Published in Spanish HERE on 07 Oct 2008 In fact, the courtship has been going on for years, from the very moment I began dreaming about this trip. But when I had it in front of me, it was almost love at first sight. In Joliet, south of Chicago, Route 66 appeared in all its splendor, with its end of the 1920’s original layout. I was very touched and I wanted at first to cruise it really slow, like savoring each meter of asphalt. Eventually we will know each other better. She will be our companion for a few weeks. Paula. María (right) and me, in Joliet, a block away from the Route 66 Museum