Only In America
The event was not only a blast but it served to (further) reinforze the exceptional exceptionalism of America. Some things are just only possible in the land of opportunity, and I am more convinced everyday that hatred towards America by many out there is mainly explained precisely because of its grandness. In other words, if America was mediocre and ugly, not brilliant and beautiful, it would be held in a higher standard by the global masses (after all, when was the last time that you heard an anti-American in London, Paris, or Madrid bash North Korea, or similar bastions of excellence and plentifulness?).
Let me walk you through a few of the things that I was able to witness in just four days. First of all, a marvellously organized conference at a superb location (several football fields in size), with dozens and dozens of modern lecture rooms and a giant main exhibition hall buzzing with energy. You felt alive and excited. The AFP had prepared hundreds of different seminars, on every topic imaginable, a delicious menu for the information-hungry practitioner.
Then came the entertainment. A nightly reception at the Boston Public Library and a classical concert. A chance to experience cultural advancement and refinement at its best. Enlightenment reigning supreme.
In between conference activities I was able to visit Harvard and MIT. Academic and architectural greatness at its peak, a triumphant symbol of human intelligence and inventiveness let loose.
I was also able to browse books at the local Borders, simply the best bookstore chain (with Barnes&Noble) in the world, unmatched anywhere else. Those self-proclaimed intellectuals in Europe would kill to have something like that in their cities.
After all the day´s action, I would rest my bones at a luxurious hotel fully equipped with everything you might need: an spacious room, sensational room service, well-equipped gym, oak-panelled bar, and comprehensive business center.
So, let´s summarize: impolute organizational grandiosity, cultural supremeness, world-leading temples of knowledge, books-aplenty, prosperous comfort. All these attributes can be found together not just in Boston, but all over the US. Who wouldn´t like that?
More to the point, who would hate that?
ptriana@profesor.ie.edu
