Create Our World

Zohar means light.

“Only I can change my life.  No one can do it for me.” – Carol Burnett

Meet Zohar.

We traveled together thru the Grand Canyon, some pink sand dunes, and Zion National Park.

Zohar’s given name is Alex.  He was born in the Ukraine.  Alex is a very popular Russian name.  Alex means Sunny and this was his nickname growing up.  Until one day, his teacher called him Zohar.  Zohar means “light.”  Alex or Sunny or Zohar liked this name.  He went home after school that day and asked his Mom, if he could be called Zohar.  She agreed.

Zohar and I camped in the snow, ate a tasteless breakfast at the Cafe near the Canyon and took photographs with hundreds of people.

Although born in the Ukraine, Zohar grew up in Israel.  He lived here till he was 16 and had many close friends.  When he moved to Toronto, it was a very hard transition.  

Zohar lives in Toronto now with his girlfriend and his dog.  He is contemplating undertaking some adventures of his own.

Oh, and he loves the taste of sesame.  Bamba is an Israeli snack that he shares with me one morning.  Basically, they taste like Cheetos covered in peanut butter.  

Create Our World,

Ben

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” – Anne Frank

Matt & Robbie have 24 hours to be back in Maryland.

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”  ~John Wooden

Meet Matt & Robbie.

In the deserts of California there is a gas station and a couple restaurants near Ludlow. Old Route 66 passes through here and this place is holding onto that fame as much as they can.  If I walked 153 steps in any direction, I would be in the desert.  

I am trying to meet up with a man named Zohar so we can travel through the Grand Canyon and some other national parks.  It is almost 3pm and we are supposed to meet today in Flagstaff, AZ.  Flagstaff is still about 300 miles away.  I am tired from standing in the sun for the past 2 days and sleeping in the cold mountains of California.  It is looking bleak.  My lips are chapped from not enough water, nor Chapstick.  Someone told me Chapstick was bad for you. It has Fiberglass in it.

It is easy to get discouraged at moments like this or start resenting the people that drive past you and are smiling.  It always works out though.  Let me introduce my savoirs, Matt & Robbie.  I meet these two college students, after they pull in for some gas.  They are driving straight through Flagstaff on their way back to their university in Maryland.  It is Sunday and they have to be back on Monday for class.  This happens on the road a lot.  Just when you can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel… Voila!

There is no room in the front so I gratefully hop in the back.  I will make it too meet Zohar and I get to take a nap as we drive.  I curl up in blankets as the wind whips around me.  

Matt and Robbie invite me up front at the next stop.  Both are creative types who decided to drive out here for spring break.  It was an impulse decision one night and they left the next morning.  Their friends didn’t think they would actually go.  They have been hanging with friends in Orange County.  

I try to convince them to go to the Grand Canyon with me, but they stay strong and head on after dropping me near Flagstaff.  

I almost forgot about the other guy they picked up.  Ralph, I think was his name.  He was headed to Flagstaff for a job and bundles up in his sleeping bag in the bed of the truck as we head towards Flagstaff.  It was cold!

Thanks guys!

Create Our World.

Ben

“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” ~Jesse Jackson

Meet Michael: He's looking for gold.

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Meet Michael.

I waited at the Victorville Truck Stop for 19 hours.  Michael picked me up at 10 am we headed towards Vegas.  Or actually, I changed my mind to head towards Flagstaff, Arizona.  I was trying to meet a friend to tour the Grand Canyon and some other national parks.

Michael is headed towards Flagstaff.  He is looking for treasures at historical sites.  He has a metal detector.  Michael is very interested in finding old coins, metals, and bottles.  As we drive he points out different places that used to be buildings or train stations.  

Michael drops me in Daggett and then comes back for me because I am still waiting.  He takes me another 30 minutes up the road on his way to another site.  He drops me off at the best gas stations in the area.  

Create Our World.

Ben

“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” – Mother Teresa