San Francisco used to have an institution named Playland where kiddies were brought to be amused by amusement type things like rollercoasters and fun houses. It closed during the 1970's so I have no recollection of this place. However, Musee Mecanique close to Pier 39 is still alive. Admission is free, but it generally costs 25 - 50 cents to make the various machines move. The photo booths cost $3 though.
I've always wanted to check it out because I've heard so much about the old figures that moved and were creepy. Stepping inside is like to traveling back to a simpler time when video games and the Internet never existed. Above you see a picture of Laffing Sal, a mechanized figure of a towering woman who will lean forward and break out in raucous laughter if you drop 50 cents into the slot. I have to admit, she is kinda scary.
There were a bunch of other cool machines there like a zoetrope with a crank that you have to turn in order to see an old fashioned car race. These machines are not politically correct, so don't be offended. For example, there is a gypsy (not Roma/Sinti) woman who tells fortunes. Also, there was an "Opium Den" machine that featured a Chinese figure and a machine that showed two buffaloes running over an "Indian".
About the Title: You may wonder what the title refers to. This is a term used in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way". It essentially means treating yourself to an experience that would help you reconnect with your creativity.
2 comments:
I just recently learned about the old Playland in SF. It is been described in the book I am currently reading: "The Story of a Marriage" from Andrew Sean Greer
It is an outstanding story and the description of the neighborhood is quite interesting, if you know SF.
C
I'm impressed that you know about Playland. Many San Franciscans don't know about it. Also impressed by the fact you're interested in reading books in English. I don't know many people who read German books.
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