It's time... Ok, I've enjoyed the stories and the pictures and I cherish them but now I have to, again, quote Champ Kind because, when he spoke these words to Ron, it captured the essence of his feelings. So Matt "We need you. Hell, I need you. I'm a mess without you. I miss you so much. I miss being with you, I miss being near you. I miss your laugh. I miss your scent; I miss your musk. When this all gets sorted out, I think you and me should get an apartment together. " Anyway, be safe and look forward to your return. Godspeed Matt!
From New Orleans to Florida Hey! Hooray for having a buddy to share your experiences with. Beautiful architecture in some of the photos from this blog. Love towns/cities with great personalities as seen through their buildings. Have been on a Rogue Wave kick, too. I think I spent all day Wednesday listening to tunes off a few of their albums while at work. Salesman At The Day Of The Parade, Publish My Love and Lake Michigan are some of my favs. Anyway, have a great time! Keep the pictures coming!
Less than Jake and the Fat Man... Nice update from the Big Easy. I can totally understand why people would want to disappear into the ether down there. It's like a fantasy world where the booze is plentiful, the beer is cheap, and the party never ends. Unfortunately, little do they realize that the real-world problems they thought they were leaving behind are still there and they are just adding to them. Oh, well, ces la vie. Good to hear from you. Godspeed Matt Paz!
amen wonder if the rev was telling but the truth but i guess theres some sense in what he says. awesome story 2 completely different people sharing the same love for god...you cant get that in jersey. as for the civil war so sad ive read stories however where some soldiers ended up shooting their own brothers...so sad. Rev 21:3,4 my favorite text
The Strangers Whose Faces I Know Matt, this is your best post yet. You've captured the essentials of life of both animate and inanimate, all of which is absolutely integral to the other. Dallas' experiences were really heartwarming because, although most of us will probably never go through the severity of what she has, we can still appreciate the struggle of someone who is so torn between what to do. When I hear things like that it makes me feel so much for them.. that they are prime "candidates" for the Truth. Not that everyone isn't.. but, you know what I mean. For someone trying to 'find themself' after such terrible ordeals, what comfort and hope the Truth can bring!Your fire story had me laughing outloud as the scene vividly played itself out in my mind. It's like someone else commented- it's not a road trip without a few near death experiences. Hopefully, if there are more, they'll be less risky. Happy travels, Matt. And many, many kudos on the post.
seeing the superdome gave me chills
make sure you washed your clothes in holy water after hugging your friend who speaks in tongues. haha
stay aware down there, the occult is a real thing in the south, more real than it is up here
Pretty intense I would say. I could just imagine you flipping the towel at the wall, and the wires spitting back at you, as you let out a high pitched wail. Ha
Other than that, glad youre alive. THe Dallas story is making me want to take a roadtrip and visit her. This entry make me feel that your roadtrip can be made into a movie, like eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. get working on that.
-keep on truckin son
Brother Matt, go tell it on the mountain! You and "the Rev" would make an interesting tandem. You, an upwardly mobile, northeast suburbanite and Mr. Cooke, a guy who has seen his share of troubles, both preaching on a street corner. While you share bible truths with passer by, "Rev" Cooke will wow them with his knowledge of the letter D in the bible. He seems like a nice fellow; hopefully he can transform that zeal with accurate knowledge. And you're right, Vicksburg MS is definately somewhere I will need to visit. Such a rich history. Enjoy Norleans, stuff your face with all the gumbo and crawdaddy you can eat!
Godspeed Matt Paz!
Southern man better keep your head..... I know waking up to smoke and a fire must have been frighten!!! , but you were so descriptive with the step by step actions, that I was laughing hesterically !!! Glad you 'kept your head'. You have captured the real south with this entry, real people with heartbreaking stories, fire and booze. Keep 'em coming. Can't wait to see you.
Travelin' With Ya! I've enjoyed watching the sunset with you. Did you get the feeling I was following you everywhere you went? Sure feels like I am! Thankfully I didn't start traveling with you until after the fire. ;-) Hope you write a book about your adventures cuz it will make for excellent reading. Have a safe, fun time. Love, Lorraine
its not a road trip without a couple of near death experiences. you're my hero hah. the story of the brother is just heartbraking, but he's still able to keep his head up high cause he has the hope for the future that all of us share so thats good. and the Dallas story is inspirational...should be written into a book. im loving this so stay safe my boy.
"Smoke gets in your eyes" - The Platters Anyway, that was my attempt to win second place for best title :)) I have to say so far I vote this the best entry. This is what a trip like this is about. A burning hotel room, where you stepped up to try and actually help the motel, who didn't even seem to care. You could have just fled the room with your stuff and left the motel. Kudos to you for that and glad you are safe. Good thing you woke up though, I guess Motel 6 can't afford smoke detectors or if they have them, change the battery. Both stories you shared were very touching and it really does break your heart. A lot of people would see Dallas and pre-judge her by her looks, where she works etc, not knowing her life. She, like many other people in this country, is struggling and trying her best. Yet these types of stories and the conditions of many of the American people are not talked about. I'm sure there are Non-profit orgs and charities that are out there to help them, but are not advertised to us. We are instead bombarded with commercials to help other people around the world. Which I think is great as well, but what are we doing for the people here, especially those affected by Katrina. I think, actually from what I hear, you and I are going to see New Orleans in a whole new way and really understand what Dallas is talking about.
Can't wait to see ya
Shaun
Your posting on the JD distillery is making me think Tracy and I should vacation there :)
Great post, loved the fire story, good thing you woke up before the curtains and bedsheets were on fire.
I hope you bought Dallas a drink, sounds like she needed it and earned it.
Drive safe
Brandon
Matt didn't start the fire... A near death experience always helps to memorialize a trip. As an added extra bonus, you were responsible for putting out the fire yourself! You should have asked for some hazard pay. At any rate, love the info on the Jack distillery. I only wish I had a glass in hand with some Jack on the rocks. Miss you bud, be safe.
Godspeed Matt Paz!
all I can say is WOW what a night with the fire in the room....... so glad you woke up and got out ! ! The sky pictures were absolutely inspirational. Each one was like a painting. The story about Dallas was so touching, and the info on Jack was very interesting. What an amazing adventure this is turning out for you ( and us readers ! ! )
Onward Moondogie. Love you and miss you and can't wait for the next entry....................MOM
Interesting Great pictures, I am sure it's getting a little lonely by now...Don't worry we still miss you up here but enjoy the journey your taking and the meaning it has to you. It makes you appreciate different things even though you haven't even left the US. Never been to alot of places you have blogs about or pictures of but they look interesting and different. Hope your enjoying yourself because time is going by quickly. Can't wait for your next post. Miss u...xoxo Tracy
Go Moondoggie! Your entries are so descriptive, I feel like I'm in the backseat with you. Sounds like you're having the perfect trip, just like you planned. But really...where are the people?? I see no one on any streets! Love the history lessons, and the music selections. Keep us posted on any human contact ( besides the homeless). Luv Aunt Nina
The Longest Journey Is The Journey Inward A very enjoyable read, you little intrepid explorer/journeyman. Seeing the sights through your eyes has been both fun and inspiring. It's 'funny' how sometimes all it takes is a trip out of the way to gain a clearer perspective or appreciation for things both integral to our lives now, as well as what we further long for. There's a lesson to be learned through everything so long as we keep our eyes open and looking for it. Take advantage of what you can in the time given (Carpe Diem!), absorb the tastes, sights and sounds, and continue to keep us there with you through your stories. Thanks again for sharing. Looking forward to hearing the adventures ahead!
I want to travel.... So I was feeling a little down and ok a little jealous..traveling is a beautiful thing!! so I got in my car and thought if Matt can do it, so can I !!! and off I went. Awe here I am the mystical and gentle ocean breeze!! I made it!!! yes!! busted (Sea Girt) loved it. Wow sounds great, all of it so far. Paying the bum to befriend you, humm. It's all good. ENJOY !!!!
Glad to see you are makin the most of all you come across...did u eat any ribs?! "i like ribs" hahahhahaha
i love shipwreck and autumn inthe catskills! amazing detail and just absolutely stunnnin..
o and that pic of you all alone is so sad! we miss you tooooo! jus keep meetin more "eli's" and you wont be lonely ;)
Moondoggie episode #4 I am hooked on your travel blogs. I feel like I am watching episodes of 24 and I can't wait till the next episode to see the recent adventures of Moondoggie. Don't worry........human contact is coming and will reach you in New Orleans. Don't fall into those valleys in the meantime, but try to stay on top of the peaks. Miss you lots. xxoo MOM
Dre
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Road Trip 09'
it was great following your trip. now we have to map our route to chicago, milwaukee, San Fran!