MONDAY MUSINGS: 11K MILES IN 3 MONTHS

MONDAY MUSINGS: I know many of you are shocked when you hear of my particpation still in Couchsurfing but wait 'til you see what rolled in Friday night. This British Couchsurfer Ray actually lives in the Netherlands.

This trip over the big pond he bought a 'motor bike' during his stay in Mexico and has put 11,000 miles on it in 3 months! He also spent 2 whole weeks at Burning Man. 

He might have an idea of where he is heading but it depends on who he meets along the route. Friday, he was stopped at a vista and visited with some bikers who told him about the large annual motorcycle rally: Bikes, Blues, and BBQ  in Rogers. Arkansas, so he detoured.

I knew this 'chap' was going to be interesting. He did not disappoint. He is very articulate with a much older soul than his 35 years, as he recites Keats when the mood hits him. Women beware. 

We had some very interesting conversations. The most interesting was him worrying that we should not talk about racism since he thought we disagreed about the U.S. 's institutionalization of race. He felt that was nonexistent in Europe. I think sometimes one doesn't recognize their own country's bias. Seriously, England's hierarchy and history of colonization is deeply rooted within our country. 

This all stemmed from our stop at Central High's National Historic site which ironically we found locked. What? Yes, the government shutdown now had disrupted our plans.  The Clinton Library would also be closed. He stated this is a very monumental time in history.

But Central High School was open due to a 20th reunion so we could go in and see the Little Rock Nine's photos from the past and today and their mascot which inspired other stories...

Fortunately, the Mosaic Templar Museum was open and there was a new exhibit re: Emmet Till. If you are in town, you definitely should go check it out.  More food for fodder.

After a drive through downtown and en route home we stopped at the Turkish Food Festival, tasting about 7 different delcious savory and sweet items, enjoyed the music and crowd of a truly muticultural event.

You can see we made the most of it...

Opening one's doors can bring a variety of experiences...

Ray, Fare thee well on all the paths you will take!