I’m not like most people who want to go on Route 66 and all the other roads—I actually have nothing against the Interstate, at least not the stretches I’m accustomed to. When I have to drive to get somewhere, I like getting there quickly. However, sometimes I also think that the journey is the destination itself (yes, how altogether Zen and trite at the same time).

I’ve travelled a stretch of Route 66 through Albuquerque, and I’ve been on stretches of other US Routes (I’m fortunate enough to live near two rather rural stretches of US Route 30, and a rural stretch of US Route 62). I like the idea of seeing towns and cities I’d otherwise sail though just to make a quick trip. I like seeing downtowns and knowing I won’t get lost so long as I continue following the signs. I want to stop at roadside diners and such (check out Alton Brown’s new show on Food Network some time to see what I mean). For once, I want to be a tourist!