It's that time of the year again; Noola and I found ourselves on a long road trip to see some family via roads we haven't travelled before.
First thing to see was the Big Texan in Amarillo, TX, famous for the 72 oz. steak challenge where one has to finish the extra extra large steak, shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, roll and butter, in an hour. The meal is free if the challenger finishes in time, otherwise the meal is USD$72. Amarillo, is also famous to me because one of my best friends who is Texan to the core grew up there.
Noola not being co-operative for the photoshoot in Amarillo, TX
Our second must see was the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL. The monument was designed by Maya Lin, whose work I had considered when I was writing my thesis at Pratt. The use of black-granite expresses the bold gravity of the issue. It hard not to think about the Civil Rights movement these days with the unfortunate incidents involving African Americans and the Police. Driving through Selma, AL with the pending release of Selma also reinforces thoughts.
Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL - inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.: "... until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
It's really a sobering moment in the world with all the tension within the US and also all around the world. Hopefully 2015 will be better. Happy holidays everyone, and have a fruitful new year!
-David