Syracuse, New York

Day 1

After two flights across the United States, a Croissan'Wich, and gnawing lower back pain, Dad and I made it into the city of Syracuse. Jason greeted us at baggage claim with open arms. I studied his joyous expression and let it reflect on me a little bit until it began to perk me up some. The plane rides were particularly emotional. Peering out at the clouds through a window seat while reading inspirational notes from your best friends will only amount to streams of tears wetting your face.

We loaded our belongings inside our rented Jeep Liberty and headed to the hotel. I was utterly famished. Only a pack of peanuts and cheese crackers held me over for 5 hours. Where to eat? How about the highly anticipated Dinosaur BBQ?

(a side view with more dino decals)

(bbq chicken, *fries, black beans and rice, and cornbread)

Though it may look generic from the photo, it was pretty tasty and eventually submerged in Sensous Slathering Sauce. I would have taken more photos of the kitch and populated blue collar atmosphere inside, but my fingers attracted too much grease too manuever the camera and I was blinded by hunger/stopped caring. I also couldn't help but think that my friend Daniel would love it here. At one point I managed to break concentration from gorging my face and checked out the menus posted by the grills. 85% of it caters to fans who eat the shit out of ribs. I tried one of Jason's and thought it was just pretty good. The experience was a 7/10.

We all went back to the hotel afterwards and Jason and i innevitbly had a lengthy discussion about big life-changes. If he wasn't around for this trip I'd be a mess. No question.

The night ended with some tears, but I was more hopeful and felt protected by having family nearby.

*I ordered a side of mac n' chee and was given fries instead. Maybe fries pass off as mac n' chee in New York?

Day 2

Stress. Everywhere. Most of the day I sulked over my new living quarters. It looks better after its renovation, but damn if it isn't cramped and still kind of dirty from the construction. Plus my landlord is a fucking headache and forgot to mention a month prior that the unit would not be fully ready by now even after I reminded her to notify me of any changes. The shower in particular was built in such an impractical way that I am forced to stand sideways in order to clean myself. There's a side wall protruding into the center of the shower space. If i want to scrub another part of my body I have to make a 180 degree rotation. Maybe I'm pissing and moaning over small things, but it adds up when you leave across the country and want a smooth transition.

On top of moving, my family is growing towards drastic changes. Mom is looking at moving to Connecticut soon and now I am becoming more concerned for my Dad staying behind temporarily. Having the family individually set up in different states is nerve wracking and awkward. Times have become overwhelmingly conflicting.

After buying some new supplies for the place we decided to break and walk around campus. I showed Jason my department, but most of the areas were locked or under slight renovation. A bit later, I discovered a small strip of eateries and shops that I missed last time I ventured out by campus. Have you heard of Insomnia Cookies? I'm assuming it's a chain, but it totally reminded me of late nights with Lil' and Big Stef and I laughed.


I also found some sandwich shop with this sign that confused me:


The day wore down after a final visit to the apartment to drop off some odds and ends. We had dinner at Lemon Grass downtown. I was hoping to find another Thai place, maybe something with a little more local personality, but we didn't have any luck. Plus, no one wanted to eat at the space-eccentric sushi bar we stumbled upon. Too bad. Into the evening, Jason set up the Wii in the hotel room and blasted some Guitar Hero doodley-doodlies. It's been a long day and now Family Matters is on TV and I feel comforted by the sight of Urkel. He's sadly the only other familiar face around here.

Goodnight.