May
17
2006

Randomness

(Add / View Comments) (0)Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 11:20:51 pm (Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 06:20:51 am MST)
(Posted Under: Travel)
Some random comments about the trip thus far.

One thing that has really stood out thus far is that I have to keep reminding myself that I am halfway across the world. It really doesn't feel like it this time around. Last year it stood out like a sore tooth. "Oh my god, I'm in Tempe Arizona!" was such an overused thought running through my head constantly. And I guess it was slightly less so than my first trip to America, but certainly there was no forgotting that I was in the US of A. This time around, and of course it is exciting, and I have my moments, but it's a lot different. It's not foreign, I know it. It's what I do. It was even true of the flight, "it's just what I do". And I think that was a godsent in LA actually, given the somewhat stressfullness of making it to the flight to Phoenix. I knew exactly what we had to do, and where we had to go, and was really not a huge deal in that regard. And I think that made it a lot more palitable for Catherine, just being able to follow my lead and not have to worry about anything.

The same thing was true of touching down in Sky Habour in Phoenix, and the drive out to Tempe. It's like home. Rather than Katie being tour guide, I was pointing out things like A mountain, ASU etc. etc. The accents don't phase me anymore. Last year I got used to them, but initially they really stood out. The driving on the wrong side of the road, the different cars, all the small differences (and there are many) just aren't that notible to me this time around. Certainly in the past it's been more intimidating (in a fine way, just conscious that you're in a foriegn place), but I really don't get this that time around. I feel so much less relient on Katie, less worried that I'll ask for a Coke and get a cake [wink] (or rather, a strange look). It's a cool thing. And more to the point, fitting. The feeling of things being really foriegn and somewhat intimating is really cool and exciting, and I really would not give up it being that way last year. And to whatever extent - I prefer it - or something. But certainly I feel that it's really cool that I feel this way this time around, and feeling more at ease and independant is awesome. And is fitting for this time around, given that Katie is working a lot more this time around.

I even noticed this at Last Exit on Saturday night. Last year it was just amazing, and unbelievable to be standing at Last Exit. This time around, it immediately felt just like my local hangout. It's really cool. [smile]

In addition to that, it doesn't seem like I've been away for 13 months. God, they were a painfully long 13 months, but once hitting town again, it kinda felt like I'd never left. Standing at Last Exit, it seemed like it was only yesterday that I was there! It's really felt just like coming home, rather than travelling halfway across the world.

It probably makes life easier for both Katie and Catherine, Katie not having to be the absolute tour guide, and Catherine having someone who knows the town reasonably well when Katie isn't around.

In anycase, a really cool and notible thing. [smile]
May
17
2006

Arizona Morning

(Add / View Comments) (0)PhotosWednesday, May 17, 2006 - 10:16:11 pm (Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 05:16:11 am MST)
(Posted Under: Travel)
After passing out at around 8 o'clock while House was on, I woke up this morning at around 3 and couldn't get back to sleep. So it was a good time to wander out onto Katie's porch for a smoke. I actually fell asleep out here last night for about half an hour. There was a storm rolling in last night a bit before we left Katie's work. It was kind of a non event, but looked really cool seeing the storm out on the horizon against the mountains surrounding the valley. It was also cool to smell the rain in the desert - the typical rain smell, but with an added scent of the desert. Hence falling alseep out here last night, it was quite humid, but nice.

Photobox ImageThis morning at 3am it was quite cool (not cold by a long shot, but relatively speaking, cool compared to the days) which was quite nice. Trying to go back to sleep has been somewhat pointless, so I've stayed out here. At about 4:30 or so the sun started to rise. It's 5:30 now, it's completely light, and you can already feel the heat. Today is no doubt going to be a hot one. There is a brease every now and then, which is really nice. But I can feel the sweaty stickyness of the desert heat kicking in, even this early. I've obviously brought my laptop out here now. I was hoping to get some internet access via the public wireless access point at Tempe Beach Park, but I guess we're only barely in range out here, and I haven't been successful in connecting. It almost seems worthwhile buying a wireless router for Katie, and tap into her internet. Trying to do so wired has been unsuccessful. I think there have been a miriad of problems there. Firstly, I think the ethernet cable I brought with me is either busted, or the wrong type. I tested it out at Madden yesterday, and it didn't work. It was a relief to know that my network card in my laptop is fine though, until using it there it seemed like it might be. Using Katie's ethernet cable doesn't work either. I also tried USB ethernet that she has, but my laptop failed to find the drivers for it. Plug and play my ass! So it would be really nice to get wireless access, but it's not looking likely in this part of town.

In anycase, it's been really nice just sitting out here this morning, watching the sun come up over Tempe!

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