So I've been here three days, trapped in the wastelands of the outernetherlands, wherever that is, and I've discovered a few things.  One, it's a slippery slope from country music to screamo and not much slide in between.  My ears actually hurt.  Two, the hotel has a wonderful hot tub that is usually unused except when me and my broken foot limp along.  I have been reading and pondering and thoroughly enjoying the warmth and solidtude.  

 

Until tonight.  Tonight, after a full day of intense discussion about human trafficking, copious note taking and irregular brain function, i was looking forward to the heat and solitude of the hot tub.  As i entered the holy (non religious holy) space THERE WAS A MAN IN THE HOT TUB.  I had a tiny Clash moment (should I stay or should I go now) and ya gotta know, I stayed.  I fully intended for silent communal bathing, and then my mouth suddenly and unexpectedly opened.  

Lo and behold, dude is a not too shabby looking RCMP officer.  I replay the clash.  same outcome.  I blurted out every single question i wanted an answer to, from general to specific about HT.  I criticized cops and especially RCMP, and I talked about situations gone bad with police involvement.  

All I can say is that the dude abides.  He heard it all and he had excellent responses for all of my very difficult questions. 

I can't marry him because a cop is still a cop but in the hot tub today, i will admit to shifting my thinking on how we relate to cops. perhaps i'll suggest communal bath houses. 

the end.