R and J in the USA

As we were perusing the eclectic mix of items for sale and handcrafted history exhibits inside the first floor of the round barn in Arcadia, a stop we had on our list of Route 66 attractions to see, a friendly voice called out from the desk in the center of the round room. Because the gift shop and exhibit area filled up the whole of the first floor, even though it was one big open room, we couldn’t quite see the person whose voice was calling out a welcome.

”Hi there! Welcome.”

”Hello!” We responded.

Once our perusing took us 360 degrees around the outer edge of the room, we circled our way into the center where more Round Barn and Route 66 themed kitch and souvenirs were displayed. As we were picking through postcards and Julie was flirting with a red Route 66 ball cap, Andrea struck up a conversation.

As soon as we got to the classic “where are you from” topic and we responded New York, Andrea recounted to us her dreams to travel to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. She asked us how tall it was and what it was like to see it. We told her it was worth the trip to see and, like many awesome things, whether manmade or nature made, it had that kind of effect where, every time you look at it, and from every and any angle you look, it hits you every time. 

“Like the Grand Canyon.” She said.

”Exactly!” Julie exclaimed. “Not that its size is comparable to the Grand Canyon, but, yes, that same effect – where it elicits something in you every time you catch a glimpse of it.”

“It’s definitely worth the trip.” We encouraged. 

We went on to talk about how to tackle a trip to NYC and what its like to visit and we enjoyed getting to be the tour guides talking about places we knew for a moment amidst months and months of being the ones on the tour and learning about places that are new to us. 

Andrea went on to tell us about her family history and why a trip to Ellis Island would be particularly meaningful for her. Unfortunately, for some reason, our memories in Oklahoma have not been as good as on the rest of the trip and, by the time of this writing, we already forgot some of the details, but this much we know. She had relatives (which ones is what we can’t recall) whose father died in the Greek Civil War that broke out in Greece right after World War II. Another relative, if our memory serves, it was her grandmother, had already been in America, but went over to Greece to bring the kids to America. They ended up coming through Ellis Island and their names are on the registry there. 

Andrea seemed delighted to hear about our trip and peppered us with questions about how we tackled an itinerary for such an undertaking. We told her a bit about our approach and Julie was soaking up anyone having an appreciation for the undertaking. 

We had a great time chatting about life and travel and history with Andrea and she was eager to tell us about other attractions throughout Route 66. A volunteer for the barn, Andrea met the task of welcoming visitors with enthusiasm and initiative. We found out, after chatting for 20 minutes that this was no accident – Andrea made a point to reach out and greet travelers and visitors and to get to know them and make them feel welcome and we were the beneficiaries of her proactive behavior. 

Before we left, she eagerly offered to take our picture by the Route 66 sign outside the barn. As we walked out towards our photo site, she introduced herself fully, “My name is Andrea Moon, Adriana is the Greek version.”

We got out to the sign and got a great picture with a blue sky behind us and Julie’s new Route 66 ball cap in the frame.

The clock was ticking and we realized we needed to get back on the road. We were just about to leave when Andrea asked a question as if she had just had an important realization.

”Wait, have you been upstairs yet?” 

We looked at each other and then back at her with admission on our faces.

We exchanged looks that said, gosh, we just don’t have time. Andrea caught these looks and would have none of it. To her credit, it really would have been ridiculous to make this journey all the way here and not see the upstairs. 

Andrea took charge like a mother insisting no dinner would be eaten until hands were washed as she watched us hem and haw about taking the time.

”Go!” She warmly, but firmly asserted and gestured us up the stairs. We could tell this was not an optional suggestion.

We got to the top of the stairs and opened the door to the top floor of the barn. Andrea was right, it was worth the five extra minutes it took us to ascend the stairs and check out the inside before heading back to the van. The inside of the barn had a busy and beautiful lattice work of wood planks bent and woven together up to the conical top of the building. It was pretty neat and worth it. 

Before we left, Andrea ran back into the store to grab something to give to us – a booklet about the barn that usually would cost $5 but she insisted we take it.

People in this world that go out of their way to make other people’s experiences better than they otherwise would be are a special kind of light. Thanks Andrea Moon for shining yours our way!