“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself - expanding and learning as you go - you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip.”

-Dean Karnazes

Getting to Poughkeepsie where I am staying overnight was relatively easy with no problems in regards to directions or the journey itself. It seems to have gotten easier to travel as I am now; I've gotten used to this way of living. My journey so far has made me realize that it is unnecessary to rely on material items so much, or even other people. Traveling the way I am has allowed me to discover my potential and power as an independent individual.

While in Poughkeepsie, I  stopped at the nearby home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I was able to take a tour of the house and learn tons of interesting facts. The grounds were very beautiful and the house is actually where FDR delivered his speech after winning the presidential election. The house also has had many interesting guests in the past, such as Winston Churchill. I toured the house with a group of people and a tour guide who I discovered is friends with my grandparents. I then learned that she had met me once when I was younger and visiting my grandparents! We arranged to meet up after the tour so she could show me around the town. This encounter is just one of many I've had so far on the trip where almost complete strangers have been welcoming and made my journey so much easier.
I was able to get an FDR "bullet pencil" as a souvenir:

Postcard:
Hi Mom! I’m currently in Poughkeepsie, New York, making my way to Connecticut. I have seen some amazing things so far in my journey. The other day I went the Catskills and I even passed by the house you used to live in. I've met some great people on the way and hope to stay in touch with them. It’s amazing how an experience like this can make you realize how easy it is to lose sight of the important things in life. Not been so focused on technology and material items has allowed me to read books and enjoy my surroundings. I learned to appreciate the environment, the human body and what it is capable of, and most significant, those who are important to me. Can’t wait to see you soon and tell you more about my trip!

-Anna