^ The
US tour was an amazing, whirlwind experience: we visited 14 cities in 17 days, and Yann Martel was a perfect travelling companion. It would be impossible to sum it all up in just one post, so you'll just have to take my word for it and look at some photos (which, alas, won't reveal much).
But first, a big "thank you" to all the wonderful people who attended our presentations - without you, this tour would be nothing. Also, thanks to our hosts and media escorts, plus a special "thank you" to Lee Kravetz,
Harcourt's publicity manager and all-around great guy, for organizing this unforgettable tour.
^ Rather than flying, we decided to rent a Ford Mustang convertible and drive
Fear-and-Loathing-in-Las-Vegas-style from L.A. to San Diego...
^ ...but only made it halfway, to Laguna Beach. We were forced to turn back because of the heavy bush fires (the strange haze on the photo is smoke - the seats of our car were covered with a layer of ashes). Our San Diego gig was canceled, so we flew straight to San Francisco.
^ Full house of some 800 people at The Crest Theatre in Sacramento! (photo by
California Lectures)
^ Yann speaking at Amazon.com
Fishbowl in Seattle. Amazonians were so friendly and nice. (photo by
Shane Lin)
^ Seattle ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
Grey's Anatomy, anyone?
^ Lexington, Kentucky. The "Horse Capital of the world."
^
Are you lonesome tonight?
^ Greenwood, Mississippi - such an interesting little town. I really enjoyed the late-night drive as we were whisked away to this place. Thanks to Ron Shapiro, our Mississippi media escort, Santaolalla's
De Usuahia a la Quiaca will never sound the same again.
^ New York City, near Harcourt offices.
^ Me speaking at Barnes & Noble bookstore in Atlanta - the final event of our tour. (photo by
Emily Wilson)
♫ NP: Gustavo Santaolalla - De Usuahia a la Quiaca
