Amarillo

Ever since I landed in Amarillo this morning, I have had the song "Route 66" running through my head.  And, not just any version, but the "Route 66/Behind the Wheel" remix by Depeche Mode.

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My new job requires that I travel quite a lot.  The travel isn't too glamorous, no visits to London or New York for me.  I am expected to spend time in both Waco and Amarillo, in addition to offices in Dallas and Plano.  At my previous company, I had carefully arranged, handwritten notes and files which sorted all of my projects and assignments.  Now, because I work out of four different offices, toting paper files everywhere would be ridiculous so my laptop and Blackberry have become my new best friends.  Yes, I have become one of those people.

I am enjoying the constant change of pace and scenary.  I am learning how to be much more socialable and to develop the stamina to make small talk with people over the course of a 12-hour day.  These are not skills I was born with, so I am quite proud to see them grow.  Still, after a long day of chatting and smiling, it feels good to sit alone in a quiet hotel room.

I love being in this part of Texas and I am eager to have non-work hours to explore.  It is so foreign from where I came from.  Everywhere I've lived previously has been so green and lush, with trees everywhere.  The flat Texas plain is completely opposite and incredibly inviting.  All the locals  I've met joke that Amarillo is so boring and that there is nothing to do or see.  How sad for them.  I've already targeted a couple of museums I would like to visit and there is a little patch of land near my hotel which is inhabited by prairie dogs.  Not only that, but tomorrow I get to eat a meal at The Big Texan (the famous restaurant where you can attempt to eat a 72 ounce steak). 

What's there not to love?

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Well, if you ever plan to motor west...Just take my way, that's the highway that's the best...get your kicks on Route 66...