One of the best aspects of being an athlete is the travel. The travel is most enjoyable when I get the opportunity to stay in real homes instead of hotels. Not only are homes, well, homey, there's also interesting people to get to know. Last weekend at the Tour de Walla Walla I stayed with Michael and Sophia Scholar on Boyer Street. I rollerskied/biked/walked/ran by their home several times a week while I was in college because it's on the way to the Mill Creek path and always enjoyed their huge dogwoods, pretty house, and resident ducks (Ducks are a ubiquitous part of the Whitman campus). So it was especially fun to get to stay in a house that I had previously admired. I made me sad that I hadn't gotten to know Michael and Sophia while I was living in Walla Walla though since they are both very accomplished, fascinating people. And they have lots of sweet animals to play with. The Scholars were so friendly and hospitable; someday, when I have a home, I hope that I can be as good of a hostess. I'm always amazed at how nice people are (not to mention what good cooks the Scholars were too!).