541. Don't forget to visit Just Thoughts' Gift Store, located on the left, near the exit.

Part 2: Louisville, KY

Have you ever been to Churchill Downs? For the past 132 years, it has been home to the famous Kentucky Derby.

132 years. Where were you 132 years ago? I remember 1875 like it was yesterday.



I cringe when I sense cynicism seeping into my mind and soul. When the guided tour of the Churchill Downs grounds ended with a stop at the Gift Store, I caved into a cringe binge.

Along with the other 20 tourists, I found myself mindlessly wandering through the Gift Store, checking out the various sweat shirts, mugs, magnets, posters, and pens. I felt an urge to buy something, anything for my friends back home, a souvenir for me...an item with the words "Churchill Downs" printed neatly, concretely onto a consumer product.

I did purchase a mug and a horse pen for R, and a cell phone charm for me. My other friends back home were left to be satisfied with my pictures and travel tales.

Most, if not all, of the crap souvenirs sold in the Gift Store were made in China. I've never been to China. But then again, maybe I have. After all, my cell phone charm says so.

............
My cynical mind sang this little song as I was wandering though the Gift Store:

verse 1:
You've just had an enjoyable experience.
You don't want to forget it, do you?
BUY SOMETHING! BUY SOMETHING! BUY SOMETHING!
And all of your dreams will come true.

verse 2:
Are you feeling down, lonely, and ugly?
Fat, stupid, and smell-ell-y?
We have the cure! We have the cure!
BUY SOMETHING! BUY SOMETHING! BUY SOMETHING!