Guitar Heaven

"You know, you're taking me there
To guitar heaven.
You make me feel every sound
You make it shine like a light
I'm gonna lose my cares
In guitar heaven
Go and play that song, boy
I'm gonna stay a while
The way you play that song
Makes me wanna smile."
- Neil Diamond



We were given the chance to bunk up an American backpacker for a few nights this week. The 22 year old college graduate from Colorado is a friend's stepson. He has been on the road since January and does not plan to return home until July, just in time to possibly start law school. Helsinki was considered a "lay over" stop for him as he waited for a Visa to enter Russia. Even though my backpacking days are only a grain of sand compared to his hour glass, one can sympathise of his need for some family time, hot meals, clean shower, and a quiet place to sleep...at least until the boys wake up at 0700!



Traveling with a guitar, the boys enjoyed their first lesson as they strummed away. As always, I enjoyed the adult conversation and the extra chair at the dinner table. I was even able to set him up with a friend in the area who knows Helsinki night life a little (okay MUCH) better than myself. She took him to a nearby bar with live music and introduced him to a few locals until the wee hours of the morning. After staying in Moscow for 10 days, a month in India and a month in China, he plans to return back to the US...safe travels to you!