America the Diligent (Weeks 8&9)
Unfortunately because of financial reasons Nick would not be joining us in L.A., Hawaii, or Alaska. Did I mention before that we’re broke? Yet still, the tour must go on!
So our (Me and Nate) flight to L.A. was super early in the morning and I was deathly tired so sleep came with ease; and the next thing I know we’re in sunny L.A. We rented a car and headed straight to West Hollywood where we did the cruise (i mean work) at the cafe thing for a little bit and then headed to our host’s house. Mark and his partner Brayan live in a gorgeous home in the hills of Silver Lake. There’s a deck, a pool, a hot tub, and a great view overlooking the valley. That first night we went back into west hollywood where we met with some folk from the Courage Campaign at the world renowned Abbey Bar. The night didn’t end there tho. We had a drink at Fiesta Cantina before ending the night at Mr. Black (LA). Mr. Black was a NYC staple for me back in summer of 07’, I actually hung out with Nathan for the first time there that summer. In it’s many incarnations since, the party has never lived up to the original and the LA version is no exception.
The next 3 days were a fast blur that went a bit like this… Work at coffee shops in Silver Lake, meetup with college friends, reading/screening events, and a full day of story gathering in L.A. I made several bar appearances too including a stop at Ultra Suede in the midst of an awesome lesbian dance party. Our last night was one of debauchery that included several bars, crashing a house party, and a hot tub nightcap. Some much fun; well, at least the parts I can remember. A couple of hours later we were off to LAX in route to Hawaii. Aloha!
Some of my Rutgers peeps!
Queer As Folk’s Peter Paige
Jill Bennett is sooo sweet! Srrsly!
Dustin Lance Black shared a video story
So Nate was feeling a little under the weather when we were in LA, and between the previous night out and the long flight of re-circulated air, his condition wasn’t a surprise once we reached Hawaii. He powered through a fundraiser before succumbing to his fate; two nights bedridden with a fever. With a man down I had to roam the streets of Honolulu alone. Nothing crazy tho, I just ventured around a bit stoping at a bar or two for drinks and eye candy. I actually enjoy exploring new cities on my own; it’s a different type of adventure. I tend to be more relaxed, observant, and reflective when discovering on my own.
On the third day Nate was feeling much better so we trekked out to the other side of Diamond Head to a private beach. We spent the whole day writing names in the sand and making friends with our defacto tour guide and bartender Brian Navarette. After the beach we were taken to the amazing Side Street Inn, which is actually a restaurant, and damn was it GOOD! Bellies stuffed, and relaxed to the point of exhaustion, we headed back to the hotel for a power nap. Five hours later, we manage to wake, gathered ourselves, and head out. We met up with Brian, hung out at his awesome skyscraper apartment (which as a gorgeous view of the island), and then ended the night at a dance club called Fusion. I thought it was a supposed to be a gay club but it looked more like a bachelorette party, ladies ogling at the over-the-hill male dancers included. The ladies were the spectacle for me and once that got old… I decided it was time to retire for the night.
Our final day in Hawaii was a mixed bag. The sun was out, we were on the beach, and we had a few drinks… Perfect right??? And then my iphone was stolen! Right from underneath my nose too. After moping around for a while my spirits were lifted by a beautiful sunset, and with that came the realization that I’d be on a plane bound for frozen Alaska in a couple of hours. I decided it best to try and enjoy my last moments in paradise. I did!
View of the ocean from the Waikiki Grand Hotel
Not a Double Rainbow :-(
This is Brian… Yes, the sun is so bright you’ve got to wear shades.
Nathan trying to be modest
I’m investigating the majestic banyan trees
Waikiki Sunset
Ohhh Alaska… Well if you were wondering, Yes it’s cold up there! But we didn’t let that stop us from having a great time. On our first day we explored downtown Anchorage on foot. We saw Ted Danson at a local eatery, I purchased a new phone, and the director of the city’s LGBT center treated us to a wonderful dinner.
Day two consisted of gathering stories and holding a fundraiser at the local queer watering hole, Mad Myrna’s. The fundraiser was simply amazing. The crowd was engaged and really showed us a good time. Our MC, Paige Langit, ensured that everyone knew about our adventures and encouraged donations. And boy did the donations come in! There we also met a fast talking political type named Chris Constant. Chris can talk, and talk, and talk… but when he does I learned that one should listen. He knows a lot! He offered to give us a bit of a tour and to drive us to Wasilla the next day… we obliged. I spent the rest of the night dancing with my new friend Daniel whom I’d met earlier in the day. Unfortunately, his relationship came to an end earlier that night and he needed to get his mind off of things. To that, I’ll go ahead and proclaim… mission accomplished! A bit of Karaoke, a bunch of liquor, and dancing our asses off throughout the night was just what the doctor ordered. The night seemed a little surreal at times, and at one point I was enlisted to give a pep talk… but not to Daniel. This motivational speech was for a desperate and lonely lady that had been making advances at me. After her approach failed she assumed that Daniel and I were an item and requested permission to watch us do the dirty. Yes, I am for-serious! I had to explain to her that we were not sexually involved and that she was beautiful and deserved a man that knew as much. After a few tears I think she left with a boosted self-image. At least I hope so.
Our final day was simply amazing and one of the best exploring experiences I’ve ever had. Chris, Daniel, Nate and myself hopped into a Car and drove up to Wasilla to let the pink boots pay Miss Sarah Palin a visit. Our guide Chris made several stops along the way and provided tons of geographical and historical lessons that I dare not pretend to remember. Finally we made it to Wasilla just to see the privacy fence that surrounds the Palin’s compound. No worries tho, Chris has an idea on how to get closer… “Lets go out on the lake” he says. ”Uhhhh Ohhhh… ” I said. ”The ice is thick enough” he proclaimed… So after risking our lives attempting to get the perfect photo-op on the frozen lake we headed back to Anchorage and stopped at Chris’ house for moose sausage, beers and conversation. With great company and beautiful landscapes, Alaska turned out to be a true adventure and a perfect ending for this segment of our journey.
The Brehouse in Anchorage, Yummmmmm!
Daniel Naranjo in Front of His Artwork
Lewis from Wasill
Paige knows how to work a crowd
Cameras are tough to operate when wearing gloves
Abandonded Bridge North of Anchorage
We’re glad to be here Wasilla!
Chris talked us into walking on the ice
I’m holding my breath hoping not to fall through the ice
You Betcha Those Pink Boots are in front of Sarah Palin’s House
Next up Arkansas , Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Remember to follow follow more happenings at…
