By the time I had gotten to the area, I have this thing where before I even cross over into Strawberry Fields I have to pass the Dakota and walk up to Columbus Avenue to the Starbucks around the corner to get coffee, and then walk back down W72nd street and pass the Dakota again. It gives me an excuse to pass it twice. I've never actually stood in front of the entrance for a long period of time, just because I think it's a bit touristy and creepy, and plus I think it would be awkward for the doorman there as well. Anyway...I went to pass the Dakota for the first time that day when I noticed that there were not one, not two, but three doormen guarding the entrance. For good reason, there was a crowd of at least 10 people each taking turns taking pictures of themselves in front of the entrance.I thought that was a bit disrespectful and a lot ridiculous. I wasn't even allowed to pass because they were in my way taking pictures. So I asked one of the doormen there if it was safe to go, and he laughed so I just went on my way. I went to Starbucks and upon walking in "Happy Xmas (War is Over) began playing on the speakers. How strangely ironic. Anyway, I got my coffee and made the trek to Strawberry Fields where there was already a decent crowd there singing along to the songs they were playing.
I actually got a pretty good spot in the circle. Way better than I did in October and stood for a total of 3 hours standing and singing along to every song.The middle of mural was decorated with flowers, green apples adorned with messages,pictures of John,candles, and even a note that read "John Lennon-My God". A couple of press people and even someone from Fox 5 news came and filmed us singing Imagine. It was really cool.
In the midst of all this, I began to think about how even now 29 years after the fact, there are STILL people out there who care enough to come out and pay their homage on this day. I think that's incredible, and I wonder what John would think of it. I wonder what he'd think of all these people, of all different ages, singing his songs, and carrying on the message that he so passionately dedicated his life to. I'd like to say he'd be proud, and probably make a joke about it or something. I can just imagine him saying something like "All that for me? aw bloody hell get a life!" jokingly of course. But really....I wonder how he would react to that.
Anyways I met a few familiar faces, like Gary the self-proclaimed "mayor of strawberry fields" was there. And then there was Jeff, the Beatles fan my mom and I met at one of Paul McCartney's shows at Citi Field over the summer.Of course I expected to see Gary. I kind of have mixed feelings about his presence there, but I'll save that for another blog. Trust me he's a piece of work and I pity any tourist that comes in contact with him. I also met a lady selling buttons for peace and of course I got some. We talked a little bit and she was from Queens too. Small World we have here.
So by the time I left it was almost near dark, and if you're a New Yorker then you know that when it's dark, Strawberry Fields isn't exactly the safest place to be. So I preceded to return home...but not without passing the Dakota one last time, where there was still in fact, a group of people hanging around the entrance. Amazing.
All in All It was a good day, a great tribute and I'm proud to say I was a part of it. I'm determined to go to Strawberry Fields early in the morning one day, so I can finally enjoy the space for myself and without the presence of any nuisances. But that, like I said, is for another blog.
Song of The Moment: Hold On - John Lennon
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