Wikipedia calls Missoula “the cultural centre of Montana”, which we kinda snickered at when we first read that about a week ago. But having spent even a few hours here, we understand it. We have really enjoyed our very short stay here – it’s a actually a very interesting little city! Artsy and laid-back, from what we have seen – and kinda wish we had a bit more time to explore it!
But let’s pick up where we left off: Fernie. We had breakfast at Cincott The Organic Market Cafe… Cute little place in an old house. We each had an omelette and coffee, and bought a muffin for the road. Then we headed on south.
The border crossing was pretty uneventful. The guard seemed like an all-around unhappy guy. But I guess they’re not really paid to be cheerful. He asked lots of questions, and eventually let us in. A few hours later, we arrived in Missoula. We’re staying at the Holiday Inn, which is MUCH nicer than last night’s accommodations!
We showered, wandered around town a bit, and then wound up at the “The Bus” pre-screening party. Had some food and some wine, checked out a couple VW vans, and then went to see the show.
Being that this is part of The Big Sky Film Festival, The Bus was coupled with another documentary film – Black Rock Horse. This film was about a Trojan horse art project at Burning Man 2011 – which of course is another topic very near and dear to our hearts! The film in short – A team of artists at Burning Man ask volunteers to pull a 50 foot high Trojan Horse across a dry lake bed. The procession becomes a stampede when 600 “Greek Slaves” revolt. Black Rock Horse reveals the inner workings of a complex art project and the epic struggle to create. Black Rock Horse was great – but it made us ache for the desert! It may very well have convinced us to go back this year, if my sister’s wedding wasn’t coinciding with it!
The Bus (our whole reason for being here in the first place) was fantastic. Of course the audience is full of VW fans and owners, so there was a very enthusiastic response throughout. Admittedly watching this movie, knowing we left Ziggy at home, made us feel as though we were somehow cheating on her. I mean, she KNOWS about the Mazda. She understands that we don’t love the Mazda the way we love her. The Mazda is just more convenient sometimes… But I just can’t shake the mental image of her, shivering and covered in snow in our back yard…
We’re sorry, Ziggy –we’ll be home in a few days. Spring will come soon, and we’ll have adventures with you again.
After the shows there was a Q&A with the creators of the films. Before leaving the theatre, we tracked down The Bus creator just to say thanks for making such a great movie, and that it was worth the international travel to see it! He gave us hugs and thanked us over and over for being Kickstarter supporters, and invited us to the filmmaker’s party right afterwards – Gave us a couple passes, and told us it’s a member’s only club, a fun and swanky place and that we should come by for a bit. We went back to the hotel to drop off Brian’s camera bag, and headed out again – but in the end, it turns out the place was SO private, we couldn’t even find it. Ha!