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Published: December 12th 2009
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Halloween
Popeye, Hippy and a Chainsaw Massacre Righteo. Ive had the opportunity to partake in some fine American traditions recently, most notably Halloween and Thanksgiving. Now just to put it in context both are huge holidays here and Halloween is all about excess in costumes, candy (people just stare at me if I say lollies) and alcohol. Id been warned out early (Dec 08) by the Moye family that Halloween was their party and attendance was compulsory so never one to argue or cause a fuss I was in. Superstar (Jeremy) and I were then faced with the task of shopping for costumes and over here a BS mustache and sombrero wont cut it. So with neither of us a fan of shopping and putting it off until the last minute we were not overly enthralled with the task ahead. Finally after procrastinating on the couch we were out the door and the first shop we found had a good selections so we tried a few on, had a few laughs and after my mouth before brain effort of suggesting we go as Michael Jackson when he was a man and then when he was a woman in front of other customers we decided on hippies.
The
Downtown Jax
On the way to the brewery night of the party I had an official function so after driving an 80 mile round trip to have 2 water crackers and a beer I was pleasant upon my arrival home. Jeremy gave me 2 beers to remove the crankiness and it was time to hit the road. After jumping into the cab and heading over to the Moye's, the cab driver said it would be 4.25, someone pulled out a credit card to which I just laughed. I had left my wallet at home so my surprise at the credit card was about 1/5th of the cabbies. The guy wouldn't take the card so after offering him cigarettes, some vegetables from our party tray and a hippy afro wig we were left outside the Moye's without paying for the cab and him taking none of our bartering objects. Once inside the costumes were crazy and an alcohol fuelled night along with games and me getting stuck in the corner talking politics for 40mins ensured 2 happy aussies.
Next day was a slow peaceful morning and would see us witness our first major college football rivalry between Florida and Georgia. This is one of the biggest games on
Just Like Bourban
The metrpolis that is Mobile Alabama the calendar and although Georgia have not won for a few years the atmosphere is great and the fans are crazy. We headed to the Jacksonville landing which after a year of "we should go there" we finally made it. It was time to get back on the drinking train and soon enough we were into the swing of things. A ferry ride across the local river to a brewery finished the afternoon and then it was back to the Moye's to assist in finishing the Halloween keg. Saturday is the day for trick or treating so that night we wandered around with their 3 yr old son and got into the tradition and I bagged some lollies as well, (no David they were not stolen from children). Basically people just swap 'candy' and no-one plays tricks much to my dismay but a good tradition to have witnessed all the same.
About a week later work sent me to Mobile, Alabama for a ship visit and meeting. After deciding to drive and drag superstar along for some company it was time for another road trip. After the GPS had convulsions and I had called it every name unbecoming I
Petes Bar
Bloody Marys start right here could think of Jeremy turned to me and said what would really annoy you right now? So many things to say so I asked him what was he up to and 23 mins in a car SOMEONE needed to use the bathroom. Impressed beyond belief and my poker face revealing everything I drove for over an hour before giving him the requested rest stop. 6hrs later we arrived in Mobile to a decent hotel and a very quiet street. I asked the lady what was good to see and do and she pointed to the street which was apparently similar to Bourbon St in New Orleans. WELL, the only similarity is that the road is paved. Mobile is a very quiet town with nothing going on, except for homeless people and a few small bars. After walking around for 30mins we were back at the hotel and went to their bar for a beer. Some dinner and football finished the evening and I got ready for work.
Next morning I have 4 phone messages and after calling people back Im told Im not allowed into the dockyard because my security clearance has not been approved. Mind you, this thing
has been handed in a week prior through the right channels and the dockyard is AUSTRALIAN!! So to say I was pissed is a euphemism and I let everyone on the security list who had done the paperwork know how I felt about the job they had done. Clearly this could have been brought to my attention the week prior to driving 6 bloody hours. Anyway about 10mins later the boss calls from Jacksonville saying that I have been recalled due to a tropical storm and need to return immediately. Frustrated and very cranky Jeremy took the keys and we headed home. Sweet Home my ass! But it's a story, I can now smile....not laugh just yet about it and remember our trip to Mobile, Alabama.
Moving on to more pleasant things the next stop on the US calendar is Thanksgiving.....which is THE holiday over here. Bigger than Xmas most people travel on this weekend which ensures chaos and impatience. Lucky for me we just went down the road. Thanksgiving Day is historically a harvest festival celebrated in the United States and traditionally is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude to others for our many blessings. I gave thanks that it was warm and conducive for Bloody Mary's. The day started with a trip to Pete's Bar and a street gathering of about 2,000 people. Bloody Marys and Mimosas are the drink and hanging out on the street chatting is the way to go. Thanksgiving is also a day of football so after a liquid breakfast Jeremy and I headed back for some quiet time and football. It was then time for to head to the Moye's to join their family where Andy had cooked a feast including a 23 pd turkey, 3 types of stuffing, mac and cheese, green beans, mash, gravy, sprouts and casseroles x2 (which was eaten a week after) and wine was flowing. A board game some street football resulted in a great day and a very good deep sleep. So that's what has been happening and my trip to Austin Texas is next, so saddle up. Hope y'all are well.
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