Roadtrips? I need advice...

[chrisx519]

Ok so here's the thing. Rather than get to dramatic in here, I got into some issues with my girlfriend, and it's more or less the catalyst I needed to get the hell out of Ontario for awhile. If you want to know the soap opera details, go here (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/2007/12/merry-christmas-pt-2.html).

Anyways, have any of you ever done something like this? Go on a trip without a destination? Or are any of you in bands that tour? Etc.?

I dunno, I've decided I want to go on a trip, but haven't really figured out the details, because frankly I don't know what they are.

I do know I am headed to New York City this weekend to see a friend of mine for New Year's, but I feel like I want to keep going after that. To where, I don't know. I just graduated, so I've got all the time in the world. I've got a serious wanderlust, so I dunno.

I know it's probably a bad idea, and I know I'm only doing it after some emotional fallout with my girlfriend, but humor for a second. People do these things from time to time, Kerouac style, whether it's across Europe (which I'd rather do, but don't have $$$), or just a province, state, whatever. I've had the idea for some time, but I guess now it's just a matter of having a reason to do it, real or imagined.

I'd be driving, I'd have a decent amount of money (I think), and I have a couple friends scattered around the States. But I dunno. No plan.

I dunno, I guess I was just curious as to what you guys think. I dunno, I guess just try to imagine you were gonna go vagabond style yourself one day, out of spiritual necessity or boredom. Advise me please, or piss on the thread, either way, all comments are welcome.

[..HeyJanie]

I don't have any advice, but it sounds like fun. Enjoy it :)

[chrisx519]

thanks :)

[vixsummer]

Good luck doing NYE in NY, it's insane, but not in a good way lol... I've done the wander before... I drove down to Virginia and stayed with friends back up to NY for a couple of weeks. It was the best trip I've ever been on because there were no time constraints, no real plans... I'd call a friend and just say "Hey what are you doing tonight? I'm coming through DC!" and we wound up singing Hamburger In Paradise at a Japanse sake/kareoke club. I'd say, depending on your finances, drive down the east coast and work your way back up.

I wish I could do this myself right now. Damn the man.

[chrisx519]

yeah, it's weird that any image on TV or in pop culture references the holiday as happening in New York, so it'll be a bit surreal i imagine

my first draft at this has me going around the east coast. well actually, the first draft had me going till mardi gras in Louisiana. so i suppose i should say this is my first reasonable draft, haha. i don't imagine i could pull off the drifter bit, working jobs from town to town in this day and age. maybe i'm wrong or my impression of the States is off. i'll see i guess. i don't know that many people down there to call people up, but i figure i can also just go city to city and stay in a hotel/motel for a couple days at a time, and just catch the sights.

or i can make the news somewhere. "Young Canadian Male Found Aimless, Headless At Virginia Beach"

[TheGoodnightMoon]

Im actually doing this next week, going down to Louisiana and from there I'm not really sure. I do random roadtrips every few months because I feel it's good to go out to some place you don't know and get a chance to clear your mind. For advice, I don't really have much. Just have fun in wherever you go and whatever you do. That's the most important thing.

[LV03]

thats awesome. i wish i had friends who would be up for going on road trips with me. I would love to just go out on the road for a while and just leave everything behind...seems soothing in a way.

[Neo Cassady]

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/

Ask there. They will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about taking road trips, from the amount of money you need to good places to stay and places to avoid, etc. (and they cover Canada too).

I've never done something like this, but I'd like to at some point. The spontaneity of every decision when you have no destination appeals to me a lot.

[FatJordan]

If you're just going somewhere to get away, I'd suggest you stay away from any big city unless you've got money to spend. If you want to get away, try finding a small town with forrests or mountains and just chill out for awhile. Make sure the area is safe though.

[chrisx519]

thanks for all the suggestions, guys. i appreciate it.

i'm heading off to NYC later tonight to see a friend, but the after that will be up in the air. i'm gonna use my blog (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com) to keep track of things, if anyone's interested, but i'll probably just post here in this thread with updates.

and thanks for the link, Neal. and i agree, the spontanaeity of it all is what's really driving me.

oh my bad, i mean, Neo ;)

[mrchainsaw]

Take the trip man. You're only young once.

From what I hear Oakville girls are fucking NUTS.
You probably need and deserve this.

- Ty

[chrisx519]

all right guys, i'm headed out to NYC.

i'll keep updates on whether I end up going further or puss out and come back from NYC. i figure i might as well, to get some use out of my blog.

peace, and thanks!

[xfantabulousx]

have fun! it sounds great. i would love to just get the hell out of here and clear my head. unfortunately, my car is a piece of shit and the windshield wipers broke the other night while i was driving down a 50 mph road in the rain. that and if i did my parents would probably kill me.

[asmolitor]

Im actually doing this next week, going down to Louisiana and from there I'm not really sure. I do random roadtrips every few months because I feel it's good to go out to some place you don't know and get a chance to clear your mind. For advice, I don't really have much. Just have fun in wherever you go and whatever you do. That's the most important thing.

so am i. though we're headed southeast towards NC/GA/FL, then west to TX, then back up through the heartland for the most boring ride home ever. our route thru google has like 16 states, 3100 miles on it. i'm excited.

[TheGoodnightMoon]

so am i. though we're headed southeast towards NC/GA/FL, then west to TX, then back up through the heartland for the most boring ride home ever. our route thru google has like 16 states, 3100 miles on it. i'm excited.

Haha, gotta love having to get away from the upper midwest. IMO, the worst drive ever is from Chicago to Minneapolis. No offense, but Wisconsin is the most boring state ever to drive through.

[asmolitor]

Haha, gotta love having to get away from the upper midwest. IMO, the worst drive ever is from Chicago to Minneapolis. No offense, but Wisconsin is the most boring state ever to drive through.

... imagine living in it your whole life. i really am just sick of midwest winters at the moment, knowing i have to dig my car out in 6 hours to go to work. i'd like one week of moderate temperatures. helllllooo south.

[TheGoodnightMoon]

Yup, the south is just waiting for both of us to be down there to welcome us with warm temperatures and no snow.

[WFUJerseyJon]

Good luck doing NYE in NY, it's insane, but not in a good way lol... I've done the wander before... I drove down to Virginia and stayed with friends back up to NY for a couple of weeks. It was the best trip I've ever been on because there were no time constraints, no real plans... I'd call a friend and just say "Hey what are you doing tonight? I'm coming through DC!" and we wound up singing Hamburger In Paradise at a Japanse sake/kareoke club. I'd say, depending on your finances, drive down the east coast and work your way back up.

I wish I could do this myself right now. Damn the man.

Don't you mean Cheeseburger in Paradise?

[Alexxx]

Don't you mean Cheeseburger in Paradise?
Pwned.

[vixsummer]

Don't you mean Cheeseburger in Paradise?

Yes I do.

[chrisx519]

so i am leaving for Atlantic City today. I was in New York with a friend for New Year's, caught a Talib Kweli show and did the whole Times Square thing.

it was fan-fucking-tastic, and made me decide to keep going.
haha well to Atlantic City, anyway. my friend's coming with just for that. any ideas for othe rplaces on the east coast to visit? i kinda want to make it down further south, cause it is way too goddamn cold.

sure, Canada's not known for its tropical jungles, but for serious. it is cold.

[xvszero]

Is this friend of yours in New York a female?

And these other friends you are going to visit... any of them females?

Because really... that matters. It does.

[vixsummer]

Baltimore and DC are fun as you head further south, and there's a decent amount of stuff to do.

[WFUJerseyJon]

so i am leaving for Atlantic City today. I was in New York with a friend for New Year's, caught a Talib Kweli show and did the whole Times Square thing.

it was fan-fucking-tastic, and made me decide to keep going.
haha well to Atlantic City, anyway. my friend's coming with just for that. any ideas for othe rplaces on the east coast to visit? i kinda want to make it down further south, cause it is way too goddamn cold.

sure, Canada's not known for its tropical jungles, but for serious. it is cold.

atlantic city is fun, i'm going next weekend. depending on how south you want to go dc and baltimore are nice to visit, and if you want to go far myrtle beach is nice, and south of the border is always worth a look.

[meliisssaaaa]

that sounds awesome. i love road trips and adventures. you should chill at the NJ shore. it's relaxing to just sit there and stare at the water, even during winter (bring blankets). too bad you're not doing this at a later time because i would tell you to come to bamboozle since you're in this area.

[Dervela]

agreed. it's fucking freezing in jersey but i hear its beautiful in florida right now. i think it's pretty cool, and like u said.. reminds me a lot of keruac's 'on the road' and he survived so i say make the best of it and enjoy your time away. it'll def keep your mind off of things back at home. def check out some shows while you're on the road, so you get to see what shows are like elsewhere. have fun w/ it & good luck.

[chrisx519]

yo, so I'm here at a casino in Atlantic City. my buddy left back for NYC, but I'm gonan chill here for a couple days. updated my blog (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/) about it also.

I'm about to head to the buffet here, but I was wondering if anyone here is from the area or knows it, and knows any good record stores/local shows. or whatever, something cool to look at. by the way I appreciate the support, help, ideas, etc.

xvszero - haha sorry man, but my friend is not a female. i wish I had more friends to visit along the way, but i'll mainly be a stranger wherever I go

vixsummer - I tried to do a little planning when I was hanging in NYC, and I think DC will be my next stop. my hope is that some kind of vortex/time warp happens, and I end up at a show with Fugazi, Bad Brains, and Darkest Hour playing a benefit for my trip. i am sure that kind of thing happens from time to time.

WFUJerseyJohn - thanks for the tips

meliisssaaaaa - i think i may hit up the shore. seeing the ocean would be cool. and yeah i won't be around for bamboozle, but funny you mention that. as we were brainstorming ideas of where i could go, if i reeeally decided to stick it out and somehow found a way to make or not send any money, I might head to South By Southwest. I have my guitar with me, i wonder if i could do some singer songwriter gigs while I'm out. i do have a friend that moved to Chicago from Ontario, and he claims last year he took a month off, flew to San Francisco without any money to come back, and basically just gigged his way back. i don't know how feasible that all is, but I figure it's a last resort.

dervela - yeah i'm gonna try and document local scenes in my blog too. haha i don't think my random ramblings are THAT interesting, i may as well try to talk up something else.

thanks again. buffet time.
p.s. i love roulette

[Neo Cassady]

If you're in that area looking for shows, DC always has good stuff going on from what I can tell. Definitely make a stop there. Anything farther south than that, I have no clue. The expanse of my knowledge doesn't go much beyond Ohio and North Jersey.

[LoveLostShuffle]

i honestly think that is an awesome idea i say go for it whats the worst that can happen? you go back home you know

[chrisx519]

If you can believe it, I made it down to Tennessee.

It's been awhile, but I will have to update this thread later, but I've got a good story involving cougars. Impatient/interested/milf-loving kids can check the blog (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com) until then.

and yeah LoveLostShuffle, this has been a great experience.
i can't believe I'm actually this far from Oakville, on my own.

[NOBLESTABBINGS]

Destinationless roadtrips are the bomb. Everyone should do it more often.

[B-Bones]

your blog is fairly entertaining and i'm so jealous that you are getting to do this. props man. must be the time of your life.

[asmolitor]

If you can believe it, I made it down to Tennessee.

It's been awhile, but I will have to update this thread later, but I've got a good story involving cougars. Impatient/interested/milf-loving kids can check the blog (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com) until then.

and yeah LoveLostShuffle, this has been a great experience.
i can't believe I'm actually this far from Oakville, on my own.

go to graceland. the elvis overload can be sort of kitsch at times, but it was actually really cool. there's entire hallways and rooms just dedicated to hanging his gold/platinum records. only then does the effect he had on american music become surreal. and i'm not even a big elvis fan.

[chrisx519]

things have kind of stagnated. not in a bad way really, just like i am unsure of where to go next, if anywhere.

still here (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com) in tennessee, biding time. put up some music and videos up on the blog, to entertain anyone who may actually be reading it, which I am sure consists of me, myself, and i, haha. it's gotta be documented somehow, i suppose.

b-bones: yeah man, this has been quite the experience. definitely worth the effort, and thankfully, so far without any bad experiences.

asmolitor: i may check out graceland. i'm alright with Elvis, and in any case, i know it's a big deal here in teh States, or i suppose in Tennessee.

anyone else have any suggestions? i may keep going south, or see if i can ride this out to mardi gras or sxsw

[FatJordan]

Damn dude, wish I could do all this...way jealous.

[chrisx519]

thanks man. it's interesting, to make an understatement. you can keep up with it all at my blog if you are interested

[chrisx519]

headed to North Carolina.

reports here and my blog soon!

[..HeyJanie]

It's really fun following your blogs. Glad you're having a good time =)

[chrisx519]

:) thanks.

i figure it should be interesting to somebody, if not just my ego :)

[AlternRocker16]

North Carolina is fun. Try and get to the coast if you can and cruise down to myrtle beach. Tons of stuff to do there. Seems like youre having an awesome time!

[chrisx519]

so i am in north carolina right now. blog's (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/) been updated also.

after a great start, i wake up this morning to find out i've been fucking robbed. my car was broken into last night, outside my motel.

what the fuck, i don't even know what to fucking do right now. i dont know if i have enough money to take care of this. maybe i am just freaking out. but goddamn.

[lawofaverages]

I just got back from a road trip from Boston to California. Shit was ridiculous. Everyone should drive through the southwest, so beautiful.

[Mrs.Sweeny Todd]

roadtrip u sound like legally u meen like v-kay thats alll good

[FatJordan]

roadtrip u sound like legally u meen like v-kay thats alll good

What the fuck?

[Neo Cassady]

roadtrip u sound like legally u meen like v-kay thats alll good

sounds like someone needs a shave ifyouknowwhatimean

[kidding]

[SaVeS.tHe.DaY.]

roadtrip u sound like legally u meen like v-kay thats alll good

I think she's talking about the movie Legally Blonde. You know that part when they're all like "Roadtrip?! You mean like Vay-k? Let's all go!" She just sucks at typing so you didn't get it.

[FatJordan]

I think she's talking about the movie Legally Blonde. You know that part when they're all like "Roadtrip?! You mean like Vay-k? Let's all go!" She just sucks at typing so you didn't get it.

For the win.

[llwilliamsll]

my advice would be to make sure you have a car

[KStrat]

disney world. it takes everyones problems away.

and its fun.

but hella expencive

[karah]

get away from it all

[Sabian]

Do a lot of drugs and forget the road trip. Heath Style.

[Neo Cassady]

Do a lot of drugs and forget the road trip. Heath Style.

Hunter S. Thompson style.

[Yagami_Light_11]

If you DO go on a
road trip watch out
for mentally handicapped
people...seriously

http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/thumb/5/58/Theyhatin.jpg/180px-Theyhatin.jpg

or do us all a favor and
kill it. (It because they should
not be considered ppl, since
animals are smarter)

[chrisx519]

haha jesus.
i will do my best to rid the roads of those questionably sentient speed bumps.

//

i am here in North Carolina still.
thanks to the advice of the esteemed Neo Cassady, i am gonna hang around here for a little bit to sort myself out. my parents were able to wire me a little a money, which will help out. car's still fucked up, but it's ok.

it has also been a bit amusing how much i am being harassed by kids for posting music. and only for some bands, not all of them.

i figure i might as well try to patch things up with my girlfriend back in ontario while i've got some downtime as well.


anyway, food time. peace, and thanks again cassady

[chrisx519]

so apparently i am about to be sued (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/)

are you serious?

[thebestkylever]

jesus, talk about a round of shitty luck. a lawsuit over a leaked song by a band 18 people have heard of is ridiculous, hopefully it gets thrown out man.

as for the trip, i'd reccommend going west. i took a trip last summer from st. louis to denver to los angeles. before that trip i had never seen canyons, a desert, or a mountain. i covered all three in two days. then again, that was in july, so i'm not sure if the weather would allow this time of year. anyways, i hope things get better for you.

as for advice.. i don't have much you haven't already figured out from being on the road this long. have a decent spare tire, keep an eye on the weather, and stay safe.

best of luck buddy.

[chrisx519]

thanks man, i think everything is cool now. i think maybe it was just an scare tactic or whatever.

i am going to head out to South Carolina i think. Charleston or Myrtle Beach.

it might be my last venture, as i'm getting a bit low on funds, and it's like i just remembered i also have to make it back to Canada.

back later...

[MasonR5]

i just finished reading On the Road for the first time about 2 or 3 weeks ago, so hearing your story is pretty awesome and inspiring.

Charleston is an incredible city; great representation of Southern Hospitality. maybe hit up Savannah, Georgia while you're down in the area. it's another really nice, historical southern town.

if for some reason you have to urge to pass through Mississippi on your way to New Orleans, let me know for real. i can provide a free place to stay, at the very least.

[chrisx519]

made it to myrtle beach.

and i'm still getting harassed on my blog by kids over that band, it's stupid.

[anamericangod]

If you DO go on a
road trip watch out
for mentally handicapped
people...seriously

http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/thumb/5/58/Theyhatin.jpg/180px-Theyhatin.jpg

or do us all a favor and
kill it. (It because they should
not be considered ppl, since
animals are smarter)

You are a complete fucking piece of shit.

[anamericangod]

Also, that lawsuit mess is fucking ridiculous. I hope you end up alright. That band is miserable anyways. Fuck Victory Records.

[chrisx519]

i think i'm gonna hang in South Carolina for a little bit. or go back to ontario. I'm not sure.

I have not heard anything from Victory, so I think it's just some shit Across Five Aprils is trying to scare me with. I mean it was only even one song, not their entire album like they said. They keep telling kids to come harass me, but whatever.

I watched the Super Bowl in some hole in the wall, which was a cool time. Haven't really taken the time to check out the local music scene, but I've been writing songs and shit in my hotel. I think i may take my guitar out to the beach or something today. If you guys have any ideas for South Carolina, hit me up. I'm in Myrtle Beach.

[B-Bones]

fuck across five aprils. they suck.

[brentford]

how much money you been spending mah man...
jus curious.

[..HeyJanie]

Chris, that really sucks I hope everything turns out okay =/

[chrisx519]

brentford: i haven't spent as much as it woudl seem, i guess. my parents were able to wire some money to me. it's all been mostly gas and food, i have not been taking in any crazy events or anything. i have either slept in my car more than hotels, stuff like that. i am actually running low enough that i think i am going to head home pretty soon. like next week maybe.

...Hey Janie, B-Bones: no worries guys, it''ll be fine, but thanks.

[chrisx519]

i am thinking of maybe heading back to new york for a bit (leaving teh warm weather for cold, smart eh?) then make the final leap back home.

this trip's been awesome, but yeah, this money thing is starting to worry me, so yeah. i'll be headed back next week, i just gotta get my car window fixed (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/2008/01/youve-got-to-be-kidding-me.html) before i go.

i'll keep you guys updated, i just hope nothing else big happens to me before i head back, haha. i don't need anymore drama.

oh an for those that care, my girlfriend and i are back on good terms. this trip seems to have been good for both of us.

later

[chrisx519]

TURNS OUT I SPOKE TO GODDAMN SOON.

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/)

[Neo Cassady]

TURNS OUT I SPOKE TO GODDAMN SOON.

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS (http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com/)

Just take the links off of your site and they can't touch you, their letter is evidence of that. If you comply and they still try to sue, it will never hold up in court.




Or write them back that you aren't aware of a "Lonesome Traveler" website, only your unrelated "Lonesome Traveller" blog.

[FatJordan]

Wow, thats fucked dude. If you need some legal consoling, I might be able to help you out...drop me a PM if you need.

[chrisx519]

this thing is being blown way out of proportion.

i highly doubt Victory is going to really go out of their way to sue me. i know they've done crazy things, but come on...3 songs and a youtube video?

please.

i know it look slike i'm being unreasonable, but i doubt anything's going to happen.

[..HeyJanie]

I think you should just take it down...that letter doesn't seem like they're bluffing to me.

[chrisx519]

hey ..heyjanie.

i think it'll be all right. nothing happened just as i thought, and i'm gonna hit up one more place before heading back to canada. such a string of bad luck, deserved or not, makes me think i'm going to hedge my bets and quit while i'm ahead.

i was able to get my car fixed, i think i'm going to head to Atlanta. no more music, though, haha. jesus,

[total brodown]

i feel like just going driving somewhere with some friends and getting away for a little while after i graduate is something i HAVE to do.

[chrisx519]

so great news. i guess to cap off an unbelievable last few days, <a href="http://chrisxavier.blogspot.com">my girlfriend</a> breaks up with me.

by sleeping with my best friend back home.

i suppose it's my fault (it's over stuff she read in the blog from before, not the Victory shit), but whatever. i dunno.

i have no reason to go back now. at least not anytime soon.

poetic justice? fuck.

[chrisx519]

still haven't gone to atlanta. haha i am just getting lazy now.

i would like to though, see if i can take in teh hip hop scene there. the Talib show on New Year's was fuckin ace and i'd love to see what the underground scenes are like

[..HeyJanie]

hey ..heyjanie.

i think it'll be all right. nothing happened just as i thought, and i'm gonna hit up one more place before heading back to canada. such a string of bad luck, deserved or not, makes me think i'm going to hedge my bets and quit while i'm ahead.

i was able to get my car fixed, i think i'm going to head to Atlanta. no more music, though, haha. jesus,
mm that's good i guess

[hanglikeabat]

its nice to get out and do something different once in awhile. change is good, trust me! i love it. even if it is a weekend get-a-way that you can afford, go for it. you will just learn to love the ones back home some more and sigt-seeying is also a marvelous thing.

[chrisx519]

so get this. buzzgrinder actually interviewed me (http://www.buzzgrinder.com/2008/interview-chris-xavier/) about the whole thing yesterday.

i didn't want to mention anything until it got put up (this morning), cause i didn't even know if they'd actually do it.

haha man this is amazing. at least something nice came out of all this.

[chrisx519]

i'm back in oakville now, for those who have still been reading the blog. it needs a massive update.

[brentford]

i dont think you actually went anywhere

[Irma182]

i went from holland to australia for 4 months. its amazing here