h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My visa arrived two days ago, I guess that means I can go! It's taking me about three days to get to DC, via Japan and LA - about 20 hours in each .

Be good, look after the place, I'm sure I'll pop my head through at some point.

20 hours in Japan and LA each? That should give you *plenty* of time to pop your head in Hope you have a bearable trip and lots of fun terrorising little American kiddies once you get there

yes yes. now where's my email?

Hey, Cafram!

Welcome to The States ... wherever you are.



Whatcha been up to?

It's at the end of my thesis, due in tomorrow

...which is now yesterday. Have you started the thesis yet...?

Hey AW! I'm in DC, but spent memorial day weekend rock climbing in West Virginia. I have another couple of days here and then am heading up to Boston before I go to New Hampshire. Today or tomorrow I'm going to do the touristy thing and take photos of the white house and all that sort of stuff, you know, check them off the list.

DC is definitely worth a look. Ancient Rome is alive and well in the architecture there ... we're carrying on the tradition.

West-by-God-Viginia? You were almost in Ohio ... within yards of me!

The speak funny in West Virginia! I, on the other hand, have no funny accent whatsoever
I did notice the prevalence of passages from the bible on the side of passing semis and thought it a little odd...

*We* think they speak funny in West Virginia! I've turned down suitors based on that nasty accent ... *I*, on the other hand, have no accent whatsoever. Unlike you.

Bible passages? It wasn't me! ... I put beer graphics on semis!

I'm sure you do - that's brilliant!

I was somehow conned into stopping at a Dairy Queen on the way back to DC (a six-and-a-half hour drive with traffic )...they even make McDonalds look appealing. I thought I'd be safe with fries (how can you stuff up fries?!), but apparently that was too much to ask. I'm hereby swearing off all hamburger chains.

Generally, the only hamburger chain worth your money is Wendy's ... they serve everything fresh and hot, not microwaved. Although, I cannot vouch for their fries. They're edible, at least. I'm not much of a french fry fan, so don't ask me!

Rule #1: Whatever can be stuffed at a fast food chain, will be.

Rule #2: Never order anything at Dairy Queen that isn't dairy.

Rule #3: *Never* order a burger at Burger King. Everything else they serve is deadly.

But even the dairy didn't look appealing! I guess my biggest problem is that I don't like meat, so the nasty-looking hamburgers didn't look even a little bit tasty

Ah, I see the problem. Vegetarian eating is difficult in US restaurants, although many are making an effort to accomodate weirdos such as yourself these days.

There's a new chain called "Chipotle" that is rumored to be excellent with vegetarian Mexican, although they are hard to find.

Have you considered fasting?

http://www.chipotle.com/

That's their website. You may be able to find one that's convenient to you during your travels, Caf.

My search turned up nothing in DC. There seem to be scads of them in Maryland, though.

No wait! There are quite a lot of these restaurants in the DC area. I don't know my way 'round there, but I know you're handy with a map.

I meant no offense by the o comment ...

I'm not weird, I'm just fussy!

I may go investigating today...I usually try and avoid chains, just because I don't like the plastic sameness of their food. Sometimes it's the only reliable way to find a decent feed though - starbucks has become my savior for good coffee - it seems the people at dunkin donuts (everyone here *raves* about their coffee )
a. can't understand me when I say 'coffee please', and
b. don't know how to make coffee.