Here’s a new policy. If you’re driving through rural backwater Arkansas, and you stop for gas, and the men's bathroom in the gas station is a small bathroom, like, say, with one urinal and one toilet, two dudes with New York plates on their car probably shouldn’t go in together. Johnny A-Game and I made this mistake. We both had an urgent need, and took care of business. Alas, in rural Arkansas, that thar's a hangin' offense. No harm done, thankfully. But on our return trip, we're going to have to avoid stopping there.

A fly has stowed away with us since Ithaca. Every time I open the window, it flies under the seat. It doesn’t want to wind up in Arkansas, either. Who can blame it?

So last night, I wound up getting 3 or 4 hours of sleep. A-Game didn't fare much better, but we wanted to push through to Austin today, so it was time for the stimulants to come out in force. Ye Gods. I have never before felt so exhausted/wired/freaked out all at the same time. Gleeps! Today, we partook of: Coffee, chocolate-covered espresso beans, ginseng balls, and something called Trucker Pills (probably not made out of actual truckers). End result? Two words: Bat country. And a third word: Constipation. And a few more: I've never peed so much in all my life.

In addition to Shoney's, and the hotel breakfast buffet, we visited the lunch buffet at Bowen's Family Restaurant. Their slogan should be, "Don't Be Afraid! All The Colored Folk Work In The Kitchen!" Just an observation A-Game made.

Ah, Arkansas. Such a grand tradition of segregation deserves to be recognized. Maybe you could switch your state sport to Laundry... separating whites and colors. I'd have suggested chess, but... well, you know.

Also, we no longer remember how to eat anything that doesn’t come in buffet form. We hope to find a Wienerschnitzel to remind us how to eat real(ish) food served on genuine styrofoam once again.

Update: The Ithaca fly is now a resident of the Bowen’s Family Restaurant parking lot. Sorry, little buddy. But I'm sure you'll love the kitchen.

My favorite moment of the day was when we drove past this town. Are they kidding!? What next? Los Arkeles? Arkinatti? Arkarck? New Yark City?

As you might have ascertained, much of today was spent in Arkansas and Texas. The Texas landscape was rather barren (and, due to the overactive bladder, the lack of trees was particularly noticeable), but Austin seems very cool. Tomorrow, we'll go exploring, then the Film Festival starts Thursday.

Good night!

(p.s. the food at Bowen's was really good.)