America is a weird and wonderful place. Most big cities are great, full of energy and innovation. The country is a different story altogether: a throwback to the 19th century - guys with long hair and tattoos, rifles slung over their shoulder (well, ok, we only saw one with a rifle but still...) As I have written before, it's a very self-contained world. And what's with all the incredibly overweight people? You never see any of them on "Grey's Anatomy"! The hotel clerk at the last hotel we were staying at was a complete moron. "No, I cain't change yo reservation - if you made it over the innernet" "Do you have any non-smoking rooms available?" "I cain't change yo reservation - if you made it over the innernet" "Well, I couldn't have possibly booked a smoking room, since I quit smoking in 1984" "I cain't change yo reservation - if you made it over the innernet" "How about if I pay you extra for it?" "I cain't change yo reservation - if you made it over the innernet" Maybe he was just a robot with a greasy forehead and zits to make him look human.
The drive home was tiring but beautiful. Once again, we passed through stunning mountains and some historic Civil War battlefields in Virginia, along route 250 - the most gorgeous scenic route you can imagine, especially in early October on a sunny day. Probably not recommended in the winter, though: very twisty, steep climbs and sharp curves.
Surprisingly, the wait at the Canadian border wasn't too long. As soon as we crossed the border, we headed for the nearest Swiss Chalet. It was delicious. Toronto looks like a huge concrete megalopolis compared with anywhere in the South. There are fewer trees here and no mountains. But boy, oh boy, one visit to Loblaws and you know we are a "world class city" :)
Pics from the trip to be found here:
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