at this awesome Mexican restaurant (of course) called Mi Tierra. Rebecca and I shared some enchiladas with green tomatillo sauce and it was delicious. Mom and Grace shared a taco platter and Papi had a taco plate thing too. Everything was so good. I’m not sure I know exactly what “authentic Mexican” is, but man; this was tasty stuff. So if you’re ever in San Antonio, visit Mi Tierra at Market Square. Oh, and throw in an order of sopapillas for dessert. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

After that, we hung out at the hotel. It was really hot outside and walking around without air conditioning was pretty brutal. As a result, we got to catch up with this blog, and in turn, catch you guys up on our journey. Tomorrow we head out to Mobile, Alabama. We’re hoping to travel the coast of Texas to see what it looks like. We’re only 3 days away from getting back home. I’m sad that the trip is coming to a close, but I’m really excited to get back home to see all of you! Keep checking with us. The twits on the right of the screen are your best bet to getting updates in real time. I’m constantly texting to it throughout the trip.

with much love,
aimee nicole

Ok. This leg of the trip has been desert, followed by another desert, followed by, you guessed it… another desert! I never knew we had so much scorched, wide open, burnt space in the United States! Take a look at this video but keep you eye on the horizon. Notice how it changes. From low and wide open to rocky and mountainous. Take a look.

Day 02 of the trip!

Today has been a test of patience, endurance and stamina. Over 9 hours in the car, with very few stops, from Pensacola to Dallas. It went by smoothly. Then the last four hours crawled by. But we came out victorious! We finally arrived in Dallas at around 7pm CST (8pm EST). We’re an hour ahead, just like Pensacola. By tomorrow, we’ll be stopping in Albuquerque which constitutes for another hour that we jump. Its kinda cool how we keep gaining time as we near California.

So what’s in Dallas? A lot of trucks. Six lane highways. Its pretty cliché, but true: everything is big in Texas. But we decided to stay here in Dallas for one reason alone: The Krueger Family! This family and ours go way back. Marty and Connie and my parents have known each other since atleast 1986. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a long time. Their kids are awesome, and we all get along really well. They’re just one of those families that make you feel at home, no matter what. Even in Texas, a van full of Cubans feel at home with these people. We love them!

Tomorrow, we wake up to the Connie-tinental breakfast, and then head out for New Mexico. Its going to be a long trip, just like this one, especially since Texas happens to be… well, the size of Texas. Its a big state, and I can only imagine the change of landscape when we hit Arizona and New Mexico. We continue to look forward to California, but I’ll share the warning I’m constantly getting hit with: Its about the journey, not the destination. So sit back and enjoy the scenery. Hitchhiking is totally allowed.

much love,
aimee nicole