Paul Samuel Dolman - Hitchhiking with Larry David: An Accidental Tourist’s Summer of Self-Discovery in Martha’s Vineyard

HITCHHIKING
WITH LARRY DAVID

An Accidental Tourists Summer of
Self-Discovery in Marthas Vineyard

PAUL SAMUEL DOLMAN

GOTHAM BOOKS

Published by the Penguin Group

Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street,

New York, New York 10014, USA

USA | Canada | UK | Ireland | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa | China

Penguin Books Ltd, Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

For more information about the Penguin Group visit penguin.com.

Copyright 2013 by Paul Samuel Dolman

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

Gotham Books and the skyscraper logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Dolman, Paul Samuel.

Hitchhiking with Larry David : an accidental tourists summer of self-discovery in Marthas Vineyard / Paul Samuel Dolman.

pages cm

ISBN 978-1-101-62173-8

1. Marthas Vineyard (Mass.)Description and travel. 2. Dolman, Paul SamuelTravelMassachusettsMarthas Vineyard. 3. Dolman, Paul SamuelChildhood and youth. 4. HitchhikingMassachusettsMarthas Vineyard. 5. Dolman, Paul SamuelPhilosophy. 6. Self-actualization (Psychology) 7. David, Larry. 8. Marthas Vineyard (Mass.)Biography. 9. Marthas Vineyard (Mass.)Social life and customs. I. Title.

F72.M5D65 2013

917.44'9404dc23

2012047073

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

Penguin is committed to publishing works of quality and integrity.

In that spirit, we are proud to offer this book to our readers;

however, the story, the experiences, and the words

are the authors alone.

Introduction

In the summer of 1974, Steven Spielberg and I landed on Marthas Vineyard. I came for a family vacation; he was there to shoot Jaws.

I stepped off the old, single-engine prop plane and knew instantly that this was where I belonged. Quite simply, it was love at first sight. I felt as if there were magic in the wind. My spine tingled; I could taste the sea on my lips. This place was home.

With its quaint New England charm and captivating beauty, the Vineyard sits off the base of Cape Cod, a mere seven miles from the reality of the mainland. With her pristine beaches and endless miles of green meadows, the island feels like heaven. There are no traffic lights, billboards, highways, or malls on this rock. An unguarded feeling permeates peoples attitudes and tends to relax their faces. Yes, I know, an environment this laid-back and carefree sounds almost un-American. Which is precisely the charm of the place.

The island is cool in another way, too. While the rest of the country staggers through the sweltering heat of summer, the chilly Atlantic waters keep the Vineyard incubated in a comfortable climate with fragrant sea breezes. Even in the underbelly of August, it is not unusual to throw on a sweater when contemplating the stars.

Aside from the occasional borrowed bike, or the sight of me strolling along the nude beach, there is no real crime on these shores. The Vineyard is safe enough for residents to leave the front door open and the keys hanging in the ignition; even to do a little hitchhikingsometimes with surprising results.

Both the world and I have changed quite a bit through the years, yet this magical little isle has managed to stay relatively unspoiled. Though I have traveled extensively, the Vineyard has always felt like home. Its the one place where I can completely let go and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

I believe in miracles.

For all the people throughout my life who have picked me up when I really needed a lift. Thank you!