Thought one or two of you might be interested to see a pic I took on my one and only visit to the U.S.A. in 1970. This was taken from the Staten Island ferry - at a time when colour film for personal use was, for me, very much a novelty. As I took this photo I recall thinking of the opening aerial shot of (the film of) West Side Story. On the left of the shot one can see the construction of (of course) the Twin Towers.
20 minutes ago
Wow, that is interesting and surprising that you've visited us here. Also, you saw the Twin Towers during construction, so 09/11 must have meant more to you. Would love to hear more about your visit, especially what interested and impressed you the most.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your interest, Paul. I was quite worried that no one would care - after all, unless there's something really special about holiday snaps they can be a bore to others. But in the light of what you say I might write more about that particular visit in future blogs, with another pic or two. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a photo! I was four years old at the time the twin towers were built. I missed the construction but remember seeing them on TV a lot when they were completed. I was in awe of the twin towers -- in awe of this feat of man.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ray for posting this.
My pleasure, Larry. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love personal photos and stories, so you had me at "my American experience." Even without knowing the story behind it, it would be an interesting photo Ray, because of where it was taken and what you chose to photograph.
ReplyDeleteyes, please do post your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteit is always interesting to hear what others have to say about your country (and not "death to america"). breaking down perceptions goes a long way to understanding.
Anne marie, thanks so much for your comment. I always feel one ought to be careful when talking about countries other than one's homeland. Any criticism seems to imply that one's own country is, if not perfect, then at least superior to others. So any negative remarks have to be balanced (at least by me) by other comments expressing admiration. I suppose all this has to do with the age-old desire to seek the approval of others and to avoid causing offence. But, of course, unless one actually lives in a given country one is bound to get a skewed view of it, as it only appears through the prism of others' reports, which are themselves bound to be subjective to a greater or lesser degree.
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