The end is nigh

I made my way from Boston to Cleveland without real issue. I did have to contend with a disobedient bladder which wanted to visit every rest stop along the way – it was a battle. There was also the road tolls to contend with. From what I have spent so far (one of them was $15.30 today), I have the comfort of knowing I am putting one American child though the public education system.

I have learned through this trip that the motto in the US is safety second (Megan would be displeased if she still worked for Protector Alsafe). Indicating between lanes is not the done thing (to their defence, I am sure it is an environmental consideration – just a waste of indicator light). Turn right anytime (no need for care). At all red lights, unless otherwise signed, it is turn right at any time. I will be honest, off all the unsafety tips, this is a favourite of mine as it works really well!! Stops signs mean slow down (a bit). No one stops at stop signs – really.

There is also the “you cannot text and drive . . . . . if you are below 21” rule. This of course recognises the significant advances in ESP that are developed upon reaching the age of 21, at which point seeing the road is not necessary – a general sense of it is fine.

In New York, traffic lights (including walk signals) are suggestions at best. People walk when they want and cars don’t stop on red (it is only a suggestion remember). In Brisbane, if you are a car in the intersection when the lights go red, pedestrians punish you by walking in front of you so you are blocking perpendicular traffic, having to contend with their beeps of shame. I had to deal with a taxi driver who did not agree with this approach who kept inching towards me. He then had to deal with me thumping his bonnet and then continuing swiftly to the nearest subway for safety.

There is of course the drink driving laws which restrict you driving a vehicle if you exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.08. At the point where you cannot pronounce your own name, you may need to consider a taxi.

And best of all, by not speeding, you endanger yourself. Between Washington and New York I was following traffic doing between 80 and 85 in a 65 mile/hour zone (130 – 135 in a 105). Seriously, no one was following the speed limit. On my whole trip, I saw two speed traps. At one I was doing 10 mile per hour over the limit (16 klms) and was not pulled over. I will say this is an unsafely first rule I like.

So I made it to Cleveland and was lucky enough to be able to catch up with the EY Cleveland crew (those who were awake, so not Emma). Luis, Pamela (Luis’ wife), Asad, and Vijai were open to a last hurrah at Cadillac Ranch (the bull riding place) and we had a great night. I did not have much to say as they had been following the blog so I repeated the same stories – but loved the conversation.

There was a heap of snow on the streets so there was an impromptu snowball fight to be had on the way home. Luis got me a couple of times so I pushed him in the snow (no aim necessary). We were all covered in snow and it was a blast. I really appreciated getting to see them all again – I can honestly say they are a great group of people.

Tomorrow is going to be breakfast at phoenix (how could I resist), followed by a bit of final shopping to get things that can only be picked up in American or are bucket loads cheaper here. This is going to be followed up by a snowman. The snow is good enough now so I need to do it before I go. I think I am more excited than Luis’ 10 year old daughter. Then lunch with Brent who piked on dinner.

That means the end of my time in Cleveland and I make my way to the airport. I am really going to miss the US (Cleveland in particular) and without question, the people I have had the fortune to spend time with here (you know who you are). I hope to cross paths with you all in the future (I know I will, and I am always available for tours of Australia. We are more than an island of convicts).

Adieu

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