Knoxville's Finest

It's now day three of my jobhunt in Knoxville, TN. By jobhunt, I really mean hanging out in multiple coffee houses during the day while my sister and brother-in-law are at work. I'm currently unemployed, so we figured it would be a great opportunity to visit while I had loads of time on my hands.

The homeless community here is very different from Denver. Here, apparently, the homeless can come up to you and address whatever is on their minds thinking that you really, truly care.

Yesterday, I was sitting in a gelato shop drinking chai when a severely bearded and tan man barged into the shop and started yelling at me. He "works for the government" and rudely informed me at top volume that he works for "the department that wears black pants and white shirts!" (He was sporting some ripped jeans and a blue t-shirt.) He was missing several front teeth. I thought he was going to spit on me.

This morning I arrived for my morning joe and was approached by a kind gentleman who informed me that the interactive public fountain was "a great place to take a bath or to waterboard someone." He was so happy!

Then the most f**ked up thing happened. Possibly one of the worst interactions of my life. Sitting on the patio enjoying the cool breeze, an older woman caught my attention yelling "Hey you!" She motioned for me to come over and chat. I shook my head but she insisted. So I approached slowly, but kept my distance. Wearing pink sweatpants and a matching headband, she asked me if I would buy her a plate of meatloaf. I said no. Then she asked me if I wanted to "go away with her for a while." She said that the hotel down the street was really nice "'cause it has blankets AND QUILTS." She asked again, just in case the look on my face of disapproval wasn't enough. Mind you she was easily in her late sixties and SHE HAD A BEARD. This is only after two cups of coffee and before 10 am.

I can't tell you if I like Knoxville or not. But I'm not bored. Now I've never paid for sex, and I've never been asked to pay for sex, ever. I guess technically she didn't ask for money...