Frist Impressions of L.A.

As I promised you in a previous log, I am going to post a few pictures of our visit to America.

This picture (click on picture to enlarge) is the first picture we took after we got off the plane and were heading to my folks house. It was taken from across the street of 7901 W. Santa Monica Blvd at 4:49 PM on August 23, 2005.

Though America to many native Armenians is the land of wealth and prosperity, this is the side I was hoping my wife would see with her own eyes. With my luck, she got her first glimpse within a couple of hours of landing in a place so many people from abroad think is heaven on earth.

This picture tells a story people need to see to fully understand one aspect of what America is.

For those that need some explanation, here we have a gas station, which in itself is a symbol of America’s greatest power. For sale at this great establishment is not only gasoline, but beer, wine, sandwiches, film, batteries, movie star maps, cold drinks and on the roof there is a great picture of cookies, donuts and a glass of Coca-Cola or Pepsi. They also have an ATM machine with the word CASH under it. This is a one-stop dream world for those that have an ATM card with a positive balance.

Over one of the fuel pumps, there is a sign that reads “We’re helping to take alternative out of alternative fuels.” Does this mean they are doing something good or are they leaving you with one alternative that you are dependent on?

Then we have Jeffery, the homeless man sleeping in the picture on a bench with an advertisement from Hollywood Hills Homes, that reads “Find Your Dream Home With Us…” I would say that Jeffrey is in the right place and all that is left is that he have money, credit and/or a job to buy that home he obviously is lacking.

What really makes this an all American picture is that Jeffrey, who is eligible for institutional help, chooses to live outside and on his own terms. His favorite spots is this bus bench and under the Hollywood Freeway.

Unfortunately we were in traffic and I could not stop and wake Jeffrey up to offer him some money or his favorite health food and wine.

Anyway, this picture to me gives a real look at what life in America can be for the less fortunate.

BTW, if anyone is interested in giving Jeffrey a little compensation for his trouble, please contact Rose Ware at Hollywood Hills Homes and she will make sure he gets the help you send for him.