On Tour in the USA - Page 16

Cicero · 08-30-2009, 12:05 PM

Darn...I missed you in Colorado. And somehow you managed to avoid all the other spots I have been in- in the past 2 months.

If you are ever planning a trip to Santa Fe! pm me!!

glatt · 08-30-2009, 01:18 PM

That is an awesome route!

diminished · 08-30-2009, 10:14 PM

Bit of a strange encounter today.

After converting a full bottle of Wild Turkey into an empty one, we were both a bit hungover this morning.There was terrible confusion over what we should do next, the previous evening had wiped away any memory of plans made.

We eventually came up with the idea of heading to San Jose, with the aim of waiting long enough to check into a motel, and cooling our heels for the rest of the day.

We did have a target to visit there, there is a giant Monopoly board in a park beside a children's museum.So it was elected time to cross that one from our lists.Had I purchased a Top Hat, Small Dog or a Racing Car, I would have brought them along.

We searched around the park,and eventually found what we were looking for.

I'd just pulled out my camera and was lining up a shot when a shout came from behind us.I didn't pay it much attention as it didn't seem to be particularly aimed at us, but after it was repeated 2-3 times, I turned around to see an olive skinned gentleman gesticulating at us.

I couldnt quite make out what he was all in a flap about, and being a little deaf, walked towards him to see what all the fuss was about.

It seems we were 'pale-skinned m*therf*ckers' and we should 'get the f*ck away' from him, as he didn't appreciate the presence of 'dumbass pale-skins'.

A puzzling attitude, I thought.Surely the best way to ensure his solitude would be to not shout loudly at passing strangers.

I decided to amp up the weird.Feigning deafness, I wandered over to him, a hand cupped beside one ear.

He extended his hand to me, and as I reciprocated, he withdrew his hand, starting to explain how he 'dont like no paleskin m*therf*ckers', when he halted mid-sentence.
'Your face.... you've got like, psoriasis all over your face'
'Oh that, dont worry about that,' I said.

My crumbling-skinned sunburnt face beamed broadly at him, and he confusedly shook my hand, which was still offered.He seemed rather at a loss as to what to say next, so I turned and walked away.We took our shot of the Monopoly board, and skedaddled with him still remonstrating about our whiteness.And how we'd ruined his lunch with it.

Persistence was quite upset, but I was still sufficiently hungover to consider the pain behind my eyes to be more of a problem.

We considered our racial handicap whilst I smoked a couple of cigarettes at the other end of the park.It had been a pretty odd encounter.

We elected to deny San Jose our tourist dollars, instead making use of the interstate back to Gilroy, where shopping for the perfect handbag happened to happen.And we had fun calling each other 'paleskin m*therf*cker' the rest of the day.

xoxoxoBruce · 08-30-2009, 10:21 PM

Olive skinned? As in Latino, rather than Italian/Greek?

diminished · 08-30-2009, 10:24 PM

Yeah, his accent seemed to lean that way.

It always confuses me, matters of race.

When questioned on it, I always put myself down as Episcopalian.

monster · 08-30-2009, 10:35 PM

I go for the "last" option.

ZenGum · 08-30-2009, 10:59 PM

That route is amazing. You sure did go the long way, didn't you? I can't follow that map line without the Benny Hill Kazoo music sounding.

classicman · 08-31-2009, 09:23 AM

I prefer to select "other" when I can. That always confuses them.

monster · 08-31-2009, 09:24 PM

oi, diminished, I see you online. I second Bruce's sentiment, please visit regularly once back in the UK. Oh and don't tell my mom you saw me.

diminished · 08-31-2009, 10:13 PM

Will do, Monster, and wont do the other

This forum is more interesting and way more active than the ones I frequent anyway, tho I'm more known for lurking than posting.

Today we visited SF's 'City of the Dead', Colma.Wikipedia lists Colma's official living population as 1191, but if you count the residents in Eternal Repose, the number rises dramatically.

We hit 2 of the 4 targets we went for, and considering the size of the cemeteries within the place, I think we did pretty well.

We located the Monument to the Showfolk of America with quite a bit of ease.The giveaway being the clown-face on the front, as you dont tend to find many monuments sporting such adornments.

Next up, we paid homage at the grave of the Emperor of the United States (and Protector of Mexico), Norton I.An unusual fellow, in as much as that he spent his reign in abject poverty, yet was still referred to as 'eccentric' rather than just 'plain old mad', (if often find that a plentitude of money gets you the former title, whilst an acute shortage usually merits the latter.).

We did, however fail to come across Wyatt Earp and Levi Strauss's graves, spending a good hour in the wrong section (as it turned out) of a massive cemetery.

From there we've headed back south, to Palo Alto to visit an intriguing statue of a car with legs.Which turned out a good deal smaller than I'd hoped.

Persistence poses a question, as we're currently talking logistics for the flight home in a couple of days now.

Can a cooler be checked-in as hold luggage?And if so, what is the best way to secure it?

We were thinking of packing the cooler with clothes, the accumulated souvenirs/gifts being packed into our suitcases instead.Oh yeah, we've had to make an assumption that since we're allowed 2 pieces of hold luggage each, that we'll be allowed 23kg on each piece, rather than split between them.Any transatlantic travelling experts out there?

monster · 08-31-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diminished

Can a cooler be checked-in as hold luggage?And if so, what is the best way to secure it?

YES

best way to secure? need ro know what type of cooler. we have done this a few times, tho'

We used to bring wine from france to UK this way

use a luggage strap to ensure closure, is probably the best way. or a belt. or duct tape.

monster · 08-31-2009, 10:21 PM

weight allowance depends on airline AND transfers. if you land in London then fly up to newcastle, you may be fucked depending on airline

TheMercenary · 09-01-2009, 07:45 PM

diminished, thanks for your commentary on our great big country. It has been a pleasure to have you here and it has reinforced to me how much more there is to be seen. Thanks again.

diminished · 09-02-2009, 12:42 AM

Pleasure being here, on the whole, its busted quite a few preconceptions I had about the US, and provided quite a few surprises

My tip to anyone travelling over here tho, is forget about the big cities, travelling in the smaller towns and rural areas is far more interesting

ZenGum · 09-02-2009, 02:21 AM

... and remember, it got called Death Valley for a reason.

08-30-2009, 12:05 PM	#1
Cicero Looking forward to open mic night. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 5,148	Darn...I missed you in Colorado. And somehow you managed to avoid all the other spots I have been in- in the past 2 months. If you are ever planning a trip to Santa Fe! pm me!! __________________ Show me a sane man, and I will cure him for you.- Carl Jung

08-30-2009, 10:14 PM	#3
diminished Why Aye,Man! Join Date: May 2009 Location: At the moment,'Merika Posts: 101	Is it 'cos I isn't black? Misunderstandings in San Jose Bit of a strange encounter today. After converting a full bottle of Wild Turkey into an empty one, we were both a bit hungover this morning.There was terrible confusion over what we should do next, the previous evening had wiped away any memory of plans made. We eventually came up with the idea of heading to San Jose, with the aim of waiting long enough to check into a motel, and cooling our heels for the rest of the day. We did have a target to visit there, there is a giant Monopoly board in a park beside a children's museum.So it was elected time to cross that one from our lists.Had I purchased a Top Hat, Small Dog or a Racing Car, I would have brought them along. We searched around the park,and eventually found what we were looking for. I'd just pulled out my camera and was lining up a shot when a shout came from behind us.I didn't pay it much attention as it didn't seem to be particularly aimed at us, but after it was repeated 2-3 times, I turned around to see an olive skinned gentleman gesticulating at us. I couldnt quite make out what he was all in a flap about, and being a little deaf, walked towards him to see what all the fuss was about. It seems we were 'pale-skinned mtherfckers' and we should 'get the fck away' from him, as he didn't appreciate the presence of 'dumbass pale-skins'. A puzzling attitude, I thought.Surely the best way to ensure his solitude would be to not shout loudly at passing strangers. I decided to amp up the weird.Feigning deafness, I wandered over to him, a hand cupped beside one ear. He extended his hand to me, and as I reciprocated, he withdrew his hand, starting to explain how he 'dont like no paleskin mtherfckers', when he halted mid-sentence. 'Your face.... you've got like, psoriasis all over your face' 'Oh that, dont worry about that,' I said. My crumbling-skinned sunburnt face beamed broadly at him, and he confusedly shook my hand, which was still offered.He seemed rather at a loss as to what to say next, so I turned and walked away.We took our shot of the Monopoly board, and skedaddled with him still remonstrating about our whiteness.And how we'd ruined his lunch with it. Persistence was quite upset, but I was still sufficiently hungover to consider the pain behind my eyes to be more of a problem. We considered our racial handicap whilst I smoked a couple of cigarettes at the other end of the park.It had been a pretty odd encounter. We elected to deny San Jose our tourist dollars, instead making use of the interstate back to Gilroy, where shopping for the perfect handbag happened to happen.And we had fun calling each other 'paleskin mtherf*cker' the rest of the day. __________________ They [Young People] have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things.They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning ...They overdo everything - they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else. Aristotle circa 350 BC

08-30-2009, 10:21 PM	#4
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Olive skinned? As in Latino, rather than Italian/Greek? __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

08-30-2009, 10:24 PM	#5
diminished Why Aye,Man! Join Date: May 2009 Location: At the moment,'Merika Posts: 101	Yeah, his accent seemed to lean that way. It always confuses me, matters of race. When questioned on it, I always put myself down as Episcopalian. __________________ They [Young People] have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things.They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning ...They overdo everything - they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else. Aristotle circa 350 BC

08-30-2009, 10:35 PM	#6
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	I go for the "last" option. __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

08-30-2009, 01:18 PM	#2
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	That is an awesome route!

08-30-2009, 10:59 PM	#7
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	That route is amazing. You sure did go the long way, didn't you? I can't follow that map line without the Benny Hill Kazoo music sounding. __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

08-31-2009, 09:23 AM	#8
classicman barely disguised asshole, keeper of all that is holy. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23,401	I prefer to select "other" when I can. That always confuses them. __________________ "like strapping a pillow on a bull in a china shop" Bullitt

08-31-2009, 09:24 PM	#9
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	oi, diminished, I see you online. I second Bruce's sentiment, please visit regularly once back in the UK. Oh and don't tell my mom you saw me. __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

08-31-2009, 10:13 PM	#10
diminished Why Aye,Man! Join Date: May 2009 Location: At the moment,'Merika Posts: 101	Will do, Monster, and wont do the other This forum is more interesting and way more active than the ones I frequent anyway, tho I'm more known for lurking than posting. Today we visited SF's 'City of the Dead', Colma.Wikipedia lists Colma's official living population as 1191, but if you count the residents in Eternal Repose, the number rises dramatically. We hit 2 of the 4 targets we went for, and considering the size of the cemeteries within the place, I think we did pretty well. We located the Monument to the Showfolk of America with quite a bit of ease.The giveaway being the clown-face on the front, as you dont tend to find many monuments sporting such adornments. Next up, we paid homage at the grave of the Emperor of the United States (and Protector of Mexico), Norton I.An unusual fellow, in as much as that he spent his reign in abject poverty, yet was still referred to as 'eccentric' rather than just 'plain old mad', (if often find that a plentitude of money gets you the former title, whilst an acute shortage usually merits the latter.). We did, however fail to come across Wyatt Earp and Levi Strauss's graves, spending a good hour in the wrong section (as it turned out) of a massive cemetery. From there we've headed back south, to Palo Alto to visit an intriguing statue of a car with legs.Which turned out a good deal smaller than I'd hoped. Persistence poses a question, as we're currently talking logistics for the flight home in a couple of days now. Can a cooler be checked-in as hold luggage?And if so, what is the best way to secure it? We were thinking of packing the cooler with clothes, the accumulated souvenirs/gifts being packed into our suitcases instead.Oh yeah, we've had to make an assumption that since we're allowed 2 pieces of hold luggage each, that we'll be allowed 23kg on each piece, rather than split between them.Any transatlantic travelling experts out there? __________________ They [Young People] have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things.They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning ...They overdo everything - they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else. Aristotle circa 350 BC

08-31-2009, 10:21 PM	#12
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	weight allowance depends on airline AND transfers. if you land in London then fly up to newcastle, you may be fucked depending on airline __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

09-01-2009, 07:45 PM	#13
TheMercenary “Hypocrisy: prejudice with a halo” Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Savannah, Georgia Posts: 21,393	diminished, thanks for your commentary on our great big country. It has been a pleasure to have you here and it has reinforced to me how much more there is to be seen. Thanks again. __________________ Anyone but the this most fuked up President in History in 2012!

09-02-2009, 12:42 AM	#14
diminished Why Aye,Man! Join Date: May 2009 Location: At the moment,'Merika Posts: 101	Pleasure being here, on the whole, its busted quite a few preconceptions I had about the US, and provided quite a few surprises My tip to anyone travelling over here tho, is forget about the big cities, travelling in the smaller towns and rural areas is far more interesting __________________ They [Young People] have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things.They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning ...They overdo everything - they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else. Aristotle circa 350 BC

09-02-2009, 02:21 AM	#15
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	... and remember, it got called Death Valley for a reason. __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

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