Leaving Dodge

November 29. After months of frustrating dealings with a slack booking agent (who has subsequently been fired) I finally played at Broken City. Thanks to an excellent sound man, I probably sounded better than I ever have, playing solo. I enjoyed myself. A small crowd, composed of some supportive fellow exchangers and local types, was very friendly and forthcoming with the applause. Considering that Broken City is literally the only 'pub' venue in Calgary which supports the independent music scene (Caribou played there a week later), I was gratified to play a support slot on their stage. Since then, I've grown increasingly eager to get the fuck out of here. The weather turned cold, I finished my field placement and I started working on a website. That's about it. It's been around -18 lately, which makes sure you have a really good reason to head out at night. Which generally speaking of late, I haven't. Aside from my heavy workload-afflicted German friend, I have not met anyone else here whom I can really relate to. I tried to meet people. I really did. However, once two or three months was up, there was nothing left to motivate me to maintain my social agenda. In fact, I stopped having a social agenda at all. This place, it's just not me. It's an oil city. It's the Texas of Canada. Nice scenery, cute animals, some great outdoors, when it's not insanely cold, but aside from that, I found myself craving the kind of character that only older cities have. I found myself longing for society which didn't revolve around just being an exchange student. I felt out of place among most of the exchangers, as the majority of them are around 21 and have an insatiable appetite for cheap beer and generic rock. Every party was the same. I either felt old or dismayed. I discovered the Ship and Anchor, and of course nobody I knew was interested in meeting me there. The Den, at the university, was the usual hangout (terrible music, gratingly MOR freshman clientele) when people weren't going to Cowboys, the Whiskey or wherever else the bargirls sported fake tits and the music was fucking awful. It's a wonder I didn't go insane with desire to see my friends back home again. However, I always figured that Calgary would be where I finished my degree and got used to the idea of being away from home. It has served that purpose. This Friday, I leave Calgary for London. At last. This is where my real travels will begin. Being here, in Calgary, has strengthened my resolve to establish a sense of purpose and direction whilst being overseas. I'm not ready to go home. I haven't fucking done anything yet. Besides, I am going to be seeing the Futureheads in the UK. Fuck, yeah.