The wonderful parts of touring...
Posted November 10, 2006
I may seem to gripe about the hardships of tour, but there are some wonderful things that do happen and several things I always look forward to seeing every time we go on the road. Lest you think me an ill-tempered curmudgeon, here are but a few:
THE BUCOLIC NORTHEAST
Starting with Vermont and New Hampshire, but encompassing most of Maine and parts of northern New York, the upper upper northeast is a personal symbol of quaint and stoic values and tasty lobster. Burlington, VT, is always a favorite place to visit because of the locals relatively serene temperament (probably due to the close proximity of Canadas superior doobs) and the great view of Lake Champlain from the top of the hill. Its enough to make me forgive the $8 wheat grass shots.
THE SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR
Three things reign in the Southwest: Native American fry bread, Route 66, and abandoned drive-in theaters. I dont think a tour has gone by when I havent wondered what my life would be like if I lived down there in a trailer without AC, driving a 62 Chevy pickup down a dirt trail to the roadhouse every night for a few dozen Buds and bar fights over girls who look like Tom Petty.
MANHATTAN
Everything is sophisticated in NYC., and everyone seems like they should be famous. Even the bums seem worldlier. When I get solicited for change in the city, I think, Man, those arent like the bums back home. You could go to a different club every night of the year with no repeats and have a blast, as long as you forget the story of white people on the island began with the worlds worst real estate deal. In fact, the only thing I dont care for in NYC are Midwestern expats who go to comical lengths hide their hillbilly heritage with heavy doses of fly shades and Jesus beards. Come on, if I can chew Red Man in Times Square, so can you.
THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Nothing will make you feel more like youre starring in your own personal movie like driving on the 5, or the 405, or the PT 109, whichever one it is, and seeing the Hollywood sign perched high on the hills. Ironically, there are probably lots of people in those expensive houses on the hill next to it who are starring in a personal movie of their own the very same minute.
THE BIG SKY DRIVEOVER
The drive itself isnt enjoyable but the scenery of Montana is magnificent, and its always a joy to look at all the huge bluffs and tiny towns of fourteen houses surrounding a railroad depot and think of how itd be a great place of for one to hide out. If one were running from the law, say. (Hypothetically.)
Wish me safe travels
-j
