American Adventure

New York City

Thanks to Osman Parvez and Brian Sherwin of Brooklyn, NY

Central Park

Starting on July 09, 2002, 5:03:40 PM

I met Stephen Spielberg, go to the bottom of this page and read about it.

After the museum and a good foot break. I took a little walk through Central Park. Right in the middle of the city is this huge park. Nicely paved trails lead a path all in and around the park. There's so many things to do there. You can take boat rides. There's restaurants nestled in the middle of the park. You can ride bicycles, roller blade, and even climb up on Alice's head like this little girl playing on the "Alice in Wonderland" statue.

While walking through the park talking to some new found friends it began to rain. We all ducked into this tunnel under this bridge and listened to some street performers. A girl and a guy. She played the violin while he strummed the guitar. The combination of the two was surprisingly very good. They were both very talented individuals and the music was truly breathtaking as it echoed through the small tunnel.

Many of the people I had met kept on to their destination while I stayed in the tunnel with one. You can read about my hour in the park by clicking on this location;
An hour in the Park

The rain eventually subsided and we resumed our walk towards the West side of the park. Along the way I could see the steam creating a mist as it was rising up from the ground as the rain water evaporated. I came across a tree that seemed like it was growing from a rock.

Relaxing under the tunnel, this little boy had enough walking for the day.

Okay, and now for a highlight of my trip. After the rain stopped and I walked with my friend over to a local cafe I doubled back over to Central Park to head over to a Kinko's at the southwest corner of the park. I kind of got turned around and thought that I was at the south side of the park and had not realized that I was actually on the west side. I headed north on Central Park West. As I walked along I passed a couple of gentlemen standing outside what appeared to be a really nice hotel that was currently undergoing some renovations to the front of the building. As I walked past I thought that one of the two men looked familiar. "Did I know this guy?" I thought to myself. Then I thought that would be almost impossible. I don't know anybody in New York City. Then it dawned on me that I had seen this face many times before.
It was Stephen Spielberg.

I thought to myself that I should respect this person's privacy and just walk on. But I couldn't help it. Of all the people in the world I'd like to meet, this guy would have to be close to the top of my list. But what would I say to him? A thousand things that anybody would say. "Please Mr. Spielberg, please put me in a movie."
But how many times does this person hear that? I didn't want to be just another face in the crowd, but I had to at least show my respect and appreciation for this man's achievements. I turned around and walked over to him and with a slightly puzzled look on my face I asked him, "Are you who I think you are." A smile came across his face as he said yes and reached out to shake my hand. Fearing that I had invaded and annoyed him at first, my fears were relieved when he seemed so friendly. I told him that it was very nice to have met him and as I was about to walk away I stopped and reached into my backpack and pulled out a leaflet and explained to him what I was doing. He took my leaflet and looked it over carefully and said, "Wow, this is neat. I'm an internet junkie. I'll check this out for sure." I thanked him and asked if he could send me an email. He said that he would and I said goodbye and started to walk away. That's when I felt really stupid. Here I had met an man that I had admired ever since I saw the movie "Duel", so many years ago. I thought of my sister who is a huge fan and realized that I needed to get a picture of him. Not for my web site, or even as much for me, but for my sister. I turned back around once again and interrupted the two men and asked if I could get a picture. Mr. Spielberg obliged and said, "Sure, let me get my friend in the picture as well." I took the picture, thank him once again, and left.

Later, I realized how rude I was to the other gentleman. I later thought that he looked a little familiar as well but I couldn't place him. But worse than that was my manners. I had totally interrupted the two gentlemen from their conversation and ignored the fellow on the left and acted like the stupid typical tourist. I felt so bad and had hoped that Mr. Spielberg would email me so I would have a chance to apologize to him and hopefully to his friend.

If either of these two men are reading. Please accept my apologies.

I never did hear from Mr. Spielberg again. I'm sure he's a very busy man and I totally understand. I do appreciate him being so very friendly to a total stranger and a "nobody" on the street.

I had originally decided, out of respect, not to post his picture on here until I had heard from him and got his permission. But I figured that its been this long and I hadn't heard from him so he probably will never know.

If any of you ever see him don't tell him that his picture is in here. I don't think I could afford a law suit right now.

hee! hee!

Thanks Mr. Spielberg