So, you're saying it's like a trip to the Haaj?

@1, an ordinary person couldn't act as stupid as you if they spent their whole lives trying. Yeah, it's EXACTLY like a hajj, Will.

The hajj or hadj, not "Haaj", IS the trip, not the destination, which is Mecca, or rather a specific mosque in Mecca containing the Kaaba, which is what you are probably thinking of). "A trip to the Haaj" doesn't make any sense, and it's nothing to do with this story either.

It's nice how you assume anyone with a "funny name" must be a Muslim, Will. Twat.

It sounds more to me like it's partly inspired by the Gram Parsons story -- he died of a heroin overdose in a motel out in that desert, near his favorite rock formation.

Thanks for recommending this book. I picked it up and I think I've found a new favorite magical realist.