Typing from full altitude, somewhere above Oklahoma, I reflect on a full week in North Carolina. With Chloe at my side and WiFi inaccessible, I can finally unwind my thoughts in a quiet [white noise] setting. This was only my second return to North Carolina, post-California arrival, and my time there was much too short. Eleven months after my most recent visit and my first accompanied by a significant other; it was a true challenge to meet with all the people I wanted to, family & friends, in both Raleigh and Wilmington. But the most important thing was clear, and I made sure to make the most time for family. Still, I wish I’d had more moments to share: a common life theme.
Fun times were aplenty, between skateboarding, drinking beer, reminiscing, being lazy, eating well and visiting local staple establishments from my upbringing. I’m so grateful to have friends that will show up en masse, the support of Chloe’s family and the unwavering love of my Mom and sister in NC. A new DIY spot in Wilmington, recently opened restaurant hot spots in downtown Raleigh and strange development everywhere were altogether a testament to inevitable change. The essential change that happens to any place worth inhabiting.
Fun times were aplenty, between skateboarding, drinking beer, reminiscing, being lazy, eating well and visiting local staple establishments from my upbringing. I’m so grateful to have friends that will show up en masse, the support of Chloe’s family and the unwavering love of my Mom and sister in NC. A new DIY spot in Wilmington, recently opened restaurant hot spots in downtown Raleigh and strange development everywhere were altogether a testament to inevitable change. The essential change that happens to any place worth inhabiting.
I love North Carolina, in a way I can’t see myself ever loving another region. I won’t say that I’ll never admire another place more. But I’m stating that the type of affection I have for North Carolina will probably never be matched or duplicated. The seasons change, the winter nights call for backyard fires, the rains bring with them humid rebounds so hard to describe and the people… Let’s just say the hospitality isn’t on that level in any city I’ve seen on the west coast.
Most of those in my new home assume that because I left the state, there was something left to be desired there… But that wasn’t the case at all. It still isn’t. My ambition and thirst for change are 90% of the reason for the relocation, and each time North Carolina comes up in conversation with native Angelenos, my eyes light up like the Christmas tree I’m about to retrieve. In a season between true fall and winter, we missed the changing colors of the forests but effectively got to feel the most tolerable of chilly winter nights. And with the holiday season newly in most everyone’s spirit, the people of Raleigh and Wilmington were in a celebratory mood and sharing state of mind.
Most of those in my new home assume that because I left the state, there was something left to be desired there… But that wasn’t the case at all. It still isn’t. My ambition and thirst for change are 90% of the reason for the relocation, and each time North Carolina comes up in conversation with native Angelenos, my eyes light up like the Christmas tree I’m about to retrieve. In a season between true fall and winter, we missed the changing colors of the forests but effectively got to feel the most tolerable of chilly winter nights. And with the holiday season newly in most everyone’s spirit, the people of Raleigh and Wilmington were in a celebratory mood and sharing state of mind.
I’m stoked for everyone I know and where they are in their lives; Wilmington locals, natives and expats alike. At the end of a good week in my home state, it’s difficult to see the change happen but equally as exciting. Progress entails breaking down systems & structures of the past and rebuilding in better ways. I think the most challenging part is seeing a place that raised you, growing further up without you.
An excuse will be made to return much sooner than later. Won’t be long til next time…
- 7Ply Epic
An excuse will be made to return much sooner than later. Won’t be long til next time…
- 7Ply Epic