The article advocates for San Jose to transform its derelict areas along Bascom Avenue into tourist attractions, drawing parallels with India's successful preservation of historical ruins. The author reminisces about the past vibrancy of places like Club 4 and Big Al's Record Barn, now in decay. By suggesting that the site be submitted for UNESCO World Heritage Status, the piece highlights the potential of these ruins to attract tourists and promote local history, while evoking a sense of nostalgia and exploration akin to historical travels by renowned figures like Marco Polo.
If India can transform its ruins into tourist traps, so should San Jose. The abandoned stretch along Bascom is a perfect example.
Now, I have been obsessed with Bascom Avenue for many years, which is why the history became unavoidable as I navigated the fence.
At this point, San Jose should submit the whole site to UNESCO and apply for World Heritage Status. It could be our version of the Acropolis in Athens.
While wandering along the chain-link fence and taking photos, I felt enlightened, as if I'd discovered the ruins of Nalanda University in India.
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