may 5, 2005
my journey begins in the city of miracles—hollywood, ca. bags in both hands, i’m standing on the corner of hopes and dreams. lots of people are here trying to wave down taxis. the cabs aren’t stopping for them, but for some reason i don’t have any problems getting one. i hop in, wave goodbye to my new friends, who seem frustrated, and am on my way.

it feels like i’m going to start drooling with anticipation. all these stains lead me to believe that others have drooled here before me. i feel like a part of history. i lay my head on the seat and just absorb all the history.

this trip will be one for the history books.

may 8, 2005
after a few days in the backseat of walter’s cab, and after some really deep conversations where all walter does is listen, i begin to smell it in the air. the scent of smog and exhaust and the midwest has been replaced with… chocolate!

i get out of the cab on the corner of cocoa and chocolate and tip walter $4 (that’s good, right?). my next thought is, where to, buddy?

cab fare: $3,467
sleeping arrangements: walter and i shared a bed

may 9, 2005
hershey museum, day one

may 10, 2005
hershey museum, day two

may 11, 2005
hershey museum, day three

may 15, 2005
i miss walter.

may 16, 2005
i’m robbed at gunpoint today. it turns out to be a hershey’s bar. oh, well, i need more room in my luggage and wallet to carry all of the chocolate souvenirs for everyone!

may 17, 2005
i have a tummy ache.