fett on 16/5/2012 at 18:21

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You've gotta know something about me and RBJ. About 6 years ago, we would have strangled one another in real life. Seriously. I fucking hated that guy, and the feeling was mutual. I almost left TTLG on two occasions because I was tired of fighting with him about religion and politics. He was actually banned one time for implying that he wished I were dead. I shit you not - look it up.

Of course, eventually, with much not-so-patient explaining the various ways in which I was a complete moron (as well as much agonizing soul searching that is well documented in these venerable pages), I left Christianity, the Republican party, and so so so many preconceived notions behind. It wasn't a direct cause/effect from my conversations here, but discussion at TTLG, especially with RBJ and Agent Monkeysee, were instrumental in forcing me to re-evaluate my position on these issues.

So I live about an hour from NYC now. I took the train over and arrived in the Big Apple about 7pm - an hour later than promised. We'd planned to meet at Connolly's but my GPS wouldn't find the correct address for the one nearest Grand Central. RBJ called me, trying to triangulate my position as we decided on a different Connolley's location. As I describe where I am, he says, "Oh. I'm right behind you..."

We laugh, a bit of an awkward hug/handshake thing, then we finally made it to Connolly's. Not the exact location he'd hoped for, but the food was great. We both had burgers (mine was lamb with curry sauce since hamburger terrifies the shit out of me). Worked great since I've been craving Indian food. We had a beer (or two?) and talked each other's heads off about religion, politics, you guys, games, marriage, work and a lot of things we used to argue about but have a very similar perspective on now. I understand a lot more about what he does for a living now, and this guy knows his stuff when it comes to finance and the economy. I think he was explaining some of this to me like I was five, but it worked and I understand it way better than I did before. In a nutshell, we're all fucked. Sorry, Europe.

We stayed for a few hours then headed back over to Grand Central to a little cocktail lounge (seen in the picture below). This was apparently once the home of a robber baron near the turn of the century. My t-shirt didn't meet the dress code, but they let us in anyway and we had a few more drinks. Loved the vibe of the place - I think I could be a robber baron quite easily if given the chance. The place started clearing out around 12:30, we stayed 'till around 1. I think his girlfriend may have changed the locks because she couldn't find him after work, so I'm happy to take full credit if he's single and pathetic again in a few days.

I can't speak for him, but I had a great time. He helped me find the right train home (I think he realized I was a bit buzzed from the rum cocktails) and we hugged goodbye. We didn't get sloppy drunk or burn the place down - mostly quiet, impassioned conversation with a like-minded traveler that left me once again thankful for the TTLG community. Hopefully I can meet more of you in the days to come.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo344/WildeSilas42/download.jpg

BrokenArts on 16/5/2012 at 19:54

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Add my name to that list, come on fork it over. If there is a meeting of the minds with these two, maybe there is hope for mankind after all. Fuck the world, lets all go over to TTLG island.

demagogue on 17/5/2012 at 01:34

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Haha yeah it looks like even the camera got a little drunk. :D

Rug Burn Junky on 18/5/2012 at 00:39

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You keep spreading those lies about me getting banned and we're going to have to have words again, my good sir.

But yes, one of the more satisfying TTLG meet-ups in memory.

Stitch on 18/5/2012 at 15:15

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:cool:

well done, several-rounds-in pics are the best pics