Now here is an attractive city. The central business district is small, but clean. But go a few blocks too many in any direction and you’ll see the depressed areas. Many store fronts are empty, boarded up, forgotten. But a few quiet streets boast new trendy shops. I had a few hours to kill before dinner with some dear friends, so I spent the time strolling around.
The first thing I did was go to see the Gateway Arch. If you haven’t seen it in person, allow me to ruin it for you by saying it is HUGE. I didn’t think it would be so big. It’s gigantic. Now, when you finally come out here to see it for yourself, you won’t be as surprised because now you know what to expect. On the other hand, I think it’s so big that even after telling you that, you’ll still be blown away at how large it is.
I did not, however, go inside the arch. I wanted to and I had plenty of time, so the long line didn’t bother me. But the security checkpoint deterred me, because since I’m travelling all alone, I am armed with a pocket knife at all times. I thought about hiding my knife somewhere in the park and then coming back for it later, but it’s a great knife, I didn’t want to risk losing it.
So I strolled about. From anywhere in the central district I could hear the cheers of the crowd at the Cardinals game. Also from anywhere in the central district, you can always see a part of the Gateway Arch. It was as if the thing was following me, watching me, like the Eye of Sauron. I walked with my back to the arch and my ears caught the sound of some drums echoing off the faces of the surrounding buildings. I couldn’t quite tell what type of music was playing, but I just headed in the direction. I walked faster and faster until my steps matched the beat of the drum and the nearer I got, the more clearer the music became. There was a small fair/market in the courtyard outside one of the skyscrapers. A few tents were set up selling handcrafts and photos. A small band played up on a stage. I found the source of the drums. The song: Billie Jean.
After being treated to dinner by some real good friends, it was time to go back to the motel to relax. Walking around and looking around a city all day will wear you out. When I first checked into the Congress Airport Inn, I knew that it was a skeevy place. But upon returning, I had to truly face my decision to stay here. The bathroom just didn’t feel right. I wouldn’t even take my shoes off in this place. I turned the TV on and sure enough it was already on the porno-all-day channel. The guy penetrating the girl on the couch looked like they met each other at my motel. My front door seemed a little too small for the doorframe. Soon, I didn’t want to sit on the bed or in the chair. How was I going to climb into this bed and sleep? I grabbed the yellow pages from the nightstand and quickly flipped to H and found another place to stay. I went to the front office and left my Domino’s Pizza key card in the slot of the bullet-proof glass. I told the little Indian lady that I didn’t want to stay here.
Twenty minutes down the road, I booked into the Quality Inn. I wanted to stay somewhere that had corporate standards. I knew a place like that would be reasonably clean because they had franchise regulations and executives to answer to. Sure enough, it was way cleaner than the scumhole I left behind.
I woke up before Sunrise and hit the road.
Of course, like Sauron, MJ would follow you as well.
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