Hugs & Hotrods with Credit Karma
Credit Karma Commission
There’s always this thing when I travel abroad to paint a mural. I think its an element of ‘What if’ which is not necessarily a bad thing. My ‘What if’ is will my inks be taken off me at airport security, what happens if they lose my suitcase. Will they confiscate my projector, am I even allowed to take a projector? The list as you can imagine, kind of goes on and on. Much to the amusement of the wife.
There is a reason for this. Many years ago I went on holiday with friends to Thailand. We flew to a remote island, where on collection of luggage, mine were noticeably uncollected. They had ‘mislaid’ my bags with all my clothes in. My friend offered me a share of his clobber till my bags appeared. So for three days I was in hand me downs, which isn’t so bad unless you consider I was a good foot taller and 3 stone heavier. Needless to say, my friend didn’t want his clothes back after.
Now , when I travel, I split my bags. Hold luggage has half my belongings, carry on’s have the other half. I split my pens and inks 50%. Two of everything, including projectors. One in hold, one as a carry on.
The mural was painted at Credit Karmas HQ on Market Street. I was staying in an AirBNB up the road, so every morning I would wander down or jump on the trams. Many moons ago I used to work on a cruise ship that would stop in San Francisco. My memory of it then was of roller blading beautiful people along the piers. A vibrant city with an air of love about it. So I was super excited, after 25 years to go back. As much as it still rocks, there was definitely a sad element to the city from a homeless perspective. It was heart breaking. I gave a guy $2 on my way home one evening, he looked at it like it was gold. A huge guy, he followed me into the 7 Eleven, wrapped his giant arms around me and hugged me till I couldn’t breathe. Emotional.
I stayed with some friends at the weekends who lived in the groovy part of town at Menlo Park. (I was there for three weeks) And got to see some amazing places. Wine tasting on the most incredible estates, driving down to San Jose and stopping off at these little towns that grow specific vegetables. One of which was artichokes. The local bakery made the most incredible bread with artichokes stuffed inside as well as a whole array of goods dedicated to the veg.
We also hit a hotrod show which was nuts. One guy had a car with a jet engine attached. Damn, that was loud. Earsplitting! Got to love a hotrod. And the flags. Stars and Stripes EVERYWHERE. At times I felt like I was on a film set. The towns were so American, it didn’t feel real.
On my last day, I finished a day early, I was chilling in the cafe at Credit Karma when I got a call from Virgin Atlantic. My designated operator to fly home the following day.
“Hey Mr. Lee, so sorry, but unfortunately your flight is double booked tomorrow. Can we offer you an alternative flight.”
I think as I was so relaxed, I was like, “Sure thing fella, what’s available, I’m flexible”. He gave an audible air of relief. I think he was expecting a rant.
“So tonight we can get you onboard, if you can fly?”
“Grand, thanks, that’s good for me.” I replied sipping my flat white.
“Wow, that’s so cool of you, I’ll tell you what I’ll do as its short notice, I will upgrade you to Upperclass with a window seat and also sir, by way of apologies I can offer you a free return flight anywhere around the World in Premium Economy”.
Fabulous.
