New York, NY to Spartanburg, S.C. - Tale of two cultures

Well, this wraps up another week of fun filled travel and exploration (or at least it is winding down as I sit here in the Greenville-Spartanburg airport). This week was definitely the tale of two cultures, one fast paced and impersonal vs. slower pace and relationship oriented.

The first part of my week was spent on Long Island. Actually, I was in a very beautiful place on Long Island called Port Jefferson. This little port city is located a good way's "out in the country" on Long Island. Absolutely a beautiful place. The leaves were still on the trees and at full tilt, the weather was unseasonably warm, and the view of the harbor from my hotel was breathtaking. The only issue was I had to go through LaGuardia to get there! What an experience. In asking for directions I was given "can't get lost" instructions that were spoken at a pace faster than even my wife would be able to decipher. I certainly proved that guy wrong about his directions....I got lost and ended up in some residential area (where there were a lot of guys in matching jackets - very fashionable...). After correcting my course and backtracking to the airport I started over. Luckily on the second pass I found the expressway and headed out on the island.

The return trip. Boy, was I dreading this one! It's not all that bad driving in heavy traffic as long as you know where you are going. Well, I'm in New York Traffic at 4:00 pm without a clue where I am headed. What a combination! Somehow, whenever I am in this situation a Garbage Truck always seem to find its way in front of me on the highway. Now all I can see is spoiled fruit and meat wrappers landing on my hood. Forget about seeing the road signs! As you can guess, I got off the Long Island Expressway at the wrong place. It didn't take me but about 2 miles to figure this out and get turned around. Getting back on the L.I.E. and coming over a rise in the road - up ahead is the city outlined in gray - and right after that is a glorious sign that says "Laguardia, this way!" I'm saved!!!! 4 hours early, I arrive at LaGuardia and am happy about it.

One person....actually spoke and carried on a conversation while at LaGuardia. Come to find out he was from Charleston, S.C.. Strange but true....

From NY I headed to Spartanburg. Upon arrival a convertible awaited. The night was only about 65 degree's, but with the heater on full bore I motored down the interstate in the middle of the night with the top down and radio blaring! Yippeee! People in the airport smiled and spoke. Some even carried on conversations. Different world I guess.

I am now stuck in Atlanta. Flight is delayed so I am enjoying the Delta lounge and their hospitality. It somehow seems like a big tease when you are on your way home, so close, and now you have to hurry up and wait. At least I have this blog to keep me company.

One high point of this weeks trip. I had time to go and see a movie. What a movie it was. The title is "Facing the Giants." It was done by a church in Albany, Georgia on a shoestring budget. While the acting leaves a bit to be desired, if you have ever experienced God working in your life, this movie will pump you up like never before. If you are one who has never really had this experience, perhaps this movie is a good place to start.

Well, until next time...this is John signing out. Time for another cold drink as I await the cattle call.