Welcome to LaLa Land! Fortunately, the covid numbers here are at the lowest they’ve been since the pandemic. I can’t figure out why. Could it be that wearing masks and the rollout of the 5G Bill Gates Microchip have something to do with it?
Your conversation with David Farrier reminds me of when an Australian with the same name as mine added me as a friend on Facebook. I had no idea who she was, but she was looking up all the people on FB with the same name as hers and adding them as a friend. Later when I posted on FB of being insanely sick with a cold, this fellow Susan expressed sympathy. My brother, not realizing that we were two separate people, replied to her comment saying that it was really pathetic that I so desperate for validation that I was commenting on my own posts wishing that I would feel better.
lol!! have had the same response when my namesake responded to one of my posts on FB. I guffawed and was delighted to be able to correct them...... haha! (it's the little things.....)
The big question from David Farrier to David Farrier: Do you get sick of being confused with me on Twitter? Like, you are writing these beautiful books, and I am sort of banging out newsletters that are not exactly nuanced....
Ha, no! But it’s a source of endless confusion for my kids, who can’t believe anyone would think I had my own Netflix series.
It’s actually out of hand. Were you aware your publisher’s website lists your website, but it links to mine?! Sort that out!
What?! Shit. Hopefully not by the time people read this...
Roared with laughter & sprayed peppermint tea all over my screens, thanks David Farrier x 2 - Love it!
Welcome back to the states. I’m glad to hear you can get vaccinated here. I get the second dose of Pfizer vaccine this weekend & am looking forward to having that finished.
I enjoyed the read. That’s pretty good news there’s a backup David. Jk 🙂
Good luck and be safe over there! Perhaps you will get to catch up with David Farrier the 2nd! And yay for the vaccine....that is awesome. You will always be vaccinated first against covid in covid land. No less. The airport pics are rather eerie - I am heading there in a couple of weeks to pick up a friend from Oz - and I am ridiculously excited about just going to the international terminal to pick someone up! Am I weird? lol. And yep - Two Distant Strangers - watched it on Friday night and found myself standing and reciting the names of those on screen at the end. It was the very least I could do and felt ridiculously inadequate. I think I will always feel inadequate in the face of this massive evil thing but I hope it never stops me from being brave enough to call it whenever it see it. Real loud. Or - as my friend Sonya Renee Taylor says - if you are white or look white, then put your body in between the Police and any Black person - coz the cops are not going to hurt or arrest or shoot a white person. They just aren't. You may want to give that a go while you are there, but um...........try not to have to. x
Thanks! Tennessee is like this dream place in my brain that I just can't quite visualise, and am never quite sure how I'll make it there. Give me a few things I need to see or experience in Tennessee. Let my brain make some connections!
Apart from the super touristy joints (Graceland, Dollywood, Rock City, The Parthenon, etc) Tennessee is home to a rich civil war history as well as beautiful, scenic hikes + nature stuff.
Wanna see a badass waterfall in the middle of the woods? Or two? I gotchu. How about spelunking in caves and caverns? I know at least 3 spots. White water rafting? Paddleboarding? Yeah, pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of, we've got it all. LOL. Except maybe winter sports since we don't get much snow.
I didn't think much of TN when I first moved here from Manila, but it's grown on me. The mountains make me feel at home––when I'm in states that are flat, I just feel weird.
I live in Chattanooga, which is probably the smallest of the 4 major cities here in TN. While it is small (~180k population) compared to my hometown of Manila, it's not the middle of nowhere. We've got the basic suburban amenities (Target, Walmart, Chili's, you get it). But we've also got some pretty nifty cocktail bars and an interesting art + music scene.
I live Downtown... I couldn't handle living in the suburbs/country anymore. Only downside? I live within a mile radius of a chicken slaughter plant, so the air isn't too pleasant on hot days.
There are some bizarre things to check out here in town, such as the Yellow Deli (cafe.. but also cult??) Look 'em up. They're featured on an episode of a cult documentary. The actual Chattanooga location is featured on that episode. I'm afraid to fully describe their reputation with my name attached to this comment LOL.
We've also got a super cool aquarium, which I think you'd enjoy.. Cos cute fish 'n stuff. Also penguins. And river otters.
There's a cat cafe with plenty of lovely babies. You can drink beer and sit with 'em, but you've got to pay an entrance fee of $14... Which blows my mind, because it's never that expensive in Asia!
Rock City is one of the biggest tourist attractions we've got in town, which is really just a paved hike at the top of Lookout Mountain (one of our main mountains) that ends with a really outdated, tacky glow in the dark Fairyland diorama. The views of the city are gorgeous though, I guess cos you're so high up.
Ruby Falls is probably the second biggest attraction, which is quite the opposite of being on top of a mountain... You go underground into the mountain and walk for a mile or two to see this waterfall in the center of this large, cavernous room. They insist it's natural, but I always hear that it's manmade.
I think my favorite tourist attraction is the Chattanooga Choo Choo, which is an old train station that connected the South to the North in the 1800s. Or something like that. Either way, it's now a swanky historic hotel with train carts you can drink beer in. Or sleep in, take your pick. Also, it's within walking distance of my apartment, so I'm there almost every weekend.
As for dark tourist related things... We're known for haunted civil war battlefields. There are tons of ghost tours. I used to be able to see them from my apartment window and shine laser pointers at them.
There's also a hotel called the Reed House. It's another beautiful, historic hotel about a mile from where I live in the center of downtown. The catch? Apparently, someone was murdered in one of the rooms, and people want to stay in the murder room all the time.
I would urge you to try Southern food if you haven't had it yet. Preferably homemade Southern food, and I could set you up with some good homemade Southern cooking. The BBQ is pretty good here as well. It's always an argument of who has the best BBQ. Also, sweet tea is a big thing here, but I don't really like it too much.
I don't know the rest of Tennesee too well, though I have been to Knoxville, Nashville, and some small towns on the way up there from Chattanooga. My expertise lies with Chattanooga since I've lived here for almost 11 years now, but if you decide to come to Tennessee, you should definitely check out the bigger cities if that's something you're interested in.
Sometimes I visit Atlanta for my big city fix, it's only an hour and a half away by car. Not sure if you've ever been there, but it's a fun place.
But what can I offer? Unlimited pets and selfies with my two cats, Babby and Natto. Perhaps a homecooked meal. Also, would be happy to drive you around in my Honda Civic and be your personal tour guide.
Anyway, that's my bit on Chattanooga and Tennessee. Sorry for writing so much, LOL. Definitely let me know if you plan to come here! If not, I hope we cross paths soon! :) I'm looking forward to the content you'll be sharing while you're here in the US!
Welcome to the states. My family and I just got our first vaccine dose on Saturday. It was all run by volunteers and I couldn’t help but be extremely thankful to them. Stay safe and if you venture to the east coast, let’s go check out Centralia
I’m guilty of tagging you in a few of these book covers in the past. “Books about fossils by a David farrier - I wonder if OUR David farrier knows!”.
On the topic of books I know you lived H is for hawk as much as I did. There’s a new memoir called “featherhood” in a similar vein. Check it out if you see it.
Good to know you've arrived safely. I'm getting vicarious pleasure in hearing about your travels and look forward to hearing lots more. Your Interview with the other David was so enjoyable, thanks.
You had to pay for your test? I find that odd, because here, even under "the former guy," covid testing has always been free.
Frankly I'm also surprised that the American government is giving out vaccines to people here on visas. I mean I'm glad that you're getting it! Just curious as to how you managed to swing that deal. I have heard that CVS pharmacies are refusing vaccines to any non-citizens, even if they are permanent residents.
You don't have to pay for a test in New Zealand if you have symptoms or any reason to suspect you might have Covid (like you've visited a location of interest, for example). I'm guessing David had to pay since it was specifically for the purposes of being able to travel.
Safe travels David, its always interesting to read your take on the world, wherever you happen to be. The other David Farrier sounds like a fascinating person too. I wonder if there are any David Farriers that I wouldn't want to invite to a dinner party? I'm loving my Webworm t-shirt by the way. Go well.
Glad you're here! I hope everything with your isolation and your vaccination goes off without a hitch! I've had my first dose of Pfizer and am in to get my second dose on Monday. Couldn't be more excited. Maybe soon we will get back to living life in a more joyful way. What I would't give to go sit outside at a place and have a beer in the sunshine!
Welcome to LaLa Land! Fortunately, the covid numbers here are at the lowest they’ve been since the pandemic. I can’t figure out why. Could it be that wearing masks and the rollout of the 5G Bill Gates Microchip have something to do with it?
Your conversation with David Farrier reminds me of when an Australian with the same name as mine added me as a friend on Facebook. I had no idea who she was, but she was looking up all the people on FB with the same name as hers and adding them as a friend. Later when I posted on FB of being insanely sick with a cold, this fellow Susan expressed sympathy. My brother, not realizing that we were two separate people, replied to her comment saying that it was really pathetic that I so desperate for validation that I was commenting on my own posts wishing that I would feel better.
lol!! have had the same response when my namesake responded to one of my posts on FB. I guffawed and was delighted to be able to correct them...... haha! (it's the little things.....)
The big question from David Farrier to David Farrier: Do you get sick of being confused with me on Twitter? Like, you are writing these beautiful books, and I am sort of banging out newsletters that are not exactly nuanced....
Ha, no! But it’s a source of endless confusion for my kids, who can’t believe anyone would think I had my own Netflix series.
It’s actually out of hand. Were you aware your publisher’s website lists your website, but it links to mine?! Sort that out!
What?! Shit. Hopefully not by the time people read this...
Roared with laughter & sprayed peppermint tea all over my screens, thanks David Farrier x 2 - Love it!
Welcome to the states!! I have gotten both Moderna shots with very minor side effects. I hope yours go well!
Great news.
Welcome back to the states. I’m glad to hear you can get vaccinated here. I get the second dose of Pfizer vaccine this weekend & am looking forward to having that finished.
I enjoyed the read. That’s pretty good news there’s a backup David. Jk 🙂
Even Auckland Libraries isn't sure who's who...
https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/search/C__SFarrier%2C%20David%2C__Orightresult?lang=eng&suite=def
Ha!
Good luck and be safe over there! Perhaps you will get to catch up with David Farrier the 2nd! And yay for the vaccine....that is awesome. You will always be vaccinated first against covid in covid land. No less. The airport pics are rather eerie - I am heading there in a couple of weeks to pick up a friend from Oz - and I am ridiculously excited about just going to the international terminal to pick someone up! Am I weird? lol. And yep - Two Distant Strangers - watched it on Friday night and found myself standing and reciting the names of those on screen at the end. It was the very least I could do and felt ridiculously inadequate. I think I will always feel inadequate in the face of this massive evil thing but I hope it never stops me from being brave enough to call it whenever it see it. Real loud. Or - as my friend Sonya Renee Taylor says - if you are white or look white, then put your body in between the Police and any Black person - coz the cops are not going to hurt or arrest or shoot a white person. They just aren't. You may want to give that a go while you are there, but um...........try not to have to. x
The other David Farrier is in Scotland - opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean
Superb watch. Two Distant Strangers, thanks. And, WW tee arrived. Happy camper.
Yay! Glad the tee has arrived safe and sound
So glad to hear that you made it here safely. I hope your vaccine goes well!
Let me know if you ever make it to Tennessee - my munchkin cat would be thrilled to meet you :)
Thanks! Tennessee is like this dream place in my brain that I just can't quite visualise, and am never quite sure how I'll make it there. Give me a few things I need to see or experience in Tennessee. Let my brain make some connections!
Apart from the super touristy joints (Graceland, Dollywood, Rock City, The Parthenon, etc) Tennessee is home to a rich civil war history as well as beautiful, scenic hikes + nature stuff.
Wanna see a badass waterfall in the middle of the woods? Or two? I gotchu. How about spelunking in caves and caverns? I know at least 3 spots. White water rafting? Paddleboarding? Yeah, pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of, we've got it all. LOL. Except maybe winter sports since we don't get much snow.
I didn't think much of TN when I first moved here from Manila, but it's grown on me. The mountains make me feel at home––when I'm in states that are flat, I just feel weird.
I live in Chattanooga, which is probably the smallest of the 4 major cities here in TN. While it is small (~180k population) compared to my hometown of Manila, it's not the middle of nowhere. We've got the basic suburban amenities (Target, Walmart, Chili's, you get it). But we've also got some pretty nifty cocktail bars and an interesting art + music scene.
I live Downtown... I couldn't handle living in the suburbs/country anymore. Only downside? I live within a mile radius of a chicken slaughter plant, so the air isn't too pleasant on hot days.
There are some bizarre things to check out here in town, such as the Yellow Deli (cafe.. but also cult??) Look 'em up. They're featured on an episode of a cult documentary. The actual Chattanooga location is featured on that episode. I'm afraid to fully describe their reputation with my name attached to this comment LOL.
We've also got a super cool aquarium, which I think you'd enjoy.. Cos cute fish 'n stuff. Also penguins. And river otters.
There's a cat cafe with plenty of lovely babies. You can drink beer and sit with 'em, but you've got to pay an entrance fee of $14... Which blows my mind, because it's never that expensive in Asia!
Rock City is one of the biggest tourist attractions we've got in town, which is really just a paved hike at the top of Lookout Mountain (one of our main mountains) that ends with a really outdated, tacky glow in the dark Fairyland diorama. The views of the city are gorgeous though, I guess cos you're so high up.
Ruby Falls is probably the second biggest attraction, which is quite the opposite of being on top of a mountain... You go underground into the mountain and walk for a mile or two to see this waterfall in the center of this large, cavernous room. They insist it's natural, but I always hear that it's manmade.
I think my favorite tourist attraction is the Chattanooga Choo Choo, which is an old train station that connected the South to the North in the 1800s. Or something like that. Either way, it's now a swanky historic hotel with train carts you can drink beer in. Or sleep in, take your pick. Also, it's within walking distance of my apartment, so I'm there almost every weekend.
As for dark tourist related things... We're known for haunted civil war battlefields. There are tons of ghost tours. I used to be able to see them from my apartment window and shine laser pointers at them.
There's also a hotel called the Reed House. It's another beautiful, historic hotel about a mile from where I live in the center of downtown. The catch? Apparently, someone was murdered in one of the rooms, and people want to stay in the murder room all the time.
I would urge you to try Southern food if you haven't had it yet. Preferably homemade Southern food, and I could set you up with some good homemade Southern cooking. The BBQ is pretty good here as well. It's always an argument of who has the best BBQ. Also, sweet tea is a big thing here, but I don't really like it too much.
I don't know the rest of Tennesee too well, though I have been to Knoxville, Nashville, and some small towns on the way up there from Chattanooga. My expertise lies with Chattanooga since I've lived here for almost 11 years now, but if you decide to come to Tennessee, you should definitely check out the bigger cities if that's something you're interested in.
Sometimes I visit Atlanta for my big city fix, it's only an hour and a half away by car. Not sure if you've ever been there, but it's a fun place.
But what can I offer? Unlimited pets and selfies with my two cats, Babby and Natto. Perhaps a homecooked meal. Also, would be happy to drive you around in my Honda Civic and be your personal tour guide.
Anyway, that's my bit on Chattanooga and Tennessee. Sorry for writing so much, LOL. Definitely let me know if you plan to come here! If not, I hope we cross paths soon! :) I'm looking forward to the content you'll be sharing while you're here in the US!
Haven't been to that classic truck since pre-pandemic. Make sure to go to Dune in Atwater while here if you like falafel.
Noted.
Welcome to the states. My family and I just got our first vaccine dose on Saturday. It was all run by volunteers and I couldn’t help but be extremely thankful to them. Stay safe and if you venture to the east coast, let’s go check out Centralia
Thanks heaps. I have Centralia on my list. I really, *really* do.
I’m guilty of tagging you in a few of these book covers in the past. “Books about fossils by a David farrier - I wonder if OUR David farrier knows!”.
On the topic of books I know you lived H is for hawk as much as I did. There’s a new memoir called “featherhood” in a similar vein. Check it out if you see it.
Be safe, David!
X
Thanks for the tip! It's funny.. the house I am staying in LA has H is for Hawk on the shelf. Made me happy.
Good to know you've arrived safely. I'm getting vicarious pleasure in hearing about your travels and look forward to hearing lots more. Your Interview with the other David was so enjoyable, thanks.
Really interesting post, David, happy travels and please, please keep safe.
You had to pay for your test? I find that odd, because here, even under "the former guy," covid testing has always been free.
Frankly I'm also surprised that the American government is giving out vaccines to people here on visas. I mean I'm glad that you're getting it! Just curious as to how you managed to swing that deal. I have heard that CVS pharmacies are refusing vaccines to any non-citizens, even if they are permanent residents.
Yeah - paying as I am "choosing" to travel. If I was worried and had symptoms, it would be free.
You don't have to pay for a test in New Zealand if you have symptoms or any reason to suspect you might have Covid (like you've visited a location of interest, for example). I'm guessing David had to pay since it was specifically for the purposes of being able to travel.
Safe travels David, its always interesting to read your take on the world, wherever you happen to be. The other David Farrier sounds like a fascinating person too. I wonder if there are any David Farriers that I wouldn't want to invite to a dinner party? I'm loving my Webworm t-shirt by the way. Go well.
Oh I am glad it turned up and you are digging it! I look forward to seeing them out in the wild...!
Glad you're here! I hope everything with your isolation and your vaccination goes off without a hitch! I've had my first dose of Pfizer and am in to get my second dose on Monday. Couldn't be more excited. Maybe soon we will get back to living life in a more joyful way. What I would't give to go sit outside at a place and have a beer in the sunshine!