In the following episodes, we will present an anthology of our escapades, nation by nation, in our attempts to sop up every bit of these vibrant peoples, our forays into the cozier places, the darker hidden corners. There will be lots of sleeping; strange animals; strange women; weeping teenage boys; uncomfortable seats; breath; travel by air, water, and land; ancient history; I’m Lovin’ It; anarchists; alternative lifestyles; bridges; pagan symbolism; döner kebab; ferry-oke; jazz cigarettes & bubble baths, and more.

Arriving at Heathrow, H.G. hops a flight to Belfast, Ireland…

…but not before napping on a bench.

Belfast was a bit moist, but we slept well.

Our first meal: saag paneer and tikka masala in Dublin.

View from the bedroom window at Peter’s grandparents home.

Mancunian urban fashion displayed by these chicks.

Tongue comparison with other ex-pats.

A Belgian journalist mistakes us for the other Times New Viking from Columbus, OH.

The weather was unbelievably decent.

Back to London, third time in five days. Here we are seen transporting a female photographer from Texas.

We had begun to stock up on a bizarre assortment of foreign goods, similar in look and feel to things we have in the USA.

Cryogenic sights on the road…

En route to some reggae bar in Bristol.

I believe this happened there, too.

Up bright and early the following morning, looking crisp.

It was very colorful at this tropical beach paradise in Newcastle.

Anglo-style breakfast and then we’re off––straight back down to the country’s southern end.

Even Dale is tired today.

Brighton was quite delightful.

Things got a bit wonky that night after we began cavorting with an Americaner and all his London cohorts. This guy:

Cole, in man-heaven.

View from a window in Brighton.

Dale declares, “A success!”

Here, they are shown with special guest, Cassie Ramone. The exuberance exhibited on their faces is nothing short of real.

Shown from the perspective of Mr. Sperske.

The Bats & The Vivians finally arrive in Phoenix at sundown, but it won’t be long before they return to the road…

…this time in search of Cooperstown–Alice Cooperstown.

This will be the location for tonight’s Kitchen Club.

Unfortunately, the group was unable to document the Wings of Mass Destruction (W.M.D.’s), which were apparently somehow related to a group of Central American asylum inmates. Other sights:

The following morning, inspired by a film they had seen on television, some tried a new hairstyle for the day.

In a bout of nostalgia, the group attempt to recreate an earlier moment on tour.

Kwang Nam/Aaron Olson delight!