Jade and Remo's
American Road Trip
American Road Trip
The Adventure Begins
24/07/2026
Remo and I have officially started our Great American Adventure! It was a bit of a rocky start, but we are finally on the road, just not in the vehicle we were expecting. We had booked a Dodge Ram, but when we arrived to collect it, we were told they needed a credit card in my name. Unfortunately, I don't have one, and there was absolutely no mention of that requirement during the booking process. Needless to say, it was pretty frustrating. Instead, they offered us the biggest vehicle they could rent with a debit card: a Jeep Compass. I will admit, I was pretty disappointed at first. I had my heart set on the Ram and wasn't convinced the Compass would cut it for a cross-country road trip. But after spending a little time with it, it is starting to grow on me and is surprisingly fuel-efficient, comfortable to drive, and the built-in WiFi hotspot has turned out to be a lifesaver. Speaking of internet, getting connected has been an adventure all on its own. I bought a travel SIM card that claimed to be compatible with my phone. As it turns out, it IS compatible with my phone... just NOT in the United States! After that disappointment, I discovered my phone could use T-Mobile's network, so I picked up one of their SIM cards after seeing what looked like a great deal, unlimited data for $40 for a month. After sitting on hold for about an hour to activate it, I was told that plan apparently didn't exist and they instead wanted to sign me up for a $55 a month contract. Thanks, but no thanks. Fortunately, while I was waiting on hold, Remo discovered that the Jeep's built-in WiFi hotspot offers unlimited data for just $25 for the month. Problem solved! Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Our first night was spent at my Aunt Cindy's house, where we had a lovely evening catching up with her and my cousin, Mikoh. It was the perfect way to ease into the trip. The next morning we woke up to an incredible homemade breakfast that Cindy had cooked for us before setting off around midday. Our next stop was Richmond, Virginia, where we met up with my Aunt Viki for a late lunch and to help celebrate her birthday. It was great to spend some time with family before really hitting the open road. Originally, we had planned to visit Virginia International Raceway, but their website wasn't cooperating and I couldn't get through to anyone by phone. Rather than waste too much time trying to sort it out, we decided to point the Jeep west and begin making our way toward Arkansas. Last night we made it to Knoxville, Tennessee. If all goes to plan, we should roll up to my brother's house before 6pm tonight. The adventure has already thrown a few unexpected curveballs our way, but that's all part of the experience. Sometimes the best stories come from the plans that don't quite go as expected.
24/07/2026
Remo and I have officially started our Great American Adventure! It was a bit of a rocky start, but we are finally on the road, just not in the vehicle we were expecting. We had booked a Dodge Ram, but when we arrived to collect it, we were told they needed a credit card in my name. Unfortunately, I don't have one, and there was absolutely no mention of that requirement during the booking process. Needless to say, it was pretty frustrating. Instead, they offered us the biggest vehicle they could rent with a debit card: a Jeep Compass. I will admit, I was pretty disappointed at first. I had my heart set on the Ram and wasn't convinced the Compass would cut it for a cross-country road trip. But after spending a little time with it, it is starting to grow on me and is surprisingly fuel-efficient, comfortable to drive, and the built-in WiFi hotspot has turned out to be a lifesaver. Speaking of internet, getting connected has been an adventure all on its own. I bought a travel SIM card that claimed to be compatible with my phone. As it turns out, it IS compatible with my phone... just NOT in the United States! After that disappointment, I discovered my phone could use T-Mobile's network, so I picked up one of their SIM cards after seeing what looked like a great deal, unlimited data for $40 for a month. After sitting on hold for about an hour to activate it, I was told that plan apparently didn't exist and they instead wanted to sign me up for a $55 a month contract. Thanks, but no thanks. Fortunately, while I was waiting on hold, Remo discovered that the Jeep's built-in WiFi hotspot offers unlimited data for just $25 for the month. Problem solved! Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Our first night was spent at my Aunt Cindy's house, where we had a lovely evening catching up with her and my cousin, Mikoh. It was the perfect way to ease into the trip. The next morning we woke up to an incredible homemade breakfast that Cindy had cooked for us before setting off around midday. Our next stop was Richmond, Virginia, where we met up with my Aunt Viki for a late lunch and to help celebrate her birthday. It was great to spend some time with family before really hitting the open road. Originally, we had planned to visit Virginia International Raceway, but their website wasn't cooperating and I couldn't get through to anyone by phone. Rather than waste too much time trying to sort it out, we decided to point the Jeep west and begin making our way toward Arkansas. Last night we made it to Knoxville, Tennessee. If all goes to plan, we should roll up to my brother's house before 6pm tonight. The adventure has already thrown a few unexpected curveballs our way, but that's all part of the experience. Sometimes the best stories come from the plans that don't quite go as expected.
