114. Are you over 55?

Monday, 15 April 2019

Titusville, Florida, USA

Roasting hot and humid even at breakfast. If it’d have been a summer’s day in the UK, the headlines would be ‘Phew, what a scorcher!’

Check out and woman asks where I’m headed. Alaska, say I. And explain am travelling from Antarctica to Alaska. She replies, “Oh, I’ve travelled everywhere too. (pause) Not abroad though.”

You can imagine my thoughts.

Another slooowwww 2.5hr drive through the keys to the mainland and glad finally to be back on the interstate. Nothing but urban sprawl for a few hours until north of Miami. Southern Florida is just one big holiday camp. Not impressed.

Brief stop in Boca Raton and had hoped to meet up with mate’s sister who lives there. Last met when she was the bridesmaid and I was the best man at his wedding. And that’s 20 odd years ago. Sadly, we don’t meet due to her work commitments and me having to head north.

As I drive along see a few cars ahead that the passenger in one vehicle is sticking both arms out of the window and giving the finger to a truck and trailer. It’s only as I approach truck and trailer that I understand why. It’s Trump supporter’s truck and trailer with Trump stuff on and a big sign saying, ‘Build the Wall’ and ‘Make America Great Again’.

Head off the interstate once at the southern end of Cape Canaveral and drive through Cocoa Beach. Seems a bit more upmarket here than Key West. Styled as the Space Coast because of its proximity to NASA’s Kennedy Spaceport on Cape Canaveral.

Nip in to NASA to buy tickets for tomorrow. She asks if I’m over 55!!!!!!!!!

Now, dear reader, for those that don’t know me, I’d like to think I’ve got boyish good looks (there’s people snorting with laughter at this description). It has been known for people I work with to think I’m 10 years younger than I actually am.

Given my youthful, fair faced features.

So, you can imagine my disgust at being asked this question. Now you might think this is a one off.

But.

It has become something of a worrying trend!

Since arriving in America, I have been asked a few times now if I’m over 55, and on one occasion 62!

Harumph!

Couple of nights at the Holiday Inn Kennedy Space Centre (https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/titusville/tixsr/hoteldetail) in lovely Titusville. The only reason for staying here is because it’s close to NASA. And I get more points.

Having a beer and waiting for food to arrive in the bar, the barman calls the waiter urgently to come out to the car park as he’s seen something. Worryingly, we all assume there are car thieves. Fellow diner goes out to investigate too and soon returns with, “Well, there are no cars and no guns so assume it’s OK.” No guns. Jolly good. Would that be your first thought in a pub car park in the UK? That there are no guns? Exactly. But it’s the way of life here. Waiter returns with the news that it’s a raccoon in the trees.

As I’m about to leave, a big bloke walks in. He’s 6’5”. Wears a bowler hat. Long bleached blond shoulder length hair. He’s got boobs. Carries a handbag. And is wearing high heels and a black dress.

One word.

Bizarre.