Been too busy to post. So here are random observations:
\nIndian Trading Post<\/I> – Early for dinner one night, so Sarah M., Elaine, Bart, and I went to peek into the Indian Trading Post behind the Brau Haus. Bart
\nrefused to go in…he was wise. The door was propped open, but there was a piece of plywood about 2′ high blocking the door. We peeked in, and voice said “Come
\non in…just step over that; it’s to keep the toddler from running out into traffic.” We all exchanged looks, but went ahead and crossed the threshold. We were
\ngreeted by a guy who appeared to be in his late 40’s or early 50’s, one eye extremely bloodshot, who strode toward us while putting on his shirt, barely covering
\nhis distended stomach. “Hello, I’m Chief White Eagle.” He shook my hand, then immediately twisted it to the formation for thumb wrestling, but moved our thumbs
\nto the outside. Pointing to our hands, he asked, “See this symbol? Ancient Mayan, over a thousand years old.” He then pointed to the intertwined C’s painted on
\nthe floor that looked vaguely like the outline of our fingers. Then he commenced the grand tour of his establishment. He had the standard dream catchers and
\ncrystals for sale, then took us past the excavations they were doing towards the underground creek (which I hope to go explore before I leave), then to the
\npedicure room, where his wife was working on two women from New Orleans, and on past the massage room, where Elaine got an eyeful of some woman in her birthday
\nsuit before they finally closed the door. We took a pass on seeing the Moon Lodge. He invited us back anytime for free crystal- or aromatherapy. I don’t think
\nany of us will be taking him up on that offer.<\/p>\n
Amish at the Panda<\/I> – We went to a Chinese buffet, and there was a Mennonite couple (or some such – guy with long beard and overalls, wife with hair in
\nwhite bonnet and palin dress and no makeup). Odd enough, but they were talking on a cellphone! And arguing with whoever was on the other end! Definitely one of
\nthe most incogruous scenes I have ever witnessed.<\/p>\n
‘Shim’<\/I> – Living in the Montrose, I’ve seen my fair share of travsestites. Usually, they take great pride in their appearance. But there is one that we’ve
\nseen wandering the streets of Hot Springs that is definitely not aspiring to any fashion awards. Always wears the same red skirt. Has two different shirts.
\nSomebody reffered to this person as a ‘shim’, a name that is short and descriptive…think I’ll adopt using it.<\/p>\n