American Graffiti
Before George Lucas changed the American Film landscape with Star Wars, he made American Graffiti. A story set in the 1950’s starring an ensemble cast that included Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss and Harrison Ford (aka Hans Solo). The action takes place in California during one night and Mel’s Drive-In is featured prominently in the narrative. The photograph above was taken in San Francisco.
By the way, if you haven’t seen American Graffiti I highly recommend the movie.
Sitting Among the Ruins
About an hour south of London, England is Arundel where a castle sits. (It’s behind where the people sitting.)
Several years ago while on vacation with my wife, I was in Victoria Station, London. I approached a ticket window and spoke to the man on the other side of the glass telling him of my disappointment in visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon. I said that it “felt like I was visiting a tourist destination in America.” As an American I’m am perfectly happy to explore my country, but I had traveled 3000 miles to visit with the British and not have any “American style of business” tossed back at me. I could stay home for that.
The gentleman was understanding and suggested that I travel to Arundel. A destination with a castle, south of London and only an hour away by train. Let me say immediately, it was an amazing place to visit.
My wife and I traveled by train. And the train cars were not the kind in use today. They were the kind that the Beatles traveled in in “A Hard Day’s Night”. We had our own little compartment. As we traveled the countryside, I knew that there would be a castle and I watched for one to appear on the horizon. When it did, it was as if I entered an Errol Flynn movie. It was magical.
The population of the town was, at the time, around 3000 people. My wife and I had lunch in a Bed and Breakfast. Since we were the only customers at the time, we struck up a conversation with the owner. The details of our talk have pretty much faded except for one fact, the gentleman said that the building/structure we were in was over 400 years old. Wow. I’m not talking Westminster Abbey. This was a small 2 story “house”. And it was older than my country.
We walked the town, finally making our way to the castle. Visiting it was a fun experience. Maybe someday I’ll get a chance to return.
The Corn Field
Some corn fields grow more than just corn.
Portrait photograph taken along the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey.
