Big and Small, part 2If you have never seen the great lakes, then you have no idea what I was seeing. I grew up in California, and biggest land locked body of water I ever saw was Lake Tahoe. but now here looking and seeing no land anywhere made me feel lost. For a moment I felt very small. Sure this awe may have been partially Rum inspired, but still, it was one big lake, and I was impressed.
We arrived in Rhode Island, and were hit with humidity that only someone who is from there or been there can really understand. It was like being draped with a hot wet blanket. We caught a cab to the college, and maybe it was the "I am a tourist" tee shirt I was wearing, but our $20 cab ride took a "short cut" and ended up costing over $40. But, we were there, and other than getting out of my now wet clothes, and getting the Ukuleles unpacked, not much else mattered. I got my room key and settled in. I had a roommate, but they had not arrived yet. The room was bleak, but the price was right, and I was fairly sure I would only be in it while sleeping, so that was fine. I took a shower and put on fresh clothes, but was immediately soaked again upon stepping outside. I decided right there that this weekend was going to be spent in the air conditioned sanctuary of the college facilities.
My first stop was the screening of "Rock that Uke" (which I enjoyed thoroughly) and then it was time to see who was who. There were a lot of familiar faces, the Santa Cruz Ukulele scene being well represented, and a lot of familiar names. But I was meeting many people face to face for the first time, though I had done business with some or corresponded online. On the other hand, I was not hard to spot, Being at the time the only one wearing a fez. It amused me that the first thing most people said was "you're a lot taller than I imagined". I would just smile. True, I am a pretty big guy, and with my fez I top out at about 6"6' or so. I am sometimes startled at my own reflection when I see just how small a Ukulele looks while I am playing it. I guess that is what they were seeing now. But all around were small Ukes and Big smiles, and it was hours before it hit me that all I had to eat since 4:00 am this morning was a bagel.
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