At a time of political polarization, police shootings and escalating conflict in Syria, I was “on the ground” getting exposure to unfamiliar parts of the country and getting past my own preconceived notions of “red states” and the people who live there.  I’ve enjoyed meals in bars, diners, and senior centers and really getting to know THEM.  Over the course of two cross country rides, I would explore my similarities, rather than my differences, with the people I met—especially those I assumed were so different from me. This site documents those trips.