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November 12, 2003

Things that make you go Hhhhhhmmm II

I think we are a culture of icons and monuments...some get over sensationalized though and just don't quite live up to the hype. At least in my mind they don't. I think one of the few that I found as awe inspiring in real life as in my mind is The Statue of Liberty. In my opinion she is one impressive lady and I have only viewed her from a plane and a boat so far.

So since we are in the host city of the 2002 Olympics AND I have seen many references to the games AND we have been driving by the University of Utah on a daily basis ( my doing so 4 times a day) and seeing signs referencing the Olympic venues, I commented yesterday that we really ought to drive in there one time to find the Olympic Cauldron ........Wellllllll, Duh........There it is in all it's glory sitting right on the side of the road where we have driven by it for the last 3 days. ( and Greg drove by it 5days in a row the last time he was here). Nope...not exactly all that I had imagined. Maybe if it was lit.........

On the other hand, it really isn't supposed to be on the same scale as The Statue of Liberty. I'm reminded of Demian's trip to London as he was sight seeing out the cab window asking the cabbie what this building was...and that one...etc...Buckingham Palace was one answer...duh That would be Big Ben. How many of these icons are unrecognizable in real life...smaller in reality than our minds. How many are really disappointing? Makes me a little nervous about seeing some of the other sights of the world...nah...maybe I'll just have to remember to put things in their proper perspective.

Is the Grand Canyone just another hole in the ground? The Golden Gate bridge just an extention of the road to Oakland? Is the Mona Lisa just some woman? I think while needing to keep perspective, I also need to have these things as special and worth looking at. BUT not at the risk of missing the other things around them or what it took to make them or preserve them or just what it is they represent. ...and just maybe there are other things in everyday life that are just as impressive to SEE if we take the time to look.

Posted by frani at November 12, 2003 10:34 AM

Comments

I've found that happening a few times lately. Sure the Golden Gate Bridge is impressive when viewed from the headlands, but when you're driving over it, its just a bridge (and I believe you need to take the Bay Bridge to get to Oakland the Golden Gate goes to Salsoleto and Eureka)

Same thing in any city I suppose. Ooooo look there's the walk of fame in LA... Hmm someone needs to sweep. Hey let's go ice skating in Rockafeller Center - wow it's a bit cramped here. Disney World! - oh it's just another tourist trap.

When I find myself becoming that jaded I try to look at things as an archiologist would thousands of years from now, it helps a bit.

Of course the Grand Canyon is still pretty impressive, even from 30,000 feet.

Posted by: Morgan at November 12, 2003 11:46 AM

http://www.knitwitology.net/knitlog/GrandCanyon.jpg

Posted by: Morgan at November 12, 2003 11:47 AM

You are right...about the Bay vs Golden Gate Bridges... oooppps, sorry. Yup, your father likes to tell the story of one of our trips out west when I look out the window and say something like..." sure is flat out there."...as we are starting to go over the Grand Canyon....yeah well it IS flat on top of that big hole in places!! ;-D

Posted by: frani at November 12, 2003 04:07 PM

Doesn't look quiet teh same as the pictures on its official web site!!!

Posted by: Risa at November 12, 2003 04:29 PM

The Grand canyon is one thing that does live up to yoru expectations I found....

When I was in London and touring around I wanted to see Piccadilly circus...I must have walked around it 5-6 times before I asked...it is a traffic roundabout!!! ;-)

Go figure

Posted by: Risa at November 12, 2003 04:32 PM

I don't know, maybe my expectations are low. But I was impressed with everything I saw in London. I especially loved the Tower Bridge. But if you want to see old england, I think the best place to go is York. It is by far my favorite place of anywhere I have ever been.

I love Washington DC everytime I go there, too. There is still stuff there that I haven't seen.

Posted by: Gail at November 12, 2003 07:16 PM

WHew...yes some of the Washington Monuments are amazing. I'm not saying everything is a disappointment. Risa, they did move the Cauldron to this present site so everyone could enjoy it...they will light it for 17 days on the anniversary of the games.

Heard on "West Wing" last night: .." and the Grand Canyon is one thing that doesn't disappoint in real life" Cool.

Posted by: frani at November 13, 2003 07:56 AM

Yes I heard that comment also Fran and thought of you immediately!!!

and I did read that they moved it...it looks so so ordinary where it is now...

I would liek to see it lit up for 17 days...I do like that htye have kept it there...

Posted by: Risa at November 13, 2003 02:57 PM

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DATE: 01/26/2004 09:55:56 PM
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Posted by: Sciortino Paul at February 8, 2004 02:12 PM

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