Scattered one

It wasn't as much of a cultural shock to come to America as to leave. My feet started sweating (I didn't know I had such a natural reaction to British accent) while talking about wine with a stewardess – seriously, are you all going to talk like that from now on? The strangest feeling, especially when the wine is described as 'a fun and fruity white wine with plenty of refreshing peach and apple flavours, lifted by a lovely acidity on the finish'. I know (I do know) not every English person is as pretentious as he/she sounds, but now I understand what Cecily meant, one year ago, talking about some lectures or workshops with English students/writers/I forget – they all seemed so intelligent:)
After the whole US trip I guess I see where Mona was coming from claiming some Americans are crazy. I always thought all the people tend to be crazy in all the countries – but there is a difference, just hard to describe. Maybe being so big and seeing so many opportunities makes one feel like one can actually achieve a thing or two even being irrational, illogical, sometimes untalented – because all the people you see on TV are nothing but that. Dave and John mentioned before going to the US – there is no objective news. And then guns, wars and being categorical about topics one is unfamilliar with.
It's a second night in a row without sleep. We started travelling to NY yesterday from Pittsburgh and Greyhound instead of giving us what we bought (an 8 hours trip straight to NY without any transfers) pleased us with 14 hours trip, three buses, waiting for each for a couple of hours and then being mistreated by the staff, especially by the ones who have a little bit more rights and powers than the others. We watched some 4 am news on TV in Baltimore while waiting for a bus to Philadelphia. So now Arnold Schwarzenegger is accused to be the father of his maid's child. I watched only one programme and to be honest Arnold's personal life is way less important to me than a milk shake and I won't investigate the situation, but the news was based on three photographs of this maid taken years ago – look, that's her three years before she gave birth to her child, that's a photograph of the document proving the father of the child is her husband, and here she is – one year before the child's birth – in a cheeky halloweene costume, and here's she pregnant. So, the journalist asked, how these news are going to influence Mr. Schwarzenegger's career?
A?
Whatever. Maybe there's only one silly show. The other news actually talk about fluids and weather, so it's all serious and actual.
But the only local newspaper I found in a gas station in Big Bend national park comes out once a month and talks mostly about country music gatherings.
The USA is the most beautiful country I've ever seen.
(19/05/2011, airplane)

'I believe in trucks', - said Justina in the rain 60 miles north from Denver. 'I believe in humanity', - I answered without any particular certainty.
Fingers gone numb and mind so miserable like almost never before; never cried on the road, this time was making a great effort not to be a sissy. Everything always ends up fine, somebody always stops, picks one up and turns the heating on. I knew that was going to happen, just was very sorry for my hands, once - I thought - beautiful. And then somebody stopped.
10 miles further - what about that? Please, and if you know a better spot to hitchhike... Rarely happens, but that spot appeared to be better. Justina was still getting herself a cup of coffee when I hopelessly asked one hip looking boy if he was heading anywhere east. Sure, he said. And invited us to a music festival in Nebraska.
Instead of going straight to Pennsylvania for my birthday we ended up staying in the Love festival for a couple of nights, in an old school bus the guys bought on the way (and then having a birthday party in a Grayhound bus station in Chicago). We finally got to see the original Grateful Dead t-shirts with the Lithuanian basketball team!




My birthday party

Beautiful Utah

We reached the land of Mormons, and it's pretty dark here. Like almost never before we got up at 5.30 and started hitching at 7, despite our effort at 10.30 we were only 60 miles further in the middle of nowhere as our truck driver forgot to get enough of fuel before getting far on the road. We sure don't have any prejudices, but all those two times when we got picked up by a Mexican person, we ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Very nice people though, both times. No prejudices at all, but some social groups (don't really know how to call it) never ever stop for us: it's Asian women and fat people. We met all the others already.
So many interesting people - an 89 years old man, who ran away from home when he was 15 and hopped trains for a while. 'For how long did you do that?' - asked Papapinka curiously. 'Nor for long, - the old man answered. - 3, 4 years...' He dropped us off in the best possible spot, where we got a ride for 550 miles.
A couple of days ago somewhere in between Seattle and Portland we got picked up by a trucker, a very nice person, who was probably high on sugar. Probably. I felt like I was talking to a Polish person speaking Polish - kind of get some sentences but am never sure if I get the whole thing right.
In the other car people threw some stuff away so we can fit. In the back of the car me, Justina and a small child were all sitting with comics books on our laps and giggling.
But now we're in Salt Lake City, yeah, we're still giggling. Although we'll see who giggles in the end, we'll see it tomorrow.

Grunge

- Why don't they sing Nirvana, - we wondered while listening to so many karaoke songs in one of those bars in Seattle. I even bought a big sweater to integrate, so what that with contacts it only seemed big and now that I wear glasses it looks pretty small to me - it was still a big thing.
It's really not the only silly joke we made about Seattle - the only two bands anyone asked about grunge would mention are actually from around here. Do you like grunge? Oh yes, I like Alice in Chains one could answer shyly stretching long sleeves. In our wide imagination there was a very annoyed grungy zebra working in an office too.
People around look hip and the public transportation is great - there are only two or three hours when one can't use it - drivers also need to sleep. Pregnant women might pick you up hitching to this beautiful city and... basically I can't say anything else as I only spent here a half of the day. It's still America so we'll do it tomorrow.


Juste's

The capital of

It seemed quite silly to stand next to the Golden Gate bridge with a sign 'Eureka', but we were very serious - we wanted to get to Eureka. It's 4 20, and we left to the capital of... We're not quite there though as in Humboldt there aren't any couchsurfers. And from Eureka it's so close to the redwoods - we don't care about the pot.
We are in love with SF though I can't make up my mind - does the weather make it even more special or just spoil the whole thing. One can smell flowers anywhere in the town (I might be a little bit exaggerating) and fruit are so cheap and juicy in all of those small shops. It's quite a motivation to choose a town for living. It's seems so far though, too far from home. Especially before Easter.
And so we went to a dubstep party in Eureka. How does one sing dubstep along? 'Aaaaaa!'

Broccoli and carrots

- I really never expected you to ask me to carry broccoli in San Francisco, - said Justinka, carrying the plate as we were walking back to Jeff's.
We went to sail today, with our previous host John. We surely imagined it somehow different as we wore jeans, jackets, took a camera with us. The only thing what seemed strange to me - everytime I do something dangerous (sail, hitch, ride horses etc) everyone tells me it's all safe and easy, just this time John said - I can't guarantee we won't fall in to water.
One thing I realised about myself today: if I could live the life I please then I wouldn't be a boat-woman. I'm totally fine hanging out with wet hungry people coming out of water, can cook together, share beers and wisdom. But there in the see I feel not... like I can do a thing. On the other hand, now I want to get back there and try once again - even though it's not my cup of see.
And we also got some broccoli-leftovers, so there will be plenty of food tomorrow. I treasure.
What else - we're looking for a good church where we could see people singing. And we'll do yoga once again. Then we'll reach the heights of our possible being, human-being. That's right - tomorrow.

Justinka's eye

I wore flowers in my hair

Not much of freedom

Lets start with the photos.


I'm relaxing in a nice porch, uploading pictures. Occasional small stones fly here from about 10 meters away as Mark, our host, is trimming grass from the area next to the street - he doesn't own it, but has to maintain it otherwise on Thursday he'll have to start paying a nice $2500 fine - 2500 every day of violation.
We're relaxing after some shovelling - dykumos molį kasti tai rūpūs miltai, nežinau, kaip juos laidoja, like we say in Lithuania. Mark has to finish a fence as well, obviously if he doesn't all the neighbours get disturbed. Same fine.
It makes me think of all the freedom we have back at home - there's always one crazy lady who takes care of a small garden in front of a block and feeds cats around. If a house doesn't have such a lady - then oh well, not a big deal. But then not many people live in separate houses.
Why do you poor Americans have to trim weeds if it's a desert? Shouldn't you be glad to have something growing in your landscape? Of course yellow is beautiful, but why not to have it natural? Palm trees are not native for Phoenix, perhaps you should trim it too.
Our host Grace told us people desire to keep it very deserty, that's why they also put plastic into the ground - to stop everything from growing. That's how their yards stay clean from plants.
Plants and people belong to different family groups, but I have to mention the law 1070 allowing police in Arizona to check people's passports to see if they're legal - without any reason. Of course they mostly check Mexican people, or anyone with darker skin and strange accent. As quite a lot of white people in Phoenix are racist they're happy with police doing that forgetting that the land used to be Mexican and due to the USA and Mexican governments Mexican people haven't got any other choice for surviving - just to emigrate and try to work and live illegally in the US.
Well, basically that's all I wanted to mention today:)

Wild TX

Yes, they wear hats and they have lots of guns. I saw one – and the first thought was – phh, my father had a similar gun before he displeased the whole family spending lots of money for that good one. But it was meant to be used for boars. I didn't get scared of the double-barrelled thing at the time and good for me as the gun was taken for dealing with rattlesnakes, not the Lithuanians doing America. I prefer people using them to... send rattlesnakes to the better place as I find boars and Lithuanians quite cute – but then I thought of a rattlesnake living in a desert and not giving a damn about people. It just wants to be left alone and take care of its own business, and here comes a man who doesn't like it and simply shoots it down (down?). I guess I would shoot it and dance on its grave if it came to my bed in my house – but when it's about the deserts – well.
At least there should be a fair duel. You know, like Americans like.
Indian Indian, what did you die for? And Indian says, nothing at all.
I love Texas though. We've been to a pub called „Good Times“. Went there to get some water – we got 5 beers each and lots of cake (it was three people's birthdays) and refused to drink more. At some point men were getting confused because it wasn't clear who's paying – everyone was paying and obviously we are slow drinkers. But then I said – 'Justinka, it's all nice, but look at them - I can't tell that I like any of these guys.' 'Weeelll, have a look at that one with a hat', - shrugged Justinka the Friendly. 'But I don't wanna guy with a hat!' - said Marta the Arrogant. 'Marta, - said Papapinka. - We're in Texas. You wear a hat!'
So I guess we oughta go to Arizona. Getting up at 6 am and hitching to Phoenix. A man outside 'The Good Times' told us to be extremely careful as this place is messed up. To be honest, I'd avoid such men.
Love.


Justinka listening to a cowboy telling us to leave as soon as possible; very concerned; I'm also very impressed; I'm so impressed my tongue got blue;

Texas, Mexico

11 pm, sitting in a jacuzzi under a starry sky in Del Rio, Texas. I know, I'm horrible.
Today we've been to Mexico for a couple of hours, bought a bad version of a sombrero or a good version of a Lithuanian straw hat. The town is called Ciudad Akuna, in the day light it didn't seem as dangerous as people on the American side of the border talk. But then, isn't it strange - so close to USA and women are not welcome to bars - they can only go to so called 'Lady' bars and hang out there. I stepped into one and ran away, which is not something a lady would do.
Lack of women rights bounds exploring interesting places. But it's very colourful and warm even though every one expects you to buy something. Apparently it's hard to park there too:)
Tomorrow to the desert. Still haven't seen any horrible animals, perhaps I should had bought a statue of Mary to keep me protected.

Go away you scorpion

- There is one rule for the desert. Everything tries to kill you.
- Ahaha, did you hear that? I hope you're fallowing every word.
- Yes, I heard it, oh I did indeed.
- If it's a plant - it will hurt you, because it's a cactus. If it's a small plant - it will hurt you too, because it will leave some stuff on your hands and it will be itchy. If it's a small animal, it's probably a scorpion and nothing hurts more than a sting of a scorpion. If it's a bigger animal, it's a coyote, and it woooon't...kill you, well, it will try, but... actually it might kill you. And sun is always trying to kill you. That's the beauty of it.

He's Benn Jordan, if you're also going to Austin, Texas, you should go and see his gig (because we found him on the craigslist and he's taking us all the way to Austin, and he's on wikipedia - yep, that's why you should go to his concert). Benn used to work like the one who finds out about tornadoes, I don't know how you call this interesting occupation. We're now in Oklahoma, where tornadoes in March happen three times a week. It's really windy outside, and leaves fly around in circles, believe me!
I showed him Aiste Smilgeviciute's 'Strazdas', 'Welcome to Lithuania' and 'We are the winners of Eurovision' to introduce him to Lithuanian culture. It didn't seem to impress him, I don't know what to think about it, these are my best shots normally.
Our motel's receptionist took my ID and said - are you from ... what, Russia?! I said, no, Lithuania. She didn't understand what I was talking about, so I pointed in my ID - Republic of Lithuania. It's in English. She said, eeeh, how do you say it?
I tried again - Li-thu-a-nia.
- You go girl, - she answered. If there was a real tornado, I'd go and hide under her skirt, such a momma.

A new trick we've heard - to shake your shoes before putting them on - to make sure there aren't any scorpions and spiders. I can not tell the new information made me ridiculously happy. I decided to stop being afraid of normal spiders and start being afraid of the brown spiders which can kill.
Oh, because we're going to the desert.
Hahaa.

- No, don't look at the other streets, we must be here.
- I'mmm not sure, there's nothing going on...
- No, it's Washington Street, it's the busiest one, here's the most fun...

Saint Louis actually rocks, depends where you go to. I was quite surprised though that anywhere you go, you always end up in a place called Llywelyn's or Patrick's, and there will always be lots of welsh/irish drinks, and even musicians. I asked one band to play me 'The wild rover' and I was the only one in the pub singing 'Nooo nay neverrr....'.
Those two islands seem bigger sometimes.
Yes, we saw the arch, that's what you need to see in Saint Louis. One lady in a metro told us it's quite a big thing - and literally it is. It was snowing, my back was still broken and we were very hungry, so we just took some photos and ran away.
Saint Louis is also one of the most dangerous towns in the USA, at least that's what the locals say. I guess as long as you're respectful with all the people and don't go North, you're fine. And why would you go North, if everyone should go South looking for sun anyway...
Thinking of ending up in welsh pubs I got quite upset as I'd like to end up in Lithuanian ones. I got especially home-sick in Chicago as it somewhat reminds me of Vilnius. In the school of the Art institute of Chicago we watched films on contemporary Israeli culture made by Amsterdam and Tel Aviv-based artist Yael Bartana. It was so interesting also because it spoke about European experience, Poland, and its connections with Israeli. 3.300.000 Jews gone away leaving a wound in their culture and changing Poland too.
I don't know how much jewish culture changed Lithuania but lithuanians did their thing in Chicago - that's for sure. You can find a Lithuanian museum, some Lithuanians (as I mentioned before - Lithuanians who honestly believe we wear national patterns and colours), something else written next to the Lithuanian flag on a sign on the way to Saint Louis (the car was going too fast to read it):)
In Chicago we went to a museum of contemporary arts, we've been to MoMA in New York too (I don't remember if I mentioned - no good places around MoMA to go to afterwards!). Apparently there's one interesting museum in Forest Park in Saint Louis, maybe'll go there tomorrow if we don't find a ride to Texas. Near Dali's paintings, in MoMA, I felt like fainting - so many people, like in a supermarket. We went out for a bit, I ate my sandwich, and then we went back to see a photo gallery in the same place. We reckon, people looking at photos are so much more relaxed.
In Chicago though we got really involved into the exhibitions, as some stuff invited visitors to touch it, sit on the art works, get into them, play. That's what keeps one awake and interested - games!
Still haven't had any waffles. I wish I had some.




Lake Michigan. Papapinka's pic

Down to Saint Louis

Waffles and ice tea – is basically what we're looking for in Saint Louis. On the road again, this time on the Route 66. If not the fact, I'd say – not a big deal. Because it's just a road. It's nice though to imagine all the crazy people hitching to California from here, but I don't know how much they've changed the road. Maybe these people used to stand where now's the middle of the road – also quite an exciting thought.
Of course, we found it essential to take some pictures of the road and especially the sign of the historical Route 66. Couchsurfer Greg, taking us to Saint Louis, couldn't not notice our desire to see Route 66 museum, situated in the same building with war museum pretty close to the road. The museum happened to be pretty boring.
Now I have a stiff neck after the last night - don't know what really happened, but it's hard to stay still and keep writing. I want to talk about museums and galleries in Chicago though. Not that I'm really going to describe all the artworks - who would read that. But I'll carry on tomorrow when I can sit.

Where do we start

Listening to „Weeping Song“ but not weeping at all. A kind gentleman keeps bringing us small bottles of wine and juice as it doesn't cost us anything and we're sort of people who don't like missing opportunities. First time over the Atlantic, highly enjoyable. Starting a new blog even though I don't reaaaally speak English – because it's ok. Hardly anyone does it anyway. Besides, I managed to tame 9 Lithuanian followers (mind that it's a pretty small nation!), which makes me believe it shouldn't be harder to get a few English readers. I might be too confident, I know, people have said it before.
Important to mention: I did wave to Wales, and I am very grateful for those buttons in my jacket – cheers, Pathsy. We haven't forgotten you yet. I found them – the buttons – pretty useful when Justinka Papapinka dragged me into the only carriage without heating as she was hoping there was a TV entertainment (it was also unavailable). As if we weren't going to fall asleep straight after the train moved forward for 3 inches.
At 4.30 AM I was still at Chelsea's house heaping up the last bits of our wealth. In the end of the Hay era we discovered that we've got much more stuff than we did when we first came here, and there is nowhere we could store it. I do remember myself convincing someone there will be only two tidy suitcases, but then, they're probably trunks rather than suitcases. And lots of more than that. I'm ever so sorry.
Got up at 6.45 as Juste ran into the room shouting something about the alarm clock we didn't hear. Souvenirs happened to stay forgotten in the fridge as we took the 7.13 bus.
Basically that's how Smartie and Justinka are starting to do America. So far so awesome.