The last few days I spent in Miami were pretty relaxed, knowing that I was leaving. I still kept with the same perspective, and although I hadn't been interviewing too many, or getting some good footage, I was still out and about, wandering around, meeting people and relying on their generosity to sustain. Even in the 'coldest' city Id been to in a while, I was still able to find amazing people who were capable of genuinely caring for a complete stranger.
I had talked to so many about these concepts, and asking possible scenarios. Things like; "Say for example you witnessed a fight, or mugging, what would you do?" Or "if someone, like me for instance, knocked at your door, said they were in need of a meal and a phone, would you provide it?" I would word it in a way that was slightly more approachable, but you get the point.
The answers differed, but it was almost split down the middle. Half would shut the door and lock it, the other half(some with hesitation) would welcome. A very small percentage said 'yes' immediately, and I believed them. Another small percentage looked at me like I had just started preaching a Hitler speech, and told me "f*ck no, I wouldn't let you on my front lawn".
If I ever saw a Canadian, or a backpacker (I did end up seeing about 4 more before I left) I would approach them and ask them a few questions. "Have you noticed a difference between the way Americans and Canadians treat you?" "How have people responded to you, as a backpacker?"
These are just some quick snippets. I promise this film is going to drop jaws, and not only because of the crazy crap I would do!
Anyways, I wont be filming quite as much while I hitch to Alaska, but I will be when the scenes are right. I'm undecided as to whether or not I want to continue with the same motive, and rely on others, but the idea of contrasting my experiences with America vs a cross-Canada hitch would be pretty interesting...
I WILL however be relying on others for places to sleep. Hotels suck. Its only fun when its on a card the owner doesn't care about, so you get to throw the mattress out the 10th floor window, empty the mini-fridge and put at least 2 holes into the wall. No, I'm kidding, but hotels do suck. They are more of a false promise than the Bush campaign. Continental breakfasts are NEVER worth waking up before 10am. Hostels are better in my opinion-more fun, but their services and cleanliness are like a smile from a drive thru employee; possible, but more or less non existent.
So the trip north will be pretty exciting, Ill be doing lots, and seeing lots, meeting tons of new characters, and hopefully having them let me roll out my sleeping bag in their guest bedroom.
Now Ill get some pics and words sorted so you can see what Ive been up to!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Why I had to return, even if only for a bit....
So how much do you all hate me?
I promise posts, and disappear for days on end. Well, there's a number of reasons this time, but still just excuses.
I arrived in NYC the 18th, and spent the day wandering around. There will be a post for it...
I then bussed to Toronto that evening, and despite another nervy border crossing, safely made it back to the land of the true north, strong and free.
I made it back to the little apartment on College st that I had missed so much, and after 48 hectic hours of Greyhounds, security checks, new cities, old cities, the all time heavy B1 and B2, almost no sleep(literally, maybe 3 hrs) I took a quick shower and finally crawled into a warm, familiar bed. It hadn't even been two of a planned twelve months, but boy was I happy!
It was then a bounce back from Toronto, to visit the boys back in Ottawa for a few... Again, posts for that..
I am back in Toronto, ( I know you lot were scratching your heads) and I'm enjoying my last few days here before I head north to Sudbury, then a hitch from nickel city to BC/Alaska!
Ive been offered an un-refusable contract, treeplanting up north. It pays well, and due to the lifestyle I live, cannot decline for a number of reasons.
I'm not the 9to5 type, happy with a mundane lifestyle of mediocracy and stale routine. So no, I don't have a job 'back home' where I can return to anytime. I have a decent resume, but it doesn't matter, as I'm not looking to go whore myself out for jobs, find some lame entry level position, spend a fortune on renting some dodgy apartment and get invested into unhappiness. No sir.
Instead, I want to pursue what I like, while I can. I'm still a young(and albeit naive at times) pup, and since I'm not in school, no commitments, I can do what I want, which is travel the planet, meeting cool faces in amazing spaces!
Now that being said, I also need to be a bit more realistic. What I do, DOES cost money, even with my 'skills' and frugal views.
The original plan; to hitch the globe on less than a few hundred dollars, is feasible, but it isn't.
I don't have a proper sponsor, or financial aid. I don't have a backup bank account. I don't have parents to call and ask to be bailed out of the Thai prison I found myself in for wearing socks with sandals(or some other ridiculous law). I don't have financial stability. And to do what I'm doing, you need it.
"Nate, who cares man, I know you can do it" or "dude if anyone can pull that off, its you" Ive been told this several times over the last few weeks, while I was contemplating my future.
Well many things happened and my eyes are constantly being opened to new and more. Meeting Jeremy, the French hitcher with much more experience than I...was one.
He has a bank account. With alot of money in it. If he gets into trouble(robbed, lost, mugged, kidnapped, hurt, sick or just plain tired of it all) he can ensure the steps necessary to recovery, or a quick return home.
I could not.
When I posted before entering NY state my funds, that was it. The $350 I entered with(and left with !) was all I had. No savings acct with emergency airfare, or a lifeline I could call up and bail me out. Oh and I haven't had a credit card since I maxed it out on eBay in high school.
I stopped the trip before the next step would have taken me too far. To hitch Africa, and the rest of the world (the same plan once I'm done up north) requires a safety plan. I was legitimately embarking with a pinch of hope, a splash of experience and a dash of luck. And no money. It would only take one incident(could have easily happened in America) and I would have been screwed. Royally.
"But Nathan, you're the type of person who could pull it off, noone else could" Thanks guys, but just imagine; the car pulls up. Its a hot Colombian day. I really want the ride. The guy looks cool enough, so I jump in. The conversation is fine, despite the language barrier. Then he pulls it out. A knife the size of my forearm. He demands all that I have, and kicks me out, threatening to chop me up like hes done so many times before.
I am now happy to be alive on the side of the dusty road. But I am now without my money, ID, passport, phone cards, clothes, equipment and everything else I had with me.
Oh, and I'm in the heart of the rural Colombian countryside......I get another ride into town. No way to call home, and ask for money to be wired. No Visa, no nothing. I am as useless as a Russian guidebook in Nigeria. No wait. I'm like a sitting duck on the last day of the shoot. No wait, I'm a recently robbed kid with no Spanish and no hope in hell of fixing his situation. That's it.
So maybe now you guys can understand my point of view. I am very ambitious, hopeful, and down right lucky. (Today I found two $5 on the sidewalk in Toronto) But its time for me to be realistic. The money that I get from a rare submitted article does not cover costs. I'm going to put the project on hold for a few weeks, and obtain me some financial stability, so that I can bank it knowing that when shit hits the metaphoric fan, Ill be alright.
Don't worry, I'm still HITCHHIKING to Alaska, and Ill be blogging it all, just a bit closer to home.
Then I can resume the trip, and keep you guys living vicariously.
Doing this will ensure I can continue for at least a full year, knowing should anything go suddenly awry, I will be OK, as I can replace my gear, check into a hostel, fly home, bribe border guards, or pay the local Mongolian goat herder to sew up that massive gash in my back.
As much as I wanted to just say 'to heck with it' and continue on, I needed to be realistic. The way I travel and do things, having an 'incident' was more or less imminent. I have seen enough NatGeo documentaries and Robert Young Pelton articles to know I do not want to be "that guy" stranded in some tiny town without anything more than a skyward prayer to help my safety. Ive heard some horror stories, and most of them were involving some white man with a nice bag and no idea of where he was. Well I'm a white man with a nice bag and somewhat of an idea as to what I'm doing, but remember, I hitchhike, and sleep on strangers' living room floors. This sets me up for a new standard of vulnerability. Also, my Spanish and Mandarin are abysmal, and flashing a smile doesn't work as currency at the Cambodian border.
So I'm going to continue what I was doing, just with a brief pause to make it all possible!
I can promise the writing and photos from this trip will be equally as addicting!
I promise posts, and disappear for days on end. Well, there's a number of reasons this time, but still just excuses.
I arrived in NYC the 18th, and spent the day wandering around. There will be a post for it...
I then bussed to Toronto that evening, and despite another nervy border crossing, safely made it back to the land of the true north, strong and free.
I made it back to the little apartment on College st that I had missed so much, and after 48 hectic hours of Greyhounds, security checks, new cities, old cities, the all time heavy B1 and B2, almost no sleep(literally, maybe 3 hrs) I took a quick shower and finally crawled into a warm, familiar bed. It hadn't even been two of a planned twelve months, but boy was I happy!
It was then a bounce back from Toronto, to visit the boys back in Ottawa for a few... Again, posts for that..
I am back in Toronto, ( I know you lot were scratching your heads) and I'm enjoying my last few days here before I head north to Sudbury, then a hitch from nickel city to BC/Alaska!
Ive been offered an un-refusable contract, treeplanting up north. It pays well, and due to the lifestyle I live, cannot decline for a number of reasons.
I'm not the 9to5 type, happy with a mundane lifestyle of mediocracy and stale routine. So no, I don't have a job 'back home' where I can return to anytime. I have a decent resume, but it doesn't matter, as I'm not looking to go whore myself out for jobs, find some lame entry level position, spend a fortune on renting some dodgy apartment and get invested into unhappiness. No sir.
Instead, I want to pursue what I like, while I can. I'm still a young(and albeit naive at times) pup, and since I'm not in school, no commitments, I can do what I want, which is travel the planet, meeting cool faces in amazing spaces!
Now that being said, I also need to be a bit more realistic. What I do, DOES cost money, even with my 'skills' and frugal views.
The original plan; to hitch the globe on less than a few hundred dollars, is feasible, but it isn't.
I don't have a proper sponsor, or financial aid. I don't have a backup bank account. I don't have parents to call and ask to be bailed out of the Thai prison I found myself in for wearing socks with sandals(or some other ridiculous law). I don't have financial stability. And to do what I'm doing, you need it.
"Nate, who cares man, I know you can do it" or "dude if anyone can pull that off, its you" Ive been told this several times over the last few weeks, while I was contemplating my future.
Well many things happened and my eyes are constantly being opened to new and more. Meeting Jeremy, the French hitcher with much more experience than I...was one.
He has a bank account. With alot of money in it. If he gets into trouble(robbed, lost, mugged, kidnapped, hurt, sick or just plain tired of it all) he can ensure the steps necessary to recovery, or a quick return home.
I could not.
When I posted before entering NY state my funds, that was it. The $350 I entered with(and left with !) was all I had. No savings acct with emergency airfare, or a lifeline I could call up and bail me out. Oh and I haven't had a credit card since I maxed it out on eBay in high school.
I stopped the trip before the next step would have taken me too far. To hitch Africa, and the rest of the world (the same plan once I'm done up north) requires a safety plan. I was legitimately embarking with a pinch of hope, a splash of experience and a dash of luck. And no money. It would only take one incident(could have easily happened in America) and I would have been screwed. Royally.
"But Nathan, you're the type of person who could pull it off, noone else could" Thanks guys, but just imagine; the car pulls up. Its a hot Colombian day. I really want the ride. The guy looks cool enough, so I jump in. The conversation is fine, despite the language barrier. Then he pulls it out. A knife the size of my forearm. He demands all that I have, and kicks me out, threatening to chop me up like hes done so many times before.
I am now happy to be alive on the side of the dusty road. But I am now without my money, ID, passport, phone cards, clothes, equipment and everything else I had with me.
Oh, and I'm in the heart of the rural Colombian countryside......I get another ride into town. No way to call home, and ask for money to be wired. No Visa, no nothing. I am as useless as a Russian guidebook in Nigeria. No wait. I'm like a sitting duck on the last day of the shoot. No wait, I'm a recently robbed kid with no Spanish and no hope in hell of fixing his situation. That's it.
So maybe now you guys can understand my point of view. I am very ambitious, hopeful, and down right lucky. (Today I found two $5 on the sidewalk in Toronto) But its time for me to be realistic. The money that I get from a rare submitted article does not cover costs. I'm going to put the project on hold for a few weeks, and obtain me some financial stability, so that I can bank it knowing that when shit hits the metaphoric fan, Ill be alright.
Don't worry, I'm still HITCHHIKING to Alaska, and Ill be blogging it all, just a bit closer to home.
Then I can resume the trip, and keep you guys living vicariously.
Doing this will ensure I can continue for at least a full year, knowing should anything go suddenly awry, I will be OK, as I can replace my gear, check into a hostel, fly home, bribe border guards, or pay the local Mongolian goat herder to sew up that massive gash in my back.
As much as I wanted to just say 'to heck with it' and continue on, I needed to be realistic. The way I travel and do things, having an 'incident' was more or less imminent. I have seen enough NatGeo documentaries and Robert Young Pelton articles to know I do not want to be "that guy" stranded in some tiny town without anything more than a skyward prayer to help my safety. Ive heard some horror stories, and most of them were involving some white man with a nice bag and no idea of where he was. Well I'm a white man with a nice bag and somewhat of an idea as to what I'm doing, but remember, I hitchhike, and sleep on strangers' living room floors. This sets me up for a new standard of vulnerability. Also, my Spanish and Mandarin are abysmal, and flashing a smile doesn't work as currency at the Cambodian border.
So I'm going to continue what I was doing, just with a brief pause to make it all possible!
I can promise the writing and photos from this trip will be equally as addicting!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Well if you guys can remember the trucker who took me from snow to spring in a day, Kenny, from North Carolina. At the time I couldn't find the accompanying photo with the post, but I just came across it, and thought you guys would like to see the man himself!
Here's the original post.
And here's Kenny!
This was a few hours later, in North Carolina. I have clearly been bitten by the Southern influence bug.
Here's the original post.
And here's Kenny!
This was a few hours later, in North Carolina. I have clearly been bitten by the Southern influence bug.
I am in the worst mood I have been in since leaving on this trip.
I cannot believe at how incompetent some people can be. People who work in the service industry and make decent wages who cannot perform simple tasks, use a sense of efficiency, or even common sense for that matter. Oh and their inability to smile or exert simple courtesy astounds me.
I have dealt with what seems hundreds of people today and not a single one has stood out as even mediocre in terms of the lowest, basic standard of service.
It may be the fact I have just spent the last 36 hours without sleep, or that I haven't eaten in 24 hours, but I am not just being Mr Grouchypants.
I am writing away, as I am in NYC for the next few hours until the next chapter begins. I have much coming up.(as always my false blog promises.)
Woo-sah, deep breaths Nafin.
I cannot believe at how incompetent some people can be. People who work in the service industry and make decent wages who cannot perform simple tasks, use a sense of efficiency, or even common sense for that matter. Oh and their inability to smile or exert simple courtesy astounds me.
I have dealt with what seems hundreds of people today and not a single one has stood out as even mediocre in terms of the lowest, basic standard of service.
It may be the fact I have just spent the last 36 hours without sleep, or that I haven't eaten in 24 hours, but I am not just being Mr Grouchypants.
I am writing away, as I am in NYC for the next few hours until the next chapter begins. I have much coming up.(as always my false blog promises.)
Woo-sah, deep breaths Nafin.
Well Ive been about as successful at updating my blog as an American customs guard is at smiling. Non existent.
I know this because I flew from Ft Lauderdale to New York City this morning. I am currently sitting in Times Square, at an Applebee's that Manager Eric has graciously made possible.
I know, I know, what the heck Nathan!?
Ill explain. Give me a minute. Its epic and worth it.
I know this because I flew from Ft Lauderdale to New York City this morning. I am currently sitting in Times Square, at an Applebee's that Manager Eric has graciously made possible.
I know, I know, what the heck Nathan!?
Ill explain. Give me a minute. Its epic and worth it.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My new tattoo!
Well here's a pic of my new ink job. BIIIIG shout outs to Jason, owner of Rock Star Tattoos on Washington @9th in South Beach Miami. Mark did a fantastic job on the ink, although the thin needle hurt like heck! Its a pretty painful spot to get one done, but I love it. I have another on the other side of my ribs, my tribute to the worlds best football club.In exchange for the tattoo, I passed out flyers for a few hours promoting the store. Jason had no problem hooking it up, and again, BIG thanks to the crew down there. Oh, p.s. its where alot of the Miami Heat players get their ink done, and while I was there TWO players were in the shop, and I got my picture with them and their massive dogs. Ill post those too.
I saw the alpine explorer on an old book about Everest, which I found in an little book shoppe in Ottawa, and freehanded onto a piece of paper. I loved the outline as soon as I saw it. Its an Amundsen-esque alpine climber, with his ice axe on the summit. It reminds me to never stop exploring, and always push your boundaries.
Its not the best picture, Ill upload another when I get the chance.
Hope you all ryke it!
Friday, March 12, 2010
I wanted to post a long description about the negative aspect I endure on this trip. So many(if not all) say how jealous they are, and that they live vicariously, but they aren't aware of the downside.
I will post it, once I get the chance.
I am constantly alone, hungry and searching for food and shelter, transportation when I'm moving.
I don't have a cell phone or expendable funds I can just satisfy needs with.
I write this now, as I am famished, and like so much on this trip, have no idea when or where I will eat next. Yes Ive posted lots of stories about me getting free pizza, but its alot fewer and far-er between than you think.
At the end of the day it is worth it, and I love what I'm doing, but its really, really hard sometimes.
That being said I also know not everyone could do this. I do believe it does take a certain type of person to be able to do what I'm doing, and I'm using my skills and willingness to open up the minds of others.
Now that being said, I'm choosing. Billions of people on this planet(and not just 'poor' people in Bangladesh we will never meet; people you brush shoulders with everyday) are forced to live this way.
Its sobering when you see things in this light.
The next time you sit down and have a lovely meal in front of you, don't think of me, think of the hundreds of millions of children worldwide, and in your neighbourhood(they're there) who do not have the same fortune and opportunities you do.
What are YOU thankful for?
I will post it, once I get the chance.
I am constantly alone, hungry and searching for food and shelter, transportation when I'm moving.
I don't have a cell phone or expendable funds I can just satisfy needs with.
I write this now, as I am famished, and like so much on this trip, have no idea when or where I will eat next. Yes Ive posted lots of stories about me getting free pizza, but its alot fewer and far-er between than you think.
At the end of the day it is worth it, and I love what I'm doing, but its really, really hard sometimes.
That being said I also know not everyone could do this. I do believe it does take a certain type of person to be able to do what I'm doing, and I'm using my skills and willingness to open up the minds of others.
Now that being said, I'm choosing. Billions of people on this planet(and not just 'poor' people in Bangladesh we will never meet; people you brush shoulders with everyday) are forced to live this way.
Its sobering when you see things in this light.
The next time you sit down and have a lovely meal in front of you, don't think of me, think of the hundreds of millions of children worldwide, and in your neighbourhood(they're there) who do not have the same fortune and opportunities you do.
What are YOU thankful for?
As my A.D.D. mind permits only so much writing before it begs to wander to random sites, I wanted to show you one in particular.
My secret weapon AK has introduced me to a brilliant photographer name Lori. Her photos are amazing, and the lighting she uses you could set your watch to.
Check it out!
http://loriwaltenbury.com/
her blog
http://loriwaltenbury.blogspot.com/
My secret weapon AK has introduced me to a brilliant photographer name Lori. Her photos are amazing, and the lighting she uses you could set your watch to.
Check it out!
http://loriwaltenbury.com/
her blog
http://loriwaltenbury.blogspot.com/
Into the Wild.
It doesn't bother me when people say I'm like this guy.
They usually say it as their initial reaction when Ive just told them I'm hitching the world. Well Chris McCandless-who I have read extensively on- was slightly different. Like I said, it doesn't bother me, and I usually correct them, and let them know the slight difference between the young man who ditched everything to live simply in the Alaskan wilderness to find himself, and separate from society. I am also an adventurous minded young man, however completing several projects while trying to propel myself into a career path using this as an initial platform.
In fact, I'm being very realistic, and you will see in a few posts what I'm referring to....
It differs between the people who say it, some are being interested, some curious, some believe I am just like the kid, some think I'm crazy, some are just ignorant.
Ive had a spring breaker yell "Yo, into the wild!!" from a passing car while his Kanye West CD blared over the speakers of his Mother's Nissan Altima. Fuck. You.
Way handsomer too, oui?
Actually, don't answer that.
They usually say it as their initial reaction when Ive just told them I'm hitching the world. Well Chris McCandless-who I have read extensively on- was slightly different. Like I said, it doesn't bother me, and I usually correct them, and let them know the slight difference between the young man who ditched everything to live simply in the Alaskan wilderness to find himself, and separate from society. I am also an adventurous minded young man, however completing several projects while trying to propel myself into a career path using this as an initial platform.
In fact, I'm being very realistic, and you will see in a few posts what I'm referring to....
It differs between the people who say it, some are being interested, some curious, some believe I am just like the kid, some think I'm crazy, some are just ignorant.
Ive had a spring breaker yell "Yo, into the wild!!" from a passing car while his Kanye West CD blared over the speakers of his Mother's Nissan Altima. Fuck. You.
Way handsomer too, oui?Actually, don't answer that.
I think its funny. I write in two styles. The no nonsense, as-it-is account of my thoughts and actions you read on the blog, and a proper, formal version for whenever I'm writing for something higher than this platform.(ie I don't write like I talk and think when I'm submitting an article.) And I can proudly say the latter style is just as entertaining, even when in a formal presentation.
However! I think its much more effective, and captivating for the reader when I tell it like it is.
The best part of this is when after my posts, I go to do a spellcheck, and the suggestions for when I use words such as 'buttload' or 'shitton' or 'that friggen spliff got me so high'(fragment consider revising) Always gets me laughing when I re-read some of my vocabulary choices. Its not that its a new term, its that I'm actually posting them on the blog.
CEREAL.
However! I think its much more effective, and captivating for the reader when I tell it like it is.
The best part of this is when after my posts, I go to do a spellcheck, and the suggestions for when I use words such as 'buttload' or 'shitton' or 'that friggen spliff got me so high'(fragment consider revising) Always gets me laughing when I re-read some of my vocabulary choices. Its not that its a new term, its that I'm actually posting them on the blog.
CEREAL.
To Tweet or not to Tweet?
So Ive been suggested, recommended and now debating to set up a Twitter account, so I can let people know random thoughts, and track where I am and what I'm doing instantly.
If the verb of posting on Twitter is to Tweet, is the past tense Twat?
Some of you may not know that my posts are usually two days behind....
And plus then I could be totally cool like Ashton Kutcher and the rest of Hollywood and let people know how much cooler I am than everyone by using Twitter.
Anyways, I'm trying to have it updated tonight, but Ive been saying this for how long now.. so don't hold your breath,
As I write this, I am HERE overlooking the Port of Miami. I'm right above those tennis courts. That story, and a buttload of others are on the way!
If the verb of posting on Twitter is to Tweet, is the past tense Twat?
Some of you may not know that my posts are usually two days behind....
And plus then I could be totally cool like Ashton Kutcher and the rest of Hollywood and let people know how much cooler I am than everyone by using Twitter.
Anyways, I'm trying to have it updated tonight, but Ive been saying this for how long now.. so don't hold your breath,
As I write this, I am HERE overlooking the Port of Miami. I'm right above those tennis courts. That story, and a buttload of others are on the way!
Still unable to upload photos. Its not the cords, cards or camera, rather my laptop. It will now not even recognize USB drives.
Well I'm officially pissed.
On a lighter note, the footy match I posted earlier...eh, eh, *elbow nudge*
Yea it was quite the feat. 4-0, 7-2 on aggregate. United are the greatest club in world football history. Called it.
Ronaldin-a-who?
Well I'm officially pissed.
On a lighter note, the footy match I posted earlier...eh, eh, *elbow nudge*
Yea it was quite the feat. 4-0, 7-2 on aggregate. United are the greatest club in world football history. Called it.
Ronaldin-a-who?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Its either my laptop(a crappy Acer aspire one netbook) or my memory card adapter(I'm on Sony Memory Duo) but either one is crapping our hard, and wont let me upload photos.
One day its all kosher, the next its popping up error prompts.
SO until I figure it out...no photos ladies and gents. I know I know, noone ever reads books, we all want the photos. I'm working on it! Gosh!
Well I'm bursting blood vessels sorting it out, you have no idea how frustrating it is...
Why I oughta....(fist shaking angrily)
One day its all kosher, the next its popping up error prompts.
SO until I figure it out...no photos ladies and gents. I know I know, noone ever reads books, we all want the photos. I'm working on it! Gosh!
Well I'm bursting blood vessels sorting it out, you have no idea how frustrating it is...
Why I oughta....(fist shaking angrily)
Just so everybody knows, (I know you all do already) Manchester United is playing AC Milan tmrw at 1945GMT(2PM for us) Beckhams prodigal return to Old Trafford in 7 years and 3 clubs, and its going to be a massive match. If you dont like soccer/football/futbol/the worlds greatest friggen thing ever, I dont care. It will be 1000x better than that crap they call football in america.
Oh and Wayne Rooney has been named in the lineup.
I suggest if you arent doing anything to watch the match.
If you are doing something, forget it, cancel it, postpone and ditch it.
Its more important that YOUR wedding date.
United are winning 3-2 on aggregate, also leading with away goals. Come on you legends!
I went down to Cafe Blue Fish, where I caught some Champions League action today, and spoke with the manager who is more than happy to have me grab a meal and watch the fun!
I suggest you do the same, just in another venue.
Red or Dead.
Glory Glory Man United!
Oh and Wayne Rooney has been named in the lineup.
I suggest if you arent doing anything to watch the match.
If you are doing something, forget it, cancel it, postpone and ditch it.
Its more important that YOUR wedding date.
United are winning 3-2 on aggregate, also leading with away goals. Come on you legends!
I went down to Cafe Blue Fish, where I caught some Champions League action today, and spoke with the manager who is more than happy to have me grab a meal and watch the fun!
I suggest you do the same, just in another venue.
Red or Dead.
Glory Glory Man United!
Kero is my Hero
This is for you A.L.Gotta rep the FSU, you know!
Hope all is well, hold it down in the Nether-Netherlands. Crush the city, and get the flicks. Be safe, protect ya neck.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Ft Lauderdale.
So I awoke after yet another rested sleep, and went down to have breakfast with the family.
They boys, Seth and AJ were super cool. AJ and his girlfriend were on break, but due to the demanding lifestyle of a law student, headed off to the library before getting ready for their cruise. Seth was more my age, and went out with his girlfriend for most of the day. Steve had to go teach a flying lesson, and was out for the day, so I took advantage, and spent the afternoon placing phone calls to local crew agencies and marinas, and Googled the crap out of my computer.
Steve saved my life, and gave me a power cord adapter that fit my computer, as mine had completely crapped out. I dont know what I would have done otherwise.
I got some good starts in the hunt, but nothing cemented. I found a guy in Ft Lauderdale who was going to do everything he could to find me a ride.
I Internet-ed it up for the majority of the day, and when dinner came around, Ellen had made a wonderful feast. Steaks by Steve, Crab stuffed Salmon, grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes and garden salad was the menu. Of course dark imported beers, Seth's contribution.
We were all together, a full table of laughter, and great convo. AJ and I discussed law, Seth reminisced some boyhood trouble stories, and we talked well past the dinner digestion.
Since it was spring break, Seth had a few buddies come by to head out with us for drinks. Todd and AF were on break from UCF in Orlando, and came by before we went down to Atlantic Ave. The boys were cooler than cool, and thought the idea of my trip was bananas. We hung out in the living room for a bit, and after I shared a few stories of life on the road, we headed out for a night on the town, DelRay Beach.
We went in two cars, and met at a busy sports bar on the strip. AJ ordered up some pitchers and the seven of us hung out for hours. It was great, as there are times I miss hanging out with the boys back home, and I'm always alone, not knowing anyone. Its nice to just 'be a kid' again. I know I'm off doing my thing, and most people tell me I'm 'living the dream', or that they're jealous and live vicariously through me, but they forget about the downside. I miss hanging out with friends, and I miss stability. Although its funny, because whenever I'm at home, hanging out, I want to be on the road, somewhere else. We always want what we cant have.
So anyways, we shared a bunch of beers, and Seth being the bevvy connoisseur he is ordered me a frosty Guinness. Yum. It got pretty late, and they were all leaving for a Spring Break cruise the next day, so we packed it in just past midnight.
It was perfect timing, as the minute I laid my head down, the spins kicked in, and I needed sleep.
I awoke once again well past what I should have woken up at, and went downstairs for breakfast and the United match. It was pretty nervy, as they only squeaked past Wolverhampton on a smart Paul Scholes finish.Seth invited me to hangout on the beach for the afternoon. We drove down in his souped up Mustang and found ourselves a spot on the crowded beach. Todd and AF came to join, and we kicked it for the afternoon. I commented numerous times how cool it must have been for them to jet to the beach right after high school. Very jealous of the kids who grew up on the beach.
As sunny as it was, and it was sunny, the wind was pretty lively, and kind of put a damper on the beach day. We stayed until it was just too cold, and went down to Atlantic Ave. Seth got us a slice of pizza, and we sat on the patio, watching the beach goers and tourists stroll by. After he attempted suicide by table(he didnt, just cut his foot really bad on the table stand) we headed back to the house.
AF, Cindy and Seth watched Tropic Thunder while I was upstairs on the Internet.
I got digging in a book I picked up when I went to the marina with Steve, which is the boat hitchers Bible. Its a yachting directory, and had a list of crew agencies. I gave a few a ring, some were promising, nothing positive.
Then I gave a ring to Crews4yachts, and got redirected to Mitchell. Mitchell was Aussie, and a booker/recruiter and immediately took interest in the project, particularly the not-spending-a-dollar-for-a-year bit, and searching for human compassion. We joked when he asked 'hows that going?'
Mitchell promised to do everything in his power to secure me a boat, and that he would get back to me. He then told me he should be able to get me a boat directly to Africa, which would change my plans, for the better.
-The original plan was to hitch with the current(very hard finding one across the Atlantic during this season) and go across the Pacific, through the Panama canal to southeast Asia. I would then hitch land from Asia to Africa. Yes. Yes I am crazy.
So after a few positive phone calls and leads, I headed downstairs to have din din.Ellen had just cooked for what seemed an army after a week long war while on a serious case of the munchies. She took the night off, and ordered us some Chinese, as Steve wasn't home for dinner. We watched the the end of the Green Mile and the beginning of Forrest Gump(one of my favs) as it was Tom Hanks week on some channel.
I again spent the evening computering.
Steve hooked up DirectTV in the room, and I got to watch soccer for hours and hours. And I did just that, as I didn't get to bed until about 5am, writing and uploading photos.
I woke up past noon, and said bye to Seth. Seth was THE man, and did alot for me. I told him we'll be in touch, and said goodbye to him and Cindy.
I was so knackered, I almost wanted to go back to bed, but had already slept in, so I started to pack the bags, as I was leaving shortly.
I got everything together, and went down to load the bags into the car. I'm pretty good for not collecting things(despite how much cool stuff I come across and want to keep) but my golly B1 is getting fat. I know things expand in the heat, but no way. My bags weigh well over 80lbs, and its pretty bananas carrying them around, but I promise, I only have exactly what I need, and nothing I don't.
I said my goodbyes and thanked Ellen for everything. For the past few days, she had done so much to accommodate, and make sure I was always full, and that every need was met. She had treated me like one of her own, and told me that my company and conversation was reciprocal thanks enough, but I know that what they did for me couldn't be balanced. Steve and Ellen were amazing, and its people like them that make this trip a success. I cannot begin to describe how much they helped me. If its any indication, just before we left, Steve gave me a GPS he doesn't have use for.
We got in the car, and backed out of the house I was calling home for the past few days. We had been joking about how well they had fed me, and how I had adjusted to the warm beds, and how difficult it will be for me to re-enter the reality of this project. I can tell you in 20/20 hindsight how accurate this is.
Steve had told me about the park he helped build in Boca Raton, and wanted to take me to see it before I left.
I had kind of just pictured a climber-esque park where kids play 'Grounders' and stuff. Hardly. It was a massive, public science park, with the coolest things Ive ever seen in a park and more. It was several years ago, and they had to overcome alot of adversaries to finish production, but when it was complete, it was a success, and still is today. When we were there, dozens of families were watching hundreds of kids running around screaming. There were tunnels, zip lines, towers, moving parts the whole works. It doesn't sound like much, but I was blown away by Steve's contribution to the massive project, and how much it affected the population. So many families were able to spend the day and allow their kids to engage, free of charge.
We continued down the I95, and he took me into downtown Ft Lauderdale, as I didn't want to return to the hostile war zone of Miami. Not at all hospitable, it wasn't even the best bet in finding a boat; FtL is a much busier harbour, more boats, and more opportunities. It was also a better beach, and cooler people.
He dropped me off on Los Olas, a main street in town. There was an art fair going on, and lots of people were out and about.
It was time to leave Steve. Never when I stood there in the airport a few days ago did I think it would have turned out like this. Mind you the entire trip has been this way. Steve had gone so far beyond compassion and generosity. He always ensured everything was perfect, and gave me some very necessary items for this trip. Even at the last minute, he hid a Swiss army knife in my kit.
I shook his hand, and tried to let him know how much I was affected by his unparalleled kindness. Truth be told, they will never know how far their gestures went. I wasn't in the best of moods and mindset when I met him in Miami, and left with a totally new lease on this trip. Every time I thanked him for whatever he had done at the time, it was always a 'don't worry about it' or 'no big deal', but it was. A very big deal. Hitching the Eastern Seaboard, filming a project on human compassion, I saw alot of things, but I know their degree of kindness was a rarity.
He let me know his contact information, and told me if I ever needed....
I think even if I was laying on the side of the roads with vultures pecking at my eyeballs, I would still refuse to call, as he had already done so much for me.
I watched Steves bimmer drive away, and turned back and stared at B1 laying on the road. Such a lazy butthead, B1 is getting to be too fat. I'm worried how long before the straps bust out. The bag I have; North Face's Prophet 65 is one of the top packs they offer, and is often on the equipment list for teams heading to Everest. I remember sitting in a waiting room a while back in Vancouver, opening the pages of National Geographic Adventurer and seeing the TNF team all rocking the exact one I have, and looked into it. Its the Team bag, and Im stoked to have it, despite its weight problem.
Well the bag is holding up great, but I have yet to put it through some real tests. B2 is good stuff, a super padded, expandable day pack,(also TNF) but its mostly camera equipment, and its awkward sometimes. After about an hour my shoulders are screaming, after several hours I'm screaming.
I loaded up much to the curiosity/disapproval of the evening dinner crowd, wondering A) what I am doing and B) how many guns are in those bags. I'm sure those weren't the actual thoughts, but the looks on their faces certainly seemed to say so.
I wandered down Los Olas, and even tried hitching as I walked. Every other car was a brand new Mercedes, and the ones in between were 2 seater sports cars. Lets just say my thumb was out for 2 minutes, as an attempt at self-entertainment.
I walked past the numerous yachts, massive terra cota houses and over the port bridges to A1A, the street stretching Florida's entire east coast. You can drive along the beach for hundreds of miles, and it takes you right into the West Keys.
The sun was setting, and I was getting pretty hungry. Tons of spring breakers were out and about, and the bars were packed with people. I ambled down the sidewalk, collecting curious stares, and found an outside mall, with a few restaurants. I headed up to Fat Tuesdays, and got myself some din din. Ed the manager had to take some convincing, and proof of credibility before helping me out. Nonetheless, he was happy to do so, and tossed me a club sandwich meal. I thanked him(thanks Eddy!) and walked across the street to the beach. I slumped the bags onto the sand, and dived in to the tray full of food. The seagulls are tres awful, but at night they cannot see, so I was in luck, otherwise the sight of me with a box of food would have had them on me like white on rice, and I know they would have added their special seagull ranch dressing to my sammich.
I walked around the beach a bit, past couples making whoopie in the sand, groups of kids huddled around a funny smelling cigarette, and bums downing the last beers for the night.
I walked back to the main strip, and stopped at the live Reggae show. 4th Dimension is a local favourite, playing free live shows weekly. They had a pretty good crowd formed, and although most of them were sun-burnt kids with beers stains on their Abercrombie shirts, there were some cool people hanging out. I met a super hippie dude name Brad, who told me of some of his hitching travels. We went over to the beach, and he rolled up a you-know-what in the blink of an eye. We sat there watching the reggae and dancing street crowd, and it was a pretty relaxing scene. The sound of the waves crashing behind us, and Bob Marley renditions made for a pretty cool moment.
I thanked him and after about 20mins of chilling out, had to carry on, as I still needed to find a place for the night.
I walked down the strip, and saw a girl on a bike taxi, waiting for some customers. I went over and asked her what she thought of spring breakers, and she felt the same way I did. She told me some stories, and it only reiterated my feelings.
I told her my gig, and she was really into it. She slipped me a $20, and as much as I tried to refuse, stuck it into my pocket, and told me to keep it. I said rather than that, how about letting my couch surf for the night. Her boyfriend Boris was also a bike-taxi and was a super cool dude from the Ukraine with massive dreadlocks.
They were both really cool with letting me couchsurf, and told me to meet them later at midnight. I thanked them, let them carry on carting around the verbally abusive College crowd and promised to be back at 12.
I went to the beach, laid the packs down and flopped on top of them. My shoulders were screaming in pain, but I didn't have to carry them any more. I had found a place for the night, and it was relatively easier than the last few places I searched to do so.
I laid on the beach for a few hours, staring at the sky. The stars were out in full, and I just laid there thinking about all kinds of stuff. It was a really peaceful moment, and I reflected alot about the trip, thought heavily about some stuff, and some one, and had an overwhelming rush of mixed feelings.
I wandered down to the Westin hotel, got the boot after a few minutes on the lobby computer-B1 isn't very inconspicuous.
I went further down the strip, and saw a young guy my age behind the desk at a budget hotel. Most hotel night staff are visible minorities, and that being said, have (thanks to the American system) an immense fear in doing anything they think their boss wouldnt do. Free hotels are always a long shot, but I have had a few, so I thought Id try this one. Despite knowing I had a place, I wanted to see if I was right in my theory.
The Russian guy behind the desk was super cool. He had no problem, as he 'likes people like this' as in carefree backpackers. He handed me a key to room 201, but told me I had to be out before housekeeping at 6am. Realizing this, I said that wasnt doable, as my habit for meeting the housekeepers at 12 is imminent, 6am would just be a bar brawl.
I asked him if I came the next night, and he said if the 'Indian guy is verrkinguh' do not come. He shook his head and gave me this look, and I smiled. "Dey are verdy tieght'. I just nodded. His name was too hard to prounounce, much less attempt to spell, but he was a very cool guy, liked rugby, and helping others out. I shook his hand, thanked him, and told him to have a good night.
It was time to meet Jessie, and I walked down the strip, following her directions. I went over the bridge, and around the 7eleven and waited at the planned water fountain.
A couple of minutes later, and a few wished pennies tossed in, she whizzed around the corner on a shiny blue Vespa.
We joked about how much we were exceeding max capacity, but managed to make it work. The Vespa took off, whirring past the palms. It was actually pretty difficult to round corners, I had to counter balance with all the heavy weight on my back. She held it together, cut a few sidewalks and pulled into their beach home.
They warned me about the mess, but when we got in, there was no mess at all. Three massive couches, a ginormous TV, longboards and snowboards lining the wall, and the smell of incense put me immediately at home. It was a very cool pad, clearly indicating the beach lifestyle. Boris was still at work, and Jessie had picked up a 6pack, so we cracked our Heinekens and cheers-ed to new friends. We chatted about a bunch of stuff, the American life, travel and everything in between.
Boris came home not long after, and we all shared a few pops. They, like myslef, were pretty tired. It was well past 1am, and time for bed. I took my pick of couches, they grabbed me blankets and pillows, and once the head went lateral, was out like a washed up boyband.
They boys, Seth and AJ were super cool. AJ and his girlfriend were on break, but due to the demanding lifestyle of a law student, headed off to the library before getting ready for their cruise. Seth was more my age, and went out with his girlfriend for most of the day. Steve had to go teach a flying lesson, and was out for the day, so I took advantage, and spent the afternoon placing phone calls to local crew agencies and marinas, and Googled the crap out of my computer.
Steve saved my life, and gave me a power cord adapter that fit my computer, as mine had completely crapped out. I dont know what I would have done otherwise.
I got some good starts in the hunt, but nothing cemented. I found a guy in Ft Lauderdale who was going to do everything he could to find me a ride.
I Internet-ed it up for the majority of the day, and when dinner came around, Ellen had made a wonderful feast. Steaks by Steve, Crab stuffed Salmon, grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes and garden salad was the menu. Of course dark imported beers, Seth's contribution.
We were all together, a full table of laughter, and great convo. AJ and I discussed law, Seth reminisced some boyhood trouble stories, and we talked well past the dinner digestion.
Since it was spring break, Seth had a few buddies come by to head out with us for drinks. Todd and AF were on break from UCF in Orlando, and came by before we went down to Atlantic Ave. The boys were cooler than cool, and thought the idea of my trip was bananas. We hung out in the living room for a bit, and after I shared a few stories of life on the road, we headed out for a night on the town, DelRay Beach.
We went in two cars, and met at a busy sports bar on the strip. AJ ordered up some pitchers and the seven of us hung out for hours. It was great, as there are times I miss hanging out with the boys back home, and I'm always alone, not knowing anyone. Its nice to just 'be a kid' again. I know I'm off doing my thing, and most people tell me I'm 'living the dream', or that they're jealous and live vicariously through me, but they forget about the downside. I miss hanging out with friends, and I miss stability. Although its funny, because whenever I'm at home, hanging out, I want to be on the road, somewhere else. We always want what we cant have.
So anyways, we shared a bunch of beers, and Seth being the bevvy connoisseur he is ordered me a frosty Guinness. Yum. It got pretty late, and they were all leaving for a Spring Break cruise the next day, so we packed it in just past midnight.
It was perfect timing, as the minute I laid my head down, the spins kicked in, and I needed sleep.
I awoke once again well past what I should have woken up at, and went downstairs for breakfast and the United match. It was pretty nervy, as they only squeaked past Wolverhampton on a smart Paul Scholes finish.Seth invited me to hangout on the beach for the afternoon. We drove down in his souped up Mustang and found ourselves a spot on the crowded beach. Todd and AF came to join, and we kicked it for the afternoon. I commented numerous times how cool it must have been for them to jet to the beach right after high school. Very jealous of the kids who grew up on the beach.
As sunny as it was, and it was sunny, the wind was pretty lively, and kind of put a damper on the beach day. We stayed until it was just too cold, and went down to Atlantic Ave. Seth got us a slice of pizza, and we sat on the patio, watching the beach goers and tourists stroll by. After he attempted suicide by table(he didnt, just cut his foot really bad on the table stand) we headed back to the house.
AF, Cindy and Seth watched Tropic Thunder while I was upstairs on the Internet.
I got digging in a book I picked up when I went to the marina with Steve, which is the boat hitchers Bible. Its a yachting directory, and had a list of crew agencies. I gave a few a ring, some were promising, nothing positive.
Then I gave a ring to Crews4yachts, and got redirected to Mitchell. Mitchell was Aussie, and a booker/recruiter and immediately took interest in the project, particularly the not-spending-a-dollar-for-a-year bit, and searching for human compassion. We joked when he asked 'hows that going?'
Mitchell promised to do everything in his power to secure me a boat, and that he would get back to me. He then told me he should be able to get me a boat directly to Africa, which would change my plans, for the better.
-The original plan was to hitch with the current(very hard finding one across the Atlantic during this season) and go across the Pacific, through the Panama canal to southeast Asia. I would then hitch land from Asia to Africa. Yes. Yes I am crazy.
So after a few positive phone calls and leads, I headed downstairs to have din din.Ellen had just cooked for what seemed an army after a week long war while on a serious case of the munchies. She took the night off, and ordered us some Chinese, as Steve wasn't home for dinner. We watched the the end of the Green Mile and the beginning of Forrest Gump(one of my favs) as it was Tom Hanks week on some channel.
I again spent the evening computering.
Steve hooked up DirectTV in the room, and I got to watch soccer for hours and hours. And I did just that, as I didn't get to bed until about 5am, writing and uploading photos.
I woke up past noon, and said bye to Seth. Seth was THE man, and did alot for me. I told him we'll be in touch, and said goodbye to him and Cindy.
I was so knackered, I almost wanted to go back to bed, but had already slept in, so I started to pack the bags, as I was leaving shortly.
I got everything together, and went down to load the bags into the car. I'm pretty good for not collecting things(despite how much cool stuff I come across and want to keep) but my golly B1 is getting fat. I know things expand in the heat, but no way. My bags weigh well over 80lbs, and its pretty bananas carrying them around, but I promise, I only have exactly what I need, and nothing I don't.
I said my goodbyes and thanked Ellen for everything. For the past few days, she had done so much to accommodate, and make sure I was always full, and that every need was met. She had treated me like one of her own, and told me that my company and conversation was reciprocal thanks enough, but I know that what they did for me couldn't be balanced. Steve and Ellen were amazing, and its people like them that make this trip a success. I cannot begin to describe how much they helped me. If its any indication, just before we left, Steve gave me a GPS he doesn't have use for.
We got in the car, and backed out of the house I was calling home for the past few days. We had been joking about how well they had fed me, and how I had adjusted to the warm beds, and how difficult it will be for me to re-enter the reality of this project. I can tell you in 20/20 hindsight how accurate this is.
Steve had told me about the park he helped build in Boca Raton, and wanted to take me to see it before I left.
I had kind of just pictured a climber-esque park where kids play 'Grounders' and stuff. Hardly. It was a massive, public science park, with the coolest things Ive ever seen in a park and more. It was several years ago, and they had to overcome alot of adversaries to finish production, but when it was complete, it was a success, and still is today. When we were there, dozens of families were watching hundreds of kids running around screaming. There were tunnels, zip lines, towers, moving parts the whole works. It doesn't sound like much, but I was blown away by Steve's contribution to the massive project, and how much it affected the population. So many families were able to spend the day and allow their kids to engage, free of charge.
We continued down the I95, and he took me into downtown Ft Lauderdale, as I didn't want to return to the hostile war zone of Miami. Not at all hospitable, it wasn't even the best bet in finding a boat; FtL is a much busier harbour, more boats, and more opportunities. It was also a better beach, and cooler people.
He dropped me off on Los Olas, a main street in town. There was an art fair going on, and lots of people were out and about.
It was time to leave Steve. Never when I stood there in the airport a few days ago did I think it would have turned out like this. Mind you the entire trip has been this way. Steve had gone so far beyond compassion and generosity. He always ensured everything was perfect, and gave me some very necessary items for this trip. Even at the last minute, he hid a Swiss army knife in my kit.
I shook his hand, and tried to let him know how much I was affected by his unparalleled kindness. Truth be told, they will never know how far their gestures went. I wasn't in the best of moods and mindset when I met him in Miami, and left with a totally new lease on this trip. Every time I thanked him for whatever he had done at the time, it was always a 'don't worry about it' or 'no big deal', but it was. A very big deal. Hitching the Eastern Seaboard, filming a project on human compassion, I saw alot of things, but I know their degree of kindness was a rarity.
He let me know his contact information, and told me if I ever needed....
I think even if I was laying on the side of the roads with vultures pecking at my eyeballs, I would still refuse to call, as he had already done so much for me.
I watched Steves bimmer drive away, and turned back and stared at B1 laying on the road. Such a lazy butthead, B1 is getting to be too fat. I'm worried how long before the straps bust out. The bag I have; North Face's Prophet 65 is one of the top packs they offer, and is often on the equipment list for teams heading to Everest. I remember sitting in a waiting room a while back in Vancouver, opening the pages of National Geographic Adventurer and seeing the TNF team all rocking the exact one I have, and looked into it. Its the Team bag, and Im stoked to have it, despite its weight problem.
Well the bag is holding up great, but I have yet to put it through some real tests. B2 is good stuff, a super padded, expandable day pack,(also TNF) but its mostly camera equipment, and its awkward sometimes. After about an hour my shoulders are screaming, after several hours I'm screaming.
I loaded up much to the curiosity/disapproval of the evening dinner crowd, wondering A) what I am doing and B) how many guns are in those bags. I'm sure those weren't the actual thoughts, but the looks on their faces certainly seemed to say so.
I wandered down Los Olas, and even tried hitching as I walked. Every other car was a brand new Mercedes, and the ones in between were 2 seater sports cars. Lets just say my thumb was out for 2 minutes, as an attempt at self-entertainment.
I walked past the numerous yachts, massive terra cota houses and over the port bridges to A1A, the street stretching Florida's entire east coast. You can drive along the beach for hundreds of miles, and it takes you right into the West Keys.
The sun was setting, and I was getting pretty hungry. Tons of spring breakers were out and about, and the bars were packed with people. I ambled down the sidewalk, collecting curious stares, and found an outside mall, with a few restaurants. I headed up to Fat Tuesdays, and got myself some din din. Ed the manager had to take some convincing, and proof of credibility before helping me out. Nonetheless, he was happy to do so, and tossed me a club sandwich meal. I thanked him(thanks Eddy!) and walked across the street to the beach. I slumped the bags onto the sand, and dived in to the tray full of food. The seagulls are tres awful, but at night they cannot see, so I was in luck, otherwise the sight of me with a box of food would have had them on me like white on rice, and I know they would have added their special seagull ranch dressing to my sammich.
I walked around the beach a bit, past couples making whoopie in the sand, groups of kids huddled around a funny smelling cigarette, and bums downing the last beers for the night.
I walked back to the main strip, and stopped at the live Reggae show. 4th Dimension is a local favourite, playing free live shows weekly. They had a pretty good crowd formed, and although most of them were sun-burnt kids with beers stains on their Abercrombie shirts, there were some cool people hanging out. I met a super hippie dude name Brad, who told me of some of his hitching travels. We went over to the beach, and he rolled up a you-know-what in the blink of an eye. We sat there watching the reggae and dancing street crowd, and it was a pretty relaxing scene. The sound of the waves crashing behind us, and Bob Marley renditions made for a pretty cool moment.
I thanked him and after about 20mins of chilling out, had to carry on, as I still needed to find a place for the night.
I walked down the strip, and saw a girl on a bike taxi, waiting for some customers. I went over and asked her what she thought of spring breakers, and she felt the same way I did. She told me some stories, and it only reiterated my feelings.
I told her my gig, and she was really into it. She slipped me a $20, and as much as I tried to refuse, stuck it into my pocket, and told me to keep it. I said rather than that, how about letting my couch surf for the night. Her boyfriend Boris was also a bike-taxi and was a super cool dude from the Ukraine with massive dreadlocks.
They were both really cool with letting me couchsurf, and told me to meet them later at midnight. I thanked them, let them carry on carting around the verbally abusive College crowd and promised to be back at 12.
I went to the beach, laid the packs down and flopped on top of them. My shoulders were screaming in pain, but I didn't have to carry them any more. I had found a place for the night, and it was relatively easier than the last few places I searched to do so.
I laid on the beach for a few hours, staring at the sky. The stars were out in full, and I just laid there thinking about all kinds of stuff. It was a really peaceful moment, and I reflected alot about the trip, thought heavily about some stuff, and some one, and had an overwhelming rush of mixed feelings.
I wandered down to the Westin hotel, got the boot after a few minutes on the lobby computer-B1 isn't very inconspicuous.
I went further down the strip, and saw a young guy my age behind the desk at a budget hotel. Most hotel night staff are visible minorities, and that being said, have (thanks to the American system) an immense fear in doing anything they think their boss wouldnt do. Free hotels are always a long shot, but I have had a few, so I thought Id try this one. Despite knowing I had a place, I wanted to see if I was right in my theory.
The Russian guy behind the desk was super cool. He had no problem, as he 'likes people like this' as in carefree backpackers. He handed me a key to room 201, but told me I had to be out before housekeeping at 6am. Realizing this, I said that wasnt doable, as my habit for meeting the housekeepers at 12 is imminent, 6am would just be a bar brawl.
I asked him if I came the next night, and he said if the 'Indian guy is verrkinguh' do not come. He shook his head and gave me this look, and I smiled. "Dey are verdy tieght'. I just nodded. His name was too hard to prounounce, much less attempt to spell, but he was a very cool guy, liked rugby, and helping others out. I shook his hand, thanked him, and told him to have a good night.
It was time to meet Jessie, and I walked down the strip, following her directions. I went over the bridge, and around the 7eleven and waited at the planned water fountain.
A couple of minutes later, and a few wished pennies tossed in, she whizzed around the corner on a shiny blue Vespa.
We joked about how much we were exceeding max capacity, but managed to make it work. The Vespa took off, whirring past the palms. It was actually pretty difficult to round corners, I had to counter balance with all the heavy weight on my back. She held it together, cut a few sidewalks and pulled into their beach home.
They warned me about the mess, but when we got in, there was no mess at all. Three massive couches, a ginormous TV, longboards and snowboards lining the wall, and the smell of incense put me immediately at home. It was a very cool pad, clearly indicating the beach lifestyle. Boris was still at work, and Jessie had picked up a 6pack, so we cracked our Heinekens and cheers-ed to new friends. We chatted about a bunch of stuff, the American life, travel and everything in between.
Boris came home not long after, and we all shared a few pops. They, like myslef, were pretty tired. It was well past 1am, and time for bed. I took my pick of couches, they grabbed me blankets and pillows, and once the head went lateral, was out like a washed up boyband.
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