So I was in a Sydney bar blogging (Manly was the area, for any curious locals) and I noticed some American college basketball on TV. It turned out to be Texas Tech, the college I was located close to whilst living in the Lone Star State. Not many people had heard of Lubbock, but college sports help put it on the map thanks to the Red Raiders. I could see their 60k+ seater stadium from my apartment balcony, impressive for a college team and not possible for a UK college team.
Whilst I was clearing out my apartment in England back in August to move out to Australia, I found a sticker that I bought in Texas all that time ago. I put it on my laptop hoping that it would help me build a collection of stickers from various regions of the world. I like the look of Casey Neistat’s laptop for this reason. It gives it a bit of personality.
Live update: Some guy just walked up to me and asked if I was from the States because of my laptop sticker. Right as I was typing this section, he was from Cali and I had to explain I lived in TX although I am actually British. I feel I have to apologise for misleading people that ask this, they are hoping for a chat with someone from home and realise this isn’t going to be the case as soon as I open my mouth. Odd timing, however since I have started going into public places for WiFi it has drawn quite a lot of attention. A bit like if I was taking a cute puppy everywhere, you know its just a matter of time before someone is going to walk up and introduce themselves. I like conversation, so it’s fine.
But yes, I feel it gives my laptop a little more life. It’s with me almost all the time now, so I like my laptop to reflect me a little. I’m overdue an Australia sticker though, I haven’t got around to buying one.
So yes, this short post is dedicated to Tech and Texas. And Shiner Bock, and brisket, and pool parties, and turning up late everyday to work due to those pool parties, and the constant worry of being fired for being late and inevitably sent back to the UK as I was on a strict sponsored visa, and the difficulty being understood because of my think northern accent….
I am reminded of a lot when I see that great flag.
But now I need a sticker for my current travels. What should I get? A koala? A kangaroo? The Australian flag? What do you still carry around that reminds you of a previous trip?
I bet many of you have some cool reminders of past adventures, in many cool and creative forms.