He came to the US on holidays a few weeks ago, flew into NY and toured the country by bus until he was robbed in San Francisco.
His consulate has arranged for him to have a flight home, but he has to make his way back to NY on his own steam.I took him from just outside Dillon to Three Forks, where I dropped him at a truck stop on I-90 east. He didn't ask me for any money, but I gave him the Benjamin I keep in my wallet for emergencies while on the road - this seemed like one to me.
We had a great conversation on the ride; I kept thinking how much he and Gob had in common, at least regarding music - he's a real rocker even at his age, and educated me on how many of the best bands I've loved over the years are from Oz. We listened to AC/DC on my iPhone, because my car stereo is kaputt.
He called me a sheila.
Very nice man, I hope the rest of his experience of the US is better than recent days. He commented on how beautiful the country is, but lamented the general selfishness of the people - although he also mentioned how much kindness he'd experienced in his troubles. Talked a lot about how terrible our system is compared to Oz, where the government takes care of its people and holidays are encouraged and retirement is humane.
Then he said we should elect Donald Trump as our next president - but was unaware of Trump's several business bankruptcies. I wonder what other folks in other countries think of Trump? It's scary that someone with such noble ideals about a strong social safety net would be enthused by Trump.
PS - He was clearly a man with a strong faith; when I jokingly commented that I rarely pick up hitchhikers anymore because of my fear of axe-murdering serial killers, he said I shouldn't worry because if I'm killed by one, I'll go to Heaven and the murderer to Hell. He also told me that worrying is a sin and I shouldn't do it anymore. I'm going to try to adopt that latter advice, anyway.
