the kilometer show (day three)
Third stop, El Paso!
When was the last time you went through some dust storms?! Geez. The worst part about it was the heat outside, so keeping the window rolled up was a tragedy.
Aside from the weather, driving through New Mexico was cool. Or actually, hot. You know what I mean. The desert continues into Texas where I made my stop in Downtown El Paso. This city differs from Tucson in a lot of ways. The people seem edgier in a stylistic sense. The streets are wider and the highway charges around it in a way that reminds me of Atlanta and its Downtown area. After I dropped my things off at the historic Gardner Hotel, I snapped an aerial shot of the city. It was pretty simple besides the wind being as mighty as ever.
Later that night, I walked around looking for a bar and found a place called Mona. I would later read that they host live music acts in the area. Now, this was an interesting journey to take, since I had no plans to drink, however, I’m familiar with networking in such places, so I figured, “What the heck?” Inside looks like most bars, except here the Mona Lisa is an apparent mascot, as alternate versions of DaVinci’s well-known work graces its walls throughout. I walked straight toward the back, processing where people might stand on their most packed nights.
As I made my way back to the beginning of the bar I noticed a bartender that effortlessly stole my focus. The tattoos that line her neck spoke to me in a way I’m not sure I could understand. Everything from her choice of fashionable accessories, to her demeanor and overall look just took me. Where most people hate what they can’t comprehend, I’m usually fascinated. I wanted to know her opinion. I was curious about what someone like her thinks. I gathered my thoughts and reached for her attention. She notices me and proceeds my way. I speak briefly about her look and how I’d like to share my music with her because I’m basically attracted. She’s too cool about it and welcomes the networking opportunity. As I’m reaching over the bar with my phone to show her the Radio Records home page, I feel a weighty object drop onto the stomach of my shirt. At first, for a second, I ignore it, literally thinking it could be nothing. As you now know, I’m occupied on the situation I’m currently in. Then, I realize that whatever dropped on my shirt seems heavy enough to be something I should investigate. I aim a puzzled look down to my belly, only to discover a large roach making its way to my chest; legs in traditional roach runner fashion.
Of all things, it came to this. I jump with ferocity, swatting my shirt, ensuring precious survival. Within seconds, I’m 6ft from the bar, now speaking to the bartender in a much louder different tone. She asks, “What is it?!” I gave her the unbelievable news and sure enough, she doesn’t like roaches either. The start of something new? Side note, this is not a negative review for the bar named Mona. The customer service is great. The owner is cool and is also the person who gave the insect a big high five. This is just a funny story of how fast your intentional endeavors can be ended, so suddenly, at any moment. Needless to say, my night would conclude shortly after.
- raphael