Day 1: Setting a Reflective Tone in New Journey
From Pleasanton to Reno
Today is the first day of a cross-country road trip that my wife and I are taking from Pleasanton, California to New York City. My first overnight stop is in Reno, Nevada. The 230-mile drive along Interstates 680 and 80 took about four and a half hours due to some road construction delays. As we navigated the familiar route, memories of past adventures filled our minds.
Reno has always held a special place in our hearts. It is a city filled with fond memories of winter ski trips with our family many years ago. Those weekends spent in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area were some of the happiest times of our lives. As we drove down the familiar roads, I couldn't help but smile foolishly and chat happily with my wife as we reminisced about those wonderful winters. The kids loved the adventure of skiing, and I loved the joy on their faces as they mastered the black diamond runs, proudly following her lead. The crisp mountain air, the thrill of the slopes, and the warmth of family time-these are the things that gave so much context to the first leg of our journey.
Arriving in Reno in the afternoon, we had an early check-in at the Hyatt Place Reno-Tahoe Airport. We then visited the home of an old close friend. It had been over five years since our last visit. They graciously arranged for us to have dinner at the Oyster & Sushi Bar on the Sky Terrace. The food was exquisite and the atmosphere was perfect. Sharing such a delightful dining experience with old friends added a special touch to our first day on the road beyond a catching up.
After dinner, we returned to our friend's house and took a walk through their neighborhood. The path took us through a picturesque golf course surrounded by lush greenery. A lovely early summer breeze added to the serene atmosphere. As we walked, we discussed various options for retirement planning and lifestyle choices, including the pros and cons of each location. With a common background in engineering, we found ourselves pondering whether life optimization was possible. It was a thought-provoking discussion that reflected our tendency to believe that life, like an engineering project, can be planned and optimized. However, we also acknowledged the unpredictability and spontaneity that life often brings.
This first day of our journey was the perfect blend of past and future, of reflection and anticipation. Meeting old friends, sharing delicious meals, walking through beautiful neighborhoods, and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations made the day truly memorable. The sense of nostalgia for our past adventures in Reno, combined with the excitement of what lies ahead, set a reflective tone for the rest of our journey.
Do you believe that life optimization is possible? If so, how do you reconcile this belief with the inherent unpredictability and spontaneity of life's journey?
Thank you for sharing, Kefei! You are a wonderful writer. I wish you both a safe and happy trip.