Nashville Skyline

Shack Up Inn 094
We have arrived at a public parking space in Nashville, Tennessee. There is a hurricane watch on until four, and already the rain is flooding the streets. Just a couple of hours ago we were at the Green Hills Mall in the upscale Vanderbilt University part of town. It was a pleasant if somewhat grey morning. As we walked in, a friendly lady told us there was a tornado warning up in Dickson. We just nodded. We did not have a clue where Dickson was, and we sure did not have any intention of going there.

When we got back out, rain was coming down in thick lashing ropes. A constant spray rose from the sides of the car as if we were a modern Moses parting the waters of the urban sea. Visibility was down to a few meters, and even though the wipers were working overtime, they only allowed for occasional moments of clarity. We tried to put on the radio to relieve some of the stress of driving, but unfortunately the traffic report was on. The host was in the middle of reading out a long list of weather-related accidents and injuries from all over Nashville. Word by word his machine gun voice slowed down our car until it came to a complete standstill. The road seemed liquid with rain. For a moment it felt as if we were going to be swept away. That is when we opted for the relative safety of the parking lot.

Shack Up Inn 101

We spent last night with the anarchist couchsurfer host Nate and his girlfriend. They are part of the group that runs the city's "food not bombs" programme. They pick up the food from dumpsters around town, and cook it for the homeless people. Unfortunately they have just been evicted from the house where they had their kitchen, so it is a bit uncertain what is going to happen now. But considering their high level of involvement, we are sure that they will come up with something. Their next project is a big public event putting focus on squatters in empty houses around town. We cross our fingers, and wish them the best of luck. As to ourselves, we are off to hook up with a Chinese-American guy that is hosting us for the weekend.

By the way, the rain just stopped, and the sun is back out. Thanks to whatever nearby hotel is delivering the free wi-fi to our car. Stay tuned, and we will do the same.

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