A Rocky Start

Finding Respite – Eventually – in Hackensack

Constantino Diaz-Duran is a fellow at the Center for Social Cohesion at Arizona State University. He is chronicling his walk from New York to Los Angeles to celebrate his eligibility for American citizenship. Follow Constantino’s progress.


I made it to Hackensack, ready to fall into bed. When I got to the motel where I had a reservation, I found it closed. Due to — get this — an unsafe structure. A clerk came out to talk to me and said it closed four months ago because of a fire. They already charged my credit card, so my partner Chris is going to see what we can do to get my money back. Luckily, there was another motel up the road, so I walked over and got a room. They charge by the hour — Ewww! I’m laying my sleeping bag over the sheets), but the overnight rate is actually cheaper than the other place.


I’m feeling ok, but exhausted. My feet are sore, as are my legs and shoulders. Eventually, my body will get used to it. I got less than three hours of sleep the night before I left, so that’s not helping. I’m actually considering staying here for a day, and biting the bullet to pay for one more motel night (there goes my allowance for the week). It would probably be worth it. I want to write some reflections on my first day and recharge. It’s not exactly what I had planned, but that’s life on the road.

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*Photo by Constantino Diaz-Duran.


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