By Annie Lane
I recently traveled to Newport, Rhode Island, for a long weekend to attend my brother’s graduation. A Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, he had just completed a stint at the prestigious United States Naval War College.
Basically, he’s a badass. Although I now wonder if he’s the one who was actually adopted since the rest of my family tends to lean on the peace-loving, tree-hugging, hippie activist side of things. My brother assures me, however, that there were as many lessons on communication and negotiations as there were on strategy and tactical combat. Of course this news left my mom considering petitioning the college for a name change. (Tactical Peace College?) But I digress.
The good southern California weather came along for the trip, as the warm sky was often a crystal blue with fantastic cloud formations — a welcome respite from a tiring and long winter, according to the locals.
New England is charming to say the least. Old buildings, older homes, narrow cobblestone roads and more lush greenery on one block than all of San Diego put together. A slight exaggeration, but really very slight.
In the spirit of the San Diego Free Press’ Rich Kačmar, I went equipped only with my cellphone as I visited Newport proper, as well as New Bedford, Mass., and Mystic, Conn. Here’s a little snippet of what I saw.
All photos by Annie Lane
John Lawrence says
Annie, you didn’t photograph any of the grand old houses that Newport is famous for as the turn of the century ultra rich settled here in this enclave for the wealthy. A lot of them are open for tours to the public. They are ostentatious relics of the Gilded Age.
Annie Lane says
Ah, yes, John. We drove through that neighborhood of old, beautiful mansions the day after I arrived … and I was fast asleep in the car for the whole thing. Needless to say, no pictures were taken. An excuse for another trip, perhaps?
Simon Mayeski says
Thanks, Annie. As always, I support whatever your mom thinks is right :) I’m a big fan. Hope you’re doing well.
Annie Lane says
Thanks, Simon, very kind. All’s well here. Hope the same for you.
Dany Musser says
Annie,
Nice piece. Great read.
Congrats to your brother. Tree hugging or not, there’s no debate on who’s adopted… your brother looks very much like your father. Gotta love moms!!
I really liked the photos!! Thank you!
Dany
Annie Lane says
Hahaha, so true. As someone else once put it, my dad is the window into my brother’s future. Thanks for reading! All the best.