State of Maine
Apparently "Rolling Thunder Weekend" is a way of life up here in Maine. In fact I have seen more people on Harley's speeding through noisily than I ever do in the city. Amazing.
Though these bikers are much nicer looking than the ones you see back home. They are all middle aged or older and minus the tattoos, that I can see anyway. They all seen like naturalists gone bad. Even with their otherwise benign exteriors there is something off setting about them. Perhaps it's a learned reflex to bikers in general that comes from my upbringing.
Which brings me to another observation. I notice that people look at me apprehensively, until I smile and say hello to them. At first I chalked this up to the usual assumptions about being Gay but then I realized it wasn't that at all. No, people here regard me with hesitation because I don't smile! I am so used to Washington, city of apathy and oblivion where no one smiles unless they know the person standing in front of them. Generally I walk around with a nondescript or scowling expression on my face. It actually feels unnatural for me to go around smiling all the time. The way of life here is much friendlier and trusting. It has taken some getting used to but I think I am finally getting the hang of it.
And lastly, I have learned that dumb slow tourists who walk in huge clumps and stop on the sidewalks obstructing foot traffic are not just in DC, but everywhere! I swear they are as bad here in Maine as they are back home. Apparently a lack of common sense and courtesy are universal among tourists. I think its part of some kind of coda they have to swear before going on vacation. At first I wasn't too bothered by it, but after a few days I found myself reverting to my typical annoyed behavior when at home. I just have no patience for that shit you know. It is not too hard to walk single file down narrow sidewalks or step to the side rather than halting like a pack of saturated fat fed water buffalos in front of storefronts!
