Gone to Look for America

Sometimes you just need to hit the road.

If all goes according to plan, tonight I will celebrate our Independence Day with one of my childhood friends in Burlington, Vermont. But before then, I’m going to cross the border.

Have you ever had one of those experiences when something is going wrong, so you decide to leave the room, in the hopes that when you come back everything is better? Well, I think I’m going to try that. But with America.

I am just going to step out for a bit and clear my head. It reminds me of a song.

Actually, my plan in Montreal is even a bit more ridiculous. There is this ancient Chinese candy that Little Miss Fussy wants to try. So we’re going to drive four hours for a bite. I can’t wait to tell that to the border control officer.

What’s the purpose of your trip?
Dragon beard candy.

I mean, maybe we’ll get some hand pulled noodles, but now that you can get those at Tea Plus in Clifton Park, they are no longer at the top of my list. Perhaps we’ll go for the dim sum cart experience again. However, with only two eaters at the table, it’s a little less fun.

Yes, we’re leaving Mrs. Fussy at home.

She has work to do. Actually, I have work to do too. But the good thing about the Yelp work is that while it’s serious, it’s also pretty flexible. Nobody will be harmed by my inactivity. Maybe burger night might have a slightly lower turnout. It’s far from the end of the world.

In all seriousness, traveling to another country is a great experience. More people should do it. And I am hoping that even with a brief time beyond our borders, that I can come back and see the country my family has lived in for generations with fresh eyes.

Wish us luck at the border. Let’s hope they believe our story. And should you not be familiar with the confection, here’s a little video of that too.

Be safe out there. Make sure you have as many fingers tomorrow as you had today. Maybe take a moment to read the Declaration of Independence. Remember this nation has been through a lot. The world has been through a lot. And while there are some awful things happening, they aren’t the awfulest.

It’s a good question. When was the awfulest time to be alive? I think the era when everyone was in constant agony from dental decay must have been pretty bad. I’m really glad for some of the creature comforts we now enjoy, and the state of modern medicine.

Man, that got really dark really fast. This is why I’m leaving. July the Fourth, be with you.