A Debt of Gratitude to the US
People reading my rants about the TSA may have got the impression that I had a horrible time in the US. They’d be wrong. It was one of the best trips I’ve had in a long while. I even enjoyed my run-ins with the protectors of America’s flight paths. It’s no fun when everything goes to plan.
I had so much fun, in fact, that I’m toying with the idea of doing my next book about the US. Maybe start at Barrow, the northern most point of the country, and finish at Key West, the southern most point. And let fate dish up what happens between.
Of course, it was the Americans I met that made this journey so special. In no particular order I’d like to thank the following people:
Lori from Centro
Janine and Cait from AKA
Mario Batali
The good folk at McNally Robinson
Allison and the gang at the NY Scooter Club
Callia and the gang from the NY Writers Circle
The guy who looked like Danny Glover
Jim Belushi
The Apron Lady
Gerry, Ginger and Kevin from DC Vespa
Gayle and family at New Orleans Vespa
Jean and Andrea at Scooter Originali
Chelsea, Darren, Charlotte and Tim from Scomo
Tim’s magic bag
Tai and John from Erico Motorsports
David and Anthony in Denver
Nuclia Waste
Marie Javins
And finally, all my good friends at the TSA.
If I’ve left anyone off my list I apologise. It was the jetlag that made me do it.
The Blog!
June 10th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
Nope … it sounded like you had a great time, and you only confirmed what I know and like so much about Americans … the airport stuff was already known to me, it just made grouchy to realise how it had escalated.
Hope I didn’t sound too much like an old witch but well … ya know, the groped pregnant woman story and the broken lamp just made me furious.
June 10th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
No probs, Di. I was responding more to some emails I got from my new American friends apologising for the antics of the TSA. As both you and I know, you can’t judge a country by its government officials!
Having said that, the story about the pregnant woman was horrifying. When government officials start acting like that the war is lost.
June 10th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
Thanks for hanging around long enough to help me take my mind off my ridiculous life dramas.
June 12th, 2006 at 7:11 am
Please do write that book Peter, your books are very popular at our library. You have some very faithful flemish fans.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
You are very welcome, Peter. Glad I could make your trip memorable! Perhaps we can meet up at some strange roadside attractions on your future trip through the states. Wanna wrestle some alligators at the Colorado Alligator Farm? It’s right next to the UFO Watch Tower.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
Peter,
We were happy to put you up while you were in Denver. You’re a great house guest. Can’t wait to wear the Imod t-shirt! We look forward to the adventures that await us in your books.
David and Anthony
June 15th, 2006 at 1:08 am
Peter, we loved having you. We were sorry you couldn’t ride with us this time (when Mario Batali calls…) but be sure to pop by the Brass Monkey next time you’re in the Big Apple.
June 15th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Peter, Your book has been very well received in the New York scootering community. You just encouraged everyone to go fulfill their dreams.
I saw that you wrote a travel article recently on buying and renting a Vespa in Italy. This is so helpful after we all have wanderlust from your book.
We look forward to seeing you again — hopefully on the tour of your next book.