November 5, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

A good day overall. Nothing particularly extraordinary, but a day that felt good.

I spent most of the morning and afternoon working from a café in a lovely Nashville neighborhood. I can't quite remember its name, but it was a nice place to settle in. From around 9:00 until 3:30, I worked and got quite a lot done. It felt productive, and I was happy about that.

Then I jumped back on my bicycle and went guitar shopping. And I bought a guitar! A Martin. I'm actually quite excited about it. It's a beautiful instrument, similar in size to my Córdoba, but more of a crossover guitar, which should allow me to move comfortably between fingerpicking and strumming. I'm really looking forward to playing it and discovering what I can do with it.

As for my Córdoba, I've decided to bring her back home and have her repaired. I'm glad I'm not giving up on her. After ten years together, she deserves that.

I returned to my little motel, refreshed myself, got the bicycle settled, and headed back out for an evening of music. First stop was Rudy's Jazz Room, where I listened to some wonderful musicians, including a violinist and fiddle player. Really impressive. Then I went to the Station Inn, where the music was more bluegrass-oriented but equally good. I struck up a conversation with a couple and, for the first time on this trip, when I asked where they were from, the answer was Minnesota! Of all places.

Later, I made my way to Printers Alley, where I found yet more live music, including another jazz-oriented venue. Nashville really is something. So much talent, so many places where music is simply part of everyday life.

Interestingly, despite spending the evening surrounded by music, I haven't really been making much music myself. Not much playing, writing, or creating. And I haven't had that many meaningful interactions with people either. I've been connected with my own people virtually, but otherwise I've mostly been exploring alone. And that's okay, I suppose. Not every day needs to bring some great revelation or meaningful encounter.

I'm also really enjoying my little motel. It's such a simple, inexpensive place, but it couldn't be more perfect for what I need. A comfortable bed, a good shower, and my Travato parked right outside my door. I've even put my parsley and basil outside, giving the place a little feeling of home. It's funny how little it sometimes takes to feel comfortable.

And then there's the bicycle. I absolutely love riding around Nashville. There's something liberating about exploring a city this way, moving between neighborhoods, discovering places, stopping whenever something catches my attention.

I sometimes imagine that one day I'll tell my children about this trip. That I was in Nashville, riding my bicycle through its streets, listening to incredible musicians, buying a guitar, living out of my little home on wheels.

Maybe that's enough of a reflection for today. A good day. A new guitar. Lots of music. And the simple pleasure of being here.