Greyhound Bus. Low budget travelling at its very worst. All across America in cold, uncomfortable buses. People who can’t afford going by plane or train. Or people who enjoy the ride on the roads. Or people who want to experience the adventure. The bus between San Antonio and Houston is packed, as usual with about 90% African-Americans. Doesn’t bother the 300 pound white man with the large cowboy hat. Has ”White Power” and a swastika tattooed on his neck, fully visible. Takes the isle seat next to a young black man. The cute couple don’t exchange any words, but trouble seems [View Full Entry]

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A day-trip to San Francisco from Los Angeles is not to recommend. It's a 6 hr drive on the interstate, one way. Sort of a hit-n-run experience. You step on it to make the most out of your day in SF, but still the time just isn't enough. Our Ford Mercury is big and comfortable, more than enough for the three of us. The coastal highway would have been much more scenic, but we just don't have the time, so I-5 it is. It's really not too bad. The valleys leading out to the inland of California are nice. Dry, not [View Full Entry]

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TJ. Tijuana. Good old Mexico. Mexico is a very interesting country. Massive in size, very intriguing culture and history, various climates with desert as well as tropical forests, big cities and small villages, friendly people. The contrast from neighboring San Diego and California is indeed gigantic. You have clearly entered a country that is not the US. It doesn’t feel very exotic though. More like sleepy, touristy, and not at all interesting from a traveling point of view. This is where Californian college kids go partying because the drinking age more generous than in the US. This is where visitors to [View Full Entry]

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Ok, I admit it, I was caught by the hype of making the turn of the millennium one to remember. No fear of the Y2K bug, no fear of lunatics sending a missile into a crowd in a high profile location. SO, Vegas here we come! Cruising into the Strip for the first time is a mighty experience, even for an experienced traveler like myself. The eyes are all over the place, there is so much to see, everywhere you look. The insanely grand hotels/casinos, all of them a theme park in themselves, leave a lasting impression for the first-timer. Appears [View Full Entry]

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A car ride in the desert is about as exciting as it sounds. Even the four hour ride between Los Angeles and Las Vegas would be a rather dull transport, had circumstances been ordinary. However, the occasion is a bit special. Six friends in a party mood, travelling in a big white rental car to celebrate Y2K in Vegas. The ride is some four hours, meaning that random pit stops are a must. One takes place right after having crossed the border to Nevada. Stretching the legs, taking a leak, getting a drink, or what have you. And, looking up. The [View Full Entry]

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The bus between Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA isn’t full, not even close. She’s sitting in the back of the bus, mixing her soda with vodka. Alcohol is prohibited on Greyhound buses, and she has to hide it. She hasn’t seen her child in many years, the father took it away. She is an exotic dancer. She is going to New Orleans to visit her mother, not to try her luck like many other dancers. She knows how to make that extra buck. Smile, and they will give you money. Even if you’re having a bad day, smile. Extended customer [View Full Entry]

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It’s never raises more than a few feet above the water. It’s straight as an arrow. The fact still remains; Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest bridge in the world. 25 miles of bridge between Metairie and Mandeville in Louisiana. One might think that this would be an interesting ride. The fact is, it’s probably hard to find a less interesting ride. Look to your left, there is water a few feet down. Look to your right, there’s water a few feet down. Look in front of you, there’s probably a car. It seems unlikely that anyone would drive off the bridge [View Full Entry]

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It's not really clear why he decided to go to Stockholm. Just a short vacation, I guess. Staying at a youth hostel makes it impossible not to talk to strangers. He's from England somewhere. Name is Gregory, or maybe Jeff. Or something. He suggests going to a pub for a beer. Since the alternative is turning in a 9pm, I'm in. We have a couple of beers, nothing extravagant, over some casual conversation. The last beer is on him. "You buy me a beer next time", he says. We both know that the odds of us meeting up again are slim [View Full Entry]

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Subletting the apartment for the summer seemed to be a great idea. Most of my rent would be absorbed, and the temporary tenant would get a nice and quiet place at a reduced price. His name was Russell. American guy, in his 40's, calm and quiet, drink- and smoke free, riding around New Orleans on his bicycle. Wouldn't cause any trouble with the apartment complex manager, would keep a very low profile. According to our written contract, he would leave upon my return. So far so good. The summer went by, and I returned. This is when I realize that Russell [View Full Entry]

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"I got my first real six-string. Bought it at the five-and-dime. Played it til my fingers bled. It was the summer of 69." Those opening lines from the opening act more or less guarantee a good show. Especially since they come from the person who came up with the whole concept of singing about his careless, happy youth, back in 1969. Linda Perry, you know the What's Up girl, served as a crowd-starter. Pretty good choice, but the main performer can carry his own show. There are only two persons during the whole show at the rather small stage at the [View Full Entry]

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