Yeah, River was pretty awesome. At that time, I just knew he was the kid in Stand By Me and a movie star, but after a few minutes, he just seemed like every other dude in the arcade. He was incredibly kind and patient, explaining how to play to my little brother and everything. My parents had no idea who he was until later.
The next May, my parents took us to see Indy and the Last Crusade since Indiana Jones was the bee's knees for me, and I had no idea River was in that, pre-Aint it Cool News days, haha. You can imagine how cool I thought it/he was when young Indy has his adventure on that train. Yes, Idaho is incredible. Would have been great to see him in Interview with the Vampire if he did not pass away so soon.
Very jealous of your early grunge environment you lived in. That describes my high school days, but switch out Seattle for boring Pittsburgh. I still wear my old Mother Love Bone, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam shirts from time to time. Kids laugh at me.
Hope Taylor keeps it up!