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Out Standing
Off the
Wall
Nov. 21,
2007
I don't know if I would consider living in Latrobe
as country living. On the other hand,
I think we who live in small towns think a bit differently
than those big city folk, at least when it comes to some things.
Recently, the wife and I decided to go to the big
city to see an exhibit that was on display. We found ourselves
doing what the rest of the others were also doing standing
outside of the building to get inside to see what we had hoped
to find entertaining.
As we stood there for a period of time, I looked
around to see the traffic go by, the big buildings piercing the
sky, and the people themselves. I've always taken pleasure in
being a "people watcher". So, among those distractions
and talking to the wife, I thought time might go a little faster.
Of course knowing I didn't have much of anything else to do that
day helped a lot. It was one of those crazy lazy days.
So, there we were, out standing in the fall temperatures
waiting to get into this building. As we inched our way forward,
I could see people coming out, but gave no heed to it. Their
expressions didn't seem too terribly overjoyed, but I thought
nothing of it. After all, I don't get down to the city very often.
I was relieved when we finally got into the building,
but then again, was a bit taken aback to see the winding long
lines to the one cashier who was taking money for the somewhat
expensive tickets. I then decided to study the structure of the
building as to why certain beams were put in some places in not
in others. Helped time go by.
Just as we were about to buy our tickets, two more
women manned cash registers. I thought things were about to look
up. When we walked up to the girl, we asked "How much for
two tickets and how long will it be until we can enter,"
She told us they were sold out. "If you bought tickets now,
they may be a chance to see the exhibit this evening," we
were told. All that, after waiting one and one-half hours? Am
I just a country boy who is not used to this type of procedure?
I'm remind about fans who will sit outside of stadiums
to get tickets to concerts or football games days ahead and even
sleep in line before the ticket booths open. Once the tickets
are purchased and the show or game takes place, many times the
bands or the players are tiny objects in the center of masses.
People don't mind spending big bucks just so they can hold their
binoculars in hand to see people they idolize. Kind of crazy.
As I see it, I'm one of those 'little country boys"
who would rather pay a tour company to transport me down to an
exhibit or stadium, knowing that my transportation is taken care
of. Parking is not a problem, the tickets are paid for, so I
don't have to stand or sleep in line, and that the bus has facilities
which add to my entertainment pleasures. Maybe I'm getting too
old (or spoiled), but hassle is not part of my forte any longer.
I think I'll leave that to the younger generation.
I will say this though. Maybe this will be of help
to others, who knows. If one plans to go to places unknown such
as an exhibit or any event, whether it be in Pittsburgh, Baltimore
or Cleveland, call ahead and get all the particulars as to what
is suggested for easiest access to the event. After hearing the
choices, then decide the plan of attack. Don't do what we did,
because disappointment may develop into a discouraging day, and
the drive back home may not be as pretty as the scenery presented
on the way in. It's always best to know the facts than to think
you can work around them.
The one thing you don't want to hear after driving
50 miles is, "Sold Out!"
Paul j. volkmann
10.15/07
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