The Biltmore House:
I planned my trip to the infamous Biltmore House after the ever-lovely JV said it was a must-see. It’s up in Asheville, North Carolina, so I dedicated a day to head up there and enjoy the estate. The gardens are designed by Fredrick Olmsted, the same landscape designer who designed Central Park.
Overall, the tour price of $95 was not worth it. However, I really took advantage of every opportunity I took, often venturing into sunflower fields, employee-only areas, and deep trails. The estate is massive and also includes a winery, two hotels, a river, and a small lake.
One thing I did like about the house was how much appreciation was given to Olmsted and Richard Morris Hunt, the house’s architect. They each had almost lifesize portraits of them framed in the house. Each person was standing in their respectable background: Olmsted in a forested area and Hunt in the Biltmore House.
Coming Home:
Driving through the smoky mountains, the wind turbine fields and Gary, Indiana finally brought me to Wisconsin. It really was great to see everyone again. Given my short time back, I wasn’t able to see everyone I wanted to. Of course I saw the old fam and got to torment Johnny (pookie) for the time I was back. I did get to see Emma, my beautiful girlfriend with the big scary knife, which is always lovely, even when she has a big scary knife. I got to see Dave, Jordan, Lily, CJ, and Evelyn during my time back which was just the best; every moment.
Being away in a different part of the country really made me appreciate my hometown. All the little things I took for granted are now fully appreciated. I realize how lucky I was to grow up down the road from Lake Geneva. People flock to Lake Geneva so it sort of gives me some clout when I say I’m local.
My favorite restaurants tasted better than I remembered. I must have eaten at China Garden (the best Chinese food around with the best lunch specials, and the best server) about four times in my short time back. I already miss it.
Leaving Again:
The time rolled around again to leave home and journey to New Mexico. The order of events went:
- Fly into Phoenix for a long layover.
- Fly into the tiny Santa Fe Airport.
- Get a Lyft to the Santa Fe bus station.
- Hop on the fare-free BlueBus.
- Get dropped off at the Taos bus stop, the farthest North the bus could take me.
- Get picked up by Daniel, the man who’s hosting me.
- Go to sleep once I get to the camper.
This guy was sleepy on the way to Taos.
I wanted to take a moment to say what a wonderful man Mr. Wulf was. He always went out of his way for many students including me. Besides dominating in every sport ever, he tended to his bees and even showed me how to care for my own beehive. I was also fortunate enough to be invited to play volleyball with him and his adult team. There are many people and animals that are going to miss his unmistakable presence. Me included.
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