|
« The ten footer was barely enough - VA/DC border |
Main
| The Forest for the Trees, New York City »
August 05, 2005
Get the F out.......
Note: this very special dispatch deals with an adult or childish theme depending on who you ask.
So I had this idea about circling the earth without leaving the surface and doing it mostly by bike. Yeah that was a hoot wasn't it? Well folks it's time to warm boot the adventure and start my dispatches again but I'll be using more conventional means. Right now I am in Sopranos country. It's New York's 6th borough. Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together for ......
Jersey City! I didn't go DIRECTLY to Jersey City, I took Greyhound from DC to NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal. For about 10 minutes leading up to the Lincoln Tunnel you see the skyline of Manhattan and even though the smog was horrific, my heart was pounding as hard as ever. If you haven't seen it you may not understand it, but the New York Skyline is one of man's most beautiful creations.
To get to Jersey City I had to make my way to 33rd and Broadway and catch a train to Journal Square. I had a moment of sheer terror as did everyone, when the track area filled with acrid, sulferous smoke. I wasn't sure if smoke releases were a common occurrance and all I could do was utter the F word in a low voice. Turns out that it was nothing to worry about... WHEW!
I know it sounds sophomoric, but I am fascinated by this area's grand celebration of the F word. I'm not joking, this is a place where the plain word to F word ratio can sometimes be 2 to 1.
For the record, most etymologists agree that the word is not an acronym for "Fornication Under Consent of the King" or "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge". Few words make it into English from acronyms although I invite you to giggle right now at "FUBAR" and "SNAFU" which have managed to sneak their way in. Looking to push the envelope even further cunning linguists have even coined "SNAFUBAR". I'm not saying where these came from, go ask Google.
The F word is a word that manages to function in so MANY different capacities. It can be an interjection, a noun, a pronoun, a verb, an adjective, an adverb and a conjunction. I'm sure it can also act as a preposition somehow which leads us to possible bonus of expressing a proposition that includes a preposition.
It truly is a word for all seasons and reasons and it can be the ultimate insult. If someone utters it to you as an insult how do you possibly top it?. There is no come back.... what are you going to say?
It's unique and versatile and nothing else even comes close to it. Maybe it is worthy of a big F*#@ing celebration after all.
Posted by Julian Cook at August 5, 2005 12:53 PM
hey uncle! just wanted to say hello and keep going. never forget we love you and miss you. also for a good laugh, are you having a Forest Gump moment? hahahahahaha
Posted by: Ashley Mahaffey at August 7, 2005 12:26 AM
YO! T.B.! I KNOW I KNOW...I said I wasn't going to post schmaltzy stuff like 'buh bye' and 'Bon Voyage' and all that schtuff. Ya, so I LIED! ALL women lie! hehehe! Here's wishing you a safe voyage, incredible adventures and an adventure worthy of a world explorer.
Be safe, change your underwear once in a while and I'll be here if you need me.
All my best, much love and all of that mushy gooey, hero worship adulation stuff!
I'll be reading the updates. All the best, Bro!
BJ
Posted by: BJ at August 7, 2005 06:30 AM
So you're aboard ship tomorrow....Best of luck, be well and happy. It will be so odd knowing that you are no longer nearby. Return again soon, my friend.
Love,
Susan
Posted by: Susan Bienvenu at August 8, 2005 08:50 AM
Hola Julian, my father sends you his best wishes, he's always asking me what you're doing and where you are. You look nice without beard :-). Enjoy the ship trip to the maximun! big kiss,
Maria Eugenia.
Posted by: Maria Eugenia at August 8, 2005 12:37 PM
Julian - I think after seeing your latest update and new pictures, I'm more excited for you on this leg of your journey than I was for your July 4th kick-off! I happened upon this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which brought you to mind: "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." I know that you do just that! Bon Voyage, my friend!! - Jules
Posted by: Julie Whittum at August 8, 2005 12:54 PM
Julian
Have a great time circling the world. Remember DC when Bruce rode his bike from RDU.
Hugs..........Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Letourneau at August 9, 2005 11:41 AM
We just wanted to wish you safe and happy adventures on your sail to Europe. Keep in touch and follow wherever the path takes you. Good luck. Ken, Shannon, Kendoll, and Sawyer.
Posted by: The LINK Adventure Team at August 9, 2005 06:31 PM
just thought i would check on you, to let you know we love and miss you very much.just stay safe and i will check on you again.love your 3rd to the oldest sister.
Posted by: susan tarrence at August 12, 2005 01:55 PM
Dia duit Julian
Sorry I missed you in NY.........it would have been fun to give you a quickie tour of the hot smoldering smoggy city I call home for now ;)
I wish you safe and happy travels on the ship, and I cannot wiat to check for the next update.
Hugs -K
Posted by: Kimberly at August 13, 2005 06:02 PM
Hey it was good hearing from you, But what is the smoke? Me being from the country Could you explain it's presence a little? Hope the boat ride didn't allow you to much buffet food. Love ya Tell Carrie Hi. Sis
Posted by: Sis at August 14, 2005 01:41 AM
Hello Julian,
Have been reading your updates with great pleasure, I am really glad to see how the plans you have been putting in place are working now. Please do keep sending updates, you have lots of friends who are looking forward to hearing from you!
Best of luck to you and I hope your Caucasus route map remains the same, so look forward to meeting you somehwere here next year!!!
Posted by: gulya at August 14, 2005 04:52 AM
Hey Julian,
You look great in the pictures! Enjoy the ship ride! We look forward to all your updates as you circumvent the world, dear friend!
Posted by: jarda & Willie at August 15, 2005 10:07 AM
|
