South
My watch has stopped. I don't know what sort of omen that is but it sure feels like its only the mechanics failing the idea anyway with New York already feeling far away and Montreal barely raising a flicker on the memory scan.
A few days ago when I left DC, Heather and Grader behind I have to admit to wondering about just heading back to LA and then Christchurch's warm embrace. As usual it was a book that saved me - Jack Kerouac On the Road, kind of a fitting choice I figured when making the purchase. I am actually glad that I'm travelling while reading it as the mad excitement it contains would be too much to bear otherwise.
After a few glorious days in Maryland where everything was as described - cheesy Canadians, being plied with drinks by Heather's step dad, cool as basment and refreshing pool - the 4th of July soon rolled around and a second huge crowd in three days as we headed down for the fireworks etc. One of the best things about Washington is that all of the museums and memorials are free. There is simply far too much to see but I made a point of finally getting through the Capitol Building, the one major thing that had elided me on previous visits; the newly completed WWII memorial which they have done very well - Heather wasn't the only one surprised at how tasteful it was; and the National Museam of the American Indian which also wasn't complete the last time I was in town. Forget every other minority's sob stroy the Indians in North America simply got screwed, and even in a setting that has to be as neutral and unconfrontational as the Smithsonian this fact leaked through time and time again through stories from all parts of the continent.
I also managed to catch up with Alex and Susan Fleming who kindly had me over for dinner and it was really nice to hear how they've been the past couple of years. I sure have been treated well in the home cooked meals department the past few days with Susan even creating a semi pavlova.
It was cool walking around and seeing skyrockets littlering the place, definitely something we need to bring back. Washington remains right up there in the favourite city stakes and I guess we'll see over the next three weeks whether anyone else can top it.
A few days ago when I left DC, Heather and Grader behind I have to admit to wondering about just heading back to LA and then Christchurch's warm embrace. As usual it was a book that saved me - Jack Kerouac On the Road, kind of a fitting choice I figured when making the purchase. I am actually glad that I'm travelling while reading it as the mad excitement it contains would be too much to bear otherwise.
After a few glorious days in Maryland where everything was as described - cheesy Canadians, being plied with drinks by Heather's step dad, cool as basment and refreshing pool - the 4th of July soon rolled around and a second huge crowd in three days as we headed down for the fireworks etc. One of the best things about Washington is that all of the museums and memorials are free. There is simply far too much to see but I made a point of finally getting through the Capitol Building, the one major thing that had elided me on previous visits; the newly completed WWII memorial which they have done very well - Heather wasn't the only one surprised at how tasteful it was; and the National Museam of the American Indian which also wasn't complete the last time I was in town. Forget every other minority's sob stroy the Indians in North America simply got screwed, and even in a setting that has to be as neutral and unconfrontational as the Smithsonian this fact leaked through time and time again through stories from all parts of the continent.
I also managed to catch up with Alex and Susan Fleming who kindly had me over for dinner and it was really nice to hear how they've been the past couple of years. I sure have been treated well in the home cooked meals department the past few days with Susan even creating a semi pavlova.
It was cool walking around and seeing skyrockets littlering the place, definitely something we need to bring back. Washington remains right up there in the favourite city stakes and I guess we'll see over the next three weeks whether anyone else can top it.
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