Meet & Greet: Tommy & Lauren

This is the first installment of (hopefully) many "Meet & Greets." We'll showcase those we meet on the road, inspire us, or just make us laugh. So, let us not wait a moment longer...

Meet Lauren Eriks and Tommy Gordon, our car companions! I met Lauren in Nantes, France when we studied abroad in the Fall of 2005. As we were planning our trip to New Zealand, Lauren and I realized that we were both going to be there at the same time. On top of that excitement, Lauren was going to be borrowing a friend's car and graciously invited Ross and me to hop in...we accepted!

Miss Lauren Eriks of Interestingly, No hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is an avid traveler who is fluent in French and is on her way to learning both German and Spanish...jealous right? Lauren is quick to help out in any situation and usually can answer any question we have ranging from English grammar to the rules of figure skating. I stopped her this evening to ask her a few questions regarding her trip in New Zealand.

Why did you pick New Zealand?
This is the one place I might not have done if I didn't do it now.

Why are you on this trip?
Of all my desired world travels, this is the least practical. I might become responsible some day and I don't want to take that chance.

What are you excited for on this trip?
Since I've already seen Peter Jackson on his couch, eaten a "savory ball," and seen a penguin...I'm excited to see a whale and go skydiving.

Favorite color?
Indigo.

Where will you go after this trip?
No idea. D.C.? Ann Arbor, Michigan?

What's your favorite travel inspiration song?
The soundtrack to Lord of the Rings.

If you were to have only one thing with you on your travels, not including the "important things," what would it be?
My camera. I'm a picture whore.

What's one piece of travel advice you'd give to others?
Always say yes to desserts!

Sir Tommy Gordon comes from Grand Rapids as well. In fact, that's how he knows Lauren...they grew up together! We are a lucky group because Tommy is fluent in Spanish (we need no pocket dictionaries with these two)! Tommy writes an ever inspirational blog at The Counterclockwise Flush and Other Revelations. You know the person that is always positive and really can make you laugh in any situation...that's Tommy. From our first meeting with him it was like we had known him for years. Here are some of his thoughts on his travels and New Zealand...

Why did you pick New Zealand?
Mainly because of Lord of the Rings. I saw the movies and was like, "Where is that?" It stuck with me.

What's one thing you want to accomplish on this trip?
I want to challenge my notion of normal. I'm not sure of my definition, but I already feel it changing.

What's your favorite animal?
Fox.

Where will you go after this trip?
South America or Denver.

What's your favorite travel inspiration song?
"Shoes" by Chris Volpe and "The Longer I Run" by Peter Bradley Adams.

If you were to have only one thing with you on your travels, not including the "important things," what would it be?
Harmonica. I'd have no choice but to play it all the time.

What's one piece of travel advice you'd give to others?
Pack light and bring a hat.

Well, there you have it! Our first installment of "Meet & Greet." Be sure to check out their blogs and get their 411 on the road trip.