It is a dream come true that I now find myself living in the States. I have always have an infatuation with America, mainly due to many brushes with US culture over the years. I love the vastness, the opportunities, the creative history, the political history, the ambition, the wealth, the sports, the food, the diversity, the cities, the landscapes and the music.
It started when I was young. My uncle was a professor at UC Berkley and had settled in San Fransisco around the time the 49ers were at the top of their game. He sent me over their NFL merchandise each Xmas and was not uncommon for me to wear it day after day, and I had posters of Joe Montana all over my bedroom wall.
When I was 9 my parents generously took my sisters and I on a 5-week American during our primary school summer holidays. We went to San Fransisco for a white Xmas, to Tahoe skiing, Yosemite for more skiing, LA for Disneyland/Universal Studios and back home through Hawaii. I remember my Dad gave me $100 spending money which was used to buy sweets like Pez and Jelly Bellies, along with Silly Putty and GI Joes. Plus some pretty awesome LA Gear hi-tops with three multi coloured laces! That trip lit a flame that is still burning today.
When I finished University all I wanted to do was get back to the States. I had forgone a student exchange opportunity so desperately wanted to travel after 5 and a half years of study. As soon as I was admitted to the bar - literally the next day - I was on a one way trip to San Fransisco with very little organised in the form of work or travel plans. I found myself in Lake Tahoe, boarding with some family friends and working as a barman on the 'Tahoe Gal' spending a memorable summer out on the water each day. I got to experience 4th of July BBQing and fireworks, rafting down the Truckie River and live music Americana music from Ben Harper and Ray Lamontagne. It was a great time in my life.
The next year in 2006 I was invited to be groomsman for my good friend Trav's wedding in Michican. I had a stop over in Los Angeles at a Santa Monica backpackers and my wallet was stolen by my mexican room mate. I was describing my situation to a local outside the hostel who proceeded to show me some of the famous hospitality by taking me on a 2 day tour of the city - from Venice Beach to Mullholland Drive. I flew on to Grand Rapids very inspired. Another 4th of July was spent chugging Bud Lights and BBing lake-side, playing shoehorns and listening to Death Cab for Cutie. Then down to Chicago for to watch improv comedy, eat hot dogs and attend famous American festival Lollapalooza.
And finally in 2011 after working hard on my business for a number of years I took an extended trip around the States with good friends. Back to San Fransisco, driving down to LA, Coachella, Las Vegas, Boston and New York before finishing where I actually am living today - in Orange County, Los Angeles. I stayed with a good friend in Newport Beach and spent a weekend biking along the boardwalk, attending a Prince concert and dreaming of one day residing in this inspiring and ambitious country.
Which brings me today. A well-needed sabbatical from New Zealand meant the chance to combine some travel - work related means visiting Austin for SXSW and Miami for Winter Music Conference before settling back in LA. I now am living in Huntington Beach with my girlfriend Kim, supporting her goals in the acting world. She also shares a love affair with this country and has dreams as big as anyone here. Has been great to meet some people around the city with a similar mindset and continue the relationship with this great country.
Below are 20 memories that inspired my love affair with the United States of America.
1. Watching the Britney Spears video 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' for the first time. Dumfounded.
2. Visiting Disneyland as a child, and as an adult a few months ago!
3. Wearing 49ers merchandise sent over each year from my Uncle, after winning three peat Super Bowls with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.
4. Reading the Steve Jobs book - appreciating the journey of this inspiring entrepreneur and visionary from Silicon Valley to the legacy he left for the world.
5. Listening and learning guitar to the Singles soundtrack and embracing the grunge revolution fueled by Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains
6. Reading Bill Graham's autobiography about promoting in Haight Ashbury, San Fransisco and beyond during the hippy days of the late 1960's.
7. Watching 80's action movies - Commando, Terminator, Die Hard, Robocop etc
8. Listening to Dad's record collection of California hero's - the Eagles, Neil Young, The Door etc.
9. Hearing mythical stories about Burning Man and Coachella - the ultimate music festivals
10. Watching Home Alone on my first visit to the States as a child, and every Xmas soon after
11. Enjoying American Sweets - Jelly Bellies, Pez, Nerds, Hershies kisses and Reeces Pieces etc
12. Watching the Woodstock movie on VHS and listening to the corresponding soundtrack on family car trips.
13. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous on Saturday afternoons with Robin Leach and dreaming of a Malibu mansion.
14. Baywatch on Saturday nights while drinking coke and eating salt and vinegar chips while my parents had BBQ's with their friends
15. The Simpsons covering all aspects of US culture - from baseball to Thanksgiving, Lincoln to Halloween.
16. Working at McDonalds when I was at high school, and reading the book about Ray Croc creating the ultimate American dream.
17. The Godfather Part 1 and 2 - the madness, glory and ultimate failure of the American dream
18. Forest Gump - best US history lesson and kick ass sountrack to boot.
19. Nirvana's Nevermind - although I was late to the party (due to my age and the fact that Taradale is a long way from Seattle) this album was to change the world.
20. American Frat boy comedies - From Revenge of the Nerds to American Pie, Road Trip, Super Troopers, Old School etc. A great substitue for law lectures.
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