Decoding The Gurus
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Matt's American Tour Begins!
🕑 Added 2024-10-15 00:47:06 +0000 UTCJust a little update on everyone's favourite Aussie Decoder.
Matt is now in America, lounging around San Francisco probably in an opium den.
He will be in the US for the next three months and his actual itinerary is a mystery known only to the ancients. All that is known is that he will travel from San Francisco and eventually end up in New York.
Should you want to petition him to visit your state or demand details of his itinerary, you can post here and Matt may respond! Or email him at decodingthegurus@gmail.com.
Matt may give some periodic updates on his travels but don't worry the decodings will continue during this US sojourn (at least until morale improves).
Comments
Milquetoast Ramen
Let me know if you're coming through Nashville, TN! Would love to meet up and grab a bite / drink! I'm not a native Nashvillian, but have lived here long enough to point you in the direction of the correct Nashville hot chicken spots to hit and, if you're interested, can give you some recommendations for checking out some of the music history scene.
Guruspod 2
I’m gonna give Chris the names of upcoming cities and dates where I’ll be there for more than a night or two, he’ll make some individual posts, and we’ll hopefully have an easier way of arranging hooking up in case anyone’s about. In the meantime I’m drinking a glass of red wine listing to the LOTR audiobook beside a fireplace in a cabin in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite the depressing political developments, it’s hard not to feel positively disposed to the U S of A in these environs
Guruspod 2
Thanks Jen!
Guruspod 2
I don’t think we’re quite getting to Nth Carolina but I’ll double check. Pretty sure we’re getting to the Virginias…
Nancy Hale
But seriously, hope you enjoyed the best bits of my home state.
Nancy Hale
Healthy boundaries, as they say…
Guruspod 2
Can’t share photos here so… https://x.com/arthurcdent/status/1853614287266468204?s=46&t=zpg1weQ3tGuFKAFGxvP5ng
Lucy
Lots of succulents!
Guruspod 2
I think we are! Not for at least a month though
Guruspod 2
Hey Martha, sounds good! Let me check if/when we’ll be in Boulder :)
Guruspod 2
Yes, today!
Guruspod 2
Big day today: walking trails near Palm Springs, Joshua Tree NP, Bombay Beach and Slab City
Linda Sears
Are you going to Joshua Tree?
Guruspod 2
I like it already! Tomorrow going on a walk to Palm Canyon Oasis
Guruspod 2
I went there and it was great! Amazing medieval artefacts
Max
Gotta visit the Getty! Why pay for Disneyland when there's a gem of a museum FOR FREE 😄
Linda Sears
If you like dates, Palm Springs is your place.
Linda Sears
Sounds like a blast.
Monica B.
Yes, it's a challenging place to keep up with convos! I'll keep an eye on this thread, and if other SF/Bay Area folks who see this want to comment here, I can keep track of who we all are, too if that's helpful. Would be fun if it works out!
Guruspod 2
Leaving Venice Beach today after visiting the Getty and heading out to Palm Springs. We don’t have any decoders in Palm Springs do we?
Guruspod 2
No talks but I’m glad to meet up with people if they want. I’ll keep posting updates so you’ll know when I draw near, then you can DM me or something
Guruspod 2
It’s actually incredible endearing. And great if you’re a traveller because you end up having all these interesting interactions with strangers. That’s generally not to happen in most places in the world!
Guruspod 2
TBH apart from lawn signs, I don’t really see it expressed in anything tangible you see about the place. Which is probably a Very Good Thing!
Guruspod 2
So yesterday had a great day at a Venice beach. Such amazing diversity, and I’m not talking race or sexuality: I’m talking about one guy playing basketball dressed as a banana and the next guy riding a tricycle with balloons attached to his head. Everyone has main character syndrome and it’s wonderful
Guruspod 2
Will do, yep I’m up for meetups — I’ll keep posting updates
Guruspod 2
Cool! I’ll give a heads up before I arrive. But the way Patreon does these threads it might be hard to keep everything arranged in chronological order…
Guruspod 2
Ma’am, I am proud to report myself in possession of a very fine dongle
Lucy
Any anthropological observations about the election?
Paul Thomas Korsvold
I'd throw a baptized Italian beef onto the food bucketlist as well! Also curious about any public showings.
Linda Sears
You probably don’t have time, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is pretty awesome, especially because of the otters. 🦦
Martha Hartney
We're in Boulder. Hit me up! I'm not hard to find. I'd be thrilled to show you around and take you out for dinner.
Guruspod 2
Just arrived at Santa Cruz after a couple of nights at Yosemite. Anyone here who wants catch up tonight, feel free to drop me a line. Tomorrow, on to Venice Beach LA
Guruspod 2
Yep we are going to upstate NY! Towards then end of November
Linda Sears
Matt, we’ve been told to pressure you about a dongle.
Julie
Not quite the experience I’ve had with them. They can be very quiet.
buildinginlawndale
Great! Giving any publicly attend-able talks here? Be sure to try Lou Malnati's Pizza. The best of the Chicago Deep Dish Pizzas. An Jibarito (Puerto Rican American Plantain Sandwich) is also worth a try.
Mike
If you do pass through St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden has a building called the "arid house" for cacti and succulents, just FYI.
Ryan O'Rourke
Oh a last burger recommendation I just thought of because I'm there eating one right now. If you check out the Ballard brewery area, Great Notion makes smashburgers including one with peanut butter and jelly (habenero blackberry jam!). It's good!
Guruspod 2
Yep, we’re going to Colorado!
Guruspod 2
We’re going Ann Arbor & Detroit…
Ryan O'Rourke
Sent a burger chain scouting report to the dtg email as well
Guruspod 2
We’re taking the ferry to go into Seattle from Bainbridge Island!
Guruspod 2
Thanks all
Guruspod 2
Cool, thanks Kevin — that sounds fun
Guruspod 2
Thanks Linda!
Ryan O'Rourke
Second this. I think Matt would enjoy it. Also it's at Seattle Center so you can combine the Chihuly Museum, top of the Space Needle.
Kevin Nyberg
As a Sci-Fi fan, you would probably enjoy Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (aka MOPOP). It’s not all sci-fi but they have a lot of it, and other cool stuff too, like their big Nirvana exhibit.
Linda Sears
My husband and I did a beneath the streets underground tour that was pretty cool. Not sure how much walking your dad does, but it’s not long. I’d also recommend taking a ferry to one of the islands. If by chance you have a Twin Peaks fan in your party, you could go to Snoqualmie Falls. Enjoy!
Guruspod 2
We’ve had a nice couple of days at the Hoh Valley. Off to Seattle tomorrow!
Guruspod 2
There is a lot of moss!
Dan
If you find yourself in West Michigan, let me know! Some great craft brews and worthwhile hikes along the sand dune laden coast of Lake Michigan!
Martha Hartney
If you decide to swing through Colorado…!
Guruspod 2
I’m doing how a Kennedy would do it! ChowDAHHH
Guruspod 2
It’s very very creamy!
James Watts
Showdere!? Showdere? Its chowda! Say it right!
Linda Sears
Is it tomato based (Manhattan) or cream based (New England)?
Guruspod 2
Sounds interesting…
Guruspod 2
Just about to have my first ever bowl at “The Chowder Bowl” right on the seafront
Guruspod 2
I like it!
Guruspod 2
About to try my first ever bowl of chowder at Depoe Bay!
chuckboy
Will do! Safe travels, intrepid wanderers :)
Bri Koral
Oh great! I can send you a list of things to see and eat while you're here. And if you're down to meet a fan I'd love to meet up and say hi. Hope you're enjoying the coast!!
Linda Sears
That area is so beautiful.
Linda Sears
Yes, we also tend to smile a lot more.
Linda Sears
If you get a chance, check out Weed, California, which is not far from Mountain Shasta. It’s a strange little place.
Linda Sears
There used to be this wonderful YouTube video about a guy who created a Rube Goldberg type obstacle course in his backyard for the squirrels to keep them from eating the birdseed.
Dada de Broglie
They have a strong bite but you can feed the squirrels, don’t pet, grab, or corner them. I wouldn’t trust a raccoon or try to outrun a beaver.
Kerena
That rules! I'll be sure to say hi. Let me know if you need better food recommendations than that! Now, surely I can't be the only Pittsburgh listener... 🧐
Guruspod 2
Nope, driving through it, because I RESPECT the Midwest
Guruspod 2
Currently in Coos Bay which is quite nice, and heading up to Astoria tomorrow!
Guruspod 2
We’re going to Chicago! HMU when I get closer. I’ll continue posting updates
Guruspod 2
I’m coming to Portland — in a few days I think…
Zeno Kujawa
Keep posting updates! If you're up for it we could have a Boston DtG meetup
Guruspod 2
I got you fam, will be in Boston from the 29/11
Kyle Wilson
You gonna be making your way through Upstate New York at any point? Perhaps the middle of winter is not the best time to be here unless you’re looking to see snow, in which case there’s no better spot for that! Anyways it’s a beautiful and underrated part of the country.
Monica B.
Sounds great! I’ll start brainstorming some good possible meeting spots!
Hank Sims
Yep. The entire white Anglosphere thinks it's cringe as hell, but we can't stop, won't stop saying hello to you!
Kevin Nyberg
Try the clam chowder while you’re in Oregon, anywhere on the coast should do. We do New England style better than they do in New England.
Guruspod 2
Currently heading up to Coos Bay. One little thing I’ve noticed about Americans is how ready most people are to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Much less reserved than other Anglos in that respect!
Guruspod 2
Darn!
Lillie
dammit, I was just in Eureka this past weekend!!! Wyoming will miss you, have fun in Northern California, I worked in the farming industry there for 12 years🪴
Robert Rosenthal
It would be great to meet you and/ or make recommendations about city activities.
Bernt Goodson
If you're trying get out and see some nature in Washington I have lots of recommendations! It is one of the most beautiful state (I am biased, but still i think most would agree).
Hank Sims
Ah, very nice! Hope your dinner was good! Eureka Mexican food can be hit or miss. Let me know if you need any more intel during the remainder of your stay!
Guruspod 2
So, we’re currently in Eureka California. But so full of Mexican food and Margheritas no chance of socialising until my body copes with what I’ve ingested. We are on our way north though!
Guruspod 2
Maybe a meet up on the way back — a couple of other people are interested… about the 6th Jan I think
Guruspod 2
We’re coming to Denver!
Guruspod 2
I’m coming there to give the Lincoln statue a double thumbs-up!
Guruspod 2
Or he’s avoiding me. Purely a workplace collegial relationship. I get it, it’s fine, whatever
Guruspod 2
We’re coming to Ohio!
Guruspod 2
We’re going to Colorado!
Guruspod 2
Hiya Kerena, yep we’re going to Pittsburgh. Yes, rather than penetrating the layers of Elon’s security Mission Impossibel style, a Primanti’s sandwich sounds good! I’ll post updates when we approach…
Guruspod 2
We have just stopped in Eureka, which I think is in the area! Ate Mexican food and had a beer and a Margarita and now feeling soporific though…
Guruspod 2
Well guys, I’m coming back to San Fran before we leave — early Jan, so I’ll drop a note and suggest a meet-up then perhaps!
Guruspod 2
That’s more like it! Sadly I just checked and it appears we’re not going to Wyoming :(
Guruspod 2
Dad and brother. Kinda wish Mrs Matt was here though!
Guruspod 2
Am appreciating America very much so far
Guruspod 2
Thanks!
Guruspod 2
Sadly not on the itinerary!
Guruspod 2
My brother had one and I resisted the urge!
Guruspod 2
I feel certain they’re being driven by dark spirits
Guruspod 2
We’re heading to the great NE — but not all the way to Vermont sadly
Guruspod 2
We’re definitely heading up to Washington state!
Guruspod 2
I think we are coming to St Louis — I’ll post an update before we get there!
Guruspod 2
I promise I’ll just wave from a safe distance!
Guruspod 2
There’s this awful bitter and vitriolic Twitter account called zei_squirrel, with a happy cartoon squirrel avatar. So I had to conquer my initial fear upon encountering a real life squirrel
Guruspod 2
Sadly not getting that far south Melissa, but thank you!
Bernt Goodson
I am picturing you sitting on park bench feeding a squirrel your In-N-Out admiring all the hipsters in scarfs walking by while you write this. PSA: Please don't feed the squirrels. They're cute until they bite your finger. Working for the park service it some of the more common injuries to visitors. Also some have been known to carry the plague
Melissa
If by some terrible turn of misfortune, you find yourself in Huntsville, Alabama…do let me know. We have Space Camp, NASA, too many breweries with beers named after astronauts, and the gentle sounds of nature coupled with the somewhat alarming sounds of rocket testing from the arsenal.
Guruspod 2
I will either confer my certificate of authenticity… or not…
Nancy Hale
Donny was not wrong: “Those are some good burgers, Walter.”
Nancy Hale
Their milkshakes are completely dope, too. Weight loss saboteur.
Linda Sears
I also like squirrels, though they eat our tomatoes. People used to keep them as pets back in the day.
Guruspod 2
Goddam it weight. This burns ngl
Guruspod 2
I went there! It was fantastic. Actually maybe the best burger I’ve ever had. Yes yes I know there are fancy gourmet burgers, but y’know I reckon it’s finest expression of the art in this particular market segment
Guruspod 2
He SEEMS to be having fun :)
Guruspod 2
Hiya Jenny! Yes, I’ll keep posting notes. I think we are heading up to Washington so DM me on Twitter!
Guruspod 2
Right now, we are in Fort Bragg, after a few great days in San Fran. The locals seem very friendly. Like Australians, but with Extra enthusiasm. The climate in California is perfect! I’m sure the weather can only get better as we head north and east and weeks go by
Guruspod 2
OK, I’m trying to figure out how this all works. Where my last message went, for instance. Anyway: anthropological notes on the USA: 1) In-N-Out Burger is 5 stars, highly recommend 2) Squirrels are very cute, and probably underrated by the natives 3) I’m a little bit scruffy for San Fran. But with a cool cap, or perhaps a scarf, I could fit right in
Guruspod 2
Love the sound of that — I’ll continue to post updates and people can hit me up
Guruspod 2
I have important anthropological despatches from the USA I can give everyone a sneak preview of…
Guruspod 2
Sounds fine!
ketracel-white
if you come to st. louis missouri i will 100% love to see you!
Jennydiver
Matt, we sometimes connect on Twitter, hope you're ok in California, if you do get up to Washington, look us up. Sorry, I've been lagging behind, very busy with this election and work. I am jennydiver on Twitter as well. DM anytime, I'm not good about checking email.
Yoloswag42069
Please go to an Outback Steakhouse and report back!
Bernt Goodson
If your in washington state come to the Olympic peninsula. It is worth the drive
Linda Sears
Not a bad idea, really. They could be used as weapons or bribes for the thirsty. Pretty heavy on the head, though.
Jeanne H-B
Welcome. Beckoning you from wonderful Vermont.
Kevin Nyberg
Are those cylinders in AI Matt’s hat meant to be cans of Foster’s beer?
Christopher Kavanagh
The limitation there is that you are not available 24/7 and able to generate images with minor amendments in a matter of seconds. If you oppose AI art I totally understand but we don’t and we are not likely to commission art for random updates. Previously we just stuck in random images from google.
Soapy Dishwater
Hey guys. I will literally draw new thumbnails for you for free. Just stop using AI art pls. It's lame.
Ryan O'Rourke
If you hit Seattle I'll treat you to a burger from a hipster butcher shop. It's ironically very tasty
Peter
yoo, don't forget to try a waymo while you're here too 🫨
Mark Marlow
Hope you packed the knee pads for running, then!
Jennifer Nelson
An SF hangout would be very cool 😎 I’d cross the Bay Bridge for Matt!
Linda Sears
Good on you for traveling with your dad.
Guruspod 2
Thanks Hank! Kinda babysitting my Dad for the first little bit but I’ll see how we go
Guruspod 2
Definitely want to go there! I’m going to try to taste all the fast food AND lose wait. Will be tricky…
Guruspod 2
Yes!
Guruspod 2
Hi everyone! Sorry it’s hard to reply to everyone! Maybe we play it by ear? Chaperoning my dad at the moment, so not quite footloose and fancy free. But how about I post in this thread with my location when I have some free time, and if it’s convenient for anyone, we’ll catch up!
buildinginlawndale
Welcome to America Matt! You coming to Chicago?
Nancy Hale
Safe and fun travels, Matt! Looking forward to the burger reviews.🍔 If you’re open to one from a chain, check out the iconic In-N-Out while in Cali.
Julien Weinstein
What are you doing here? Also come thru Ann Arbor, MI pls daddy
Mike M
Is Matt going to fly over flyover country?
Floatgoat.
No worries, Texas isn’t on my list either. Thought for sure you’d want to catch some standup at King Rogans Comedy Mothership though😂.
Awakening Wonk
I second that motion.
Lillie
We can take the gondola 😂
Chandra Collins
Come down to LA! We have great coffee shops! 💙🕉️☕️
aneladgam_varelse
Have fun Matt!
Linda Sears
Who are you traveling with?
Linda Sears
😢 I’d suggest Santa Fe, New Mexico and New Orleans as two places that are pretty unique.
Brian Petersen
I condemn you for the tacky AI art
Guruspod 2
Thanks! Sorry but I’m afraid Texas didn’t get included in our zigzag across America!
Guruspod 2
OMG I think I would die trying to walk up a mountain but thank you!
Guruspod 2
Thanks Monica!
Lillie
You can’t miss a stop in Wyoming & Yellowstone, let me know if you make it up here, I will take you up a mountain :)
Monica B.
Im in San Francisco! Welcome to our cool grey city, Matt, where our fine fog mostly stopped the weirdo war display this past weekend. If there is a hangout while you’re here, I’m in, or let us know if ya need a hand with anything. Enjoy!
Floatgoat.
I’m in Beaumont Texas. I wish that on no one. But if around San Antonio or Austin would definitely make that trip!
Hank Sims
No demands, Matt, but if your itinerary brings you up to Humboldt County and the big redwood trees, and if you would like a primer on our weird region of America over an IPA or the equivalent, feel free to drop a line!
Jennifer Nelson
Enjoy!!
Christopher Kavanagh
All holiday all the time…
Kerena
I will just note that reportedly, Elon Musk is currently "holed up" in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, directing some kind of Trump ground operation. I am also holed up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Because I live here). Matt, if you come through here for a Primanti's sandwich, let me know. We can ferret out old Elon and try to apply the gurometer directly to his temples.
Jason Trock
Let’s do it!
Fran Diamond
I’m in!!
Kevin Clark
Should definitely swing through Springfield, OH. The cuisine is excellent.
Max
America just doesn't cut it.. so true. The truth hurts! 🤣
Christopher Kavanagh
Chris needs very good reasons to leave Japan.
Eric Carlsen
Seconded
Eric Carlsen
Don't know if he's road tripping but, if so, I'll second a vote for Colorado (specifically, Denver).
Max
Underrated comment
Heath Lancaster
Come to Colorado!
Max
No Chris on the American tour?
Sean Doody
Can’t come to America without stopping by Washington, DC!
James Pulver
3 months, way to come when things might get really exciting (I hope not)
Rasterisk
Am currently in SF’s finest opium den and see no sign of AI Aussie Kenny Rogers. What the hell?!
James Pulver
I am sorry about how insane the US is now.
Robert Rosenthal
Come to Denver
Austin Kennedy
I am also in San Francisco, and am willing and ready to save guru-meister Matt from the opium den, if summoned.
Violet
Matt...so pretty!
Christopher Kavanagh
That’s a photo
Unfitforpurpose
Or just use the patreon money to pay an artist.
Jennifer Nelson
Will Matt be speaking here in the SF Bay Area or is it vacation? If the former, that’s where I am and I’d totally go hear him!
Aaron Holder
Just what kind of AI whispering are you doing to generate pics like that? Or is that what Matt ACTUALLY looks like?
Andrew Metcalf
Georgia is very nice during the winter, I’d be happy to host you in North Carolina, which has fantastic universities or in Georgia. I’ll throw in my home state South Carolina as well. Amazing history and beauty of the seaside and mountains. Great music and cuisine as well. Georgia was a British penal colony as well
Jen
Have fun, Matt! I hope you meet some fine folks and enjoy yourself. 🍻🗽🧳
Peter
Was Matt able to get out of the opium den in time to see us showing off our latest fighter jet?
Bri Koral
Portland!! Portland!!
chuckboy
Come to Chicago and I will take you out for the best cheeseburgers. Smash burgers, even!
Lucy
He’s picked quite a time to come to the US.
Zeno Kujawa
I demand a Boston stop!
Swilly
Hope he brought his knife!
Daniel Greene
Meet up in New York! I wonder if there’s enough of a crew for a meet up.
