Travel is a key. to happiness and fulfillment for many, including myself. Having visited many cities and small towns in the United States and throughout Asia and Europe. I’ve been treated to so many opportunities to explore different cultures. Meet amazing people and eat fantastic food. From escargot in Paris. Scorpions in Tokyo. Alligator in New Orleans. Snake meat in Taos and more. A full belly makes any trip worth taking. I took this picture while heading to the southern tip of Virginia. The food was great and we met a lively couple with two adorable daughters. As experienced countless times. It not the destination, but the journey that matters.
Let me know if there’s anything that represents America better than the diner. In the meantime, here’s an image taken last week while in Washington DC.
I fully admit to being a self deprecating prick lately. With my journey being one with it’s share of bumps. I sometimes wonder if overcoming these challenges make me strong or just some sort of punching bag for the Gods. Last weekend we visited Annapolis for the first time in a year and the second overall. It was a busy day in the downtown area as a boat show had the tourists arriving in droves.
Our goal was simple. Return to the landmark diner Chick and Ruths at 165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401As to experience that New York City diner atmosphere ad further explore the incredible menu. After a timely wait near the crowded door, we wer seated. As our waitress approached us with her pen and pad…..She welcomed us, saying “Wow. It’s been a long time.” “The last time you were here you had a walker. This time you’ve got that heavy camera bag. Look at you.” Both my wife and me were shocked. We’d only been to the diner once and it was a year ago. Yet she remembered us as if we were regulars. Aside from being impressed with the womans memory and great service. My wife noted how far I’ve come. It was an incredibly rewarding exchange and one that should help me break out of this self depricating dick malaise. In the end, I’m kind of saying, “Don’t be me.” Give yourself a break. Cut yourself some slack, and plan a trip to Annapolis to experience Chick an Ruths.
One of the things I love most about New Jersey is its diner culture. Living in Virginia for over a year. It usually takes a keen eye and a google search to find a decent greasy spoon. Whereas in Jersey, they each seem a stones throw away. This particular image was taken during a mid morning breakfast at a favorite, Asbury Park’s Frank’s Diner. My wife and me love the food, cost and flow of the place. On this particular day, we had the honor of sitting at the counter. Something I highly recommend.
We were just finishing up our breakfast at a local Denny’s when I saw what would have made for a cool image. Not wanting to seem intrusive, I took a quick shot as we headed towards the exit with the intention of doing whatever editing was needed later. Just a couple of hours later as I was enjoying a cup of coffee with my wife. As I sat there enjoying my cup of joe and admiring a pretty cool capture. My wife burst my bubble by sharing a very similar image featured on the cover Seasick Steve’s “Can You Cook?” Though I had never heard of the artist or seen the relatively new album. I couldn’t help but feel that the rug had been pulled out from me I even wondered aloud if the picture was taken at the same location. And while I’ll stop short of posting the album cover. I’ll readily admit that my love of this image took a major nose dive after seeing something so incredibly similar. Oh well.
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