Aspen 2000

by Diane Tortice

These are my thoughts and feelings of my trip to Aspen.

This was where I had always wanted to be since I first saw John in 1973 and found out where he lived. Driving through the Rocky Mountains was breathtaking and I realised then where John got his inspiration from.

Arriving in Aspen was everything I expected it to be plus more, what a place, the mountains, the trees, and the streams, I was amazed. The Mountain Chalet was so cosy and relaxed, I was just pleased to be there.

The next day was the start of something I will never forget. The trip to Starwood was so emotional and the lunch at the tavern, the visit to Snowmass, I could feel his presence everywhere. Maroon Bells was so quiet and peaceful, I enjoyed that very much.

Evenings in the hotel were just “Far Out”, so many people just turning up to sing for us, this was just so special.

The camp fire was one of the things I really wanted to do and this again was so perfect. Walking in Aspen was beautiful, the people were so friendly and polite, and the memorial gardens were as perfect as a place could be.

John Adams’ concert was very good, but it was the tribute concert by John’s band members that really got to me. The end of the concert was a shock to my system and I cried uncontrollably.

The beautiful ceremony at Snowmass was another day that touched me, along with the visit to Windstar which was very serene.

The holiday was made by all the people who travelled with me from England, we had never met before but seemed as though we had known each other for years, we all got along fine. Evenings out in Aspen dining and drinking and having a wonderful time was just something else.

Meeting John’s family was so special to me, they are such lovely people, so relaxed and so sincere.

I have forgotten to mention Georgetown, how could I forget Georgetown, just standing in the streets I could see John around the Xmas tree singing, with all the snow around, what a magical place that was.

There is so much more I could say but I could go on forever, this was just one brilliant holiday I will never forget, but will be in my memory always.

Diane Tortice.

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