TOUCHDOWN USA

 

Barely 24 hours in the US and already full of surprises. Power outages from Hurricane Milton induced my daughter to book rooms for us in Orlando.

So naturally I had to hook up with Alfredo Medina straight after breakfast. Five years since we last met I think, but straight back into the groove.

Nice pic I think.

 

I didn't plan to stay in any Florida hotels but nature intervened. Quite a thrill to experience these two very different animals in quick succession. Orlando and Clearwater. Opposite faces of the tourism coin.

 

There's a certain irony in seeing the ruthless pragmatism of Henry Ford applied to the fantasy world of themeparks but it's also very American I think. This ability to boil things down to bare essentials, to hone in on the target market. Style and finesse be damned

 

And then there's the natural beauty of a white beach. A different tax bracket. Customers who have travelled Europe.

Both hotels are generous with space. Perhaps that's just an American thing. The pioneer spirit. The open prairie. But the rationales seem different. In theme park heaven you can set up home for a boisterous family, cook meals, do your own laundry. The space is purely functional.

 

On the beach, space is a symbol of luxury and freedom. Broad horizons. Sunset over the sea. (might see that tonight, or might be doing a family dinner instead. All good either way) Once again I'm feeling, what an immense privilege my life has been. Not in the sense of "check your privilege!" but but just in the sense of appreciating each day as it comes along. Sharing moments with friends and family.

Still trying to get my head around those subtle differences between America and Europe, after all these years. It's fascinating.

 

 

Well, here I am in San Diego at day one of Autodesk University. I've been hanging out at the Volterra Exhibit, something very close to my heart.

Also posed for selfies with a whole bunch of good people who I haven't seen for several years... Gentle hint, please post the pics on here and tag me guys. These are very important memories for me.