Kings of the Road

So I stumbled across this little gem today: the National Hobo Convention (some information available at http://www.hobo.com/convention.htm). It's going on right now in Britt, Iowa. Now, I don't know about y'all, but I think this event would be fascinating. For one, the people there are sure to be colorful (personalities, stories, smells, etc.). Also, just the idea of a hobo -- riding the rails across america with your bandana sack on a stick -- has its own romantic appeal. I'd love to be a hobo (or maybe a tramp) for a bit, if only I didn't have to account for that time on my job applications.

My aunt and uncle were carnies for a while, which I lump into the same family as hobos. (oops!) They had some great stories -- living with the common folk, eating funnel cakes and making $5,000 per month. (doesn't sound so bad anymore, does it?) Maybe I'll become a carnie for a while to pay for my hobo experience. Heck, the CIA turned me down for a job, so what other choice do I really have?

By the way, I learned the difference between a hobo, tramp and bum today, thanks to Merriam-Webster. A hobo is basically a travelling worker; a tramp is a traveler, but not much for working; and a bum doesn't do much of either, just sponges off people.