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"Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup. 
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe. 
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind, 
possessing and caressing me. 

Nothing's going to change my world 
Nothing's going to change my world 
Nothing's going to change my world
 
Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes. 
They call me on and on across the universe. 
Thoughts meander like the restless wind inside a letterbox. 
They tumble blinding as they make their way across the universe." 

– Fiona Apple, "Across the Universe"

Mr. Toad's Wild and Naked Ride

Tctraynor
2005-11-04 21:34:56

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over-hyped.

The first few days were nice and then, alas, it started to rain. But I was looking on the bright side of life.

We left the city and spent a day up in the Blue Mountains. We took a cable car down a steep slope to get a better view of the scenic Blue Mountains and Three Sisters rock formation. It was almost a vertical drop in this car. Amazing!

After leaving the Blue Mountains, we traveled up the coast to Brisbane. I honestly wasn't in the present then. I was ruminating on my upcoming interview and the end of my adventure. I really didn't want my ride to end, but I am overloaded.

I would like to think of myself as a wanderer, but I guess I am only a part-time one. I also think doing the whole continent takes a lot out of any traveler (add that to driving across the US in 9 days in Otto back in May, and no wonder I am frazzled). But I have done 'The Grand Striptease Tour of Oz' now and can come back and concentrate on a few areas rather than hop from place to place. I'll be back. There's no place like Oz.

Fame IS

Don't ask me questions or I will retreat.

Fame is a cancer and ego its seed.

I wasn't looking for heaven or hell,

Just someone to listen the stories I tell.

– Toad the Wet Sprocket, "Stories I Tell"

The TV show that wanted to interview Tony and me in Brisbane is called "Radical Sabbaticals" for a new cable network called Fineliving. The show is all about people who leave their line of work and travel. I guess I fit that mold.

My deal to do the interview was for them to provide my accommodation during the shoot. I run a hard bargain. I was expecting some poor excuse for a Holiday Inn, but instead I got the 5-Star Conrad International. Otherwise known as Treasury Casino. Yes, casino. Uh-oh. Not good. But room, very nice.

You should have ...