The Merchant Marine Express

Folks! I’ve made the journey West and enjoying the busy, yet, relaxing and fun-filled time so far!

The flight out to Los Angeles was modified by me changing the itinerary due to a more direct flight. The Flint-Atlanta-Salt Lake City-Burbank flight was thrown out for the more convenient Flint-Cleveland-Los Angeles leg. In addition to the full compliment of air travelers, some three dozen young Catholic children accompanied me on the flight with their intention to connect into LAX and continue towards their destination which would be the World Youth Day celebration in Sydney, Australia. All the kids seemed to behave themselves during the flight, and no songs were sung, as well.
Upon arriving into LAX, I jumped into a shuttle bus with baggage, in hand for a measly four dollar fare. This shuttle whisked me away in quick fashion towards downtown Los Angeles and would eventually drop me off at Union Station (railroad) bus terminal which took all of forty five minutes. The fee was extraordinarily cheap and the bus driver was kind enough to extract the over-sized rolling duffel that he smartly fit into the compartment underneath the bus. My dad who was waiting, patiently, in the adjacent loading zone gave a quick hug and soon the two of us were blasting off and merged with the typical congestion one would expect on Southern California freeways and onto the 710 Interstate heading North to Pasadena. This being Friday afternoon, the traffic was filling up as early birds who retired early from work, were rushing home in preparation for the summer weekend but the crowded lanes would thin out just after the northbound I-5 Interchange and only within four miles of entering the freeway, at this point. It has been nearly three years since my last visit to Pasadena, yet the familiar Pasadena Freeway with its unconventional sharp curves and narrow lanes made me smile as the sight of convertibles, black limousines, and pricey German automobiles with fancy after market wheels would zoom past and reminded me I was back in “lala Land”.
It took forty minutes for the commute back to the house, and quickly, step-mom Sharon responded to the short but loud exclamation of “Howdy!” that sounded from my dry, almost cracking voice.
The house was nothing like I saw before. Much of what my memory of the house appearing in its state of change then, was wiped clean again with the addition or deletion of walls, doorways and French doors or cabinetry. The backyard, too, was transformed into a more elaborate gardening oasis with lush vegetation and ceramic figurines at various strategic points.
Talk turned to reminiscing of past years and what occurred in between those moments. Before I could ask what time it was, a signal for bedtime was the alert from dad as ten o’ clock approached but in reality, it was one o’ clock am, Nadir time as I was still on East Coast time.
On Saturday, I awoke refreshed and to a clear and sunny day. Step-mom Sharon was in the backyard watering plants in the garden and papa was finishing reading the morning newspaper. Coffee had been made, the French way, as cream and brown sugar crystals await being blended after a good steeping of grounds. Fresh grapes and peaches from the garden were ready for the taking. Before long, I would accompany Sharon to the neighboring public pool at Brookside Park just a mile from the house where an hour long swim session of freestyle swimming would take place by me, and a relaxing therapeutic swim by Sharon.
The UCLA University Dive Team was out in force as a couple of their female divers were practicing complex routines of flips, twists and jumps from the safety of the far end of the pool. There, multiple levels of dive platforms enabled each athlete to show off their talent, at almost the same time. A coach stood by the sideline to shout out commands when to pull out of a tumble or twist.
A quick return to the house for a short and nutritious lunch, as preparation for our next event for the day. The three of us; my father, step mother and I would join in on a class of Art appreciation at the local Norton Simon Art museum. Understanding Picasso was the subject as a former art instructor/artist, Professor David’s wisdom would soon fill the ears and minds of about seven of us, including a couple of students who were actually teachers for local schools who wanted to further their comprehension of what Picasso’s paintings meant.
I took dozens of pictures and included both the group and some tangible evidence from actual art pieces as Professor David discussed, in depth, the relation between Picasso’s work and some of his inspiring artist friends pieces. Three hours snuck by; The museum actually grew in attendance throughout the afternoon and many bystanders stopped to listen in on the discussion taking place. I think the affordability of going to an art museum and the interest that many shared as it was evident by young and old, alike, made for a pleasant afternoon activity. Soon, however, the class was complete and we left to go shopping but not before discussing what impact the detailed discussion from David’s seminar and first hand experience as an artist and an admirer of Picasso had on us.
A stop to a local Pizza parlor in the town of Eagle Rock for an extra large meatball and olive combination pizza to go and soon we were feasting on the flavorful Italian staple at home. I think the pizza establishment was a favorite as many inside the restaurant gave testimony to its outstanding flavorful food as I had to ask those around me on their experiences there. I was told ,”You won’t be disappointed!, with the Pizza!” as I hurried to the waiting car to take me back home!
In an hours time, it was time to head off to our last activity of the day! A musical concert performed by an Algerian born singer named, Rashid Taha, would be set among the towering skyscrapers of downtown LA. The California Plaza, and appropriately named, was the venue where this free concert with about five thousand people in attendance came out to listen and dance to the sounds of Rashid’s world music on this very pleasant Summer evening. A couple named Patty and Steve were invited by Sharon to join us as we took in the ethnic music. Rashid’s music is a combination of rock and funk ‘fusion’ that just makes the heart and soul happy. Bunches of people got up to dance and soon Sharon and Papa were among the crowd who were jumping and jiggling their moneymakers. I had to join as well, even if I did pump my fist in the air chanting stupidly like some adolescent teen yelling, ” Je suis Algerien” or ” I am Algerian!”. I was sober, by the way and no room to dance, only to watch from my new vantage point.
The night ended quickly after nearly two hours of continuous rocking out as the trio of family said goodbye to our company as we found our parked car and headed straight for home.
A long day yet I slept well knowing I had a fulfilling day with some activities that energized and entertained just the same.
Have a great start to your work week!

Tags: Michigan – Home Port