“I’m sorry Sir, but you can’t board the plane,” so said the short (Tigger would say: “perpendicular lacking”), nicely groomed British Airways attendant, who spoke English with a heavy Scottish accent. “You see, you need a visa to pass through the UK,” reminding me of the fact I already knew! I had failed to get the visa the Friday before because the heavy traffic in Chicago had ensured that I got to the Queen’s Embassy, after they had closed!. Instead of delaying my trip, I thought I would use one of their loop-holes to get through, which was not to be. “The immigration officer at Heathrow says they won’t allow you to change planes if you come without the visa,” he added. I remember thinking, ‘his standard BA issue uniform fits him well.’
Failure to get on the plane was a welcome deal, because it gave me another day to spend in Chicago running around seeing the city. The only downside was that I had to carry my huge bags with me, to my temporary domicile and bring them back the following day. Two days before, I had spent my time in south Chicago, interesting place in that they was only ‘poor’ people, you know those who lived from pay-check to pay-check? I saw men sitting under trees, young men lounging by the street corners. Since it was a working day, I remember thinking that these people were unemployed. They was people, lots on the streets.
Denied a chance to board the plane, I rescheduled my flight, an easy thing to do given that the Boeing 777, flight number 298, and 2 something leave Chicago daily at 8:15pm and 9:15 respectively for Heathrow. I was in no hurry. Back in the old days, missing a plane would have had me going nuts, scared, heart pounding, perspiring etc. How things have changed! Since it was a Sunday, I killed time by driving through the city. Seeing Michigan Ave, I was reminded of how the city’s existence depended on the surrounding suburbs. Michigan Ave., north and south, my taxi driver (a guy from Nigeria, with two kids) had informed me that was the place where the rich come to shop, for all the designer shops, like Gucci and the like were located. Oprah called the Ritz Hotel her home. Talking of how the city is divided, like any other place in the US I had passed through Naperville a couple of days before. Whereas south Chicago, the inner city they was people on the street, men sitting under trees and the like, this wasn’t the case in Naperville. I remember thinking that if I ever make it in life, I wanna come and live right here in Naperville. It is a beautiful place, kids on their bikes playing by the road, police officers patrolling by, adverts for summer school for kids. While I was there, I saw my first ever “Human Billboard” you know, a man (visibly overweight) with posters strapped on his back and front. The poster read “50% off, closing down sale….”
“This was formerly a bog. One day, a man named George Streeter got his boat stuck in the mud, and instead of trying to un-beach his boat, he decided to start living there. Later, he declared the area around his boat, his own, outside the bounds of the city of Chicago authority, only to be answerable to the federal government. It remained his land till his death in 1921, at which point the city reclaimed the area, and named the place “Streeterville,” the captain of the boat (can’t remember name) explained as the tourists and I took a one hour cruise on Lake Michigan. A few minutes earlier, I had boarded the ship from the famous Navy Pier, around 10:00am. This had followed my journey to the Queen’s Embassy, and my unsuccessful attempt to fix my computer. (I found a repair dealer, the only obstacle being that he demanded $138 without even looking at the computer. An Indian guy in his mid-fifties, white hair, supine features. A warm, clear day. From the ship, I could see to the point where Lake Michigan’s waters touched the blue sky, and on the other side I could see the awesome city skyline. I took lots of pictures (being luck in that my SD card had 1GB of space).
“…and if you are from Sweden, I sympathize with you.” The Boeing 777 flight number 298 captain finished his address to the passengers as we taxied to our berth on Heathrow Airport. The same day, England was to play Sweden in a World Cup match out across the English Channel in Germany. The Captain (can’t remember name) assumed that England would beat Sweden. Leaving the plane, I told the captain “England is gonna lose,” and I left him laughing. The eight hour flight from Chicago had failed to uplift my spirits, for the day before I had ‘lost’ my digital camera, and two days earlier the computer had malfunctioned coz I had tipped a class of water on it by mistake. To make the situation worse, the immigration guys a Heathrow never checked to see if I had my transit visa! The night before, I had arrived for check in late (I left my residence at 3pm, only to get to O’Hare at 7pm), and because I had six bags the guys at check in had said, “You are only allowed to check in two bags. For the extra one, you have to pay $200!” They didn’t care if the third bad was tiny. I had declined to check the extra bad, hopping I would take it as a carry. On trying to board, on of the hostess had said “Stop! You can’t have four carry-ons! You have to check in the other two bags!” These became the two bags I lost, only to be re-united with them a week after I got to Africa. The good thing? I didn’t pay the $400 for the extra luggage. Next time you travel, try it.
In re-schedulling my flight, the BA attendant had asked me if I wanted to sit on the window or not. In the old days, I would have said yes right away. On this occasion, I declined the offer, and that’s is how I ended up sitting by an Indian lady with her 4 year-old son. I never spoke to her, only I was impressed by the fact that at that age, the boy was already bi-lingual, understanding both English and Hindu. Remarkable fit. If ever you decide to fly, take South African instead of British Airways, they have better service etc.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Of Washington D.C
I bet this is as good time as any to tell you guys about my time in Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
My original plan called for me to leave the car outside, get on-board the Metro system and get into the city. I had read everywhere that driving into the capital city would be a nightmare (which was not, as I found the following day). When you are traveling north on i-95, the subway system starts in Springfield-Francosia, Virginia. I hoped to meet up with my former roommate, Mark King and spend the day with him in the city, if thing went according to plan.
Since it was a weekend, parking space on the metro grounds in Springfield were plenty. In case you don't know, this was my induction into the metro system, for where I'm from we don't have it (Grinnell. I suppose they can put up one for me to go to class? :) ). Getting on to the main terminus, I found that everything seemed efficient. I mean, from buying the tickets (one day pass) at the automated machine to the boarding. I must say, using the metro system all, and the following day was awesome, and easy even for novices like me. The way it's set-up, even us from the wilderness can manage to navigate it easily. Although to many of you this will come as nothing, for me it: I often wonder at the ease with which I adapt to situations. I mean, by the end of the day it felt natural, such that if you don't know, you would think I been using/living in D.C for years. I was worried about parking, but the guy in charge at the station allayed my fears when he said, "It's a weekend, parking is for free."
The were lots of tourists strolling on the capital mall, when I was able to hook-up with Mark. He is doing an internship in D.C for the summer. It was great to see him again, hadn't seen him in while. Although he been in the city for some weeks, he still needs a map to navigate it. Walking past the Washington Memorial, I saw some people playing soccer, and I begged Mark if I could join them. However, Mark said no. It seemed people use the area about those monuments for recreational sports. It made me feel, how life in the city is relaxed and laid back, despite the threat of terrorist. I think, it is the envy of many abroad: I mean the ability of feel free, with the police and such relagated to the position of mere spectators.
Of all the places I visited, I didn't like the White House, but I did love the time spent in the Museum of History, the best place I ever been. I didn't like the White House, coz of the huge security cordon that they have put around it. When Abraham Lincoln was president, anybody was free to walk through the gates, and go greet him. That time of free access to the president, saw the greatest achievements that this country could achieve in a short time. He was not killed at the White house. The Smithsonian museums where awesome. I do hope that Americans still remember to thank that French guy who donated, in his will the money to the young struggling democracy. I don't remember his name, but I know that he did discover the original site of Troy, and that he could speak several languages etc. I liked the fact that the city had no tall buildings. Just great design. The city, being on a grid, was also easy to navigate (E'Fant, the French guy who was commission by G. Washington to design the city, was a pure genius).
I did drove through and around the city. Actually found parking space, and I visited those restaurants. I didn't forget to go pay respects at Arlington Cemetery. Again, since it is high tourist season, most of the places I visited when crowded. I saw people of different nationalities, speaking in different languages. Apparently, these historical sites are also a huge attractions for people from abroad. Like I said the other time, I hope commercialism won't hi-jack these sites, like it has done in other places I visited. Leaving D.C, in Baltimore I was lucky to stumble on the real American definition of summer. Circus! I got to ride the ferries wheel, and those roller-coasters. I have always wanted to do that, ever since I saw a documentary about them way back.
After Baltimore, driving on i-95, became pretty interesting. Consequently, I ditched that route. Instead, I decided to follow the unknown path, which saw me gallivanting the back-roads of PA.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
My Route across the country
My route. I'm a few hours from Columbus, Ohio. The blue route, has been scrapped, cutting off NYC and Boston.
Hiking the Allegheny Mountains.
06/12/06. 23:05:50 A full moon is shining in the western horizon, it's moonlight turning the landscape bluewish. An invigorating and soothing breeze is blowing through the forest, making the trees sway back and forth. High up here in the mountains of Penn, it is quiet and calm. I can breath the fresh air, and the shadow of the mountains makes my heart melt with wonder and amazement. I wouldn't mind living up here. I wanna take a hike up there to the summit of the mountain tomorrow. Driving up the mountain in the dead of the night, it was scary, and dangerous. Etc. Camping here through the night, I will be refreshed when I wake up.
'Having been refreshed and partially forgotten my experiences from last night (driving steep inclines, negotiating sharp curves at the edge of a mountain) I decided to spend the day hiking. Hiking the Allegheny Mountains here in PA is an unforgettable adventure. Specifically, I was a at the point where they first crossed the mountains when they were building the railroad/canal back in 1831. In order to connect Pittsburg to Philadelphia, the Allegheny Mountains had to be crossed. They chose to build canals from both Pittsburg and Philly, and instead of digging through the mountains, they came up with an ingenious way: Boats would come on canals, and when they reach one side of the mountain, they would be ferried on rail-road tracks up and down the mountain, and then get deposited on the canal on the other side of the mountain, and off they would go to Philadelphia. This method was used for 20 years, until the real rail-road took over the Pittsburg-Philly connection, when they had powerful locomotives that could climb the mountains. I had fun while up the mountain, and seemed I was the only tourist at the park! Talk of staying off the beaten path! The birds chirping in the pine forest, flowers hanging by the sidewalks, and grass on my feet inspired me to hum, for this was the best life could give.
My journey through rural America will continue for the next few days. The good thing is that I'm now traveling west, meaning I'm getting closer to Chicago by the minute. I will be in Columbus/Toledo later today. Will be in Chicago by Thursday…
Circus!
Leaving Washington D.C. i stumbled upon the defination of summer! Circus! It was awesome, and it seemd everybody was there.
Mark King
My good friend and former college roommate, Mark King. We were together in Washington D.C.
John F. Kennedy.
Paying my respects at the John F. Kennedy's and his wife and children grave. In front of me, you can see the eternal flame burning.
Gettysburg & the Alleghenies
Location: York, Pennsylvania
Mileage: 3789
06/10/2006. 11:38:05 Interview: Just me interviewing myself...) Who am i? My name is Trymore, just an average guy trying to make it in life. What is my purpose in life? It's my point in life to try-more. Who am i? I am Trymore. What do I do in life? I write for a living. What's my ambition? I don't know. Ask me some other day. Where am I ? I'm in a small town called York, Penn. It's a town, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the busy i-95. What am I doing here? I'm looking at places no tourist guide-book will tell you to visit. In addition, it gives me a chance to escape the toll-fees that clog i-95 as it nears Philadelphia, a city 'protected' by toll-roads from both sides. Am I going to Philadelphia then, or am I gonna skip that and head for New York straight? I don't know, maybe when I wake up in a few hours I will know. How do I feel right now, after being on the road for a long long time? I feel alright. Actually, I'm thinking of looking for a job as a trucker, living on the road, I can manage. Who do I miss most? I miss my mum. I miss Grinnell. I miss walking on a quiet street. I miss everything. Am I ok? I am ok. What do I regret, traveling on i-83? There are no hotels. With that, no wireless, no nothing. Am I happy? Yes I'm happy, I spent the whole day in D.C! It was great. Read the report below. What? I'm really tired, after walking all day from one place of interest to another. What do I look forward to right now? I look forward to finishing my trip and flying to South Africa. What's so special about South Africa? I can meet my cousins and the like down there. Do I miss my family in Zim? Yes I miss them, a lot. What am I gonna do about that? I don't know. Am I ok? I'm ok.
06/13/2006. 07:25:01 It's beautiful, nippy Penn morning. The chili westerly wind has forced me to dig deep into my suitcase to look for a warm jacket. How things change, when I was in the south a week or so ago, I was 'sweating like a pig' and now it is very cold. I did speak to one local resident though, and she said its unusual weather. Now, I find myself in York, Penn. And, can you believe it? It puts me at less than 30min away from Gettysburg!! I think I will go spend the day there. I better move.
It was my plan to move away from the huge interstates, coz staying on them meant that I was gonna miss old settlements, what they call small-town America. And so, I'm followed US-30 which bisects Penn (PA), the way I-80 does IA. PA, awesome state. A lot of things seem laid back, I mean here in the rural/small-towns. Showing it's Germany heritage, I stopped at some restaurant where they were saving Germany stuff. I call these areas 'innocent America.' Why? Um, it's difficult for me to say. It's like, they are protected from the upheavals brewing in the south like immigration. Amish communities still work their trade, refusing to go 'mechanical.' "The Lancaster County Amish Family lives a very plain life in a world surrounded by an Amish community and a very modern 'English' community. The Amish… left modernity pass them by in leu of the plain life…" so proclaims a caption in "Intercourse News," the local Amish newspaper (Vol. 38.No 5, pg. 1).
Gettysburg, is a town celebrating history, and what it means to be American. It's a huge tourist attraction. At it's dedication, an estimated 15000 people showed up at the event, the same day Abraham Lincoln was to deliver his 'by the government, by the people, for the people' speech. It's a place resounding with echoes of history, the past that brought the country to the present. With it's narrow streets, the city made me hark back to stories that I read about towns in Europe. It is a benign place. On my way there, traveling US-30 it was amazing to see that everybody was selling 'antiques.' I don't know the reason, but the 21 stretch from York to Gettysburg, I must 'have seen myself' 23 places selling antique stuff. Also, that reminds. In the South, especially New Orleans and such at every corner there were these 'Advance Cash'; 'Loans' etc. I mean, those small outlets offering money? Quick Cash? Mixed with that, 'they was' lots of churches! This ties in well with the idea that where there is poverty, these kind of institutions crop up everywhere. There were even more radio stations, Christian stations. You never here that up here.
The hamlets seem to be hanging by the sides of the mountains, the Alleghenies. Communities deep in the valleys, and it feels like I'm another country. This a sharp contrast to the usual flatlands out in the mid-west. Driving up the steep inclines, it reminds of Gollum taking Sam and Frodo up the 'staircase' of all roads! I wish I had the road all to myself, then I can drive very slowly. But I couldn't, the locals where always angry at me for moving slowly! Made a quick stop at Caledonia Forest, shared stories with people at a youth camp. Summer Camps. Growing up, I never had a chance to go to a summer camp, I only read that stuff in books from out in the west. Did I miss anything? Moving through the villages on US 30, high on top of the mountains, was awesome. The sun-sets and pretty. Watching the sun-set, I couldn't help it but wonder at the purpose of life, and if this the best it's suppose to be.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Vietnam Memorial
The Vietman Memorial. This picture, says a lot to me. I can, write a whole book about the feelings, and etc shown through the sculpture. It's the brotherhood in the army, it's sharing common dangers and such that brings strangers to an 'army of one' Awesome.
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