Breakfast in America

David Lis is a very special man. He has talents that go way beyond the professional skills for which he is broadly recognised. If you visit the National Garden Scheme and watch the video on Havoc Hall you will get a flavour of what I mean. David and I were the closets of friends for a long time and whilst we seldom see each other now I trust my feelings for him are reciprocated in some way.

One of David’s many gifts is his taste in music. As a younger man he would create the most amazing playlists that he would record on those cassette things. A Sony walkman and any run, flight or walk or drive in the car would be transformed into a celebration of music and emotion.

Living in America for 5 years was a gift beyond words. I am glad I no longer live there but the time I spent was maybe about perfect. Enough to love and appreciate the place, learn how it really works and make some life long friends too.

When I first visited America I loved it. It was like a whole new world. (yes I know but I mean a new world to me). I loved the smell of the place. The wonderful opulent hotels where I stayed. The food, the bars, the sport and of course the people I met.

Strangely suited to a boy of Irish Liverpudlian roots I got on so well with the people in my business life it was amazing. I dressed well, I acquired the forward way of greeting and interrogating strangers and I felt quite unencumbered by the restrictions of class that bedevilled my business life in the UK. Be open, be friendly and appreciate other’s success are but three tips to help one succeed in the USA.

There are many many songs that come to mind that illustrate this joyful segment of my life. The song I have chosen however was the first tune on a playlist David Lis made for me when I left the UK to start my new life. A rather apprehensive family had taken up residence in our delightful rented property in Lake Avenue in the leafy back woods of Greenwich Connecticut-a place that is just wonderful. Jet lag and anticipation had affected my sleep and early and in the morning I put on my running shoes and set off. I got lost I seem to remember but that does not matter here. As I jogged down the leafy lanes I pressed the button on my Walkman and my ears were filled with the first song on the tape. As ever David had hit the nail on the head.

Breakfast in America Supertramp