29/6 – Today we didn’t make it very far at all. We spent most of the day, stopping at antique stores and getting caught up with chatting. They were fascinated by our trip and our accent. We did call into the Blue Bell Ice-cream Factory hoping to do the tour of the plant but unfortunately they had a group of 70+ students coming through. So the tour was going to be cut short. Dave and I opted to do the tour in Texas. They also told us that it was larger and probably the better tour to do. They did let us have some ice-cream though. It was so nice. We also got it on the house, as the ladies fell in love with our accent. One of the lovely ladies, Christine even gave me the number of her Aunty to call and told me that if we were in the area where she lives, to rock on by, walk up to her, tell her we were sent by her and go and have ourselves a fourth of July celebration. Southern Hospitality. Gotta love it!!!

We called into many antique stores but a lot of them were closed. They weren’t opening because of the heat…couldn’t believe it. They obviously are not used to this heat. Dave and I are not having much trouble with it, as it reminds us of home. Especially in Perth. Our summers are scorchers!!!

We stayed in a little place called Purchell for the night, as we didn’t get very far. The place is average. Glad we didn’t have to stay longer than the night. We will certainly be out of here early.

30/6 – Today we got out of Purcell early and hit the road running. We headed out along 77 and this route was part of route 66. That was cool. We called into a café called Rock Café where Dave met a man called Gerry. Dave was telling him about how we are on the lookout for garage memorabilia for a friend back home and some old car parts. Gerry told us about an old fella that was up the road that has been known to sell some parts but he was a cranky old bastard. Turns out he was talking about himself. So after we ate lunch , we ventured off to find his house. It wasn’t that hard to find. It had old shit everywhere. Cars, antiques and the flashiest house on the street. He was outside washing the church bus. He invited us into his shed and showed us all his cars, motors and memorabilia. Dave was in mechanic heaven.

He then proceeded to inform us that he had been married for over 50 yrs and that he owned his house and the church building and then told us he was the local preacher. By this stage I just wanted to get in the car and go. Got me thinking ..how did he manage to have all this?? Courtesy of the church goers?? Well then he invited us into his home to look at his antique collection. We met his wife and the two housekeepers. It was then that I started to feel a little uncomfortable. I got the run down on faith and believing in Jesus. We were about to get a whole sermon. Mr preacher man even started singing Johnny Cash…argghh I kept thinking. Dave get me the fuck out of here. I am surprised the house didn’t fall down around my ears.

While I have no problem with people having faith, I certainly don’t believe in being preached to and having the bible bashed down my throat and feeling that I’m the biggest sinner on earth because I don’t believe in Jesus. It was then and there that I ever so politely said that while I had my own beliefs in what I think of religion I didn’t appreciate being preached to. You should of seen the look on their faces. Priceless.

They assured me that , that wasn’t their intention…mmmm not so sure about that. I thanked them very much for their hospitality and that it was lovely to meet them. I’m sure they spent the night saying hail mary’s and asking for my soul to be saved!!! Good luck with that one!!! I practically sprinted out of there and couldn’t get to the car quick enough. I told Dave to get me as far away from this town as possible. No wonder this section is called the bible belt.

After getting over the fact that I felt completely violated, we headed towards Dallas. Along the way we stopped in at a place called Pops. Its a factory where they make soda. It has a giant soda bottle out the front that lights up at night. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see that, as it was still daylight, but we did go and have a bite to eat. They have over 600 flavours of soda. I had a cookies and cream shake. It was delicious. The burger wasn’t bad either.

After our bite to eat, we headed back out on the road and couldn’t get to Dallas quick enough. I really just wanted to wash away the day in the shower. That preacher man made me feel so dirty…arghhh.

I just want to veg in front of the telly and get an early night.

Need to research things to see in Texas.

Going to call it a night.

xx

J