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Decoding The Gurus
Decoding The Gurus

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Matt's American Tour Begins!

Just 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).

Matt's American Tour Begins!

Comments

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.

Milquetoast Ramen

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…

Guruspod 2

But seriously, hope you enjoyed the best bits of my home state.

Nancy Hale

Healthy boundaries, as they say…

Nancy Hale

Can’t share photos here so… https://x.com/arthurcdent/status/1853614287266468204?s=46&t=zpg1weQ3tGuFKAFGxvP5ng

Guruspod 2

Lots of succulents!

Lucy

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

Guruspod 2

Are you going to Joshua Tree?

Linda Sears

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

Guruspod 2

Gotta visit the Getty! Why pay for Disneyland when there's a gem of a museum FOR FREE 😄

Max

If you like dates, Palm Springs is your place.

Linda Sears

Sounds like a blast.

Linda Sears

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!

Monica B.

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

Guruspod 2

Any anthropological observations about the election?

Lucy

I'd throw a baptized Italian beef onto the food bucketlist as well! Also curious about any public showings.

Paul Thomas Korsvold

You probably don’t have time, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is pretty awesome, especially because of the otters. 🦦

Linda Sears

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.

Martha Hartney

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

Guruspod 2

Matt, we’ve been told to pressure you about a dongle.

Linda Sears

Not quite the experience I’ve had with them. They can be very quiet.

Julie

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.

buildinginlawndale

If you do pass through St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden has a building called the "arid house" for cacti and succulents, just FYI.

Mike

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!

Ryan O'Rourke

Yep, we’re going to Colorado!

Guruspod 2

We’re going Ann Arbor & Detroit…

Guruspod 2

Sent a burger chain scouting report to the dtg email as well

Ryan O'Rourke

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!

Guruspod 2

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.

Ryan O'Rourke

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.

Kevin Nyberg

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!

Linda Sears

We’ve had a nice couple of days at the Hoh Valley. Off to Seattle tomorrow!

Guruspod 2

There is a lot of moss!

Guruspod 2

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!

Dan

If you decide to swing through Colorado…!

Martha Hartney

I’m doing how a Kennedy would do it! ChowDAHHH

Guruspod 2

It’s very very creamy!

Guruspod 2

Showdere!? Showdere? Its chowda! Say it right!

James Watts

Is it tomato based (Manhattan) or cream based (New England)?

Linda Sears

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!

Guruspod 2

Will do! Safe travels, intrepid wanderers :)

chuckboy

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!!

Bri Koral

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.

Linda Sears

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.

Dada de Broglie

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... 🧐

Kerena

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…

Guruspod 2

Keep posting updates! If you're up for it we could have a Boston DtG meetup

Zeno Kujawa

I got you fam, will be in Boston from the 29/11

Guruspod 2

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.

Kyle Wilson

Sounds great! I’ll start brainstorming some good possible meeting spots!

Monica B.

Yep. The entire white Anglosphere thinks it's cringe as hell, but we can't stop, won't stop saying hello to you!

Hank Sims

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.

Kevin Nyberg

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!

Guruspod 2

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🪴

Lillie

It would be great to meet you and/ or make recommendations about city activities.

Robert Rosenthal

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).

Bernt Goodson

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!

Hank Sims

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!

Guruspod 2

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

Bernt Goodson

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.

Melissa

I will either confer my certificate of authenticity… or not…

Guruspod 2

Donny was not wrong: “Those are some good burgers, Walter.”

Nancy Hale

Their milkshakes are completely dope, too. Weight loss saboteur.

Nancy Hale

I also like squirrels, though they eat our tomatoes. People used to keep them as pets back in the day.

Linda Sears

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!

Guruspod 2

if you come to st. louis missouri i will 100% love to see you!

ketracel-white

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.

Jennydiver

Please go to an Outback Steakhouse and report back!

Yoloswag42069

If your in washington state come to the Olympic peninsula. It is worth the drive

Bernt Goodson

Not a bad idea, really. They could be used as weapons or bribes for the thirsty. Pretty heavy on the head, though.

Linda Sears

Welcome. Beckoning you from wonderful Vermont.

Jeanne H-B

Are those cylinders in AI Matt’s hat meant to be cans of Foster’s beer?

Kevin Nyberg

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.

Christopher Kavanagh

Hey guys. I will literally draw new thumbnails for you for free. Just stop using AI art pls. It's lame.

Soapy Dishwater

If you hit Seattle I'll treat you to a burger from a hipster butcher shop. It's ironically very tasty

Ryan O'Rourke

yoo, don't forget to try a waymo while you're here too 🫨

Peter

Hope you packed the knee pads for running, then!

Mark Marlow

An SF hangout would be very cool 😎 I’d cross the Bay Bridge for Matt!

Jennifer Nelson

Good on you for traveling with your dad.

Linda Sears

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!

Guruspod 2

Welcome to America Matt! You coming to Chicago?

buildinginlawndale

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.

Nancy Hale

What are you doing here? Also come thru Ann Arbor, MI pls daddy

Julien Weinstein

Is Matt going to fly over flyover country?

Mike M

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😂.

Floatgoat.

I second that motion.

Awakening Wonk

We can take the gondola 😂

Lillie

Come down to LA! We have great coffee shops! 💙🕉️☕️

Chandra Collins

Have fun Matt!

aneladgam_varelse

Who are you traveling with?

Linda Sears

😢 I’d suggest Santa Fe, New Mexico and New Orleans as two places that are pretty unique.

Linda Sears

I condemn you for the tacky AI art

Brian Petersen

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!

Guruspod 2

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 :)

Lillie

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!

Monica B.

I’m in Beaumont Texas. I wish that on no one. But if around San Antonio or Austin would definitely make that trip!

Floatgoat.

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!

Hank Sims

Enjoy!!

Jennifer Nelson

All holiday all the time…

Christopher Kavanagh

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.

Kerena

Let’s do it!

Jason Trock

I’m in!!

Fran Diamond

Should definitely swing through Springfield, OH. The cuisine is excellent.

Kevin Clark

America just doesn't cut it.. so true. The truth hurts! 🤣

Max

Chris needs very good reasons to leave Japan.

Christopher Kavanagh

Seconded

Eric Carlsen

Don't know if he's road tripping but, if so, I'll second a vote for Colorado (specifically, Denver).

Eric Carlsen

Underrated comment

Max

Come to Colorado!

Heath Lancaster

No Chris on the American tour?

Max

Can’t come to America without stopping by Washington, DC!

Sean Doody

3 months, way to come when things might get really exciting (I hope not)

James Pulver

Am currently in SF’s finest opium den and see no sign of AI Aussie Kenny Rogers. What the hell?!

Rasterisk

I am sorry about how insane the US is now.

James Pulver

Come to Denver

Robert Rosenthal

I am also in San Francisco, and am willing and ready to save guru-meister Matt from the opium den, if summoned.

Austin Kennedy

Matt...so pretty!

Violet

That’s a photo

Christopher Kavanagh

Or just use the patreon money to pay an artist.

Unfitforpurpose

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!

Jennifer Nelson

Just what kind of AI whispering are you doing to generate pics like that? Or is that what Matt ACTUALLY looks like?

Aaron Holder

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

Andrew Metcalf

Have fun, Matt! I hope you meet some fine folks and enjoy yourself. 🍻🗽🧳

Jen

Was Matt able to get out of the opium den in time to see us showing off our latest fighter jet?

Peter

Portland!! Portland!!

Bri Koral

Come to Chicago and I will take you out for the best cheeseburgers. Smash burgers, even!

chuckboy

He’s picked quite a time to come to the US.

Lucy

I demand a Boston stop!

Zeno Kujawa

Hope he brought his knife!

Swilly

Meet up in New York! I wonder if there’s enough of a crew for a meet up.

Daniel Greene


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