Help me help me [Archive] - Customers Suck!

Eireann

06-22-2010, 01:02 PM

There are WiFi places all over town, but I don't have a laptop that's compatible (mine is OLD).

This is how the living situation is. I live in a row house. The landlord and landlady live upstairs. They own the house. The people next door own their house (these are the people with the lovely, caring, considerate son who simply can't bear to keep his music all to himself, and must share it with everyone on the street). The yappy dog belongs to the owners of the house.

In all fairness, I haven't mentioned the noise upstairs to the owners. I don't know if they realize that I can hear them walking around up there, and their children running, at a greatly increased volume, given the way noise works in such cases. I also haven't mentioned the dog barking. I did complain, more than once, about the neighbor and his stereo, and my landlord talked to his father, but his father is, evidently, completely ineffective as a parent. His son won't listen to him, and the father won't take the step of just taking away the stereo.

Now, the neighbors are doing construction work on their house. It looks to me that they're doing an attic conversion. My sincere hope is that they'll stick the little bastard and his stereo up there. I saw them using styrofoam blocks, which is good for insulation AND good for soundproofing. I don't know what will happen, but my hope is that a certain teenager will be put in a soundproof environment.

As for the situation at work, I often work in an office belonging to the company, but I do have the option of working from home. They'd be in a bad position if I left - and one of the managers, who really is sweet and thoughtful, not to mention a good manager in general, agreed with me when I discussed it with her. I didn't tell her that I was leaving; I told her that I might have to leave, due to the increasingly bad conditions at the company. She was both surprised (since I've been there for some time) and sympathetic.

This is such a mess.

Whiskey

06-22-2010, 02:28 PM

Its not much, and I don't know if anyone suggested it, but what about just wearing an MP3 player while youre at home with relaxing music (white noise, the sound of rain, crickets chirping, etc). I have "rain" playing in my house ALL the time and its really, really relaxing. It doesn't solve the problems you're having, but it'll at least put a bandaid on them.

Also, there are daytime disturbance laws. At least here there are. Its something like, if you're disturbing enough people regularly you become a neighborhood nuisance. If you live in an apartment complex you could ask to be moved to another unit, maybe?

edit: you posted while i was typing. Is there a Homeowners Association in your neighborhood? They control things like daytime noise and construction. I know in my set of condos we're not even aloud to be very loud during the day. Its not ridiculous, but things like playing a loud stereo all the time aren't permitted. Also, call the city and see if they have the permits to do that construction. (i don't know what country you're in so I dont know if any of this applies :\)

Eireann

06-22-2010, 03:13 PM

I really wish I could use all these suggestions; I feel like such a spoilsport for not doing it.

I rent a place in a house that's part of a row of houses. Hence, the neighbor is directly on the other side of the wall. I can hear his stereo even when the volume is at an acceptable level. I don't like it, but if the level isn't bad, I won't complain. It's nobody's fault, not even his, that the houses are built this way. There's no such thing as an HOA here, and no law against daytime disturbance. I've had the police called twice, but no luck; all that they can do is report that a complaint has been made. That's all.

I tried listening to a relaxation CD on my player, in my bedroom, which does not adjoin the house with the stereo, one day when he had the stereo up full-blast. I could hear it even in there!

I'm all in favor of the construction, if it means they're making a place for him to play his stereo where nobody can hear it. I can hear hammering going on right now, but it doesn't bother me, because I know it's coming from a group of people doing their work, and not from a spoiled rotten entitlement whore who knows his music is driving me crazy, and turns it up anyway.

r2cagle

06-22-2010, 03:31 PM

You know... there is this great invention called earphones. Why can't that kid put a set onto his stereo to listen to music as loud as he wants?

Mikkel

06-22-2010, 05:19 PM

When my neighbours play loud music or there is an outdoor concert close by (which there usually is Friday or Saturday in the summer, sometimes both days), my defences are first of all earplugs, they will bring the noise down to where I can live with it. Secondly I put Bob Marley on the stereo, the beat will fit the bass that filter through the earplugs, even if there is a rave close by :D.
Are there a place, with a friend or some family, where you could go and get a little peace? Sometimes an hour or two of good company and quiet can help you relax when you are home in the noise again.

Eireann

06-22-2010, 07:48 PM

Yeah, I use earplugs. He's got one HELL of a powerful stereo.

My landlady said that the neighbor kid used to listen to his music with headphones, but he did it so much that he's partially deaf right now. I'm all for him going ENTIRELY deaf; hey, he did it to himself.

Mikkel, I've been thinking of going on a day trip somewhere. It's a good idea, in theory, but I don't know if I'll make it through the day without freaking out. Yesterday's meltdown was the biggest and by far the most severe I've ever had, and it makes me want to stay home - but home isn't a relaxing place.

This is a serious question - how many lotteries out there are worldwide? I might as well buy some tickets.

Seshat

06-23-2010, 03:06 AM

Can you tolerate noise-blocking headphones? (I can't, but many people can.)

I agree that you shouldn't have to spend on/wear such a thing because someone else is being a disrespectful nuisance - but it may be enough to give you periods of calm quiet (or rainforest noises, or whatever you choose to play).

Jester

06-23-2010, 06:17 AM

First thing's first: you are not allowed to die. I told all you folks when my friend TD died that none of my friends are allowed to die anymore. So stop that. Now.

As for Stereo Boy--I wish I was there. For I would deal with him.

Knock knock. "Hi, I'm Jester. My baby sister Eireann lives next door, and you always playing your stereo so loudly is disturbing her. Please turn it down. Thank you."

If that doesn't work (and no one here thinks it would)....

Knock knock. "Hi. I asked you very politely the other day to turn down your stereo. You ignored me. I'm done being polite. Turn down the music to a reasonable level or I'm going to shove that fucking stereo so far up your ass you'll be tasting Guns n' Roses for breakfast."

If that doesn't work....

Knock knock. Door opens. Jester is standing there with a Louisville Slugger. Jester nails Stereo Boy in the nuts with the bat. While Stereo Boy is doubled over in pain only guys can understand.... "Hi. Remember me? Yeah, figured you might. That stereo shit? Gotta stop. You're an inconsiderate asshole. That ends right fucking now." Jester walks over to the stereo and goes Reggie Jackson on it. "If you disturb my baby sister again, you're going to be puking blood, motherfucker." On his way out, Jester takes a swing at Stereo Boy's ribs, for emphasis.

If that for some bizarre reason doesn't work.....

Knock knock. Door opens. Jester slams Stereo Boy in the face with the blunt end of the bat. "Hi. Now that I have your attention, let's talk." Jester wails full force on Stereo Boy, conjuring up mental images of The Worst Girlfriend Ever, the '97 Rose Bowl, and the Tuck Rule Game just to piss him off. "You don't fuck with my baby sister, motherfucker." Wham! Wham! Wham! "Ever hear of ear phones? Courtesy? Manners?" Wham! Wham! Wham! "You even turn the radio on again, I am going to pull your fucking pancreas out through your throat, you fucking giant pile of shit." Wham! Wham! Wham! "What's that? Are you crying? There's no crying in baseball!" Wham! Wham! Wham! "Music is art. It is not noise terrorism. Learn the fucking difference, you donkey-fucking cocksucker." Wham! Wham! Wham! "I'm glad we had this discussion. Now, by all means, enjoy the rest of your day, and I look forward to not having this discussion with you again." Wham! Wham! Wham!

Jester leaves.

I should point out that CustomersSuck.com does not advocate violence against customers. I would like to also point out that Stereo Boy is not Eireann's customer, but her neighbor, and if I end up in her neck of the woods any time soon, the above scenario will not merely be a product of my vindictive imagination.

See, Eireann? All you have to do is buy me a plane ticket and 4 beers (I have a sliding scale), and I'll take care of this irritation to your life. Wait, no. I won't take care of it. I'll remove it. 'Cause that's what Uncle Jester does!

On a more serious note, if you ever feel as horrible as your first post sounded and need to talk, call me at any hour. Even early morning. (You get a special dispensation.) My phone number will be in your PM box after I finish typing this.

I don't believe in violence. I do, however, believe in its effectiveness.

Eireann

06-23-2010, 11:07 AM

Well, I already went over there and screamed at him, and it made a difference for a whole two days. This guy thinks that it's okay to crank his stereo, as long as he's not doing it at night. I could retaliate by playing my stereo loudly, but that wouldn't solve anything; plus, it would disturb the occupants of the house where I live, and I don't want to do that.

He doesn't listen to Guns 'n' Roses. Often, it's Madonna. One of those dance mixes. I hate Madonna. I absolutely loathe her. So, not only has he been turning up the volume, he's doing it with something I hate. It would serve him right if I got him with, say, "Helter Skelter", or "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey".

If he could hear it. Which is debatable.

Noise-canceling headphones... maybe. I've never tried them, so I don't know how they would work for me. I was thinking of getting some for my last long-haul flight, but the price scared me off.

Much as I would like to have Uncle Jester hop on over her and take care of Stereo Boy, I'd rather (no offense, Jester) use the money to take MYSELF to the States for a loooong visit. Maybe stopping by Key West on the way to buy him a beer or four.

I'm calmer now than I was yesterday, and certainly calmer than the day before. YouTube is a wonder. Healing mantras, other self-help videos. I do love the site. And this one, of course.

My friend, the one who dealt with the Massive Breakdown Phone Call, was chatting with me last night to make sure I was okay. He's also going to chat with me while he's on vacation (he leaves today).

Thank you all so much for your support. I don't know what I would have done without it.

tollbaby

06-23-2010, 04:30 PM

Might I suggest a pair of noise-blocking headphones? Not ear buds... these cover your entire ear so that no sound can get in. There's a fairly wide selection with reviews here: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/

Obviously some of these can get quite pricey, but you should be able to get a set for somewhere between $50-$100 if you look for sales.

It's not an ideal solution, but it might get you some peace, which is what it sounds like you desperately need.

Have you considered looking around where you live for a walking group or a tai chi class? You need to find yourself some relaxation techniques before you explode. Feel free to PM me - I've got lots of ideas. We even have a place where I live called "The Quiet Room". It's a place where you can go and rent a room and either have relaxation music or absolute silence in a sound-proofed space by the hour :) I've never required it myself, but I used to have a coworker who swore by it.

Becks

06-23-2010, 05:07 PM

Jester, the mental images you invoked were great! :salute:

BookstoreEscapee

06-24-2010, 01:23 AM

We even have a place where I live called "The Quiet Room". It's a place where you can go and rent a room and either have relaxation music or absolute silence in a sound-proofed space by the hour :) I've never required it myself, but I used to have a coworker who swore by it.

That sounds like a great idea...I have tinnitis so I am never in complete silence but I live facing a highway and in hot weather I can't keep the windows closed, so I'm not sleeping too well lately (starting to get used to the noise again, and fans help). I spent the last week housesitting for my parents and the dark and quiet in their room at night was heaven!

Jester

06-24-2010, 03:04 AM

Much as I would like to have Uncle Jester hop on over her and take care of Stereo Boy, I'd rather (no offense, Jester) use the money to take MYSELF to the States for a loooong visit. Maybe stopping by Key West on the way to buy him a beer or four.

Do you hear me arguing with you? :lol:

Jester, the mental images you invoked were great! :salute:

Bartender by day, wordsmith by night. It's a living.

Eireann

06-24-2010, 09:11 PM

Today was somewhat better. I actually went outside and did something. I did a lot of sitting on benches, though, because I still get tired, but at least I got out there. I did a fair amount of walking, too.

Sometimes I start feeling pretty good, but often the realization then comes crashing down.

BookstoreEscapee

06-25-2010, 02:04 AM

Just wanted to leave you this:

:hug:

Seshat

06-25-2010, 03:00 AM

Today was somewhat better. I actually went outside and did something. I did a lot of sitting on benches, though, because I still get tired, but at least I got out there.

To quote my pain physiotherapist: "Any exercise is better than no exercise."

Good for you.

Eireann

06-25-2010, 11:08 AM

Seshat, I like your self-help guide.

EDITED TO ADD:

I've been sending out feelers to other companies. I have a business license, so I can work in any other country in the European Union, and they won't have to hire me. I haven't done enough about finding other work. I have one company that may start sending me work - we've signed an agreement - but nothing yet. Another one may also send me work, if they like the test job that I did. Plus, I contacted a company back home, because I want to divide my time between Europe and the States.

It's so good to be able to contact so many people by sitting at my computer.

Seshat

06-25-2010, 05:09 PM

Thank you. I find that between the four of them, they can be applied to almost any situation to improve it.

Whiskey

06-25-2010, 08:09 PM

Along the lines of exercise.. find something you LIKE doing. A lot of people see exercise/the gym as this big torture session. I don't do cardio. I hate cardio. I'm, ahem, well endowed up top and I'm an asthmatic. Never really been a fan of cardio, probably never will be. I spend about five minutes on a treadmill to stretch out my legs and get my heart rate up (3.0 mph on an incline) and then I go lift weights.

I love lifting weights. It makes me feel strong. If I can squat 150lbs, I can sure as hell make it through tomorrow. I'll squat tomorrow if it gives me any trouble. The gym/working out goes from "oh god not that..." to "woo! gonna go kick some butt!"

And it does improve your mood greatly. The first time I really worked out I felt like I was high afterwards. Its less significant now, but that tired/weak sensation and feeling your blood pump does something for the brain.

Eireann

06-25-2010, 09:41 PM

I was doing some exercises I learned at a gym. These can be done with or without weights (in my case, without, since I don't have weights at home). I did them yesterday and today. Not a huge difference, but certainly more than I've been doing. Monday's crisis was so severe that I'm not trying to do much all at once. A step here, a step there. I've been doing some guided meditation from YouTube videos, also.

I'd love to be able to pick up and travel somewhere.

Jester

06-26-2010, 01:50 AM

Der Cute

06-26-2010, 03:57 AM

Actually, you do have weights at home. Just not gym weights.

Need a light weight? Soup cans. Something heavier? A bag of sugar or flour. Something really heavy? A chair. You can use all sorts of things in your house for weight exercises.

I know a lot of time when I go bicycling, for part of my stretch session, I will lay down over the seawall and press my bicycle, which is a decent 20 lbs or so. And when my body is extended like that, it makes it that much more difficult.

Jester's right. I use the peanut butter jars when I'm in line at the supermarket :). Or the whole basket.

But a jar, (not glass) is great for curls, kick backs (triceps) and delts.
You can also use the wall for pushups; put your feet about 18 inches away from the wall. Put your hands on the wall like you'd be on the floor...and do your pushups.

And hey, vacuuming and mopping : decent exercise!

Cutenoob

BookstoreEscapee

06-26-2010, 04:06 AM

half-gallon or gallon milk jugs filled with water. Then you can easily vary the weight as you get stronger.

Eireann

06-26-2010, 01:13 PM

I've been doing the wall pushups. I rarely eat canned food, and I don't drink milk, but I do get some exercise from vacuuming and mopping.

I went to a farmer's market today, and poked around at the various stalls - two free samples of extremely good juice, a view of a product I'd never imagined (a grinder filled with sugar, orange peel, and ginger, to be used for desserts and such), and then went to the grocery store and picked up some stuff. Now I'm back home. Tired again.

I have made some breakthroughs in thinking in the past couple of days, which is all well and good. What I don't understand is, why have I had so little response from the therapists I contacted earlier this week?

Whiskey

06-26-2010, 01:51 PM

, why have I had so little response from the therapists I contacted earlier this week?

Did you show up in person or just leave a message with someone? A lot of people will forget a voicemail, but its hard to forget someone standing in your office.

Eireann

06-26-2010, 03:36 PM

I sent emails. I was too distraught to go out.

Whiskey

06-26-2010, 06:12 PM

I sent emails. I was too distraught to go out.

The emails were probably filtered by the receptionist. Give them a call (and make an appointment) or go in person. If all else fails, you have to have some kind of emergency mental health center for immediate treatment/advising. I will warn you (i dont know if itll be a shock or not), but there might be a very long wait (1 or more months) to see a therapist. I would work on CBT by yourself and finding positive things to put into your daily routine. When I'm feeling especially down/bad, I go get an ice cream cone.

No, I don't want an ice cream cone.

I don't even like ice cream that much.

But I know when I get an ice cream cone it reminds me of swinging on swings when I was a kid. I was carefree and happy. Sometimes all you need is a little perk somewhere.

My favorite kind is the kind with the syrup/flavoring in it. You know? Green apple syrup or whatever on vanilla ice cream. I loved that stuff. :) Good memories are the best motivators. Find something you can't help but smiling about when you think of it and hold on to it. The memories, good ones at least, are what get you through. Soon, you'll make more good memories that'll get you through the next tough time.

Eireann

06-26-2010, 06:30 PM

There's something I need to address, and I'm not sure how to do it.

You already know about the noise from next door.

There's also the noise from upstairs.

The owners live up there. They have two children and a dog. (I had no idea, at the time I agreed to take this place, that there were any children in the house. Had I known, I would have continued looking for a place to rent.)

The noise up there is getting increasingly annoying. The children spend almost all their time at home, indoors. I don't know why; there's a yard behind the house, and a very nice play area in front, which is used by all the families around here. There's even a playground. However, these children spend their time indoors.

Since I live directly underneath them, all the noise is magnified down here. And it goes on ALL DAY. Thump, tumble, run, shriek, you name it. The dog sometimes starts barking when the play gets particularly intense.

I'm wondering how best to mention the subject to the owners. I've never said anything about it before, so they don't know. They live at the top of the house, so they don't have to deal with it from someone else.

I thought of doing it like this: "Hello, I was wondering if you plan to do any more work on your apartment. The reason that I'm asking, is that when you or your children walk around, it makes a lot of noise in my apartment. I've also noticed a new crack in the bedroom wall, up near the ceiling, and I was wondering if you need to reinforce the house. The footsteps often cause the house to shake, so I'm concerned, what with the noise and the new cracks."

All of this is true; I do feel that they need to do some reinforcement on the house, and there is a new crack in the bedroom. I doubt very much that they have any idea how much noise is being generated when they just walk around.

Whiskey

06-26-2010, 06:48 PM

Eireann

06-26-2010, 06:57 PM

Yes, I do need to move. I need to have my own damn HOUSE. Which I don't. Or, yet, the money for one. Apartment living is fraught with such perils. I think I was evicted from a former apartment for complaining about the noise the upstairs neighbors made; God, what a nightmare that was! Front door always slamming, children screaming upstairs and/or directly outside my windows, loud parties lasting well into the night. But, hey, they paid several times as much rent as I did, so the result was a given.

I'm not going to write a letter; I'm going to approach them. If I show some concern for their house, and I am concerned for it (if nothing else, I don't want the ceiling coming down on me), it may help. I complained about Stereo Boy to them, so I don't want them to think I'm going to bitch about every single noise in or near the house.

Whiskey

06-26-2010, 07:02 PM

If you do end up moving (I dont know what country youre in) but move somewhere with a Home Owners Association. You don't need to own, you can sublet, but the rules will apply. In my condo (that I rent, but is privately owned) there is to be NO disturbing noises at ANY time. No loud music, no thumper cars, nothing. Its to be relatively quiet and serene at all times. Look into it maybe?

Eireann

06-26-2010, 07:07 PM

No HOAs around here. I'd love to live in an area like that, though.

Whiskey

06-26-2010, 07:14 PM

:\ the best I got at the moment is the comedy option. Invest in your own sub woofers and blast mozart.

Eireann

06-26-2010, 07:30 PM

Whiskey

06-26-2010, 07:35 PM

I did turn up my stereo, once, and put a speaker to the wall, so he would know what it was like. However, I doubt that he even heard it, and knowing what I do about the acoustics in this house, I didn't want to annoy the people downstairs. Mozart is a good idea, though.

Rite of Spring (if you can find it) is a good tune. Swan lake, naturally. The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky could drive anyone nuts with a subwoofer. You can always claim you were trying to expose him to the arts. Even the deaf can hear Tchaikovsky. (edit: or Beethoven. Har har tacky joke, I know)

BookstoreEscapee

06-26-2010, 07:51 PM

Jester

06-27-2010, 04:28 PM

Invest in your own sub woofers and blast mozart.

Better yet, Tchaikovsky. I mean, honestly, how the hell do you top music that has cannons in it? (And by that philosophy, AC/DC will work pretty well, too!)

And now, just for the heck of it, I am going to see if I can find the 1812 on youtube and listen to it. My classical music loving mother would be so proud.......other than the fact that she doesn't really care for Tchaikovsky, preferring Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. :lol:

Eireann

06-27-2010, 06:49 PM

Definitely not AC/DC. Maybe if I start playing mantras, he'll throw himself out of the window in despair. If I could stand Barry Manilow and/or Gordon Lightfoot, it would be truly deadly.

Der Cute

06-27-2010, 11:16 PM

Ooh, how about the Muskrat Love song? And then Safety Dance....find the cheesiest songs available.

I hope you're doing ok otherwise, and keep up the hard work. Remember to reward yourself too.

Eireann

06-28-2010, 07:17 AM

I'm actually working today, though from home. I got out yesterday and did some walking around town; it was a gorgeous day, which helped. I also chatted with my sister online, and talked to a good friend for more than an hour on the phone.

It's amazing, how kind people have been.

Eireann

06-29-2010, 06:20 PM

Okay, I'd like input here from everyone in the States.

My goal is to take a long, leisurely drive across the country. When I have the time and the money, that is. Start at the East Coast and work my way west.

So, everyone, what do you recommend I visit, why (short description), what are the best places to eat and to stay, and shall we get together as I'm going through?

A friend suggested that this would be an appropriate tribute to Mom. We used to go on a long road trip to visit relatives every summer, and the thought of hitting the road, radio stations fading in and out, the highway reaching into infinity ahead of you, brings back a lot of wonderful memories.

Teysa

06-29-2010, 06:43 PM

Sounds like a fun trip. If you go through Texas, the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas is an interesting place. There's also the Stockyards in Fort Worth if you want to see an authentic cattle drive. It's been a long time, but Billy Miner's in downtown Fort Worth used to have some good burgers. Sundance Square in Fort Worth is good if you want to do some walking and shopping. You might even be able to catch a show at Bass Hall. The downtown area is very pedestrian friendly. As far as hotels go, you might be better off staying in one of the outlying areas. Both Fort Worth and Dallas are probably going to be a bit pricey. If you do end up this way, PM me and maybe we can get together for lunch or something.

trailerparkmedic

06-29-2010, 07:09 PM

It's probably out of your way, but San Antonio is fun to visit. It's a pretty laid back city and has lots of fun touristy things to do. There's the Alamo, the Riverwalk & fabulous Tex-Mex food. If you get the chance, go during Fiesta (2 weeks in April). The city shuts down and parties.

Eireann

06-29-2010, 07:14 PM

Don't worry about anything being out of my way. I may just plan it according to the suggestions (with a few must-sees of my own, such as the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and the Grand Canyon, and the town where Mom was born).

I may just buy a video camera and do a documentary of the trip.

bookworm

06-29-2010, 08:13 PM

My suggestion is that you stick with the smaller highways, like Route 66, that go thru a lot of small towns rather than major interstates that only go thru the big towns. Of course, that depends on what type of things you want to go see (museums, etc.), but my favorite trip thru Oklahoma is Route 66 - going through the downtowns of all the small towns, seeing historic buildings (granted, we're a young state, so there isn't much that's really old, but still pretty cool.)

And if you come through Oklahoma, we'll be happy to put you up, or take you to some of our area lakes or museums, or whatever it is you're interested in.

Teysa

06-29-2010, 08:32 PM

I second trailerparkmedic's suggestion on San Antonio. If it weren't for the fact that it's too darned hot during the summer, I'd consider packing up and moving there. It's a beautiful city with lots of character.

trailerparkmedic

06-29-2010, 08:43 PM

If you come to Texas, maybe we can meet up. I live in Houston. Decent city to live in, not much I'd recommend to tourists. I miss San Antonio and would love an excuse to visit. I'm also up in Dallas a lot if you go there.

I'd also suggest Washington DC since it has lots of cool, free stuff to do, no matter your interests. I grew up near there and still don't get tired of visiting the city. The spring is really nice if you can manage to hit the cherry blossoms, but that is really impossible to time. You need a lot of luck on your side.

I went to Oregon and Washington once. It was BEAUTIFUL. It's also way cooler than Texas--we were wearing jeans and sweaters in the evenings in September. There wasn't really much to do, but it was just so pretty.

I can't really give you a ton of information on Oregon/Washington but if you tell me what you're interested in, I can point you in the right direction for some stuff to do in San Antonio & DC.

Ok, I'll stop now that I've sent you to so many far away places!

AdminAssistant

06-29-2010, 08:45 PM

Ooooh, the SO and I are going to Eureka Springs in July! (We aren't staying at the Crescent, but a friend is getting married there in October.) I'll be happy to pass along any good restaurants that we happen upon. Since you'll be in that part of the world, I would suggest a trip up to Springfield, MO to eat at Lambert's Cafe.

In terms of going cross-country, I40 will take you through Memphis and Little Rock, both of which have cool things to do. I70 goes through St. Louis (meh) and Kansas City...not to mention my place!

Eireann

06-30-2010, 12:37 PM

Any more? There must be more... right?

Whiskey

06-30-2010, 01:50 PM

Yosemite and Jamestown in California (and SF/LA/Beaches). Great falls, Montana. Oregon in general is beautiful. Kansas has some gorgeous scenery. Kansas City, Missouri has gambling boats, since legally, they can't have a casino on LAND. so they put a boat over a river. It doesn't float or sail, but legally its in water.

Thats all I got.

Becks

06-30-2010, 03:46 PM

There's always Wisconsin Dells. (Not all of it is water parks!) I seem to remember a nice little boat tour on the Wisconsin River.

Oh, and the Circus World Museum in Baraboo...

AdminAssistant

06-30-2010, 06:54 PM

Kansas City, Missouri has gambling boats, since legally, they can't have a casino on LAND. so they put a boat over a river. It doesn't float or sail, but legally its in water.

I don't think many of the casinos are actually out in the water any more, most of the casinos are up in the northland in neighborhoods that, frankly, I wouldn't want to be in. Too many other fun things to do in KC, IMO. :D Oh, and if you do swing through this way you have to eat at Oklahoma Joe's in either KCK or Olathe. It's the best barbeque in the world, srsly.

Whiskey

06-30-2010, 09:52 PM

I don't think many of the casinos are actually out in the water any more, most of the casinos are up in the northland in neighborhoods that, frankly, I wouldn't want to be in. Too many other fun things to do in KC, IMO. :D Oh, and if you do swing through this way you have to eat at Oklahoma Joe's in either KCK or Olathe. It's the best barbeque in the world, srsly.

Its not actually out on water, nor is it an actual boat. I'm talking about (and now the name comes to me) Ameristar and the other two (?) around there. I could never explain that law or those casinos very well. Theres another BBQ place in Olathe (i used to live in that city! OP/Olathe for 2 years :D) that starts with a Z..

Eireann

07-03-2010, 08:45 PM

Other suggestions?

Jester

07-04-2010, 02:19 AM

Any more? There must be more... right?

Tons more. Let me tell you......

My suggestion is that you stick with the smaller highways, like Route 66, that go thru a lot of small towns rather than major interstates that only go thru the big towns.

Yes and no. If you just want to meander, take the smaller roads. If you decide on specific places to visit, the Interstates will get you there faster. All depends on what your goals are.

That being said, I spent the better part of a year and a half in 1998 and 1999 roadtripping around the U.S. I not only have suggestions of places to visit, but also, if you need them, I have Road Warrior Survival Tips.

For now, some of the better places to visit:

Boston. It's Boston.

Chicago. It's Chicago. The Lakefront is awesome to walk/jog/bike/rollerblade/people watch.

New York City. It's New York City. (And it has one of the two coolest book stores ever, Strand's, which is right up there with Portland's Powell's Books.) These first three should not require much elaboration.

Cape Cod. Beautiful place, lots of cool towns, great beaches, great seafood, and Provincetown, one of the more offbeat places you may ever get to.

Key West. See "Cape Cod," then add more quirkiness, more bars, and better year round weather. And, of course, ME.

Washington, D.C. I never saw the cherry blossoms, and I never cared. Although I always assumed I would never really like DC, I fell in love with it my first time there. If you are even vaguely into history or architecture, this place has both in spades. I am more a history guy myself, but the brilliance in the layout of the Mall is simply astounding. I can't explain it, but if you're ever there, you'll understand. Museums up the yin yang, more to see than most places that aren't named "New York" or "Boston," and just an all-around good time.

San Francisco. I could never live there, for several reasons, but one of the coolest places I have ever been, except for the screwy and bizarre weather there. I've been there three times, and had a blast every time. Best Chinese food you'll get in this country, period. (If you go, ask me or others for recommendations...not every place there is worth it.) Great seafood, great collection of bars....major beer town. Good sports town. Lots to see. Try the sourdough bread....though being from Oregon, you may know this already. And if you like garlic, you HAVE to have a meal at the Stinking Rose on Kearny....it's a garlic restaurant, and it rocks.

Seattle...the only cold weather city I've been to I would consider living in. But you're from Oregon. I don't need to explain.

The Grand Canyon. Highly recommended, but if you don't like heat, don't go in the summer....you'll fry. Either way, I have some desert dweller tips that will put you ahead of most if you decide to hike the canyon. If you're in northern Arizona, also check out Flagstaff, Prescott, and/or Sedona. Very cool.

Phoenix. My home town. I have often said of Phoenix that it's a great place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit there. It's a place where you really need to know where to go, because unlike Key West, just wandering around won't get you to cool stuff. Avoid the Zoo. It sucks. The Desert Botanical Gardens next to the Zoo are, however, definitely worth it. Ditto Taliesin West east of Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter retreat. I was taken there thinking I would hate it, and have been recommending it to anyone and everyone ever since.

Jack Daniel's Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. Ya know all those magazine ads for Jack Daniel's, portraying Lynchburg as this tiny little town? No way something as known worldwide could still come out of there, right? Wrong. It really is that small, that cool, and that funky. But of course, if you go, you have to take the Distillery tour. Which may be lost on a non-drinker like you, but still very cool.

Florida's Gulf Coast (Tampa, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Naples). The coolness that is Florida without the lameness that is Miami and the rest of the east coast of Florida. Less people, more fun, less bullshit.

Austin, Texas. Hard to believe this little college town is the center of power in the vastness of Texas. Fun town, fun downtown strip, great music scene.

Sandusky, Ohio. Home of Cedar Point, the greatest amusement park if you are into roller coasters, because that is the majority of their rides. They are the Coaster Capitol, and it shows. If you don't like roller coasters, skip this....you'll hate it.

The Jersey Shore. Despite the tv show that is putrid, lame, and obnoxious, this is the one part of New Jersey I will defend against all detractors, for the Jersey Shore is awesomeness incarnate, despite all the bad accents you'll hear. And if you go to Wildwood....."watch the tram cars, please."

Savannah, Georgia. Wish I had had more time and better company when I was there, and I desperately want to go back. Great history, great architecture, great personality, great scene.

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Florida. If you find yourself on the east coast of Florida, these are the places to go. Fun, fun, fun. Unless you don't drink, which you don't. Nevermind. Head up the coast to St. Augustine for history and museums, or to Cape Canaveral for the whole NASA thing.

New Orleans. Much like NYC, Boston, and Chi-town, this requires little explanation. And despite the party atmosphere, a non-drinker can have much fun in the Big Easy. Some of the best food you'll ever find, not just the native cajun places, but even eateries of other locales and ethnicities....food is as much a part of Nawlins as music, and both are exemplary here. Probably the best party town for a non-partier ever.

L.A. Venice Beach. Hollywood Boulevard. Clubs. Food. Shopping. People watching. Beautiful weather. Everything you could ever ask for in a major metropolis. I'd live there, if it wasn't for the fact that they also have the worst traffic EVER.

Rapid City, South Dakota. When I first drove up the road to Mount Rushmore, it looked puny and I thought, "What the hell? Another thing they lied about?" It was a letdown.....until I got up closer, and realized the sheer amazingness of it. Absolutely worth stopping in if you are anywhere near it. If you go, don't miss the huge Maze that is in town, just away from Rushmore. Fun times!

The Cheese Palace, somewhere in east South Dakota. Sounds horribly tacky, and I only stopped in because I was due for a stretch and a break from driving, but surprisingly cool roadside attraction.

Las Vegas. It's Vegas, baby! Keep in mind, I Don't Gamble. (And casinos frown on magicians gambling, anyways.) And I had a blast. Sure, I was being paid to be there. (Yes, seriously.) But it was still fun. Great shows to see, great fun to be had. Some things are overpriced (most expensive sushi lunch I've ever had, and while good, not the best by a long shot), but there is just so much to DO in Vegas!

Twin Cities. I had a surprisingly fun time in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Lots to do, never got bored. I would personally never go there in the winter (they plug their cars in to keep them from overheating!), but I was there in the summer and it was awesome!

Canton, Ohio. If you are a football fan, you HAVE to go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame here. If you can time it so you are there for the Induction Ceremonies in August, so much the better. If you are not a football fan, ignore this suggestion, and definitely avoid the area in early August.....the traffic will bog you down.

Cooperstown, New York. Baseball Hall of Fame. If you are a baseball fan, GO! I didn't love it nearly as much as I loved Canton, but the history is longer and more storied...they just don't display it as well as Canton does. If you are not a baseball fan, ignore this.

San Diego. Lots to do there, plenty of fun in the Gas Lamp District, lots of beaches. I myself am NOT a fan of Diego, but I kind of get what so many people see in it. I am in the minority of people who don't like it, by the way. Also a hop, skip, and a jump to Tijuana for cheap shopping (and cheap drinking, but that's more my bag than yours).

Tucson. The Airplane Graveyard. If you've seen "Can't Buy Me Love" (or several other movies featuring the Boneyard), you've seen this place. Amazing place.

Tombstone, Arizona. Self-explanatory.

St. Louis. I personally did not care for this town at all....EXCEPT for the Gateway Arch, which is amazing. If you go, you have to go UP IN the Arch. The view from in there has melted away my anger, frustration, and annoyances. Twice. Which is the same number of times I've been up in the Arch. The view from up in there is breathtaking, and like nothing else you'll ever see.

Orlando, Florida. If you like amusement parks, this is Ground Zero. If you don't, skip O-town.

Mystic, Connecticut. The pizza place is cool, but you need to go for the boat yards. Both as a child and as an adult they mesmerized me.

The Redwood Forest in northern California. It silenced ME. 'Nuff said.

I have not been to, but have heard wonderful things about Myrtle Beach, Dallas, Hilton Head, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Maine, Galveston, and the Maryland Shore.

I am going to get slammed for this, but in my opinion, you should avoid northern New Jersey (other than passing through to go to NYC, or to visit the Six Flags there), Miami, St. Louis (unless you are going to the Arch), and Houston. Lame and rude; lame, rude, and violent; boring and lame; huge and boring as hell. These are just my opinions, and I am often wrong. (Except Miami. It really does blow.) I also don't like San Diego, but I think that is more of a me thing than an SD thing. I am also anti-Alburquerque, but again, that's probably more me.

I think that covers my adventures in this country.....the ones worth mentioning, anyway.

Plaidman

07-04-2010, 02:33 AM

Portland Ore! I'll like, walk around a park with ya.

Jester

07-04-2010, 03:22 AM

Plaid, you DO know that she is FROM Oregon, and is undoubtedly very familiar with Portland, right?

r2cagle

07-04-2010, 03:46 AM

Niagara Falls is always worth the trip. But it's been years since I've been there, couldn't tell you where to stay or eat up there.

AdminAssistant

07-04-2010, 05:09 AM

Jack Daniel's Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. Ya know all those magazine ads for Jack Daniel's, portraying Lynchburg as this tiny little town? No way something as known worldwide could still come out of there, right? Wrong. It really is that small, that cool, and that funky. But of course, if you go, you have to take the Distillery tour. Which may be lost on a non-drinker like you, but still very cool.

*snip*

St. Louis. I personally did not care for this town at all....EXCEPT for the Gateway Arch, which is amazing. If you go, you have to go UP IN the Arch. The view from in there has melted away my anger, frustration, and annoyances. Twice. Which is the same number of times I've been up in the Arch. The view from up in there is breathtaking, and like nothing else you'll ever see.

It's worth mentioning that Lynchburg, Tennessee is in a dry county, and at the end of the distillery tour you get very nice homemade lemonade. If you're in that part of the world, you would be remiss to skip out on Memphis. Beale Street is usually overrated, but it can be fun. There's also tons of blues (of course), BBQ (skip any place associated with Food Network), the National Civil Rights Museum (very cool), and pretty much everything Elvis-related that you can possibly imagine. If you like country/bluegrass music, then Nashville is a must-do. It also has an awesome zoo (or at least it did when I was a kid). The Smokies are gorgeous, but if you're already doing the Ozarks, then you might get your fill of hill culture.

St. Louis - I didn't care much for the Arch. If you're at all claustrophobic, then it is not for you. (And I didn't think the view was that great.) The City Museum is pretty awesome from what I've heard. But overall, there's more stuff to do in Kansas City. And, well, I live near there, which raises the awesomeness factor of Kansas City to unknown heights. ;)

Plaidman

07-04-2010, 05:11 AM

Plaid, you DO know that she is FROM Oregon, and is undoubtedly very familiar with Portland, right?

Just... offering someone to hang out with for a day.... I'll back off. Sorry. :(

Jester

07-04-2010, 05:57 AM

It's worth mentioning that Lynchburg, Tennessee is in a dry county, and at the end of the distillery tour you get very nice homemade lemonade.

Eireann doesn't drink, so this would not matter to her, methinks.

However, it is also worth mentioning for others that the county is not completely dry. For one thing, the alcohol ban only applies to liquor, not beer or wine. Secondly, at the Distillery itself, you CAN buy bottles of Jack Daniel's, due to a special dispensation the Distillery received from the county. This is as of my tour there in 1999. I have heard that the dry rules have gotten even more relaxed than then, though I can't provide precise details, as this was related to me by a customer, and I can't recall exactly what they said about it.

St. Louis - I didn't care much for the Arch. If you're at all claustrophobic, then it is not for you. (And I didn't think the view was that great.)

AA is right about the claustrophobic part...the trams that take you up through the leg of the Arch to the top is rather....cozy, to be polite.

That being said, opinions vary. I loved the Arch. I know not everyone does. I also know lots of people love Miami. I just don't happen to be one of them. Etc., etc., etc.

Just... offering someone to hang out with for a day.... I'll back off. Sorry. :(

Dude, stop. Seriously. I was just saying that if you were suggesting Portland as a place for her to visit, she's been there. I was in no way saying she shouldn't hang out with you.

Pick your self-esteem up off the floor and stop being a dork, ya goof. :lol:

And for goodness sake, stop apologizing. To me or anyone else. Especially to me.

Plaidman

07-04-2010, 06:14 AM

Dude, stop. Seriously. I was just saying that if you were suggesting Portland as a place for her to visit, she's been there. I was in no way saying she shouldn't hang out with you.

Pick your self-esteem up off the floor and stop being a dork, ya goof. :lol:

And for goodness sake, stop apologizing. To me or anyone else. Especially to me.

Belive me, past few days my self esteem has never been so low. Just gets worst every passing moment I just wanna scream.

Seshat

07-04-2010, 08:38 AM

One of my most memorable US experiences was walking through a temperate, deciduous, northern-hemisphere forest (ie, incredibly exotic to me!), with a biologist who'd grown up next to the that forest.

I can strongly recommend popping by any ecosystem that's exotic to you and touring it, ideally with a guide who knows it.

Places I would like to go in the States, from that POV, in no particular order:

The glacier-flood region in Washington State and its eastern neighbour.

The mesa/badlands area of the southwest desert.

California redwood forests.

Yellowstone. (Preferably not when the caldera volcano blows! :p)

Any of the 'classic' northern temperate forests, in Spring or Summer. (I was there in Autumn.)

The Mississippi. If I'm feeelthy reeech, a houseboat down the full length, with a hired boatsman/guide. :)

The bayou. With insect repellent.

The everglades. Also with insect repellent.

The Great Lakes.

Probably the Florida Keys - they're a separate ecosystem from the everglades.

And yes, while I'm dreaming, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc etc. But it's more the ecosystems for me. :)

Eireann

07-04-2010, 09:56 AM

Whoa - such good suggestions!

First, Plaidman: With your hip in the condition that it is, why not meet at the cafe in Powell's, or at Old Town Pizza, where you don't have to do any walking?

Jester: THANKS! I'd forgotten that you had put in all that mileage cross-country. Such wonderful tips!

Everyone: There are certain places I'm not overly interested in visiting, so I'll list as many as I can think of here, so that you don't feel the need to suggest them.

Vegas (and most of Nevada)
Salt Lake City (though if I do, Smiley's getting a visit!)
Wyoming
Michigan
Indiana
Mississippi
Alabama

Now, if you can think of good reasons to visit any of these places, please go ahead and tell me what they are. I'm still open to suggestions.

One of the great things about this thread is, it's good for anyone planning a vacation, not just me. I like the idea that I can provide a service to the wonderful people on this site.

One other very important thing: I am deeply, vitally interested in haunted tourism. So hauntedheadnc, heads up! I'm definitely going to visit your neck of the woods. I also want to see Salem (Massachusetts), the haunted sites of New Orleans, and basically, every place that has a ghost tour. I also thought of visiting Bobby Mackey's Bar in Kentucky. Anyone been there? Can anyone recommend ghost tours and/or haunted places to visit?

Plaidman

07-04-2010, 10:47 AM

One other very important thing: I am deeply, vitally interested in haunted tourism. So hauntedheadnc, heads up! I'm definitely going to visit your neck of the woods. I also want to see Salem (Massachusetts), the haunted sites of New Orleans, and basically, every place that has a ghost tour. I also thought of visiting Bobby Mackey's Bar in Kentucky. Anyone been there? Can anyone recommend ghost tours and/or haunted places to visit?

Shanghai Tunnels. Right under Portland. DId a tour before. Pretty spooky sometimes, and ya learn alot about Portland's past as a slaving operation.

Mikkel

07-04-2010, 10:51 AM

Belive me, past few days my self esteem has never been so low. Just gets worst every passing moment I just wanna scream.

With straight A's at your exam, not to mention what we think of you here at the board?
You have a very silly self esteem. Tell it to look at facts.

Eireann

07-04-2010, 10:54 AM

Shanghai Tunnels. Right under Portland. DId a tour before. Pretty spooky sometimes, and ya learn alot about Portland's past as a slaving operation.

I did a Portland tour a few years ago, but only spent a few minutes in the tunnels (under Old Town Pizza, as a matter of fact). So it's only right that I should go on a REAL tunnel tour. I've already visited Voodoo Doughnuts. :)

Jester

07-04-2010, 01:51 PM

Probably the Florida Keys - they're a separate ecosystem from the everglades.

Yes they are. And for the 292379985th time, that is why no, there are NO DAMN GATORS down here! :lol:

Jester: THANKS! I'd forgotten that you had put in all that mileage cross-country. Such wonderful tips!

Thanks. I try. Just ask anyone who knows me. I'm very trying. :D

Vegas (and most of Nevada)

Beyond what I said about Vegas, I have this to add about Nevada: the Hoover
Dam. That is all.

Wyoming

Battle of Little Big Horn Battlefield. Yellowstone Park and Old Faithful. I've been to the first, was unable to go to the second due to weather conditions when I was passing through, but I have always wanted to go.

One other very important thing: I am deeply, vitally interested in haunted tourism.

Can anyone recommend ghost tours and/or haunted places to visit?

Key West is the second most haunted city in America, after only New Orleans. Just a little food for haunted thought. :D

Aethian

07-04-2010, 01:55 PM

Key West is the second most haunted city in America, after only New Orleans. Just a little food for haunted thought. :D

Jester, I want to visit you now.

As for visiting Michigan, I'll help with some sight seeing and walking around/driving around. Like going around Kalamazoo's little shops, I find such interesting stuff while delivering mail. :P

telecom_goddess

07-04-2010, 02:10 PM

Shanghai Tunnels. Right under Portland. DId a tour before. Pretty spooky sometimes, and ya learn alot about Portland's past as a slaving operation.

I've been wanting to see those for a while and haven't yet...I wonder if they still do tours?

Eireann

07-04-2010, 03:58 PM

I've been wanting to see those for a while and haven't yet...I wonder if they still do tours?

Yes, they do. We can all go!

AdminAssistant

07-04-2010, 04:00 PM

Mississippi

My great aunts and uncles, who are some of the best cooks in the history of the world. Also, Jackson is really beautiful. I'm sure there's tons of haunted stuff there as well. I mean, if you want to do Deep South, Mississippi would be my first choice over Alabama or even Georgia.

One other very important thing: I am deeply, vitally interested in haunted tourism. So hauntedheadnc, heads up! I'm definitely going to visit your neck of the woods. I also want to see Salem (Massachusetts), the haunted sites of New Orleans, and basically, every place that has a ghost tour. I also thought of visiting Bobby Mackey's Bar in Kentucky. Anyone been there? Can anyone recommend ghost tours and/or haunted places to visit?

Well, you already mentioned Eureka Springs, which has a huge ghost tour and a haunted hotel. (There is also a 7 foot tall Jesus statue in the middle of nowhere.) You might want to check out Hot Springs, AR...I think they may do something similar. I do know that one of Al Capone's houses is there, complete with secret getaway tunnel.

ETA: And how could I forget The Eldridge Hotel in my very own Lawrence, KS, which is supposed to be haunted. It was burned down twice (three times?) during the Burning Kansas thing during the Civil War.

telecom_goddess

07-04-2010, 05:21 PM

Yes, they do. We can all go!

sweet sign me up ;)

Becks

07-04-2010, 06:05 PM

Cooperstown, New York. Baseball Hall of Fame. If you are a baseball fan, GO! I didn't love it nearly as much as I loved Canton, but the history is longer and more storied...they just don't display it as well as Canton does. If you are not a baseball fan, ignore this.

I went to Cooperstown once. I was rather disappointed.

Jester

07-05-2010, 12:50 PM

Jester, I want to visit you now.

You mean you didn't before? I feel vaguely insulted! :lol:

Eireann

07-05-2010, 12:57 PM

Portland has an 18+ tour for nighttime. Good fun. Now, what about elsewhere in the States?

AnaKhouri

07-05-2010, 01:43 PM

We live about a mile from Bobby Mackey's Music World in Wilder, KY (across the river from Cincinnati, OH). It's one of the most haunted places on Earth, according to the propaganda, but I haven't seen any ghosts there. It's called "The Gate to Hell". :devil:

Also Waverly Sanitorium in my hometown of Louisville, KY is very famous. They do midnight tours around Halloween but I don't know about the rest of the year. Louisville also has a beautiful graveyard, Cave Hill Cemetery.

If you are interested I can look up more places in the area.

Eireann

07-05-2010, 02:16 PM

Oh, yes, please! :)

Solumina

07-05-2010, 03:49 PM

Williamsburg has quite a few haunted places and the colonial bits have two official ghost tours (one being more based on history than haunting and the other being mostly haunting and little history). I also happen to know of a certain resort that is haunted, we even have a weekly ghost tour of the historic manor house that the resort was built around ;).

There is also plenty more than just ghosts in the area to make it worth visiting. Williamsburg is perhaps the best preserved bit of history in the US as they have an entire fully functioning town, including actors filling just about every roll, and 4 functioning restaurants (which are all also really good, which is why the recipes haven’t changed since the 18th century), as well as a handful of shops. I live here and have been to Colonial Williamsburg at least once every year and I’m still picking up on new stuff because even though pretty much nothing changes there is just so much to absorb that you can’t get it in one visit. Also if you do come you can walk around without getting a pass but I’d highly recommend getting a 2 day pass as the buildings are really worth a look and the Governor’s Palace (which you can’t get into with a 1 day pass) is absolutely spectacular.

There are also Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, which are two of the cleanest amusement parks that I have ever been to. Busch Gardens in particular has been winning awards 10 years in a row for cleanliness as well as for being the best looking theme park in the US. They have great rides, fantastic shows, good food (and not as over priced as most parks), and some really awesome animals due to the wildlife conservation programs that the Busch family runs (even though the arks aren't owned by the family any more one of the conditions of the sale was that they would still run the conservation programs and those would still be showcased in their parks).

There are tons of places that make a great day or half-day trip as well. Norfolk and Virginia Beach are probably the most well known and most popular but there is also a lot to do in Newport News, Portsmouth, Smithfield and Yorktown. Loads of museums and galleries, tons of parks, and they pretty much all have some nice, “old town” kind of section that is great to spend all day just wandering around and seeing what you can find.

There is also a lot of golf, great shopping, and awesome places to eat but those can be found lots of places.

Jester

07-06-2010, 02:20 AM

Since we are elaborating on the haunted aspect of our respective locales....

Key West has not one but TWO organized ghost tours, and a very cool cemetery where the graves are all above ground due to necessity. (The old cemetery on the island was on the beach, and a strong storm unearthed every grave, so it was relocated to higher ground in the center of the island, and since that part of the island is solid rock, they couldn't actually BURY the dead there.) It also has some amusing headstones, including the very famous "I told you I was sick" and the not-as-well-known-but-still-hilarious "I'm just resting my eyes."

Eireann

07-06-2010, 08:56 PM

I really like the direction this thread is taking. Okay, how about the offbeat? We're already discussing ghosty tourism, so what about other strange and unusual places to visit?

Also, if anyone works in a haunted restaurant/hotel/etc., please feel free to mention it. I know someone here works in a haunted hotel; I just don't remember who it is. This doesn't necessarily mean I'll stay in the hotel or eat in the restaurant, or what have you, but I can always pay it a visit.

BookstoreEscapee

07-07-2010, 01:06 AM

You mean you didn't before? I feel vaguely insulted! :lol:

I visited Jester once...neither one of us knew it at the time, though ;)

(It was years before I found this place, but in another thread a while back it was confirmed that he was there at the time. So who knows, maybe I saw him..!)

Jester

07-07-2010, 03:42 PM

The Landmark Luxury Hotel I used to work at in Key West is very haunted....PM me and I'll give you more details.

As for offbeat, I already mentioned the Corn Palace is SD and the Maze in Rapid City, SD....I think I may have mentioned Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ (Frank Lloyd Wright's former winter retreat), as well as the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix.....Provincetown in Cape Cod is very offbeat, in so many ways, as is Key West, and New Orleans.....I am sure there are other offbeat places I've been, but either I'm not very awake or I don't quite know what you're angling for here.

Solumina

07-07-2010, 06:03 PM

Offbeat is kind of a general idea, what are you really looking for?

Eireann

07-07-2010, 06:51 PM

I'm looking for the things that aren't the usual tourist attractions. One important thing is, I'm going to stay away from the places that attract people with children. I don't have children myself, so there's no point. I will make exceptions for certain places, such as Disneyland, but overall, I want the off-the-beaten-track kind of stuff. Panning for gold; prospecting for gems; antique train journeys; murder-mystery evenings; Mardi Gras-type shindigs; ghost towns; places where unsolved disappearances have occurred; houses like Lizzie Borden's; remote and beautiful towns.

Treasure

07-07-2010, 07:24 PM

Austin TX - Live music capital of the World (or so we claim)
We have 3 walking haunted tours, http://www.austinghosttours.com/and lots of odd history - like that swat depts of the police were started b/c of the madman at the top of the UT Tower....
we have a lot of "Off Beat" type stuff - the cathedral of junk for example,

i dunno what all to offer, b/c i haven't explored my hometown that much, I do know we have Stubbs BBQ - where Janis Joplin played, and you can see a number of celebrities randomly, we have a bronze statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn, the South Congress Bridge Bat Colony,(summer) but if you don't like crowds avoid Austin during March - esp the week that St. Pat's falls during - we have like 8 things going on its madness!!!

bookworm

07-07-2010, 08:21 PM

Guthrie, Oklahoma has 3 or 4 hotels that do the murder/mystery weekend deal. I can find you some links if you're interested. I've never been, we got one for our boss several years ago, but they never bothered to use it (hate when they do that).

Prospecting - Arkansas has a number of places where you can dig for gems, crystals, etc. Also, the Salt Plains in Oklahoma is the only place in the world you can dig for Selenite crystal. (At least according to my husband, the website I found doesn't mention that part). If I remember correctly, pioneers used this crystal to make "glass" out of. You can split it into fairly thin sheets to fill in a window.

Eireann

07-07-2010, 08:28 PM

And food. Favorite restaurants, cafes, truck stops - I have to eat along the way - plus great lodging tips.

bookworm

07-07-2010, 09:33 PM

And food. Favorite restaurants, cafes, truck stops

Ever watched that Food Network show Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives? (I have a small crush on Guy :)) I've thought about taking a road trip and hitting some of the places he's featured on that show. Just seems like a fun and delicious reason to travel.

Jester

07-08-2010, 03:31 AM

I may have already mentioned some of these already, but here goes:

Tombstone, AZ. Home of the "Gunfight at the OK Corral," which of course didn't occur AT the OK Corral, but in the vacant lot BEHIND it.

Pike Place Market, Seattle. Yes, tons of tourists. There's a reason.

Stinkin' Rose, San Francisco. It's a garlic restaurant. 'Nuff said.

Numerous restaurants in Chinatown, San Francisco.

The Magic Castle, Hollywood. (But you have to somehow get invited by a member, as it's a private club.)

My problem is a lot of offbeat places that I might suggest are bars or distillieries or breweries, and you don't drink.

The Airplane Graveyard near Tucson, AZ.

Sleepy Hollow, New York. Yes, THAT Sleepy Hollow. Where Washington Irving wrote that creepy story. It used to simply be North Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow was the cemetery, but apparently in 1996 residents voted to change the name. Spooky residents, it sounds like.

Salem, Massachusetts. I should not have to explain this one at all.

Georgetown, D.C. If you're a fan of classic horror movies, find the stairs that were featured prominently in "The Exorcist." Standing at the top of them is a real trip if you're a fan of that movie. I speak from experience.

Blacks Beach, San Diego. Possibly the best-known and most prominent legally clothing optional beach in the U.S.

Exaspera

07-08-2010, 03:40 AM

Roadfood (http://www.roadfood.com/) is a great book. They also appear on NPR.

I can't get the link to work, but Google Weird U.S. It's a great book that focuses on out of the way sites.

Salem, MA has gotten very commercial, unfortunately. A lot of New Age stuff had moved in when I went 2 years ago. :(

Eireann

07-08-2010, 09:38 AM

I have been to Tombstone already, and the O.K. Corral, but I do plan to return. I also like interesting museums (not sports-related, though). I like the idea of riding along at least part of the old Route 66.

Pike Place Market; been there, will return.

The Exorcist steps: Great idea!

I'll look up Weird U.S. I already have a book called Weird Europe - and it certainly lives up to its name!

Keep 'em comin', folks.

Eireann

07-08-2010, 10:35 AM

Oh, and though this is in Europe, not the States, I want to get involved, sometime, in the tomato-throwing festival in Spain, and the Running of the Nudes in Pamplona.

Solumina

07-08-2010, 01:15 PM

If you go to DC there is a lot of great stuff to do right there but you really owe it to yourself to spend at least a day in Baltimore (though you don't need to step outside the Inner Harbor cuz that is where about 90% of the cool stuff to do is and the other 10% should really only be seen if you have a local to aid you). The aquarium alone is worth the trip as are the blue crabs but it is really just a super quirky city with loads of oddball things to do. Just wouldn't want to stay there because either you would pay an arm and a leg for a hotel in a good place or you wouldn't be anywhere near anything good.

As for DC itself there are plenty of non-touristy things for visitors to do. Most of the federal buildings are open for touring, personally I like the Library of Congress the best and the crowds there are way smaller than what you find at the Capitol or White House (which isn't even worth touring anymore because they let you see so little of it). The Spy Museum is a bit out of the way and isn't free but that doesn't matter because the thing is awesome. I'm also a big fan of going to the various art galleries because they are usually pretty empty, especially some of the smaller ones (that is small in relation to what is around them as most are really quite extensive). To be perfectly fair all of the museums in DC are worth visiting but you have to pick and choose unless you plan to be there for a month because there are just so many of them.

If you're in that general area then I'd also recommend a trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It's very haunted, very old, very picturesque, and very quirky. They don't get a lot of real tourists, most of their visitors are people from the surrounding areas who are there for a day/afternoon. It is along the Potomac River, right near the Va/Wv border and it is just so quaint and awesome, one of those places that words can't really do justice because it is so very much more than the sum of its parts. Also there is a haunted house where you can learn about paranormal investigating and you can even stay overnight, which is something that I have wanted to go and do ever since I found out the place exists, I believe it is called the Haunted Cottage, or something like that.

Magpie

07-08-2010, 02:47 PM

My problem is a lot of offbeat places that I might suggest are bars or distillieries or breweries, and you don't drink.

Non-drinkers like breweries too! They have all sorts of cool vats, and piping and industrial-scale chemical processes and... I'm geeking out here, aren't I?

Antisocial_Worker

07-09-2010, 03:11 PM

Hey, Eireann!

I got your pm, but I can't respond back to it because your mailbox here on cs is full.

I'd love to show you around haunted Asheville. Clear some space so I can pm my email address to you and we can hammer down the logistics.

Eireann

07-09-2010, 03:48 PM

Space cleared! Go for it!

Oh, and by the way -

When this trip happens, and I've decided that it's not IF, it's WHEN, I will post here. Anyone who wants to meet up can PM me and get an email address, which I will create specifically for this trip. I won't post the address here, since I'll get spammed all the time, but I will send it in PMs to interested parties.

Will you all send me good energy for making this trip happen the way I want it, and soon?

Becks

07-10-2010, 03:47 PM

Roundabout Dec. 2002, the MOTH took me to a psychiatric facility. The old parts were kinda scary. The new parts were (sadly) modern.

I wish I could remember the name and location. Somewhere in NY State, I believe.

Sleepy Hollow, New York. Yes, THAT Sleepy Hollow. Where Washington Irving wrote that creepy story. It used to simply be North Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow was the cemetery, but apparently in 1996 residents voted to change the name. Spooky residents, it sounds like.

Been there!

Peppergirl

07-12-2010, 08:10 AM

Bobby Mackey's Bar in Kentucky. Anyone been there?

15 mins from me. If you come here, I'll be glad to hang wit' ya!

Eireann

07-12-2010, 10:06 AM

Hey, yeah! I'd probably be safe - the bar is supposed to be dangerous mostly for women in the fifth month of pregnancy, due to that brutal murder of a pregnant woman all those years ago, but I'm safe, being not at all pregnant.

Nor will I be.

Keep those suggestions coming!

Antisocial_Worker

07-13-2010, 02:26 PM

Keep those suggestions coming!

Hey again. Did you get my pm with my email? Feel free to let me know what's up... I'd love to show you around my town.

Eireann

07-13-2010, 06:39 PM

Yes, I got it. Thanks! I'll email you.

I do appreciate all the people who have contributed to this thread. When I started it, I was truly desperate. I had no idea what I was going to do. It was the long-in-coming breakdown that I had been expecting for some time; I just didn't know when it would hit. When it did, IT DID.

This thread helps me to focus on the future, rather than dwelling on the past, which is very important, so in addition to being very interesting, it's therapeutic.

Jester

07-17-2010, 05:55 PM

Some more random places I've been that you may enjoy (and if I repeat myself, well, hell, these things happen):

Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Provincetown is really cool, but there are many other parts to the Cape that rock.

Dorney Park, PA. Great amusement park!

Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH. Great amusement park! Especially if you love roller coasters!

The Jersey Shore. Despite that wretched tv show, really cool place!

Wine Country, California: Napa and Sonoma. You don't have to drink to love the process of making wine OR the beautiful country that they do it in.

BookstoreEscapee

07-17-2010, 06:16 PM

The Jersey Shore. Despite that wretched tv show, really cool place!

Jersey gets a bad rap.

Hey, if you decide to come visit, let me know!

Jester

07-17-2010, 06:20 PM

Jersey has a bad rap because, frankly, much of Jersey sucks.

That being said, while I will berate, mock, and ridicule New Jersey fairly often, having lived there for five (relatively miserable) years, I will be the first in line to defend the Jersey Shore from critics. For the Jersey Shore ROCKS. :super:

Eireann

07-17-2010, 08:12 PM

I do like amusement parks. I also like haunted-house attractions. I like ghost tours, especially those that actually go into haunted buildings, even overnight. Any tips on those?

Also, nature. Some unspoiled, stunningly beautiful places.

BookstoreEscapee

07-17-2010, 08:23 PM

Jester

07-19-2010, 05:36 PM

Also, nature. Some unspoiled, stunningly beautiful places.

California: Redwood Forest.
Wine country, Napa and Sonoma. You don't have to drink wine to appreciate the natural beauty of this region.

Arizona: Grand Canyon.
White Moutains/Salt River Canyon. Most beautiful place on earth I've ever been.
Indian cliff settlement ruins near Flagstaff.

Montana: Battle of Little Big Horn battlefield.
Glacier National Park (or so I've heard...haven't been to this one).
Hell, most of Montana is stunning.

Massachusetts: Cape Cod.

Florida: The Everglades. Only the Redwood Forest has ever made me feel as isolated and alone.

Kentucky: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

New York: Niagara Falls. (Never been to this one either, but duh.)

Eireann

07-20-2010, 11:06 AM

Unusual museums? Haunted roads/bridges/buildings? Interesting festivals? Big food events?

Jester

07-20-2010, 01:00 PM

Big food events?

Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California. I've always wanted to go. Not sure when it is, but pretty sure it's in the summer, maybe in August. Easy to look up on the net.

trailerparkmedic

07-20-2010, 03:22 PM

Interesting festivals? Big food events?

Fiesta, in San Antonio, for both. It's in April? I know I mentioned it before, but I have tons of awesome memories from it.

Red_Dazes

07-21-2010, 12:34 AM

*hugs* I am recently not up to par on my pep talks, because quite frankly my life has sucked beyond measure recently and all I have wanted to do is curl up in a little ball and die.

^_^ And I am glad to hear you are feeling better now than when you first posted, but I am sure things are still rocky.

I can tell you, with some degree of certainty, that things get better. When I lost my dad I honestly thought my life was over, he was what held our entire family together. Kept us from fighting, kept us sane, balanced us out and was the glue to our stupid mosaic of dysfunctionality. He was also my best friend. And I really wanted to die after we lost him. But i toughed it out... and things did get better. They will never be like they were, and there is probably always going to be some hurt and sadness, but eventually you get to the point where you look back and are able to smile instead of cry. ^_^ I'm glad you have people there for your, and know you always have people here too.

Eireann

07-21-2010, 07:31 AM

Thank you... I really don't know what I would have done without the support of everyone here.

My siblings and I live very far apart, so we can't just drop by each others' houses. We have some issues between us, and these have been very serious - the kind of thing that used to stress Mom out, because she wanted One Big Happy Family, and she was convinced that if we didn't get along, it was all her fault. I believe that this contributed to her illness.

I've made several important realizations since I received the news last month - and I can't believe that it's been such a short time since she left us. I've come to see what kind of an attitude I've had for quite a while, and what I've been thinking, and how I've been letting my life go downhill. Now, I have other things that I can do and be.

I just wish she'd been here to see it.

Eireann

07-23-2010, 04:40 PM

Favorite places to eat?

Jester

07-27-2010, 01:01 PM

Favorite places to eat?

San Francisco: The Stinkin' Rose (a great garlic restaurant) and Chinese in Chinatown. I can't remember the name of the second place, but Chef Jhia's is pretty damn good. Right next to the famous Nan King (I think that's the name of it), which you basically don't want to go to. But so many good Chinese places, you'll be blown away.

Key West: Ambrosia Japanese Restaurant. Best. Sushi. Ever.

Marathon (Florida Keys): Porky's Bayside. Awesome barbecue.

Fort Myers, Florida: The Beached Whale.

Phoenix area: Nello's. Gourmet pizza done better than most.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (or Pittsburgh, PA): Primanti Brothers. My Pittsburgh friends tell me if you do it there, you have to go to the original one downtown. If you eat at one of the Lauderdale ones, do the one at the beach on AIA that's open 24/7. And definitely get one of the sandwiches, the way they do it, with fries and cole slaw ON the sandwich.

Phoenix area: Dos Gringos. It's a chain in the Valley now, but I remember when they opened their first tiny one in Scottsdale. Great food, great bar, reminiscent of Rocky Point in Mexico.

fireheart

07-28-2010, 03:40 PM

On the therapy front, someone in another thread recommended MoodGym (http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome). You might want to check it out, especially if you have to wait a bit for an appointment to see someone in person. I did a few of the initial little tests a couple weeks ago, but I haven't had time to get much further into it.

Whoops, I misread that quote and thought that you were referring to MoodGym as a online counselling session. It's not.
For the unfamiliar, that was me who suggested it I think (or Seshat). It's an online CBT program, there's also one called e-couch for people with depression. I would however, stick to MoodGym as everytime I did e-couch I wound up with the suggestion of "walk for 30 minutes three times a week."

Oh, and though this is in Europe, not the States, I want to get involved, sometime, in the tomato-throwing festival in Spain, and the Running of the Nudes in Pamplona.

THere's a running of the nudes?

Hey, yeah! I'd probably be safe - the bar is supposed to be dangerous mostly for women in the fifth month of pregnancy, due to that brutal murder of a pregnant woman all those years ago, but I'm safe, being not at all pregnant.

Nor will I be.

Keep those suggestions coming!

That's scary.....but can anyone elaborate?

Also, Eireann, if you have the facilities to do so, I suggested this for AnaKhouri in another thread, but it'd be relevant here. Download the track from this website and burn it to CD, then play it through your stereo.

www.rainymood.com

It's a 30 minute rain soundtrack. My boyfriend uses it to get to sleep. :)

Eireann

07-28-2010, 05:22 PM

THere's a running of the nudes?

Indeed there is, and I think this is the way to attract tourism in Pamplona - not setting free terrified bulls and having people gored, not to mention the subsequent torture of the bulls in a ring.

That's scary.....but can anyone elaborate?

I can. The site where the bar now stands was once a slaughterhouse, and, according to rumor, also a favorite place for devil worshipers to congregate and, well, do their thing. A young Ohio woman became pregnant by her no-good boyfriend in the late 19th or early 20th century, and the poor thing actually thought he would marry her. She managed, God knows how, to keep it a secret from her family until around the fifth month, and then her boyfriend and a toady of his took her to Kentucky to perform an abortion on her. It didn't work... so they cut off her head. Her body was later identified by her family, but her head was never found; the belief is that it was thrown into the pit in the old slaughterhouse. Much later, after the premises had become a place of entertainment, ANOTHER woman in her fifth month of pregnancy died there.

Also, Eireann, if you have the facilities to do so, I suggested this for AnaKhouri in another thread, but it'd be relevant here. Download the track from this website and burn it to CD, then play it through your stereo.

www.rainymood.com

It's a 30 minute rain soundtrack. My boyfriend uses it to get to sleep. :)

Thanks!

Even with the plans and the excitement of hearing from everyone, the reality of this whole situation is sinking in. I keep thinking of all the things my mom and I planned to do, and how we won't be doing any of them, now. One of the things Mom often talked about, was taking a trip to New England in the autumn to see the leaves turning. So that's on my itinerary. If at all possible, I'd like to take a year to do this trip. And, as I said before, take along a camcorder and shoot as much footage as possible, everywhere I go. She would have loved seeing it, I know.

And just - oh, everything. So many regrets, so many missed opportunities, so little time.

AdminAssistant

07-28-2010, 05:25 PM

Well, I can tell you plenty of places NOT to go in Eureka Springs, and don't go during the summer. It was too hot for us to do much of anything, besides stay in the cabin.

Whiskey

07-28-2010, 05:26 PM

I can. The site where the bar now stands was once a slaughterhouse, and, according to rumor, also a favorite place for devil worshipers to congregate and, well, do their thing. A young Ohio woman became pregnant by her no-good boyfriend in the late 19th or early 20th century, and the poor thing actually thought he would marry her. She managed, God knows how, to keep it a secret from her family until around the fifth month, and then her boyfriend and a toady of his took her to Kentucky to perform an abortion on her. It didn't work... so they cut off her head. Her body was later identified by her family, but her head was never found; the belief is that it was thrown into the pit in the old slaughterhouse. Much later, after the premises had become a place of entertainment, ANOTHER woman in her fifth month of pregnancy died there.

What in the blue hell.

Kheldarson

07-29-2010, 04:47 AM

Just saw the thread Eireann, and, since I'm not a big fan of haunted places, I can say that Franklin County, NC has a lot of old gem mines that allow tourists. I still have a box of semi-precious gems from a school trip somewhere around here.

If you like strawberries, my current hometown has a strawberry fest every year, it's getting bigger every year too (hence why it's now the strawberry festival and not just the town's festival anymore). We're also a hop away from Carowinds.

If you go through SW Virginia, you should stop by the Hotel Roanoke for lunch. It's an amazing building with amazing cooks. Also, drive along the Blue Ridge parkway. Don't know what time of year you're planning this trip for and how long you plan to stay, but if you end up around there in the fall, that would be best. The colors are amazing.

Eireann

07-29-2010, 07:46 AM

Ooooh, yes... I do love strawberries.

Gem mines, good. What kind of gems?

What's Carowinds?

I may have heard of the Blue Ridge parkway. I'm not sure. It sounds like a great place to go!

Kheldarson

07-29-2010, 02:49 PM

I think the gem mine I went to was one of the Ruby and Sapphire mines. I think I scored a couple of rubies actually. Small, but still. And then a lot of other semi-precious gems (quartz, jade maybe?).

And Carowinds is an amusement park. Not as big as others (spacing issues due to being in two states) but it's still fairly fun.

Whiskey

07-29-2010, 03:05 PM

From the way you post in this thread, you sound like you're doing a lot better.

Eireann

07-29-2010, 06:13 PM

From the way you post in this thread, you sound like you're doing a lot better.

It's up and down. Stereo Boy was away for some time, which enabled me to get some much-needed peace and quiet, but now he's back and indulging in extra-heavy bass. Today, he cranked up the stereo so loudly that the elderly couple downstairs couldn't figure out what was happening. They realized, when I went raging past them, that I wasn't the one doing it. Can you believe it? Someone turning up the volume so loudly that the people downstairs, IN THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR (granted, it's a row house) can hear it with obnoxious clarity?

I went next door and laid on the doorbell, ready to tear him a new one again, but shithead didn't answer it. Coward.

I am now seeking out ways to approach the local and/or federal government here about a law covering stereo noise during the day. Shithead won't listen to his father, or me, but if he has to cough up a hefty fine for invading my privacy, that might kick him in his tiny little deformed and underdeveloped nads, and show him that the universe doesn't revolve around him and his stereo.

Jester

08-01-2010, 03:32 AM

Ooooh, yes... I do love strawberries.

Other recommended food items to try:

Peaches in Georgia. NOT over-rated. Yummy.

Tomatoes in New Jersey. Not as well known as Georgia peaches, New Jersey beefsteak tomatoes are simply the best ever. I don't like New Jersey, having lived there for five years, but two things I will never speak badly of is the Jersey Shore and New Jersey tomatoes.

San Francisco sourdough bread. I never understood why they called it sourdough until I tried real sourdough in Frisco. Unfreakinbelievable. I believe I already mentioned Chinese food in SF.

Seafood in Florida and Seattle. And New England. (Different seafoods, but all top notch.)

I may have heard of the Blue Ridge parkway. I'm not sure. It sounds like a great place to go!

If you like driving up cool roads, the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) from LA up through Malibu and beyond is one of the greatest drives ever.

I went next door and laid on the doorbell, ready to tear him a new one again, but shithead didn't answer it. Coward.

Sure he's a coward, but there's a very good chance he just couldn't hear the bloody thing over his stereo.

I am now seeking out ways to approach the local and/or federal government here about a law covering stereo noise during the day.

Working through the government takes time. I recommend high explosives.

Jester

08-01-2010, 06:05 AM

So after my last post, I made a run to the grocery store for some needed supplies (Gatorade, mostly), and while I was there, I couldn't resist buying myself a single vine-ripened tomato for a snack. All that talking about Jersey tomatoes got me hungry for one of my favorite salad ingredients. And I only need a knife and a salt shaker to make a good snack out of a tomato...and that's just how I had this one. Was it as good as a Jersey beefsteak? Of course not. But it was a decent consolation prize.

Helpful Dining Hint #464: When eating a salted tomato, once you are finished, do not drink the remaining juices out of the bottom of the bowl, as they are very, very salty! Yes, I found this out the hard way this evening. :eek:

Eireann

08-02-2010, 09:01 AM

Sure he's a coward, but there's a very good chance he just couldn't hear the bloody thing over his stereo.

Working through the government takes time. I recommend high explosives.

A friend sent me some links to websites that discuss daytime noise. There is something I can do - and they wouldn't like it, because the amount of money they can be fined is truly HUGE. I thought of printing the information and slipping the paper into their mailbox, but then I thought, why bother? No need to give them advance notice of what I'm going to do.

I talked to a good friend this weekend. He's a lawyer. I also told him the neighbors' name (I think it's one of those fairly common Czech occurrences of three generations living in the same house, where each generation occupies one floor of the house, to maintain privacy).

So, we'll see what happens. My friend asked if my landlord and landlady would be willing to sign their names to the complaint. I hope they will, because if I move out due to the noise, they won't be able to find anyone else who will want to live right next to it.

I'm no longer at Loser Company, so I'm surfing around, looking for jobs. I do have a meeting in September, and a one-time gig that may or may not happen this month (we all hope it will) and I sent my CV to a company that pays very well per hour, so right now, I'm waiting. And looking.

Eireann

08-02-2010, 10:14 AM

Oh, yes...

When I had that breakdown that caused me to start this thread, I called my friend. I was hyperventilating to an extent that I still can't believe. I was crying. I was screaming. I was largely incoherent.

I saw my friend over the weekend, and finally got the chance to ask him if, as I had thought, he put his boyfriend on babysitting duty while he (my friend) was out of the country.

"Yes," he said.

I scared the living hell out of both of them - when I was talking (if you can call it that) to my friend, his boyfriend was sitting next to him, and got a loud-and-clear overview of my end of the conversation.

So when I saw them this weekend, his boyfriend gave me a big smile, a handshake, and an enthusiastic, "Hi, Eireann! How are you?"

Rapscallion

08-02-2010, 09:41 PM

It's good that you've got people around you physically. We'll do what we can here, but it's not as good as real people you can touch.

Not that we're far away from that, of course... :p

Rapscallion

Eireann

08-02-2010, 09:50 PM

It was a HUGE help. I met with another friend today and filled him in on what I've been doing - he already knew the news about my mother, because I told him in a chat not long after it happened.

It was good to get out and see someone. I had to get out, because Stereo Boy was doing his thing. It turns out that there are TWO Stereo Boys next door. God help me. I let my landlady know what course of action I'm taking; she's very sympathetic, and told me that she has been afraid that I would move out, which is not what she wants. I told her it's not what I want either, but I can't live next door to people who think a home is a nightclub.

She told me some interesting stories about the neighbors, too. How the wife left the husband for another man, then went back to the husband, and the other man stood outside their house, looking up at the windows and holding a teddy bear. How the husband admits that his children are idiots. (Way to go, Dad!) How they're just weird in general.

I told her one of the reasons why I'm so edgy right now; she hadn't heard about my mother, since she's been away for some time. She was very sympathetic.

She doesn't think my landlord will want to cosign the complaint, but she thinks his parents will. His father's been pissed off at the neighbors for some time.

I don't know what I would have done without all of you.

Eireann

08-10-2010, 12:11 AM

I'm feeling down again. I keep thinking of Mom and all the things I regret. One of the Stereo Boys next door decided to crank up the volume AND the bass this afternoon. Banging on the wall didn't help. I'm going to take whatever legal action I can, maybe even appealing to the European Union for some kind of decision if I don't get anything from the Czech courts.

Why can't I get any peace and quiet?

Eireann

08-10-2010, 09:48 PM

Got home tonight, during the time when it's usually quiet.

What happens?

Stereo is turned up. Not hugely, but definitely louder than they've ever played it at that time of night. We were approaching the magic hour of Turn Your Fucking Shit Down Or Face The Consequences. I pounded on the wall.

After the Magic Hour had struck, guess what they did?

Had the stereo on, turned up the volume, kept it up for a few seconds, turned it down, then repeated the process.

Mikkel

08-11-2010, 07:36 PM

:eek::rant::rant:
Can't you call the police? At least after that Magic Hour (I presume 10 pm).

ETA maybe they got a warning and are expecting to be thrown out soon. It may be their way of saying that they don't give a sh*t.
I hope so, anyway.

Eireann

08-11-2010, 07:39 PM

I can, but the little bastards were aware enough not to keep playing the stereo at a high volume. If I'd called the police, they would have arrived to a quiet place, because the stereo would have been turned down by that time. Asshole neighbors really suck.

Oh, and they can't be thrown out. Their father owns the house where they live. He lives there too. He won't control them, though.

Magpie

08-11-2010, 07:52 PM

You might still be able to make a complaint about what they're doing. Or document it, because this is obviously being done with the intent of annoying you. Gee, harassment... why does that sound like an important word to me... :angel:

Eireann

08-11-2010, 09:47 PM

That's what I'm going to do. Documenting is very difficult, because how do you document noise next door? If they'd made some kind of written statement that they wouldn't turn down the noise, that would be one thing, but they know how the law reads (some of it, anyway), and I really do believe that they're doing this deliberately.

Maybe a huge pile of money will fall into my lap, and I can buy my own damn house!

Magpie

08-12-2010, 02:26 PM

Record when it happens. Write down what they do, because when they turn it up loud and then down and then loud and then down it's obviously done to harass you. It's not perfect, because even if you record them playing it the music (from your room) they can argue that you're making it up, and that's from different times, or that you recorded from elsewhere. But it's better than not writing it down. I'd say duration and times. And notes like what you wrote in here, although strip out "they're doing this because" or anything like that.

You might be able to explain when you call in a complaint that they seem to be aware that they're not supposed to be making this noise. But I also question if the idiot next door is actively watching out the window for bylaw enforcement. If he's turning it up frequently they'll likely catch it.

Eireann

08-18-2010, 02:02 PM

Two emails sent today.

One to the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic, one to a European Union body. I outlined the problem I've been having with the neighbors, how their sons are doing it deliberately, how complaints have been made many times in the past, etc. I WILL take this as far as I have to, in order to get a quiet environment.

If their spineless shit of a "father" would take the fucking stereo away from them, they wouldn't be able to do it - but he won't. He says that the stereo is the least of the problems he has with them. The least? What the hell else are they doing? Drug running? Human trafficking? What?

I probably don't want to know.

I feel better for having contacted the relevant organizations. The European Union body sent me an automated email stating that I should expect an answer within three days. Evidently, part of the process is having someone come out to measure the noise, to check if it exceeds a certain limit.

People have said, "That's difficult. If they don't keep it turned up all the time, how will you get it measured?"

"That's easy," I said. "All I have to do is bang on the wall, and they're almost certain to turn it up."

The police have been called on more than one occasion, so there is a record of some of the complaints, and my landlord can, at least, attest to the fact that he spoke to the boys' father. Plus, his parents have been mightily irritated by the racket, and I'm sure they'll make a statement about the loudness.

What a fucking mess.

Magpie

08-18-2010, 03:23 PM

:cheers:

:yourock: for taking care of this!

Eireann

08-18-2010, 07:16 PM

Don't congratulate me too soon. The law here is, if someone makes a lot of noise between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., this is against the law, and the police can do something about it. During the daytime? I don't know. In my emails, I stated that I often work from home, and that I can't concentrate with that noise, which is audible in every room. (Once, it was audible in another room, when I was wearing earplugs AND listening to a headset!)

I don't know what the result will be. Clearly, talking to them does no good. A warning, even from a government body, will have no effect. A huge, enormous fine might do it.

It seems that there is a regulation against making noise in the daytime, if you're using a very loud power tool. However, I don't know the rules against blasting a stereo through the wall into the place next door.

Wish me luck!

Mytical

08-24-2010, 10:09 AM

You might want to check out 'white noise' or noise canceling machines. It would be hard to find the correct frequency, but might be worth checking into.

Eireann

08-24-2010, 12:00 PM

It's a great idea, if it weren't for the fact that they LOVE to pump up the bass, too. That steady, pounding rhythm is very powerful.

Whiskey

08-24-2010, 03:57 PM

It's a great idea, if it weren't for the fact that they LOVE to pump up the bass, too. That steady, pounding rhythm is very powerful.

Hey I would sell one of my animals for a "steady, pounding rhythm"

Ba-dum-tsch.

I'm here all night.

Eireann

08-25-2010, 06:34 PM

You wouldn't want THIS steady, pounding rhythm. I can guarantee you that.

Pounding on the wall doesn't work. Either they ignore it, or they knock on their side of the wall, or they turn it up. Sometimes it's a combination of the above.

Usually, they keep it down in the evenings, but they have it turned up right now, and of course, pounding on the wall had zero effect.

I received an answer to the email I sent to the EU body in charge of noise regulation. They told me to contact the local government. Big surprise. Local government hasn't answered me yet. Another big surprise. I've contacted the Ministry of Justice and the city government for this particular area. I hope to hear something favorable soon, before I truly lose my mind.

Eireann

09-07-2010, 12:17 PM

They. Are. Doing. It. AGAIN!!!!!

School has started, but either someone is skipping, or they got off early today, or there was no school today. I don't know.

Just to give you an idea, I just heard from next door:

What is love
Baby don't hurt me
Don't hurt me
No more

I hate that song anyway; I REALLY hate it when it's being blasted through the wall. Who does it, and what is the title? I want to be able to prove that I can, indeed, hear the actual lyrics when they've got the stereo on.

My landlady told me that the teenagers don't listen with headphones because they're already partially deaf. While this is a plausible excuse, I don't believe it. I don't think my landlady is lying to me; I think the neighbors are lying to her, in an attempt to avoid responsibility. She probably believes it, but I can't believe it anymore.

I did discover that the MAXIMUM limit for sound that filters through the wall is 40 decibels. I was depressed by this at first, thinking, "Forty decibels? That's a lot."

Well, no, it's not. I looked it up online. Regular human conversation is 60 decibels. 40 is the same amount of noise your refrigerator makes when it's humming.

When a noise complaint is filed, someone has to come over and measure the noise to see if it does, indeed, exceed the limits. Now I know that the measurement will be WELL above what is permitted. When the hell am I going to get an answer to the emails I sent to the Czech government?

Magpie

09-07-2010, 12:51 PM

It's called "What is Love", but there's going to be a lot of covers of it, so we can't really tell who did it without hearing the music.

Eireann

09-07-2010, 01:08 PM

Okay, just knowing the title is enough, I think. I've also heard Madonna blasting through the wall.

Becks

09-07-2010, 04:55 PM

Haddaway did it.

...I like that song.

Aethian

09-07-2010, 10:53 PM

Was it this one? Youtube Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpN60KKBAjc)

Eireann

09-09-2010, 12:35 PM

I didn't click the link, because I can't stand the song. I hope that the fact that I could hear the lyrics will be enough.

Eireann

09-25-2010, 06:52 PM

This is just DRIVING ME INSANE.

The little fuckers cranked up the sound so loudly yesterday, I could hear it from the street, and I think their windows were closed. It's that bad. I was talking to a friend who is a lawyer, and he told me that there is no law against me ringing their doorbell constantly during the day.

I spent, oh, three to five minutes of my conversation with him standing at the neighbors' door, hand planted firmly on the doorbell. Too bad I didn't have a roll of duct tape. They didn't come out; I didn't think they would. I'm sure that they cranked up the volume some more.

With all the shit I was getting at Loser Company, I feel that life was giving me several hard kicks in the ass to get the hell out of there. I finally did, but not until the "management" booted me out. My guess is that life is doing the same thing to me now - only, what do I do, when I'm not working regularly, or making a steady income? I'm worried about how I'm going to pay next months' rent, and here I'm being harassed constantly by entitlement whores next door. I don't need this kind of life lesson. If I'm meant to leave this place and move on, I want the signs to be clear AND non-aggressive. This situation is just causing me to grow angrier and angrier, raising my stress level and bringing me closer to having another breakdown, like the one I had that prompted me to start this thread in the first place.

I am going to the authorities to file a complaint against the neighbors; I am going to take any and all legal action I possibly can, and if that isn't enough, I'm going to lobby for VERY strict noise regulations with VERY clear, VERY harsh punishment if these regulations are breached. I'm going to talk to journalists and tell them my story so they can write about the problems faced by those who, like me, find little recourse for harassment.

There is no such thing, in this country, as slapping a harassment charge against someone, and no such charge as invasion of privacy. They're only now getting around to implementing a law against stalking, and that one won't even take effect until next year. It's long past time for that, and long past time for laws against noise from TVs, stereos, and other sources of unnecessary noise to be in effect.