Rewind...

We realized after the posting frenzy yesterday that we had forgotten something important.  We never wrapped up the Tour De California properly.  So here it goes!
After five weeks of traveling all over the state approximately 6 inches apart, sleeping on random floors, couches, and air-mattresses, we managed to see many people we love, many parts of California, and many different climates, all without killing each other. Job well done.

For fun let's sing a little song called "Where did Erin and Alan go this Summer?" (Set to the tune of the Animaniacs' 50 State Song.) Feel free to trace our path on this handy map.
San Francisco, Alameda, Patterson, Alameda, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Alameda, Red Bluff, Tracy, Patterson, Yosemite, Patterson, Folsom, Patterson, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Irvine, Santa Monica, Irvine, Riverside, Torrence, Oxnard, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Alameda, Patterson, Long Barn, Patterson, San Francisco, Alameda (Erin), Patterson (Alan), San Jose, Alameda, San Francisco, FLY AWAY! Whoa.
Best estimate of milage: 6000 miles in five weeks.
While being in the car for that much time was rough, we were so lucky to get to see so many important faces.  What a great way to say goodbye to our home country.  We miss you all.

As a final goodbye we had the most amazing night ever in San Francisco at a piano bar.  We had a blast singing and dancing with many friends and some family members too.  Though the piano guys didn't know "Istanbul not Constantinople,"(serious bummer) our loving friends knew all of our favorites and were able to come up with a wonderful substitution.  We graced the dance floor with some seriously amazing (aka lame) moves to an awesome rendition of "Leaving on a Jet Plane" mixed with "I Want to Grow Old with You," from the wedding singer. It was a beautiful moment for us and for everyone in the bar, Im sure.  We, make that I, had too much fun, and ended my night beat-boxing and singing in the microphone with the piano guy (Snoop -dog?) while sitting on his bench and mock-playing the piano.  I'm just sure he loved me. And just like the good old days, many of our friends joined us on the dance floor with the most complicated and fabulous dance moves, including a certain nameless friend doing the worm across the floor, because that is just how awesome she is.  Best. Night. Ever.
(Don't worry if you missed out, I imagine this will become a staple of all summers in Cali.)

For all of you who played a part in making our last 5 weeks in California as wonderful and memorable as they were, thank you, thank you.  We are looking forward to doing it again next summer, and here in Turkey when ever you can make it.

xoxox times a million