BOULEVARD

I have been on the road for two weeks.

I have visited the prestigious Harvard University in Boston, MA; driven along historic Route 6A in Cape Cod, MA; crossed over the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn Heights, NY; walked along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ; and posed in front of the 34-foot King Neptune statue in Virginia Beach, VA.

Currently, I am in Myrtle Beach, SC, about to eat the biggest funnel cake I have ever seen (follow me on Twitter @JovanaArnaut to see just how big it is).

As I mentioned in the first blog, being on the road is giving me the opportunity to spend some time with my thoughts and throughout the trip, I will share some of my experiences with you.

Below is a continuation from the first post:

6) Pack lightly but cover all weather: Most of the clothes that I packed are for the summer. Since I packed at the last minute, I didn’t have time to take into account that the summer also brings with it rainy days and cold nights. So, if you do plan to take a road trip during this season, remember to pack some warm clothes, a rain coat and umbrella, extra socks, and comfortable shoes. Try to organize your outfits and don’t bring items that you’re only going to wear once…like leopard high heels. What were you thinking with that one Jovana?

7) Always have cash on you: This will come in handy in case you get a speeding ticket or any other fine. Some police officers will ask you to pay upfront which is why having cash on you will make things a lot easier than having to settle the matter in court. This tip does not come from personal experience – it was advice given to me by a friend before I departed for the U.S. I am still ticket free! Hopefully that didn’t jinx it…

8) Driving in Boston and New York: Let me tell you something about driving in Boston and New York…don’t do it. Their roads are tricky…at least they were for me. Boston for example has four different turn options at an intersection; New York has endless one way streets and a lot of congestion. I strongly suggest leaving your car somewhere outside of these cities and taking the train in. Or, if you absolutely must take the car, park it and use the subway system to get around.

9) Don’t hold anything in your hand while driving: On my way out of New York, I was stopped at a red light on 39th and Broadway, holding my GPS in the air while it tried to pick up a satellite signal. All of sudden, I got a knock on my window…it was a cop. I rolled the window down, GPS still in my hand, and the cop asked what I was doing. I explain. He said, “Ma’am, it is against the law in the city of New York to drive while holding any kind of device in your hand.” My heart dropped. BUT, he said that since it was a GPS he was going to let me off with a warning.

You know, I always thought New York City cops were unreasonable…this cop proved me wrong.

10) Follow speed limits: I have seen at least 20 cop cars on the highways during my drive from Boston, MA to Myrtle Beach, SC. They are everywhere and the roads offer them so many places to hide: forests, bridges, alleyways, etc. They go unnoticed until it’s too late. If you do get caught speeding, you can be fined up to $500 in some states and your car can be impounded as well. So to avoid all of this, just follow the speed limit.

That’s it for this edition of On the Road but make sure to check out the next post where I talk about King Neptune and his influence on Virginia Beach.