Day 40 - 22.03.2022

It's the 40th day of my journey - and the first one that is completely different. I'm not going any further today. On a total of 6 other days, I didn't have a car, but I got a ride somewhere every time. And today: Standstill. Staying in one place. Beach vacation in Myrtle Beach.

The weather forecast was cloudy. The reality: bright sunshine. Not cloudless like yesterday, but it will last all day. Today, I take my time, doze in bed for a long time after waking up early again, and sometimes stare almost unbelievably at my repacked suitcase.

I skip breakfast and go for an early lunch at Dirty Don's Oyster Bar, where I order half a dozen oysters and 2 crab cakes. This now reminds me a lot of my vacation in Spain a few months ago.

Afterwards, I stroll through the shops here (the first time I take the time for something like that), realize that Trump is still very present (in the form of numerous prints on mugs and caps), and behave like a beach tourist. I just hang out. What a strange feeling. And I have to say that I miss the road. After over 5 weeks, I've gotten used to it. I'm curious about how it will be at home.

In the evening, my Swabian side comes through. At Don's, you get 6 oysters for free with today's bill if you spend at least $15 on your next visit. I order lobster nachos, which are not as tasty as I thought, and get the delicious seafood from Virginia with them. That really saves it. And the entertainer who pounds loudly on a keyboard and sings along. An older couple takes advantage of this to dance on the beach boulevard. Really cute.

The beach is crowded with hundreds of seagulls searching for food on the almost deserted sand. Enjoying the onset of twilight, I try to capture them in flight. Beach tourists have nothing better to do.

As it gets dark, I go to yesterday's bar and meet Ed and Amy, who are actually leaving. No one stays long in the USA. Completely full, I ask if I can just have 2 beers outside. If they need the tables, they point you to the bar. But since there's not much going on outside, you can do without eating.

Alexandrina, who is taking care of me, tells me that she has already been to Oktoberfest. Her father is Sicilian and her mother is Russian. She asks me about Ukraine and can't believe that we are out of flour and sunflower oil. She mentions the high gas prices here, and when I tell her how much gasoline costs for us, she is shocked.

After 2 beers, I go to my hotel and actually look forward to my drive tomorrow. I won't be by the sea anymore and I will miss it. But I still have 2 days on the road. 2 nights in real motels. And then it really comes to a standstill. Unfortunately.