As Varun has lain down his pen and retired to a life of quiet contemplation in Tyler, TX, so shall I raise it up again! Our continuing adventures shall not be lost forever to the shifting sands of time, but scribed immortally onto these digital reams, providing you our gracious reader with the end and epilogue you so desperately crave.
The 17th day was the beginning of the end for our little troupe as one of us drove his last leg of the trip (Hint: It's Varun). Arriving in Tyler, TX we were treated to a typical small city environ in east Texas - brick roads, heat, strip malls and the best gastronomical experience of the entire trip.
It all began at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Que where I had the distinct pleasure of ingesting The Brother-In-Law "a sand-wiched smorgasbord of chopped beef, butterflied hot links, and cheese". Varun allegedly experienced 'distinct pleasure' in relation to his Pescado Tacos, though I'm deeply skeptical of any sentence which plays host to both "pleasure" and "fish" (Confused? No habla español? Fish = Pescado my linguistically challenged amigos). I can only assume Alex enjoyed his meal in spite of his midwestern sensibilities. I lacked confirmation however, as he was rendered incoherent, repeating "My eyes, my eyes!", as our hot sauce evaporated and did its level best to emulate pepper spray. Tears ran down our faces by the end of the meal, but they could have just as easily have stemmed from joy as from errant airborne capsicum.
After a brief interlude at a used games and movies store which apparently featured prominently in Varun's past, (where Alex took his sweet time while I estimated the approximate pressure at which my entrails would rupture if I didn't gain access to facilities soon) we arrived at our destination - Varun's house.
That night as debated politics and enjoyed the company of Varun's parents while we were treated to a scrumptious Indian meal ('scruptious' really is an underutilised adjective). By the end of it we were so stuffed we had to put off eating real pecan pie until several hours had passed. (What constitutes real pecan pie? Pecans all the way through apparently. Varun was rather insistent on this point. To be fair the pie was delicious.)
Oh, and we watched Get Smart. You should as well. It was funny.
After saying our goodbyes and replenishing our larder at the insistence of Mrs. Lella (never let it be said one could leave the Lella house hungry or unsatisfied), Alex and I were off to St. Louis - crime capital of the USA and home to Drew and Annie (spurious correlation? I'll let you be the judge). While I'm (relatively) sure they're upstanding young citizens, our GPS led us to what appeared to be a dilapidated industrial district complete with barbed wire lots, gutted factories and six story industrial silos.
Luckily the next day showed us the error of our ways. They don't live in a dilapidated industrial park - they live in a shut down dilapidated industrial park. Of course this particular relic of the rust belt is being converted into condos. Their building is an old gutted model T factory which makes it a) pleasantly spacious and b) awesome.
Anyways I'm jumping ahead of myself a little bit, by neglecting to tell you about yet another meal courtesy of our hosts (and great Italian take out). We got a bit of everything, including the famous St. Louis fried ravioli as we caught up with our friends.
The next day we did all the usual St. Louis stuff - food, marvel at the arch (and the flooding), drop into a casino and generally explore the city. It was all very nice but I don't care about any of it except as a prelude to the City Museum. The City Museum. I'm saying it twice to add gravity and emphasis to it. The City Museum. If I was 13 or one of those people who derive their kicks from conducting flame wars in 133t speak on message boards I'd have written the name in caps with somewhere between three and five exclamation marks. As it stands I'll trust you to give it the proper mental intonation.
What can I say about the City Museum? Well, it's basically modern art meets sculpture garden meets potential lawsuit meets LSD meets giant playground jungle gym. As far as I can tell there's no museum within the gutted industrial building that now plays host to a labyrinth of cages, tunnels, caverns, wrought iron bars, hollowed tree trunks, gutted planes sitting atop six story spires, fantastical dragons and slides that make up this behemoth of fun and that's just fine with me.
We spent two or three hours climbing, squeezing, crawling and otherwise getting about within the structure. There were times I was inside trees, pitch black and so narrow my arms could only be straight ahead, there were times I climbed in metal walls only to emerge into crawl spaces no more than a foot tall, and at one point I accidentally found myself in a ventilation shaft. As in, inside the ceiling. I came out of it scratched, cut, battered and bruised and it was possibly the most fun I've had in my entire life.
Please - if you're relatively young, have four functioning limbs and any spirit of adventure I implore you to go there. Go before it gets shut down or dumbed down because its a deathtrap waiting to happen. Just go.
Leaving our host that afternoon to his new home and another 14 years of schooling, we traveled the last few hours to Alex's home, arriving an hour late courtesy of a 1am bike race that managed to encircle us in a suburb of Indianapolis.
After a brunch the next day (tired of hearing about food yet?) I hit the road all by my lonesome. And now it's a one man road show which leaves little to report as I head to the great north except a contented heart.
The Last Road Trip? Not bad at all.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Day 16: Austin (animatronic Presidents can also be inspiring)
Just to put it on the record: Rachel IS an old woman who sleeps too much and complains about costs. "Back in my day you could get an oil change for 19.99. 24.99? Prices these days are too too much."
Now that we have that out of the way, our next day in Austin officially makes it the location of our longest stay (if you divide Boulder from Grand Lake). This is a statistic of little to no consequence, but I thought I would share for those of you playing the home game.
Dave and I lazily wait around this morning for Alex to show up from his party-vous last night. Rachel, being the awesome woman that she is, makes us cinnamon rolls. I secretly suspect that she made herself some rolls and we were just along for the ride, but I can't question the girl because she was such a good host.
Our lovely GPS guides us over to the LBJ presidential library. This is the country's biggest, most visited library and is pretty cool. The trip leaves us all a little wiser, Alex, in particularly, is affected by the weight of history, but that is what you get for traveling with a history/psychology major.
We stop at Ruby's and have some BBQ and the lovely Madison Bateman gives us the quality time of her company. We had awkward moments and funny moments and a long discussion about whether or not Dave could take Madison and her giant ring in a fist fight. After the long and winding "lunch," we head over to Rachel's house and are lazy for another long stretch of time and Alex goes to a second BBQ at his 40-something half-brother's place.
Finally, after enough lounging, Rachel, Dave and I head over and explore the Texas Capitol by moonlight. I boast about the impressive facts such as the use of Texas granite or the size of the rotunda, Rachel shows us how cool it is to spin around in a circle while staring upward. The guard stares at us disapprovingly.
We meet Burt again at 219 West and have a dinner full of hilarity and inquisitions. For example: What is a Tonic Box and how do you fix a broken one? Can one truly ever have crab with asparagus? What the heck is a calamari steak finger? If you are passive-aggressive about the rarity of your burger, should you feel guilty about getting it for free?
The goal of going to Weird Wednesday at the Alamo Drafthouse was foiled by a snarky sold out sign. The goal of going home and watching the Running Man was foiled by everyone sleeping. We are truly old people. No Country for Old Men? How about No Arnold for Old Men?
Oh to make unfunny jokes! I am lucky that I am still able to do so... especially given that Dave almost killed me when I woke him up from Rachel's floor. Who knew the man had such animal instincts. Luckily, Rachel's space-age shiny satin comforts me after my near death experience.
Now that we have that out of the way, our next day in Austin officially makes it the location of our longest stay (if you divide Boulder from Grand Lake). This is a statistic of little to no consequence, but I thought I would share for those of you playing the home game.
Dave and I lazily wait around this morning for Alex to show up from his party-vous last night. Rachel, being the awesome woman that she is, makes us cinnamon rolls. I secretly suspect that she made herself some rolls and we were just along for the ride, but I can't question the girl because she was such a good host.
Our lovely GPS guides us over to the LBJ presidential library. This is the country's biggest, most visited library and is pretty cool. The trip leaves us all a little wiser, Alex, in particularly, is affected by the weight of history, but that is what you get for traveling with a history/psychology major.
We stop at Ruby's and have some BBQ and the lovely Madison Bateman gives us the quality time of her company. We had awkward moments and funny moments and a long discussion about whether or not Dave could take Madison and her giant ring in a fist fight. After the long and winding "lunch," we head over to Rachel's house and are lazy for another long stretch of time and Alex goes to a second BBQ at his 40-something half-brother's place.
Finally, after enough lounging, Rachel, Dave and I head over and explore the Texas Capitol by moonlight. I boast about the impressive facts such as the use of Texas granite or the size of the rotunda, Rachel shows us how cool it is to spin around in a circle while staring upward. The guard stares at us disapprovingly.
We meet Burt again at 219 West and have a dinner full of hilarity and inquisitions. For example: What is a Tonic Box and how do you fix a broken one? Can one truly ever have crab with asparagus? What the heck is a calamari steak finger? If you are passive-aggressive about the rarity of your burger, should you feel guilty about getting it for free?
The goal of going to Weird Wednesday at the Alamo Drafthouse was foiled by a snarky sold out sign. The goal of going home and watching the Running Man was foiled by everyone sleeping. We are truly old people. No Country for Old Men? How about No Arnold for Old Men?
Oh to make unfunny jokes! I am lucky that I am still able to do so... especially given that Dave almost killed me when I woke him up from Rachel's floor. Who knew the man had such animal instincts. Luckily, Rachel's space-age shiny satin comforts me after my near death experience.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Day 15: Austin (The Green Belt has turned brown)
The wake up and get ready and get out routine is a little bit lazier today, given that we are staying in a friend (or for some a friend of a friends) house. However, I find it really refreshing to spend a day doing something with much less of a schedule and alot more of a leisurely pace.
As this glorious roadtrip winds down I think we all find ourselves slowly savoring these moments more and more. Then I will do something like hrmmm disconcerting (a tick that was once a joke and now used as an annoyance) or Dave will say "No." or Alex will be sketchy and the magic is broken.
The call to Alex's 20-year-old half-nephew gets us mobilized and headed toward Chuy's, a very famous and venerated Austin establishment. Personally, I liked the Hula-Hut better (which is also owned by Chuy's), but fighting tradition is often futile. Dave laments that his hot green chile sauce on the 9-1-1 enchiladas hardly deserves and emergency phone call, not even a look into the first aid kit for Dave. I later tell him that us Heat Gods must understand that things must be tempered for mere spice mortals, Alex and his British/Indiana palette sighs heavily.
After being fully stuffed and plumped up, we head over to Austin's Green Belt and dip past Barton Spring to the Austin Animal Preserve (aka land of 8 cages). It was sad to see Zilker Park not as green as the last time I viewed it. The green green grass was now a brown brown dry dry field, more reminiscent of a uninhabitable West Texas than a metropolitan park.
However, the nature exhibit was entertaining enough. After being freaked out by the fact the bee exhibit leads directly outside and a quick laugh over an inside joke ("Dry Creekbed"), we head out back to the Animals of Texas exhibit. Bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and foxes all mystified us and looked so pretty. We note that, given a story we heard from our good friend Jessica Ferreyra, sticking the bunny cage next to the raccoon cage was a bad idea.
After a nice afternoon rest, we head out with Rachel and Burt to 219 West, a pretty good Tapas Bar where the drink is the guiding focus of the menu. Continuing the relative theme, my brother Neil joins us for dinner. Also continuing was the digestion of lunch, so Neil eats my order of chipotle mac and cheese for me.
We go to the Alamo Drafthouse and watch my favorite concert film Stop Making Sense (which is about one of my favorite bands Talking Heads). Alex's half-niece joins us for the film, which weirds out her and Alex and manages to put Dave to sleep. This is sort of my thing and so I give them a pass for indulging me while in Texas. After the film, we separate from Alex and his kin (failing to find an open pool joint that isnt in bar mode) and go over to Burt's to watch a very educational documentary.
Rachel falls asleep, Burt is clearly tired but awake, and I intermittently stay up and nap. Dave, well rested from sleeping during the movie I actually liked, manages to stay up, watch the movie AND book plane tickets to California. However, despite failing to group watch a movie I discover the wonderfulness of I Love Video and that was worth it.
MEANWHILE AT THE BAT CAVE.... Alex parties with his kin and their friends, deciding to crash over there and meet us in the morning.
As this glorious roadtrip winds down I think we all find ourselves slowly savoring these moments more and more. Then I will do something like hrmmm disconcerting (a tick that was once a joke and now used as an annoyance) or Dave will say "No." or Alex will be sketchy and the magic is broken.
The call to Alex's 20-year-old half-nephew gets us mobilized and headed toward Chuy's, a very famous and venerated Austin establishment. Personally, I liked the Hula-Hut better (which is also owned by Chuy's), but fighting tradition is often futile. Dave laments that his hot green chile sauce on the 9-1-1 enchiladas hardly deserves and emergency phone call, not even a look into the first aid kit for Dave. I later tell him that us Heat Gods must understand that things must be tempered for mere spice mortals, Alex and his British/Indiana palette sighs heavily.
After being fully stuffed and plumped up, we head over to Austin's Green Belt and dip past Barton Spring to the Austin Animal Preserve (aka land of 8 cages). It was sad to see Zilker Park not as green as the last time I viewed it. The green green grass was now a brown brown dry dry field, more reminiscent of a uninhabitable West Texas than a metropolitan park.
However, the nature exhibit was entertaining enough. After being freaked out by the fact the bee exhibit leads directly outside and a quick laugh over an inside joke ("Dry Creekbed"), we head out back to the Animals of Texas exhibit. Bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and foxes all mystified us and looked so pretty. We note that, given a story we heard from our good friend Jessica Ferreyra, sticking the bunny cage next to the raccoon cage was a bad idea.
After a nice afternoon rest, we head out with Rachel and Burt to 219 West, a pretty good Tapas Bar where the drink is the guiding focus of the menu. Continuing the relative theme, my brother Neil joins us for dinner. Also continuing was the digestion of lunch, so Neil eats my order of chipotle mac and cheese for me.
We go to the Alamo Drafthouse and watch my favorite concert film Stop Making Sense (which is about one of my favorite bands Talking Heads). Alex's half-niece joins us for the film, which weirds out her and Alex and manages to put Dave to sleep. This is sort of my thing and so I give them a pass for indulging me while in Texas. After the film, we separate from Alex and his kin (failing to find an open pool joint that isnt in bar mode) and go over to Burt's to watch a very educational documentary.
Rachel falls asleep, Burt is clearly tired but awake, and I intermittently stay up and nap. Dave, well rested from sleeping during the movie I actually liked, manages to stay up, watch the movie AND book plane tickets to California. However, despite failing to group watch a movie I discover the wonderfulness of I Love Video and that was worth it.
MEANWHILE AT THE BAT CAVE.... Alex parties with his kin and their friends, deciding to crash over there and meet us in the morning.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Facebook apologies
To those of you who got multiple facebook messages from us I am sorry... facebook went into error mode and mistakes were made. Hopefully you still love us.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Day 14: San Angelo to Austin (Don't mess with Texas or whiskey)
Hello? Is there anybody out there?
Supposedly this blog is getting read as I get comments from random people that I didn't think would read the blog, but we haven't received any comments in a long time. This makes me a super sad panda and if you are reading this right now do a pathetic indian man a favor and leave a comment.
Today we woke up a little bit pissed off at Motel 6 for their blatant and outrageous lies. I feel like Barrack Obama now. Wi-Fi available? That is how you punks reeled us in and look who apparently doesn't have any signal strength (Hint: It's Motel 6). We desperately wasted time in the morning looking for some interwebs and an initial stop at the Burger King proved plebeian. My computer alerted me to a signal emanating from Quiznos but alas it was an administrative password-protected wi-fi. Luckily Micky D's has the good stuff we were looking for. Dollar menu + Wi-Fi = mas fun. Who knew clowns were so good at tech support?
We made it into Austin with very little fanfare (no horns or parades commemorating our last major city stop as a trio for the roadtrip). Our GPS faithfully leads us to Rachel Wright's house, which we have the odd pleasure of resting in for a couple of hours before she comes home from babysitting.
Alex plays detective and makes inquisitions about Rachel's character via her stuff. While most things were spot on, his interpretation of her spiritual side was a little off the mark. To be fair, the girl loves her iconography. Rachel finds this amusing (Alex embarrassing) and decides to spend half an hour quizzing Alex about her life. The results are mixed, but the entertainment golden.
We catch a dinner at the "mexonesian" Hula-Hut, which is very much so an Austin-y place and the lake view in the early evening was phenomenal. I was a little over-ambitious and wanted to beat the waitress with the chips and salsa (opting for self-serve), which resulted with three giant baskets of chips. Which got us stares like we were celebrities, but in a less fun way.
After getting full off giant enchiladas, BBQ soft tacos, and cheesy chile rellanos, we made our way over to Congress Ave Bridge to watch the famous departure of the bats (it is like flight of the bumblebees with less allergic reactions). The site was really cool and the way the bats moved together across the tree line reminded me of a less intimidating version of the smoke monster from Lost. There were millions of beautiful, flowing, chirping bats. Alex got distracted by the man selling light savers.
Very casually we take a walk to Austin's big party strip, 6th street, with no intention of doing anything other than seeing the sights. However, when you stop at the Jackalope and start your night off like this. It is going to be a long and fun one.
We left the loud metal of Jackalope for Casino El Camino (which was definitely my favorite bar we went to that night). We hit other bars like Whiskey Bar, the Thirsty Nickle, the Bling Pig Pub, but the best part was watching Alex go ape-sh** for Guitar Hero night at Shakespeare's. Via his mad skillz, Alex made several new friends for the evening and also defended his guitar honor against a very adept girl named Carly.
The night ended with a quick refocusing stop at Kerbey Lane, a late night diner (of course), where Dave preceded to eat a lemon, Alex devoured hummus and pancakes with his hands, and Varun scowled with a sort of semi-embarrassed awkwardness that comes from being the most sober at the table. But definitely some of the most fun that has been had in a while.
Supposedly this blog is getting read as I get comments from random people that I didn't think would read the blog, but we haven't received any comments in a long time. This makes me a super sad panda and if you are reading this right now do a pathetic indian man a favor and leave a comment.
Today we woke up a little bit pissed off at Motel 6 for their blatant and outrageous lies. I feel like Barrack Obama now. Wi-Fi available? That is how you punks reeled us in and look who apparently doesn't have any signal strength (Hint: It's Motel 6). We desperately wasted time in the morning looking for some interwebs and an initial stop at the Burger King proved plebeian. My computer alerted me to a signal emanating from Quiznos but alas it was an administrative password-protected wi-fi. Luckily Micky D's has the good stuff we were looking for. Dollar menu + Wi-Fi = mas fun. Who knew clowns were so good at tech support?
We made it into Austin with very little fanfare (no horns or parades commemorating our last major city stop as a trio for the roadtrip). Our GPS faithfully leads us to Rachel Wright's house, which we have the odd pleasure of resting in for a couple of hours before she comes home from babysitting.
Alex plays detective and makes inquisitions about Rachel's character via her stuff. While most things were spot on, his interpretation of her spiritual side was a little off the mark. To be fair, the girl loves her iconography. Rachel finds this amusing (Alex embarrassing) and decides to spend half an hour quizzing Alex about her life. The results are mixed, but the entertainment golden.
We catch a dinner at the "mexonesian" Hula-Hut, which is very much so an Austin-y place and the lake view in the early evening was phenomenal. I was a little over-ambitious and wanted to beat the waitress with the chips and salsa (opting for self-serve), which resulted with three giant baskets of chips. Which got us stares like we were celebrities, but in a less fun way.
After getting full off giant enchiladas, BBQ soft tacos, and cheesy chile rellanos, we made our way over to Congress Ave Bridge to watch the famous departure of the bats (it is like flight of the bumblebees with less allergic reactions). The site was really cool and the way the bats moved together across the tree line reminded me of a less intimidating version of the smoke monster from Lost. There were millions of beautiful, flowing, chirping bats. Alex got distracted by the man selling light savers.
Very casually we take a walk to Austin's big party strip, 6th street, with no intention of doing anything other than seeing the sights. However, when you stop at the Jackalope and start your night off like this. It is going to be a long and fun one.
We left the loud metal of Jackalope for Casino El Camino (which was definitely my favorite bar we went to that night). We hit other bars like Whiskey Bar, the Thirsty Nickle, the Bling Pig Pub, but the best part was watching Alex go ape-sh** for Guitar Hero night at Shakespeare's. Via his mad skillz, Alex made several new friends for the evening and also defended his guitar honor against a very adept girl named Carly.
The night ended with a quick refocusing stop at Kerbey Lane, a late night diner (of course), where Dave preceded to eat a lemon, Alex devoured hummus and pancakes with his hands, and Varun scowled with a sort of semi-embarrassed awkwardness that comes from being the most sober at the table. But definitely some of the most fun that has been had in a while.
Day 13: Nowhere, New Mexico to San Angelos, TX (Valley of the Ragealope)
Unlucky day 13, without question the most uneventful, uninspiring of the days of the roadtrip. Honestly, this was just a straight driving days, trying to see how close we could make it to the boundaries of Austin.
A few hours of driving did leave to a stop in Roswell, New Mexico, which was depressingly not as alien themed as we would have liked. There were a couple of really cool/funny/cute/kind of odd things that kept us entertained. The ugly mural on the Wal-Mart front of what can only be described as how a toddle imagines aliens, flying saucer MickyD's, and a Arby's sign in Martian welcoming aliens. Trust me... Aliens are not going to travel light years and eat Arby's despite how good Jessie Tang and Alex Warr think it is. And then there were smaller touches like this:
We had overly priced, but really decent New Mex-Mex food at Tia Juanas. We discovered this place after a trip to the Visitor's Center, which was a cool idea. The really helpful attendant gave us lunch tips and pointed us toward a small free museum that wasn't impressive minus an exhibit on Goddard's rockets and a piece of 80s modern art that I proclaimed was ahead of its time.
The drive turned from beautiful to plain and unimpressive, but we can't all see magical things always. However, there was a simple beauty to the flat, dry land littered with oil pumps.
A few hours of driving did leave to a stop in Roswell, New Mexico, which was depressingly not as alien themed as we would have liked. There were a couple of really cool/funny/cute/kind of odd things that kept us entertained. The ugly mural on the Wal-Mart front of what can only be described as how a toddle imagines aliens, flying saucer MickyD's, and a Arby's sign in Martian welcoming aliens. Trust me... Aliens are not going to travel light years and eat Arby's despite how good Jessie Tang and Alex Warr think it is. And then there were smaller touches like this:
We had overly priced, but really decent New Mex-Mex food at Tia Juanas. We discovered this place after a trip to the Visitor's Center, which was a cool idea. The really helpful attendant gave us lunch tips and pointed us toward a small free museum that wasn't impressive minus an exhibit on Goddard's rockets and a piece of 80s modern art that I proclaimed was ahead of its time.
The drive turned from beautiful to plain and unimpressive, but we can't all see magical things always. However, there was a simple beauty to the flat, dry land littered with oil pumps.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Day 12: Grand Canyon to Route 66 Hotel/Casino, New mexico (Adventure of Donkey-s*** mountain)
There is a certain amount of specialness of waking up and looking outside of the window and realizing there is a giant amazing chasm less than 1000 ft away, some would say it is even Grand.
After a quick breakfast and a stop at the Yavapai observation point , we decide to go into the Canyon via the
The walk down the canyon face was easy enough, a little steep and loose with light dirt, but nothing we couldn’t handle. No sooner than we got started we ran across our first obstacle.
This adorable little sheep was cute and had a littler even more adorable sneeze. We eventually found out that the sneeze was actually an animal flu, which immediately made it 100 times less cute. The rest of the hike down was uneventful (minus my free climb up a tiny rock face and a moment with a squirrel), but it was pretty beautiful (as most things have been in different ways for the past couple days). The way up was difficult, especially for me (I have more to carry up), but the feeling of accomplishment was well worth it (minus the feeling of a 200 pulse).
Leaving the
We drive into
The local movie theater didn’t have the movies that we wanted to see so we ended up hitting the road again, feeling defeated. This all immediately changed when we came across the Route 66 Hotel/Casino. We were told that the hotel was fully booked, but our luck of the day before prevailed and we were flagged down by a valet on our way out and given the last room.
A pretty fancy get up for the price, the hotel part was great, but the casino part was a little cheesy and dominated by slots (which I have no understanding why people use). An initial Blackjack run led to lost money and drinks at the bar and we went to the room to retire. Alex’s itchy finger got the best of him and he and I went back downstairs. The nightclub was okay, but the lack of single women and with the average age about 6 to 8 years higher than our own, made it a little futile. However, a second Blackjack session was a little more fun. Although, I had to through in an extra twenty to bail Alex and myself out of near death, we ended up gaining 5 dollars on the session (which in gambling is considered a big win). I think this photo speaks for our turn around victory.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Day 11: Boulder, CO to the Grand Canyon (prelude to an adventure)
The night before leaving Boulder we decide that it is time to go out and meet new people. We ended up failing on the meeting people part, but we definitely went out and had fun. After missing out on the chance to experience our first Oxygen Bar, our first stop was the Catacombs located underneath the historic Hotel Boulderado. There were a lot of young people and $1.50 cocktail specials... which is a dangerous mix. We moved on to Pearl Street (the main drag) and made a quick stop at Seven. Starship Troopers was playing on the television, but the real show was the guy trying to get some action in the middle of the club.
We left "early" (early in the morning, late according to our desired departure time) and headed south. The long drive, much like the drives of the previous days, was absolutely beautiful as the Colorado mountain edges eventually became red plateaus and semi-desert landscapes as we moved into Utah and eventually Arizona. It felt like were crossing Martian territory, much like our robotic brethren.
During the drive, we switched from listening to John Adams' biography on CD to my iPod. During the day long drive we listened to the entire Kanye West and The White Stripes discography. Though Jack and Meg White took up a significantly longer time to get through, I feel the rap education of Dave and Alex via Mr. West was more significant in its importance.
We traveled through the Navajo Nation thinking of stand-up material that my or may not offend Native Americans and eventually ended up in Tuba City, the Nation's largest jewel at around 8000 people. After having the same conversation about Scottish soccer players twice with a slightly older resident we headed toward the Grand Canyon.
Following the GPS instructions almost too carefully, we ended up driving into the Grand Canyon National Park not really considering the potential lack of accommodations available inside. Luckily for us a huge, multi-building hotel existed inside the park (who knew?). Even Luckier WE GOT THE VERY LAST ROOM, barely beating out some French couple (take that surrender monkeys).
Though the lodge lacked Wi-Fi, we did get to see four giant elk up-close as they grazed on the hotel's front lawn. After our close encounter with a moose the day before, I would have preferred the internet.
We left "early" (early in the morning, late according to our desired departure time) and headed south. The long drive, much like the drives of the previous days, was absolutely beautiful as the Colorado mountain edges eventually became red plateaus and semi-desert landscapes as we moved into Utah and eventually Arizona. It felt like were crossing Martian territory, much like our robotic brethren.
During the drive, we switched from listening to John Adams' biography on CD to my iPod. During the day long drive we listened to the entire Kanye West and The White Stripes discography. Though Jack and Meg White took up a significantly longer time to get through, I feel the rap education of Dave and Alex via Mr. West was more significant in its importance.
We traveled through the Navajo Nation thinking of stand-up material that my or may not offend Native Americans and eventually ended up in Tuba City, the Nation's largest jewel at around 8000 people. After having the same conversation about Scottish soccer players twice with a slightly older resident we headed toward the Grand Canyon.
Following the GPS instructions almost too carefully, we ended up driving into the Grand Canyon National Park not really considering the potential lack of accommodations available inside. Luckily for us a huge, multi-building hotel existed inside the park (who knew?). Even Luckier WE GOT THE VERY LAST ROOM, barely beating out some French couple (take that surrender monkeys).
Though the lodge lacked Wi-Fi, we did get to see four giant elk up-close as they grazed on the hotel's front lawn. After our close encounter with a moose the day before, I would have preferred the internet.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Day 7, 8, 9, 10: Lusk to Boulder, Co. (a long hiatus)
Day 7:
Today is rather uneventful. However, not being busy does not make the day less enjoyable. As we drive toward boulder the rather flat landscape of Wyoming gave way to distant mountains. From the distance they looked like pencil sketches, as if you handed a three year old a crayon and said, "Draw a mountain range." Except you would have to convey it as "Draw a mounty-wounty rangey-poo, pweeze." Trust me... I speak toddlerese.
We arrive at our good friend Alyssa's house and are warmly greeted by some of the best parental hosts one could ask for. Rarely can one expect a mom to be insisting that you should be having a beer and playing Rock Band as dinner is getting ready. We dine on Buffalo Burgers for dinner, which made me realize that I prefer to eat animals that could kill me. I mean chickens are great and all, but hypothetically I could easily take on a chicken or even a cow in a one-on-one fight. Buffalo (kangaroos and alligators and the like) would most likely stomp me down, so eating them feels like a minor triumph. Ha, got to you first buffalo! Does that mean appetizers should now be renamed Varun Wings?
Day 8:
After a morning of nerd gaming, we head to the hills via Rocky Mountain National Park. The drive was absolutely epic and I never thought I would have the chance to participate in a snowball fight in June. Alyssa's dad's cabin is pretty quaint and you can tell that alot of love went into building the place. The air is thin up in Grand Lake, CO. which allows one to always use the excuse of mountain air for any physical shortcomings.
Traveling so much next year is going to be tough, simply because hotel beds < href="http://www.blogger.com/valtrex.com">by people in Valtrex commercials. Yes.. we get it. Herpes prevention means you can do whatever you want, but there is not need to keep telling me about your genital warts!!! Sheesh. Sorry, that was gross. We canoed, boated, swam, played pool, ping pong, started campfires, and ate large steaks. After a fire-side dinner, we celebrated Alyssa's birthday for the second time in three days. The jury is still out on whether ice cream birthday cake is better than a tasty, heavily-frosted sheet cake.
Also we watched a movie that single handedly gave license to Keanu Reeves' and Matthew Mcconaughey's surfer-inspired personas. If Kurt Russel is the captain, I am definitely going to set sail on that ship.
Day 10:
This morning a pretty early morning wake-up call and a breakfast of cheesy-eggs and bacon lead to a hike to Adams Falls. We had to pull Alex away from the compound bow and arrow we had all been using for archery practice. Using an ancient weapon like a bow makes you feel like an elf from Lord of the Rings or a primitive hunter. You also quickly realize how hungry you would go if you had to hunt for your own food.
On our hike we saw a giant moose. The moose could have easily killed us, but luckily it was more interested in grass than four 20-somethings. It made me appreciate life and the beauty of nature. Coincidentally, certain news events made me ashamed of the horror of man. When will the madness end? Answer: Miley Cyrus.
Today is rather uneventful. However, not being busy does not make the day less enjoyable. As we drive toward boulder the rather flat landscape of Wyoming gave way to distant mountains. From the distance they looked like pencil sketches, as if you handed a three year old a crayon and said, "Draw a mountain range." Except you would have to convey it as "Draw a mounty-wounty rangey-poo, pweeze." Trust me... I speak toddlerese.
We arrive at our good friend Alyssa's house and are warmly greeted by some of the best parental hosts one could ask for. Rarely can one expect a mom to be insisting that you should be having a beer and playing Rock Band as dinner is getting ready. We dine on Buffalo Burgers for dinner, which made me realize that I prefer to eat animals that could kill me. I mean chickens are great and all, but hypothetically I could easily take on a chicken or even a cow in a one-on-one fight. Buffalo (kangaroos and alligators and the like) would most likely stomp me down, so eating them feels like a minor triumph. Ha, got to you first buffalo! Does that mean appetizers should now be renamed Varun Wings?
Day 8:
After a morning of nerd gaming, we head to the hills via Rocky Mountain National Park. The drive was absolutely epic and I never thought I would have the chance to participate in a snowball fight in June. Alyssa's dad's cabin is pretty quaint and you can tell that alot of love went into building the place. The air is thin up in Grand Lake, CO. which allows one to always use the excuse of mountain air for any physical shortcomings.
- "Why are you out of breath Alex?"
- ".....its the mountain air."
- "Yeah me too, damn this mountain air."
Traveling so much next year is going to be tough, simply because hotel beds < href="http://www.blogger.com/valtrex.com">by people in Valtrex commercials. Yes.. we get it. Herpes prevention means you can do whatever you want, but there is not need to keep telling me about your genital warts!!! Sheesh. Sorry, that was gross. We canoed, boated, swam, played pool, ping pong, started campfires, and ate large steaks. After a fire-side dinner, we celebrated Alyssa's birthday for the second time in three days. The jury is still out on whether ice cream birthday cake is better than a tasty, heavily-frosted sheet cake.
Also we watched a movie that single handedly gave license to Keanu Reeves' and Matthew Mcconaughey's surfer-inspired personas. If Kurt Russel is the captain, I am definitely going to set sail on that ship.
Day 10:
This morning a pretty early morning wake-up call and a breakfast of cheesy-eggs and bacon lead to a hike to Adams Falls. We had to pull Alex away from the compound bow and arrow we had all been using for archery practice. Using an ancient weapon like a bow makes you feel like an elf from Lord of the Rings or a primitive hunter. You also quickly realize how hungry you would go if you had to hunt for your own food.
On our hike we saw a giant moose. The moose could have easily killed us, but luckily it was more interested in grass than four 20-somethings. It made me appreciate life and the beauty of nature. Coincidentally, certain news events made me ashamed of the horror of man. When will the madness end? Answer: Miley Cyrus.
Monday, June 16, 2008
June 15--10:32 pm
Well, after roughly five hours of high speed travel through the grasslands of Nebraska, we've finally found another human being-several in fact. This first town we've hit all afternoon is called Van Tassel, Wyoming, and sports a population of 18.
Given the amount of industry and progress we witnessed in Van Tassel, Varun and Dave believed we ought to move to Van Tassel, where we would represent an immediately significant increase in the voter base, and petition the city council, a.k.a. Jim the dude with the most free time, to officially change the town's name to, "Fuck It, Wyoming."
While I have to agree with the sentiment, I think the history of Van Tassel merits appreciation. You see, Van Tassel is a reference to an early oil tycoon named Renfield van Tassel who went crazy somewhere around the turn of the 20th and moved his entire family and their eighteen servants to a mansion way out in the craggy grasslands. After a few years of near total isolation, the household got bored and decided to play a game of Mafia- for reez. Now old man van Tassel was kind of a d-bag, ruling the household with his insane whims, and he was the first to get axed. Afterwards everyone else just kind of lost interest in the game and his battered wife and children took off for the nearest city, which by the way is Lusk-pop. 1447, to set-up the very Best Western where we now stay. The 18 servants decided to stick around and slowly broke down the mansion for firewood over the subsequent years. Today anyone brave enough to venture out at night can still hear strange groaning and hissing echoing off the surrounding rocks of Van Tassel. While the 18 old servants, tough as gnarled wood and twice as skeptical, will tell you it's only a pack of wild dogs, those with an eye for such things may yet witness the frazzle-haired specter of Renfield van Tassel reeling through the misty nights, lamenting the madness that drove him to an untimely and grizzled mortality.
Well, after roughly five hours of high speed travel through the grasslands of Nebraska, we've finally found another human being-several in fact. This first town we've hit all afternoon is called Van Tassel, Wyoming, and sports a population of 18.
Given the amount of industry and progress we witnessed in Van Tassel, Varun and Dave believed we ought to move to Van Tassel, where we would represent an immediately significant increase in the voter base, and petition the city council, a.k.a. Jim the dude with the most free time, to officially change the town's name to, "Fuck It, Wyoming."
While I have to agree with the sentiment, I think the history of Van Tassel merits appreciation. You see, Van Tassel is a reference to an early oil tycoon named Renfield van Tassel who went crazy somewhere around the turn of the 20th and moved his entire family and their eighteen servants to a mansion way out in the craggy grasslands. After a few years of near total isolation, the household got bored and decided to play a game of Mafia- for reez. Now old man van Tassel was kind of a d-bag, ruling the household with his insane whims, and he was the first to get axed. Afterwards everyone else just kind of lost interest in the game and his battered wife and children took off for the nearest city, which by the way is Lusk-pop. 1447, to set-up the very Best Western where we now stay. The 18 servants decided to stick around and slowly broke down the mansion for firewood over the subsequent years. Today anyone brave enough to venture out at night can still hear strange groaning and hissing echoing off the surrounding rocks of Van Tassel. While the 18 old servants, tough as gnarled wood and twice as skeptical, will tell you it's only a pack of wild dogs, those with an eye for such things may yet witness the frazzle-haired specter of Renfield van Tassel reeling through the misty nights, lamenting the madness that drove him to an untimely and grizzled mortality.
Writing From Southern South Dakota
I’m writing this as we drive through southern South Dakota 
Well I'm afraid you played second fiddle to Puzzle Quest again, so you'll have to wait for tomorrow for the next installment (covering Chicago through Mt. Rushmore).
At least it’s pretty:
Varun: “Wow, I can’t talk shit about
Me: “It’s not a big deal Alex, don’t worry so much about it. Turn off when you see the next gas station.”
Alex: “It’s going to be a huge deal when there are no more gas stations in
End Interlude.
Varun and I left
Though I provided the initial push, Varun was ultimately the one insisting on a Poutine Experience while in
A national hero? Varun was very excited and adamant about snapping this picture.
You come across some random stuff on the road.
We’ve made it to
Alex has a very nice house with lots of space around it. Of course it is the
So we’re on the road to
This was a very poor decision.
Well I'm afraid you played second fiddle to Puzzle Quest again, so you'll have to wait for tomorrow for the next installment (covering Chicago through Mt. Rushmore).
Day 6: Mitchell, SD to Mt. Rushmore to Lusk, Wyoming
It was thoroughly expected that today was going to be the most boring day of the road trip. Driving all day with a short stop to see Mt. Rushmore? Hardly the same thrill of Wisconsin cheese curds or vast Grand Canyon chasms.
However, the day that did transpire was the most comprehensively beautiful in my memory. It really made me appreciate the full experience this country has to offer. It is easy to see why people flee to this country and hard to understand why people forget its wonder (Dammit Elian Gonzalez).
In a single day we managed to travel from rolling hills that were straight out of the bucolic-gasm that is a Thomas Kinkade portrait to the Badlands, whose immediately apparent age and desolate creepiness were intimidating and "Wow"-inducing. As if that contrast wasn't enough, the Black Hills, Kansas grasslands, and what seem to be the foothills of the Rockies were all equally breathtaking. It is the sort of thing I had always associated with German, Irish, and Swiss countrysides (respectively).
We drove on backroads and through towns that didn't exist on our GPS averaging a speed of 90 miles per hour (this was not purposeful, but rather a result of being so distracted by the beauty around us and the smoothness of the road). The little town of Van Tassle was a shock as the elevation out numbered the population almost 250 times over. With a population of 18 it is fair to say that I actually know personal residences with more people than Van Tassle. Alex, Dave, and I plan on one day moving to Van Tassle to use our political clout to get the name changed to something more fun (like F--- It, Nebraska).
If only the journey occured today, the hours would have been a smashing success, but we did manage to see the two of the biggest sights of South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore is a very strange paradox as it is both impressive and kind of a let down. The stone faces of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Teddy don't scream adulation and wonderment. However, the technique of such precision dynamite and jack hammer work and the engineering and large-scale art tools is simply too much to not be impressed. Unless you are Dave... but he is simply a American-Canadian and may not understand.
The other stop was at Wall Drug, which is essentially a GIANT drug store filled with souveniers, food, kitchy items, and small sights (like a large dinosaur or jumping water fountain for example). It is really, however, a testament to the power of advertising, because it is a tourist hot spot but offers nothing special. It is like some weird meta-joke, a landmark for landmarks sake. Billboards for the location can be seen for hundreds of miles, even thousands. A multi-million dollar empire simply build of the premise of "Free Ice Water." Pretty cool.
I am sorry dear readers that I didn't hyperlink like crazy today, I am sure you will miss it. I am also sorry that I wasn't as comical as usual today, but I think the post below about Alex makes up for it. There is so much more to talk about today racing trains, rhubarb pie, ghost towns, solar panel flora, but I will not bore you with the space. You gotta just experience it for yourself.
The motto we came up with that we feel the tourism board should pick up, "South Dakota: Prepare for awesomeness."
However, the day that did transpire was the most comprehensively beautiful in my memory. It really made me appreciate the full experience this country has to offer. It is easy to see why people flee to this country and hard to understand why people forget its wonder (Dammit Elian Gonzalez).
In a single day we managed to travel from rolling hills that were straight out of the bucolic-gasm that is a Thomas Kinkade portrait to the Badlands, whose immediately apparent age and desolate creepiness were intimidating and "Wow"-inducing. As if that contrast wasn't enough, the Black Hills, Kansas grasslands, and what seem to be the foothills of the Rockies were all equally breathtaking. It is the sort of thing I had always associated with German, Irish, and Swiss countrysides (respectively).
We drove on backroads and through towns that didn't exist on our GPS averaging a speed of 90 miles per hour (this was not purposeful, but rather a result of being so distracted by the beauty around us and the smoothness of the road). The little town of Van Tassle was a shock as the elevation out numbered the population almost 250 times over. With a population of 18 it is fair to say that I actually know personal residences with more people than Van Tassle. Alex, Dave, and I plan on one day moving to Van Tassle to use our political clout to get the name changed to something more fun (like F--- It, Nebraska).
If only the journey occured today, the hours would have been a smashing success, but we did manage to see the two of the biggest sights of South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore is a very strange paradox as it is both impressive and kind of a let down. The stone faces of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Teddy don't scream adulation and wonderment. However, the technique of such precision dynamite and jack hammer work and the engineering and large-scale art tools is simply too much to not be impressed. Unless you are Dave... but he is simply a American-Canadian and may not understand.
The other stop was at Wall Drug, which is essentially a GIANT drug store filled with souveniers, food, kitchy items, and small sights (like a large dinosaur or jumping water fountain for example). It is really, however, a testament to the power of advertising, because it is a tourist hot spot but offers nothing special. It is like some weird meta-joke, a landmark for landmarks sake. Billboards for the location can be seen for hundreds of miles, even thousands. A multi-million dollar empire simply build of the premise of "Free Ice Water." Pretty cool.
I am sorry dear readers that I didn't hyperlink like crazy today, I am sure you will miss it. I am also sorry that I wasn't as comical as usual today, but I think the post below about Alex makes up for it. There is so much more to talk about today racing trains, rhubarb pie, ghost towns, solar panel flora, but I will not bore you with the space. You gotta just experience it for yourself.
The motto we came up with that we feel the tourism board should pick up, "South Dakota: Prepare for awesomeness."
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Flavor: Driving with Jonathan Alex Warr
It is Varun and usually I take care of writing the daily information post, but today I was inspired to write about a much bigger topic.
There is a certain joy that Alex's expression and enthusiasm brings that in someways outshines the glory of beautiful rolling hills and intimidating valleys of the Badlands. The man gets absolutely excited about anything and everything around him.
Driving with Alex is akin to locking a kid with ADHD in a room covered with aluminum foil with a bowl of sugar and a case of Mountain Dew. Every sign offers a new adventure, every tourist trap is a potential resort.
Some quotes from Alex : "Look at the Buffalo!!!" (I have to point out that they are in fact cows), "Oh my God! Western Wear!" (For a company in Wisconsin that is far behind us), "Air and Space Museum... AND ITS FREE," "I'm not listening to you guys ever again... Which way do I go?"
My suggestion is that he should only drive with horse blinders on to prevent him from being overwhelmed.
There is a certain joy that Alex's expression and enthusiasm brings that in someways outshines the glory of beautiful rolling hills and intimidating valleys of the Badlands. The man gets absolutely excited about anything and everything around him.
Driving with Alex is akin to locking a kid with ADHD in a room covered with aluminum foil with a bowl of sugar and a case of Mountain Dew. Every sign offers a new adventure, every tourist trap is a potential resort.
Some quotes from Alex : "Look at the Buffalo!!!" (I have to point out that they are in fact cows), "Oh my God! Western Wear!" (For a company in Wisconsin that is far behind us), "Air and Space Museum... AND ITS FREE," "I'm not listening to you guys ever again... Which way do I go?"
My suggestion is that he should only drive with horse blinders on to prevent him from being overwhelmed.
Going West, aka "Chasing the Sun"
Editor's Note: This post was originally posted 6/22/08 and backdated for continuity purposes
Time to suspend your disbelief about the space-time continuum once again. "But of course Dave", you say, "when and where are we in this post?"
We are somewhere today is the 14th of June, 2008, crossing the northern reaches of this vast country. Wisconsin? South Dakota? You got it.
We begin our journey after a night of rest and at the Quality Inn. This establishment fulfills Varun's one requirement - Wifi - and is thus deemed a success.
We don't know it yet but flooding, in addition to claiming billions of dollars worth of damage, will detour us. I hope you're properly horrified.
Forced to experience 40 miles of uncharted Wisconsin wilderness - what horrors might we encounter?
Cheese! And lots of it! Mmmm...
Also - Beef Rods.
Alas, we were not the only travelers derailed by the highway's untimely closing. What you're looking at is a 3 hour traffic jam in rural Wisconsin.
The delays only made the open road all the sweeter.
Damn you Mississippi! Damn you and your flooding ways.
Now that we're back on the highway we can follow it into the setting sun. Next turn in: 997km.
South Dakota is flat. On to the horizon!
As we drive into the setting sun we dream dreams of cheese, corn and the comfort of the Quality Inn.
We get the last smoking room in Mitchell's Motel 6. In fact we get the last room in Mitchell. This will become a reoccurring theme.
At least it has Wifi.
Time to suspend your disbelief about the space-time continuum once again. "But of course Dave", you say, "when and where are we in this post?"
We are somewhere today is the 14th of June, 2008, crossing the northern reaches of this vast country. Wisconsin? South Dakota? You got it.
We begin our journey after a night of rest and at the Quality Inn. This establishment fulfills Varun's one requirement - Wifi - and is thus deemed a success.
We don't know it yet but flooding, in addition to claiming billions of dollars worth of damage, will detour us. I hope you're properly horrified.
Forced to experience 40 miles of uncharted Wisconsin wilderness - what horrors might we encounter?
Cheese! And lots of it! Mmmm...
Also - Beef Rods.
Alas, we were not the only travelers derailed by the highway's untimely closing. What you're looking at is a 3 hour traffic jam in rural Wisconsin.
The delays only made the open road all the sweeter.
Damn you Mississippi! Damn you and your flooding ways.
Now that we're back on the highway we can follow it into the setting sun. Next turn in: 997km.
South Dakota is flat. On to the horizon!
As we drive into the setting sun we dream dreams of cheese, corn and the comfort of the Quality Inn.
We get the last smoking room in Mitchell's Motel 6. In fact we get the last room in Mitchell. This will become a reoccurring theme.
At least it has Wifi.
Day 5: Chicago to Mitchell, SD (victims of the flood)
Leaving the Quality Inn you realize that there is a certain ironic use to the word "Quality." However, ending up in a smoking room of a Motel 6 (after checking 7 other hotels) you will grow to appreciate Quality Inns and how much they resemble Four Seasons. But lets rewind a bit.
Creepy "Road Trip Fact" for the day: Number of dead deers seen: 8, Number of dead vultures:1, Number of dead possums: 0.
We expected today to be a boring drive through the middle of nowhere and nothing, but it turns out we were destined for much, much more. As a result of the storms in the midwest, southern Wisconsin was flooded and I-90 (our straight route to Mt. Rushmore) was shut down for 40 miles.
There were NO SIGNS and NO INFORMATION about this fact and we spent a good (subjective use of the word) hour driving around I-90 trying to find an entrance ramp. Eventually we ended up in a traffic jam on Highway 12, crossing four miles in about an hour.
However, the detours and dalliances lead to several interesting sights. Madison, within a span of 3 blocks, you can run across the capital building, outlying suburbs, and large farms. The good thing about traveling in a land of few humans is how beautiful the scenery is. The rolling hills and flowing grain of Wisconsin were breath taking on multiple occasions.
A side road lead to Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet where we tried a 7-year sharp cheddar that would have sent Steve Urkel into a stroke and a beef stick that would make Macho Man Randy Savage break down into tears. Too bad "Snap into a Ehlenbach's beef stick" isn't a more catchier phrase. A lunch at a new fast food restaurant chain, Culver's, made us wonder why fried cheese curds aren't offered as a side in more places? (Side note: their website is the most epic burger website ever).
We see more beautiful scenery as we cross into Minnesota, driving between sharp cliffs and the Mississippi river. I didn't realize we would be traveling through Minnesota, but the journey definitely paid off.
60 foot tall Jolly Green Giant. Enough said.
We missed bar-hopping in Sioux Falls, but Mitchell, SD is a good place to rest (as evidenced by the lack of a Vacant hotel room).
Creepy "Road Trip Fact" for the day: Number of dead deers seen: 8, Number of dead vultures:1, Number of dead possums: 0.
We expected today to be a boring drive through the middle of nowhere and nothing, but it turns out we were destined for much, much more. As a result of the storms in the midwest, southern Wisconsin was flooded and I-90 (our straight route to Mt. Rushmore) was shut down for 40 miles.
There were NO SIGNS and NO INFORMATION about this fact and we spent a good (subjective use of the word) hour driving around I-90 trying to find an entrance ramp. Eventually we ended up in a traffic jam on Highway 12, crossing four miles in about an hour.
However, the detours and dalliances lead to several interesting sights. Madison, within a span of 3 blocks, you can run across the capital building, outlying suburbs, and large farms. The good thing about traveling in a land of few humans is how beautiful the scenery is. The rolling hills and flowing grain of Wisconsin were breath taking on multiple occasions.
A side road lead to Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet where we tried a 7-year sharp cheddar that would have sent Steve Urkel into a stroke and a beef stick that would make Macho Man Randy Savage break down into tears. Too bad "Snap into a Ehlenbach's beef stick" isn't a more catchier phrase. A lunch at a new fast food restaurant chain, Culver's, made us wonder why fried cheese curds aren't offered as a side in more places? (Side note: their website is the most epic burger website ever).
We see more beautiful scenery as we cross into Minnesota, driving between sharp cliffs and the Mississippi river. I didn't realize we would be traveling through Minnesota, but the journey definitely paid off.
60 foot tall Jolly Green Giant. Enough said.
We missed bar-hopping in Sioux Falls, but Mitchell, SD is a good place to rest (as evidenced by the lack of a Vacant hotel room).
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Day 4: Ft. Wayne to Chicago (Into the Wind)
TOP OF THE LIST: Yesterday a very, very good man died. Tim Russert was one of the few TV journalists that was worth listening to. Unlike the Glenn Becks or Sean Hannitys of the world, Russert was not self-serving or inane and didn't bow down to his guests. He asked the rough questions, told the truth, and was willing to question authority. I will miss the dude.
In a travesty that is the exact opposite of the one above, R. Kelly was acquitted.... Really? Really?
We said that we would leave Alex's house at 10 a.m. which in actuality meant noon, given the fact that left to our own devices we wouldn't have escaped until 3 or 4. Such is the nature of our wanderage.
On the road to Chicago we ran into a wall of rain. I may be exaggerating a little bit, but it could have been mistaken for accidentally driving into an aquarium filled with ugly houses, Wal-Marts, and fast food joints.
We park at the Field Museum of Natural History and immediately head for a Chicago Hot Dog. Pickle Spear, Mustard, Celery Salt, Tomato on a seeded bun. It is good, feels healthy, but it is no Toronto dog. After deciding that 19 dollars was too much to pay for a history museum, we headed into the city by foot.
We walked through Grant and Millennium Park, spying some awesome fountains, turn of the 19th century architecture, and public art. One sculpture which could only be described as a giant metal jelly bean, capture our attention for a good 20 minutes... oh shiny objects.
A trip to the Chicago Public Library proved interesting as we gazed upon ornate ceiling inlays, a stained glass rotunda, and, randomly, a really cool small orthopedic art exhibit. After deciding to head toward a real Chicago pizza place we walk down the Magnificent Mile. The building are historic, but are still beautiful. Although it is a major city, Chicago doesn't have the claustrophobic feeling of New York, but lacks the random cool shops and endearingly aggressive street vendors.
We decide to walk around a bit before dinner and, on a whim, grab a drink in the historic Drake Hotel. After the bartender examined our IDs for 10 minutes (I wish I was being hyperbolic) I try Chicago's own Half Acre Beer, which is hoppy and a really rich, full-body lager, but not too heavy or bitter with a slightly almondy after taste.
A long dinner at the famous Gino's East bring many discussions, but primarily The Boys, after much postulating, have figured out how to solve the Health Care crisis in America. To McCain or Obama: We will explain it to you for a simple consultant fee of 10 million dollars... a small price to pay for a Presidency.
Taking the long walk back to the car as the pizza settled was surprisingly different though the sights we the same. Rabbits appear in the grass of the park and we (read: only Varun) chase them around in glee. The city and fountains and parks light up in a completely different and beautiful way at night.
Much like the Saturday college kid, it may be grimey and rough during the day with a slight hangover and dirty sweats, but a night that kid cleans up and looks good for all to see.
In a travesty that is the exact opposite of the one above, R. Kelly was acquitted.... Really? Really?
We said that we would leave Alex's house at 10 a.m. which in actuality meant noon, given the fact that left to our own devices we wouldn't have escaped until 3 or 4. Such is the nature of our wanderage.
On the road to Chicago we ran into a wall of rain. I may be exaggerating a little bit, but it could have been mistaken for accidentally driving into an aquarium filled with ugly houses, Wal-Marts, and fast food joints.
We park at the Field Museum of Natural History and immediately head for a Chicago Hot Dog. Pickle Spear, Mustard, Celery Salt, Tomato on a seeded bun. It is good, feels healthy, but it is no Toronto dog. After deciding that 19 dollars was too much to pay for a history museum, we headed into the city by foot.
We walked through Grant and Millennium Park, spying some awesome fountains, turn of the 19th century architecture, and public art. One sculpture which could only be described as a giant metal jelly bean, capture our attention for a good 20 minutes... oh shiny objects.
A trip to the Chicago Public Library proved interesting as we gazed upon ornate ceiling inlays, a stained glass rotunda, and, randomly, a really cool small orthopedic art exhibit. After deciding to head toward a real Chicago pizza place we walk down the Magnificent Mile. The building are historic, but are still beautiful. Although it is a major city, Chicago doesn't have the claustrophobic feeling of New York, but lacks the random cool shops and endearingly aggressive street vendors.
We decide to walk around a bit before dinner and, on a whim, grab a drink in the historic Drake Hotel. After the bartender examined our IDs for 10 minutes (I wish I was being hyperbolic) I try Chicago's own Half Acre Beer, which is hoppy and a really rich, full-body lager, but not too heavy or bitter with a slightly almondy after taste.
A long dinner at the famous Gino's East bring many discussions, but primarily The Boys, after much postulating, have figured out how to solve the Health Care crisis in America. To McCain or Obama: We will explain it to you for a simple consultant fee of 10 million dollars... a small price to pay for a Presidency.
Taking the long walk back to the car as the pizza settled was surprisingly different though the sights we the same. Rabbits appear in the grass of the park and we (read: only Varun) chase them around in glee. The city and fountains and parks light up in a completely different and beautiful way at night.
Much like the Saturday college kid, it may be grimey and rough during the day with a slight hangover and dirty sweats, but a night that kid cleans up and looks good for all to see.
The Windy City
Editor's Note: This post was originally posted 6/21/08 and backdated for continuity purposes
I am so seriously sorry guys. Really, really sorry. I meant to upload, but then I was all like, "Hey this other thing would be more fun". And then you know what? I did that other thing.
But hey, I've got an idea - let's just all pretend that it's last week. Now stick with me here. I know, I know, it's not last week. You've already torn those pages off of your Far Side daily calender. and the recycling went out Friday.
But you don't have to pretend for a long time. 30 minutes tops. I promise.
- - -
Although hurricane strength winds were lacking, the Windy City delivered well enough as the winds blew in storm clouds, sunny skies, and eventually more clouds (of the friendly, fluffy variety favored by Care Bear communities).
Our first stop was the Soldier Field parking lot where we tried to belatedly claim concert going status in exchange for free parking.
Parking attendant: "Are you going to the Concert?"
Us: "No, why?"
Parking attendant: "Parking would have been free - that will be $15."
Us: "... What if we told you we were going to the concert?"
Parking attendant: "I'd ask you who was playing."
Us: Hands over $15.
Lunch consisted of Chicago Dogs, which we discovered are passable but far inferior to the Toronto Hot Dog (and for our Duke audience, somewhat poorer than a Pauly Dogs).
We walked into the city, declining a free shuttle ride to experience the wonders of the Chicago parks. I'd rate them 8/10 on a wonder scale.
Or at least I would have until we came upon a giant shiny metal thing! That's right. A Giant. Shiny. Metal. Thing. It's as fantastic as it sounds. Take a look.
You can high five yourself! Like whoa.
Next stop? The public library, because we know how to live it up. And within the library? Bone art. I like to call this piece 'Varun and the tailbone'.
We left our mark on the way out despite a plot to deprive us of ink. The caption reads: "The Boys. A Bone-ified Sensation"
The city itself is very cool architecturally speaking, with a mixture of new and old well spaced out to give each building it's own sense of grandeur which the crowded skyscape of New York lacks.
This scene was depicted on the bridge at the center of town. I'm sure it too is historic, but I still cringed. Politically correct anyone?
One of the great decisions we've made so far was stopping at the Drake hotel for no reason other than it was the Drake Hotel. How bad ass is that?
Even more bad ass when you see the bar which is straight out of the past.
Dinner was at the famous Gino's East Pizzeria.
The deep dish Chicago Style pizza was awesome. Mmm.
It's been a good day.
Until next time loyal readers,
Dave
I am so seriously sorry guys. Really, really sorry. I meant to upload, but then I was all like, "Hey this other thing would be more fun". And then you know what? I did that other thing.
But hey, I've got an idea - let's just all pretend that it's last week. Now stick with me here. I know, I know, it's not last week. You've already torn those pages off of your Far Side daily calender. and the recycling went out Friday.
But you don't have to pretend for a long time. 30 minutes tops. I promise.
- - -
Although hurricane strength winds were lacking, the Windy City delivered well enough as the winds blew in storm clouds, sunny skies, and eventually more clouds (of the friendly, fluffy variety favored by Care Bear communities).
Our first stop was the Soldier Field parking lot where we tried to belatedly claim concert going status in exchange for free parking.
Parking attendant: "Are you going to the Concert?"
Us: "No, why?"
Parking attendant: "Parking would have been free - that will be $15."
Us: "... What if we told you we were going to the concert?"
Parking attendant: "I'd ask you who was playing."
Us: Hands over $15.
Lunch consisted of Chicago Dogs, which we discovered are passable but far inferior to the Toronto Hot Dog (and for our Duke audience, somewhat poorer than a Pauly Dogs).
We walked into the city, declining a free shuttle ride to experience the wonders of the Chicago parks. I'd rate them 8/10 on a wonder scale.
Or at least I would have until we came upon a giant shiny metal thing! That's right. A Giant. Shiny. Metal. Thing. It's as fantastic as it sounds. Take a look.
You can high five yourself! Like whoa.
Next stop? The public library, because we know how to live it up. And within the library? Bone art. I like to call this piece 'Varun and the tailbone'.
We left our mark on the way out despite a plot to deprive us of ink. The caption reads: "The Boys. A Bone-ified Sensation"
The city itself is very cool architecturally speaking, with a mixture of new and old well spaced out to give each building it's own sense of grandeur which the crowded skyscape of New York lacks.
This scene was depicted on the bridge at the center of town. I'm sure it too is historic, but I still cringed. Politically correct anyone?
One of the great decisions we've made so far was stopping at the Drake hotel for no reason other than it was the Drake Hotel. How bad ass is that?
Even more bad ass when you see the bar which is straight out of the past.
Dinner was at the famous Gino's East Pizzeria.
The deep dish Chicago Style pizza was awesome. Mmm.
It's been a good day.
Until next time loyal readers,Dave
The Epic (Walking) Road Trip
My turn to weigh in, it’s time for a Canadian perspective on Toronto.
I know, I know, I seem to have fallen somewhat behind my compatriot, procrastinating my post for days, but in my defense this shouldn't come as a shock to those of you who know my habits well. Perhaps it's time you got to know me a little better.
Skip forward several hours and we've walked all the way downtown. I think we deserve to stop in on this nice microbrewery, don't you?
They weren't licensed to serve alcohol but they could give two free "samples" to everyone that felt like walking through the door. We were so inclined.
Varun marvels at the CN Tower.
It's very tall.
I force Varun to try the Iced Cappuccino at Tim Horton's because they're just that good. I think the lady in the yellow shirt was as surprised as I was that I'd forgotten to turn off the flash.
For those of you not in "the know" downtown Toronto sits upon a network of tunnels called the "PATH"
We played "That's so not Varun", and this qualified. It's so not Varun.
It's so not Varun.
It's... well, Varun wants to keep an open mind.
The Chalkmaster raises money to retreive his recently reconciled relationship from Halifax. That's eastern Canada, and not at all close to Toronto despite being in Canada (a concept surprisingly difficult for Americans - after all Canada is all basically the same right?).
He is very funny.
The explanation.
Still funny.
Finishing our day at a variety of pubs in downtown Toronto.
I know, I know, I seem to have fallen somewhat behind my compatriot, procrastinating my post for days, but in my defense this shouldn't come as a shock to those of you who know my habits well. Perhaps it's time you got to know me a little better.
Back to the trip. First off, I’d like to point out that, as a Canadian living in Canada for nigh on 10 years, I had no idea that prostitution was legal. It took the Texan significantly less than one day to discover this.
Our first full day was a walking road trip of epic proportions that left feet sore, paler complexions burned (guess who), and a fairly decent string of photos. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Skip forward several hours and we've walked all the way downtown. I think we deserve to stop in on this nice microbrewery, don't you?
They weren't licensed to serve alcohol but they could give two free "samples" to everyone that felt like walking through the door. We were so inclined.
Varun marvels at the CN Tower.
It's very tall.
I force Varun to try the Iced Cappuccino at Tim Horton's because they're just that good. I think the lady in the yellow shirt was as surprised as I was that I'd forgotten to turn off the flash.
For those of you not in "the know" downtown Toronto sits upon a network of tunnels called the "PATH"
We played "That's so not Varun", and this qualified. It's so not Varun.
It's so not Varun.
It's... well, Varun wants to keep an open mind.
The Chalkmaster raises money to retreive his recently reconciled relationship from Halifax. That's eastern Canada, and not at all close to Toronto despite being in Canada (a concept surprisingly difficult for Americans - after all Canada is all basically the same right?).
He is very funny.
The explanation.Still funny.
Finishing our day at a variety of pubs in downtown Toronto.So there you have it. I'd be funny and write actual explanations for the second half of the pictures, but it's 2am now and I like sleep more.
Ciao
Ciao
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