The American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- BB Starts Her Engines

Isn't it wonderful when "everything old is new again'?  JU SO FONII!!!  No, BB didn't get plastic surgery while in Miami, but she did get to drive back Up North to The South in a new car!!!  Ok, si, to y'all it may not seem like a big deal, but it's been over 15 years since Babushka has had un carro del año- a new model car.  I'm from the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" school of thought, which I still believe in, but I'm thinking of playing hookie after this.

A little background info on the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip is on the link, and this is the first leg of BB's part.  As in any event there are many people and organizations behind the scenes preparing for our comfort and success. Babushka must take a moment to thank the wonderful sponsors who are unparalleled in their generosity.  GM Diversity with a new car, Verizon Wireless with their mifi portable hotspot and great network, and of course the National Parks with the American Latino Heritage Fund being the reason for this unbelievable trip.  Un evento tan espectacular- que casi no creo, can hardly believe I'm part of it- but I am.  Oh yeah.  

Getting back to the new car, Carlitos.  Of course I named him- don't you name everything you have affection for? And believe me, I fell for him like a ton of bricks. The Chevrolet Cruze Eco- vamanos people, just look at him!  

Oh, and his back side-

Imaginate how many snackbags I can get in there!!!

Now for those of you who are worried about BB traveling alone, please don't be.

BB's version of saints on the dashboard.
Patron Saint of Cubans- La Virgen de La Caridad


Tengo Cachita, GM and Verizon by my side- I'm well protected on all counts.

I was scheduled to depart Little Havana at 4 am Tuesday, but I couldn't wait-

 left 3 hours earlier. 

Believe me when I say the graphics are much better than the picture shows.

Feel like a Space Ranger.  Si, I said Space Ranger.
"To National Parks, and beyond."

As previously stated, I haven't had a new car in over 15 years, so like any new mama I went picture happy- but those I'll share in another post.  Also, the "everything old is new again" reference was my driving trip to Tallahassee from Miami.  BB's trekked those roads countless times at an average of 9 hours per trip; this one I made in 7.5 hours.  Ok si, I didn't have to stop for gas (UNREAL mpg) and being alone at that time I wasn't going to be stopping at empty stop areas.  Queee?  BB's una brava, no una boba- my mama didn't raise no dummies! 

And speaking of no dummy.

Once rested from the trip- come on, cafe can only do so much, I had to decide on dinner.  Since I had officially started the Latino Heritage trip I wanted to get into the mood and have latino food.  In my little rural town that either means BB's home cooking or a Mexican restaurant.  I'll let you guess what I picked.

La Parrillada recentely opened, and having never tried it I invited My Little One to join me for dinner. We were very satisfied with the experience. 

Owners Rosa & Jesus

 The decor was nice, the server delightful, and the food?  The food dear readers was/is a perfect symbol for Babushka's part of this monumental roadtrip. 

 Latino, filling, and with lots of

:: SIZZLE::

; )

Thank you for joining me as this vieja viajera treks the parks of Florida with their history and richness.  Wednesday I will be in Tallahasse speaking with curators and archaeologists, enjoying our past- while driving a new car w/mifi, enjoying the present. Life- it is bueno.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. Following this you will see a FCC disclosure for the major sponsors of this trip.  For BB's part, the VisitFlorida group has graciously offered to reimburse the gasoline and tolls paid.  I just love my state!  Also, La Parrillada did not sponsor my meal, my tummy just had to give them kudos.

P.P.S. Due to personal reasons, my travel companion, the capitan of the trip Maria De Los Angeles,  will be navigating, coordinating, keeping Tweety busy under the hashtag #vqmbb as well as conducting interviews/questions remotely via modern technology.  

P.P.P.S.  Babushka will be posting her itinerary on Feibu- and while you're there don't forget to enter the giveaway!  BB2U'all.