MICHAELCHRISTOPHERBROWN

ARCHIVE 2: 2005 - PLASTIC LAND

January

An examination of the separation between the idealized American way of life, with its endless search for happiness and freedom, and its' more complex reality.

All photographs were taken outside the theme parks of Orlando, Florida, for National Geographic Magazine.

Playing golf on a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course at Grande Lakes Orlando Resort. Growing at a quick pace in the last half century, Orlando, which calls itself "the city beautiful," is one of the fastest growing cities in America. Visitors to the Grande Lakes website see the words: “Experience our truly international ambience, where you'll be surrounded by European architecture and ornamental flower gardens, and delighted by the tastes of Tuscany, France, and the Americas.”
   
A couple takes a break on a park bench beside Lake Eola.
   
Children play by an apartment complex in the Parramore neighborhood.
     
  
A young woman enjoys a bungee ride off Highway 192, the main road running between Kissimmee and the theme parks of Orlando. Highway 192 is lined by strip malls and businesses catering to tourists.
   
Workers and attendees walk by an advertisement for Kohler Faucets during the 2005 International Builders' Show, held at the Orlando County Convention Center.
   
Paris Hilton leans on her new Ferrari at the grand opening of Club Paris in Orlando. The Ferrari, and a substantial cash payment, was given to her in exchange for lending her name and making four appearances a year at the club.
     
  
A hobo takes a break from beggin for money and has a cigarette while standing on his car in downtown Orlando.
   
A couple embraces inside a club located in downtown Orlando.
   
Jai-Alai is the world's fastest ball game. Besides one Jai-Alai fronton in Rhode Island, the five Florida frontons, including one in Orlando, are the last remaining courts in the United States.
     
  
Tourists ride the train between terminals at Orlando International Airport.
   
Former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin collects the last oranges from a rotten grove that had to be culled from her front yard.
   
During a Henna Night, the night before a Palestinian wedding, celebration inside the Sheraton Safari Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, which is next door to Walt Disney World. Most in attendance were Palestinian and Lebanese. The henna night is a time for all the bride’s sisters, female family members, and girlfriends to get together and sing and dance. Most of the attendants were Palestinian Americans who live in the U.S. The now married couple are Palestinian and live in Orlando.
     
  
Tourists look at a soldier cutout at Old Town on Highway 192.
   
The owner of Reige's Firearms gun shop instructs a student on how to properly shoot a hand gun.
   
Shoppers cross a parking lot located next to strip mall.
     
  
   
Locals hand out outside Lou’s Lounge, a favorite locals bar in Orlando.
   
Phone lines beside highway I-4.