Time of departure,Charleston, 6PM Tuesday; ETA, Austin, 2PM Wednesday. It’s 7:43 am. We’ve passed 5 states, 961 miles, and 15.5 hours. This is South by Southwest. An undertaking of 4 people set out across the country at a grueling pace for the Stella by Starlight showcase at Elysium (goth club?) on Saturday. I always envisioned a road trip across America as a of hodgepodge of memorable moments with friends like we see portrayed on commercials that highlight great American charisma and countryside. In my mind scenes of freedom and the grandeur of a Jeep on the highway, beauty of Kodak friends embarking together, and energy of late nights in Levis are being replaced by the challenge of avoiding speeding tickets and staying awake as we battle on through the night hoping the right front tire doesn’t blow out and send us careening into a fiery end.
So at 8:05 I am thankful to be alive here in Lake Charles, Louisiana, atop eight inches of memory foam with lil Debbie, giant Cheez-Its, one pound of beef jerky, Chris, Kyle, Nate and a life time supply of diet Mtn. Dew. Even though it seems surreal, I am ecstatic about our destination. We are completely overwhelmed by the opportunities and possibilities that await upon arrival at South by Southwest and I can sense the excitement of my three road-mates as we approach. We won’t be making any nostalgic flip cam videos set to your favorite indy tune, but brace yourself Austin, here we come.
Today’s agenda includes arrival in Austin, change of clothes (thank God,), check in, free beer, free food, networking (ass kissing made easy with free beer), Miike Snow, hopefully a shower (say a prayer), and maaaybe some sleep.
