Shiny!

Normally, I'm not a fan of cars. I don't specifically dislike them, but they don't really do it for me. But my uncle invited me to go with him to a car show in Portland, so I figured it'd be at least interesting. And while he was there to look for a new car, I was just there for the shiny. Unfortunately, some of these are concept cars, so will never see the light of day.

My culinary adventure continues

Well, I've been in the US for about a week now, and things are slowly starting to settle in terms of weirdness. Their light switches are the wrong way round, with down being off. People here just start conversations with random strangers. After years of living under the basic credo "anyone who talks to you on public transport is a fucking crazy person", all of a sudden I'm in a country where perfectly normal people do that. And talk loud. On the phone.

Anyway, photos! From Portland!

Otter Statues. They're not quite up to the same level as the Christchurch corgis, but still...

The second one is purely to make Chris jealous. Yes, that is a half litre of Red Bull. No you can't have it.

Reese's Peanut Butter and Banana Creme: These are actually pretty gross. They take that horrible fake banana flavour (kinda like the Cadbury bannoffee bars) and add it to Reese's peanut butter cups. Not cool

OH GOD GIANT ANDROGYNOUS BRONZE POSEIDON IS COMING TO GET YOU! EVERYBODY RUN!

A hot dog. From a random stall. These things are actually pretty decent, with nice buns and about 30 options for toppings. I wonder if they have such a selection of extras to mask the flavour of the sausage itself? I mean after adding onions, saurkraut, capsicum, mayo, mustard, bbq sauce, jalapeños, chilli beans, etc. etc., maybe you can't taste the thing. And it's still only $2.25

Finally, a building from Portland that I just found intriguing. 

Anyway, peace out everyone, and read the blog! It's got even more stuff (sometimes)

www.arthurcurrylives.blogspot.com

I hope you're all doing well, wherever you are.

TB/AC

America, part 1

Well, I've settled down, and started to face the crazy. It's actually been good so far, and everyone has been absolutely delightful. And I now own a super warm coat.

But, on with the crazy!

A pizza slice that I bought for lunch. $3.75. Look at the size of it! That's my hand, and I do not have small hands! Holy crap! There was like half a pepperoni sausage on it! It was so salty and greasy I've been crazy thirsty all day.

Secondly, an empty lot, covered in barbed and razor wire. I'm sure there was something there, I just find it funny that it looked completely empty.

Arrival

Well folks, I'm in America! The travel went well, no disasters, and I'v arrived to a palmy 30° Portland. 30°F. Which is freezing. Well, at least they know how to warm their houses and buses here...

And, while waiting in San Francisco, I saw Jamie Hyneman in the distance! The bald guy from Mythbusters! Woohoo, famous folk!

Initial impressions of America? Cafes that serve biscuits and gravy. Food joints everywhere. PB&J restaurant for kids. Everyone seems to have new cars. Not only do they drive on the wrong side of the road, but also walk on the wrong side of the hallway.

Crazy stuff.

More when I actually get out and about.

Tim

It's time.

Well folks. Here it is. This afternoon, I'm off. Next stop: Portland. Well, not technically next stop, but where I actually spend some time. And I'll start updating this blog regularly about the things I encounter.

In the meanwhile, those of you who are still in NZ, I thoroughly recommend you go see the Retrophonic Funk Machine who are currently touring across the country. Go check them out, they're awesome.

31/12 Canaan Downs Festival, Takaka
03/01 Poverty Bay Club, Gisbourne - w/ Odessa
04/01 Harbourview Hotel, Raglan
06/01 Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
11/01 Parihaka Peace Festival, Parihaka
17/01 Bar Mode, Palmerston North
18/01 Mighty Mighty, Wellington - w/ Harbour City Electric and the Julian Temple Band
19/01 Phat Club, Nelson
20/01 Barrytown Hall, Barrytown
24/01 The Backstage, Dunedin
25/01 Dux de Lux, Christchurch - w/ L'Ocean
26/01 TBC, Wanaka