Catching up with Pradosh

I arrived in the town of Grand Forks, ND yesterday night. Was starting to think I wouldn't make it, but then managed to hitch a ride with a farmer named Zach on his way home. He was a very kind kid and even let me try driving his 5 speed after I mentioned I needed to improve my ability at driving a stick-shift. He decided to take me all the way to Grand Forks even though it was an hour out of his way. I tried to help with gas, but he politely refused. If he ever makes it down to Illinois, I told him I'd repay his kindness.

One other ride stands out in my mind. I got picked up by a soldier named Teddy who was cool as hell and gave me a lift from Grand Rapids, MN to Bemidji, MN. He is in his 7th year out of a 8 year contract and has spent 3 to 4 years deployed in Iraq. He struck me as a great guy to hit the town with. He was talking about getting back into school once his contract was up. I wish him well.

Grand Forks, ND reminds me of Champaign-Urbana, IL except fewer trees and no corn. The surrounding landscape is mostly flat farm land with few trees. The air is cool and dry.

My good friend Pradosh wanted me to be comfortable so insisted on getting me a hotel for the couple of nights I was planning on staying. I would have been perfectly happy on a couch or the floor, but he complained his house was dirty and crowded with three kids and his mother-in-law visiting. I feel it is too much and hope to return the favor one day, but I've learned to stop fighting people's generosity on this trip.

written by

dlove01 on September 22, 2008 from Grand Forks, United States

from the travel blog: Which Way to Asia?

tagged Pradosh

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