America. Home of the brave they say.
Home of the weirdos says me.
What a fucked up country. I've never encountered such an
eclectic, mismatched, disturbing assortment of people. I've only
actually come across 3 distinct types. Tourists, Weirdos and Marines.
All of which should be avoided at whatever cost. These people seem to talk whenever they feel like it, regardless of whether anyone is listening. And yet, when you ask them something, they can't give you an answer.
I said before I left that I wanted to see something offensive. By which I meant, an example of sloth, or gluttony etc that only America could do. I saw it. And it was disgusting. American indulgence / obesity/ extravagence / ignorance / stupidity abounds in bucketloads.
But there have been some defiant highlights. Leaving for example.
We spent a lazy day in Mexico. A very, VERY casual border
crossing (through a turns aisle on foot) and we entered Mexico. We
wandered around just crossing things off the "Things to do in
Mexico" list. I experienced chimichangas, enchiladas, tequila,
margaritas, coronas and nachos. But I passed up all (and there were
many) offers of prescription (and non prescription) drugs, silver,
blankets, wallets, jewellery and a whole host of other crap. Tijuana
seems to be the place where you've downed a tequila shot and
margarita and have a corona in your hand before lunch.
But San Diego (which is where we are at the moment) has been
pretty good too. The zoo was commendable, but I guess seeing a
majestic animal locked in a small enclosure just doesn't do it for
me. It apparently, was the hottest day EVER yesterday. I disputed
that April would be the month when this happened but apparently it
was.
Los Angeles was just plain shit. Don't go there. Ever. We
spent only 2 nights there and I couldn't wait to leave. We indulged
at Magic Mountain whilst there, so I suppose it wasn't a complete
waste of time.
We should have some far more fantastic tales of adventure very
soon. Tomorrow we fly out to San Francisco and are renting a car for
2 weeks. (This decision was only made yesterday) and plan to see the
country's best national parks and big drawcards like the Grand
Canyon, Red Rocks and Yosemite.
Until then you'll have to stay tuned for the next installment from
Josh and Shona - the worlds most indirect travellers.
(PS Yosemite National Park has Wireless Internet)
