I’ll soon be taking vacation and heading across the pond to my native land. While there I have a number of exciting activities planned, friends to see, and vacation to vacate.
As a part of the vacation, I’ve decided it’s high time to knock off my 48th United State, Rhode Island. It will leave me two more to go—two that are the most difficult to visit.
So with my decision to visit Rhode Island made, I’ve been trying to decide what to do while visiting. It turns out that there are many potential destinations: Providence, Block Island, and Newport.
Actually several people have recommended visiting Newport, assuring me that it and its sailing ships are well worth the time.
Unfortunately for Newport it’s run into two problems: First, I don’t honestly care for boats or yachts (Is there a difference?), so the prospect of a Classic Yacht Regatta doesn’t stir any emotions in me.
Second is my childhood: When I hear the word “Newport” I immediately think of African-Americans smoking cigarettes.
So strong is this aversion that I really have no plans to visit Newport.
I’ll be visiting the other, non-cigarette-promoting, parts of Rhode Island.
And yes, my reason is really stupid.
But if anybody should be upset it should be the citizens of Newport who have suffered from having a cigarette named after their community.
OMG, my uncle and cousin both smoke that brand.
BTW, which two states do you have left to visit? Alaska and Hawaii?
Aww pity as Newport is one of my favorites. Not for the regatta though, I just like the town itself, with nice restaurants and the old ‘summer cottages’ that are all like small castles built in days gone by. Gets the imagination going – the extreme of the American dream. However I am sure Block Island will also be lovely and Providence will be interesting also. Enjoy!!
I think you should visit Newport anyway. I suspect it has more than a connection to cigarettes.
The rationale presented would be like someone saying they have no intention of visiting Wyoming because that is where Dick Cheney is from.
That’s why I will never go there! Oh and the fact I’ve never been out of the midwest. St. Louis is the furthest I’ve been west. I went up in this giant McDonalds arch twice. I had a big mac on the only floating McDonalds too. It was an exciting time.